You asked and we delivered…
The 6th Theater on the Run event is back. This event was extended to a two-weekend event in 2016 and we’re doing the same this year. Theater on the Run will be held at 6:00 p.m., on two consecutive Saturdays, Sept. 9 and 16. The plays and casts remain the same both weekends, just the downtown locations will change. On both evenings, The Matthews Opera House will be the location of the finale performance. All tickets are $25 with limited availability. The on-sale date for tickets will be announced later.
How does Theater on the Run work?
Theater on the Run begins with four different groups of theater patrons–25 people each– starting at 4 different locations. After each group has enjoyed a 15-20 minute play with drinks and appetizers, the audience rotates to the next location to view the next production. This will continue until the grand finale, where all four groups will meet in the Matthews Opera House for the last show. New this year: each play has a separate director. Play titles and directors are at the bottom of this article.
Each venue will have beverages for sale, with some offering adult and some offering non-adult beverages. Venues provide appetizers in the cost of the ticket.
“This progressive and fun way of going to the theater has been such a big hit the last five years. Theater on the Run has sold out every year since 2012,” remarks Jayne Rose, The Matthews’ marketing manager. “We have a limited amount of tickets, so make sure to get them early. This unique event is one you won’t want to miss.”
Only 100 tickets per evening!
Tickets are only sold in The Matthews art gallery or online and must be purchased in advance. The participating venues will NOT be selling tickets.
We have only 100 tickets each for Sept. 10 and 17, for a total of 200 tickets. All tickets are $25.00. The ticket includes all five one-act plays and appetizers that are provided by all of the participating downtown venues.
Tickets go on sale: TBA
Buy tickets at The Matthews’ art gallery or by phone during business hours. Business hours are Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the phone is 605-642-7973. Save time & energy. Go online to buy your tickets at any time. You can even buy them while you’re still in your robe.
Each ticket has the name of your “start” location. That is the location you will start with on the evening you choose. So, look at your ticket and note the date and location you are to check-in with at 6:00 p.m. Everyone in your group will be guided by a Matthews’ docent to the next location for the next play.
The Plays
“Sure Thing,” by David Ives | Director Deneen Redd
Two people meet in a cafe and find their way through a conversational minefield as an offstage bell interrupts their false starts, gaffes, and faux pas on the way to falling in love.
“He Said, She Said,” by Alice Gerstenberg | Director Max G. Merchen
True or False? Gossip or Gospel? A deftly turned phrase…An innuendo. Certainty turns to doubt. Who can trick a trickster? The plot, like homemade ice cream, thickens with each turn of the crank.
“Ladies of the Mop,” by Aurnad Harris | Director Julie Walkins
Annie is a faded, fluttery woman who has not lost her dream of the stage; Mattie, an unimaginative soul with a toneless voice; Hallie, loud, robust, energetic; and Bessie, determined and dignified – a sole admirer of her own voice. Annie proposes they entertain themselves while they eat their midnight snack…in a poetic exchange, they entertain each other and the audience.
“Medieval Romance,” by Mark Twain-Jules Tasca | Director Dwight Myers
The Lord of Brandenburgh- in order to obtain all the wealth of his Brother Ulrich – hides the sex of his daughter from birth, for only a male may inherit the kingdom. A complication arises when Ulrich’s daughter, Constance, falls in love with the Lord’s daughter, Conrad, who is going around as a handsome Duke. Of course, she will have nothing to do with her cousin which angers Constance. When Ulrich’s daughter becomes pregnant and is on trial in disgrace for being with child out of wedlock, she accuses Conrad of being the father, Now Conrad, the Lord’s daughter, must marry Constance in order to save her own life. The result is a hilarious satire on man’s avarice.
FINALE: “Buying Time,” by Joanna Mechaley | Director Joanna Mechaley
Death comes calling in the guise of a traveling salesman looking to collect the soul of a young housewife in this kitschy comedy reminiscent of early episodes of “The Twilight Zone.”
Locations of each play will be announced at a later date.
Sponsored by…
Thank you to the sponsors that help us bring art shows, plays, concerts, and other live entertainment acts to The Matthews. We couldn’t do it without you.
KEVN Black Hills, South Dakota Arts Council, Great Western Bank, Killian’s Tavern, Black Hills Pioneer, Century 21, Bay Leaf Cafe, City of Spearfish, DeSmet and Biggs, LLP, Forcoli & Sons Painting, Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc., Lucky’s 13 Pub, Spearfish Holiday Inn, The Apple Blossom B&B, Zonta Club of Spearfish, Optimist Club of Spearfish, The Matthews’ family, The Kelley family — CLICK HERE to visit these sponsors’ business websites.
Would your business like to become a sponsor? CLICK HERE to learn more.