Theater on the Run is back for its twelfth year on Saturdays, September 9 & 16 at 6 pm!

Each Saturday evening, four downtown Spearfish businesses open their doors to a set of actors and who will perform a playlet for the audience to enjoy. The play and cast remain the same on both dates, just the downtown locations change. Tickets are limited to 26 seats per venue, for a total of 104 tickets each weekend. The event begins with a performance in the Matthews theater for all 104 ticketholders, then the audience splits into four groups with each group assigned a specific location to start their “run.” Refreshments are available at each location.

On both evenings, The Matthews Opera House theater will be the location of the finale performance.

A Sunday matinee performance is also scheduled. This special showing will “run in place” with all shows presented in the Matthews theater and snacks provided in the fireplace room.

How does Theater on the Run work?

Theater on the Run begins with four different groups of theater patrons–26 people each– starting at a pre-determined location. After each group has enjoyed a 15-20 minute play, the audience rotates to the next location to view the next production. This will continue until the finale, where all four groups will meet in the Matthews Opera House for the last show. Each venue will have beverages for sale, with some offering adult and some offering non-adult beverages. Appetizers are included in the cost of the ticket.

Theater on the Run is a fun and unique way to experience theater which has made it one of our most popular events each year. A limited amount of tickets are available and the event has quickly sold out since 2012, so make sure to get them early. This event is one you won’t want to miss! Tickets are only sold in The Matthews art gallery or online and must be purchased in advance. The participating venues are NOT selling tickets.

A sporting chance…

Ticket sales begin on Tuesday, August 15 at 10 a.m. This will be strictly enforced.
Tickets sell out quickly and we want to ensure every patron has an equal opportunity to get theirs. Any attempts to purchase tickets prior to August 15 at 10 am will not be honored.

A little advice for groups…

If attending the performance with a group, we recommend purchasing all tickets in one transaction to ensure seats are available to accommodate the entire party. If you must purchase them separately, please pay careful attention to your “starting” location to make sure the whole party “starts their run” in the same venue. Due to seating limitations, we are unable to make changes once your purchase is complete.

Only 104 tickets per evening!

We have only 104 tickets each for Sept. 9 and 16, for a total of 208 tickets. All tickets are $40. The ticket includes the show and appetizers that are provided by all of the participating downtown venues. Drinks are available at many of the venues, for an addition cost (proceeds go directly to the venue).

The plays and directors

“Accused of Comedy,” by Carl L. Williams
Directed by Jon Steven Wiley
After comedy has been outlawed in society, two bottom-of-the-barrel comics face trial for committing comedy.  They discover humor is no laughing matter.

“Matterhorn,” by Rich Orloff
Directed by Matt Woodard
Stuck in a never-ending line at Disneyland, a husband and wife are just on the verge of killing each other — until they devise a novel solution to their marital woes…

“Complaint Department and Lemonade,” by Kamron Klitgaard
Directed by Tytus Spivey
In this rapid succession of hysterical grievances, the complaint department takes on everything from Oreo icing to kleptomania and from songs stuck in the head to the price of cheese and on and on and on.  Could there be a glimmer of hope for anyone in charge of a complaint department?

“Pier #70,” by Grant Binkleman
Directed by Max Merchen
Based on a true story. This retelling is mostly accurate…except when it’s not.

 CAST LIST
Master of Ceremonies - Dwight Myers
Guest of Honor - Max G. Merchen
Guests - Cami Dohman, Stephanie Bussiere, J. Bruce Woodard

“A Tale of Two Spectators,” by Peter Manos
Directed by CA Dougherty
In a park, a man and a woman secretly watch their respective spouses carry on an affair. As time goes on we realize they have been meeting like this to watch their spouses for quite some time and have even developed something of a bond with each other, despite their predicament. And perhaps they have discovered a little more about themselves and their lives, as well.

CAST LIST
Man - Tony Diem
Woman - Cristi Ardis

Tickets go on sale August 15

Tickets go on sale at 10 am, Tuesday, Aug. 15. Get yours at The Matthews Gallery (612 N. Main Street, Spearfish) or by phone, 605.642.7973, during business hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets may also be purchased online at matthewsopera.com. Tickets will not be available before 10 am.