Another Opening, Another Show! New Arts Seasons Begin!
As the leaves begin to change to vivid colors and pumpkin spice is on the menu everywhere, the new seasons for a number of area arts organizations are taking center stage, tuning up, and getting on their toes, all to begin captivating local audiences.
We are very lucky to be so rich with talented performers in all the performing arts. Supporting our arts organizations with your patronage by buying tickets and even becoming sponsors ensures that these organizations will continue to thrive and grow.
Whether it is for single events or season subscriptions, check your calendars now for the shows and concerts that are calling your name. Organizations large and small are getting ready to entertain you!
Boat Club Productions
“Wait Until Dark”
Adaptation by Jeffrey Hatcher October 4-13
Spirit of the North Theatre Fitger’s 600 E. Superior St – 3rd Floor Box Office (218) 623-7065 or at boatclubrestaurant.com
In 1944 Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a trio of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness just might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out this classic thriller’s chilling conclusion.
The final production in Boat Club’s 2024 season is their holiday show “Winter Wonderettes,” December 5-8, 12-15. They will announce their 2025 season later this fall.
“Broadway at the DECC”
The Broadway show "Chicago" will be at the DECC on Jan 21, 2025
The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center recently announced the inaugural 2024- 2025 season of four shows in their “Broadway at the DECC” series:
“Chicago,” - January 21, 2024
“Pretty Woman: the Musical,” - February 16, 2025
“Mean Girls,” - April 7, 2025
Riverdance (May 17, 2025).
Sales for season subscriptions only begin on September 13, 2024. Tickets are available by calling the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Ticket Office at (218) 727-4344 or in person Wednesday – Friday, 10am – 2pm at 350 Harbor Drive. For more information, visit www.DECC.org/BROADWAY
The first show in the series is “Chicago.” Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, “Chicago” is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her.
Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media, and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines.
The Duluth Playhouse
“Jersey Boys” September 13-29
The Duluth Playhouse 211 East Superior Street
Box office: duluthplayhouse.org or call 218-733-7555
To begin the celebration of their 110th season, the Playhouse is presenting “Jersey Boys.” Set against the gritty backdrop of 1950s New Jersey, the jukebox musical tells the riveting story of young Frankie Valli, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi as they claw their way to the top of the music world. Determined to escape their rough beginnings, they join forces with songwriter Bob Gaudio, creating the legendary Four Seasons. The musical climaxes with the band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, a powerful tribute to their enduring impact and the unforgettable songs that defined a generation.
The rest of the Playhouse Mainstage 2024-25 season Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” - December 6-22, 2024
“The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong” - January 31-February 9
“The Light in the Piazza” - March 14-March 30, 2025
“Home, I’m Darling” - May 23-June 1, 2025
“Waitress” - July 11-July 27, 2025
Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO)
“American Voices
BOX OFFICE: 218-623-DSSO (3776) or dsso.com
With their 2024-25 season, the DSSO will complete its three year artistic project to feature underrepresented voices on the stage of Symphony Hall. This season, titled “American Voices,” focuses on American music, specifically contemporary American composers. They present a wide variety of American works, ranging from the “classics” by Barber or Gershwin, to no less than five regional premiers by contemporary composers Peter Boyer, James Lee III, Jonathan Leshnoff, Gabriela Lena Frank and Miguel del Aguila. They will also feature some of the great masterworks of the orchestral repertoire with works by Mozart to Debussy.
Masterworks Schedule
“American Rhapsody” September 21, 2024
“Courageous Lights” October 26, 2025
“Bruckner’s Te Deum” November 16, 2024
“Brahms” February 1, 2025
“La Mer” The Sea, March 1, 2025 “La Valse” April 5, 2025
DSSO Pops Concerts
“Holiday Spectacular!” December 7, 2024
“Star Wars: A New Hope” In concert/fFilm Live with Orchestra. May 10, 2025
Lyric Opera of the North
“The Impresario” and “Circe on Superior”
Two performances Friday, November 1 and Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 pm, at The St. Louis County Depot Mainstage. Reserved Seating
Sung in English, with English supertitles projected above the stage.
For tickets and more information, visit loonopera.org or call 218-464-0922
Lyric Opera of the North is celebrating its 20th Anniversary Season with a year of celebration. The season begins with two one-acts: something old and something new. Mozart’s comedy, “The Impresario,” has a new script from LOON collaborator Jeffrey Madison. After intermission, the same cast sings the World Premiere of “Circe On Superior,” written by Peter Hilliard and Matt Boresi.
The rest of Loon Opera’s 2024-25 Season:
“Opera Karaoke Night” September 12 at Vikre Distillery
”Valentine’s Day Soiree” February 14, 2025 at Greyson Ballroom
“The Radio Hour” January 24 & 25, 2025 at the Depot “Die Fledermaus” June 13 & 15, 2025 at the Norshor
“Summer Sparkler” August, 2025 at the Historic Scott House
Matinee Musicale
Pacifica Strings October 13, 2024 Pilgrim Congregational Church
Matinee Musicale celebrates 125 years of bringing world-class chamber music to Duluth. From rising stars to international virtuosos, they are proud to continue their tradition of offering the Northland the opportunity to experience incredibly talented artists.
With a career spanning nearly three decades, the multiple Grammy Award-winning Pacifica Quartet has achieved international recognition as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. The Quartet is known for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and often-daring repertory choices.
The rest of Matinee Musicale’s 2024-25 Season
Ifetayo Ali-Landing Cello November 10, 2024 at Mitchell Auditorium CSS Marko Topchii Guitar February 23, 2025 Pilgrim Congregational Church Angela Hewitt Piano April 1, 2025 at Mitchell Auditorium
Tickets at matinee musicale.org or call 218-393-3869
Student tickets free courtesy of Christian Eggert Violin. Tickets online
All Concerts General Admission • Doors open 30 minutes prior to each concert
Minnesota Ballet
Celebrity Dance Challenge October 11, 2024
Depot Theater
Ticket information at minnesotaballet.org or 218-733-7570
2024 marks the 18th anniversary of this popular event. They pair local celebrities with their professional dancers for an exciting and dynamic show featuring all styles of dance. The audience gets to enjoy the then cast their vote for the talented celebrity who brings home the Audience Choice Award. Social hour with appetizers and cash bar starts at 5:30; performance at 7:00 pm.Minnesota Ballet
Minnesota Ballet is the premier classical ballet company in the Northland. They have provided high-quality performances, pre-professional ballet training, and lively outreach programs for over 55 years
The rest of the Minnesota Ballet 2024-25 Season:
“Poe” (back by popular demand) October 24-31, 2024 in Studio Four
“The Nutcracker: A Duluth Tale” December 13-15, 2024 at DECC Symphony Hall “Harvest Moon” February 6-9, 2025 in the Depot Theater
“Romeo & Juliet” April 10-13, 2025 in the Depot Theater
Rubber Chicken Theater
Rubber Chicken Theatre produces funny, original, local theater, created by local theater artists. They do scripted plays, original sketch comedy revues, and live read shows.
Upcoming shows in 2024 for Rubber Chicken “Holiday Comedy Revue”
December 20-27 Studio 4 at the Depot
“New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve” December 31
Studio 4 at the Depot
For tickets, visit RubberChickenTheater.com or call 218-2780.
UMD Theatre
“The Importance of Being Earnest” by Oscar Wilde
Oct 11-19
Marshall Performing Arts Center - Mainstage Theatre. Reserved seating For tickets: https://cahss.d.umn.edu/departments/theatre or call 218-726-8561
Embark on a journey of wit, deception, and societal satire with UMD Theatre's upcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest. Oscar Wilde's timeless comedy comes to life on stage, promising an evening of uproarious laughter and biting social commentary. Follow the antics of two young gentlemen as they navigate the complexities of Victorian society, where mistaken identities and romantic entanglements abound.
The rest of UMD’s 2024-25 Season
“Dance Works” November 22-24, 2024
“The Tempest” February 7-15, 2025
“The Ice Fishing Play” March 7-22, 2025
“Cabaret” April 18-26, 2025
Zeitgeist Productions
Zeitgeist Productions is bringing back a season of creative, cutting-edge theater this year, with the mission to “think outside the black box.”
“Macbeth: A Dinner Party” By William Shakespeare
Dinner and show in the Zeitgeist Restaurant 222 East Superior Street
October 20 & 21, 27 & 28 and November 3 & 4 Tickets available at zeitgeistarts.com
The classic tragedy of Macbeth told in the way the playwright intended, directly to the audience. This production will be an immersive experience that includes food and drink.
Coming up at Zeitgeist “Invisible Fences”
By Kevin Kling and Gaelynn Lea
Nov 7th - 24th (Thurs-Sun & Thurs-Sat)
Their 2025 season will be announced later this fall.
Destination Duluth plans to cover other organizations and events throughout the 2024-25 season.
About Sheryl Jensen - Arts & Entertainment Editor
A retired educator with the Duluth Public Schools, Sheryl Jensen has been a theater director of over 60 school and community productions. Her production of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew at East High School won the National High School Theater award from the BRAVO television network.
Having written theater, music, dance, and opera reviews for the Duluth News Tribune for many years, she now is the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Destination Duluth.
