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Prairie Repertory Theatre announces 2023 season

Prairie Repertory Theatre (PRT) at South Dakota State University has announced its 2023 season performances. The schedule includes:

  • “Godspell” June 7-9 at 7:30 p.m. and June 10 at 2 p.m.
  • “Rumors” June 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. and June 17 at 2 p.m.
  • “See How They Run” June 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 24 at 2 p.m.
  • “Oklahoma” July 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. and July 8 at 2 p.m.

Performance Details

The season opener, “Godspell,” is about a group of people who help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage.

“Rumors” takes place at a large townhouse where the deputy mayor of New York has just injured himself. Though it's only a flesh wound, the deputy mayor's self-inflicted injury sets off a series of events causing four couples to experience a severe attack of farce. As their 10th wedding anniversary party commences, the deputy mayor lies bleeding in another room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. The first guests scramble to get “the story” straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity.”

“See How They Run,” involves an American actor and actress, a cockney maid who has seen too many American movies, an old maid who touches alcohol for the first time in her life," four men in clergyman suits presenting the problem of which is which (for disguised as one is an escaped prisoner) and a sedate Bishop aghast at all these goings-on and the trumped up stories they tell him. So swift is the action, so involved the situations, so rib-tickling the plot in this London hit that at its finish, audiences are left exhausted from laughter.

The season finale, “Oklahoma,” is the winner of the 1944 Pulitzer Prize, three Tony awards and four Oliver awards. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.

Billy Wilburn, artistic director of PRT, said he is excited to share great entertainment with the region during PRT’s 52nd season. 

Peyten Wiese, a junior double major in theatre and public relations from Milbank, echoed Wilburn's excitement. “I hope the audience enjoys getting to see live theatre because it is so magical,” said Wiese. “I hope each member gains a greater sense of appreciation for the arts.”

There are a variety of ticket options for audience members, including season passes. To purchase tickets call the box office at 605-688-6045.