A CELEBRATION OF AMERICA
The 2026 season at the Historic Theatre 605 Black Hills Playhouse
To coincide with the 250th birthday of the United States, the 2026 season at the Theatre 605 Black Hills Playhouse features performances about the American Spirit
The season begins on June 7 with The Complete History of America( Abridged), which runs through June 21. This rollicking comedy is performed by three actors who play a variety of roles, and while political in nature, it is designed to be a“ joyful reminder” of a shared, often absurd history and generally avoids taking partisan sides in favor of equal-opportunity satire. The play lampoons 600 years of history in a 90-minute, fastpaced roller-coaster ride, with no intermission. The musical, 1776, takes the stage June 28 – July 12. The show features moments of hilarity juxtaposed by instances of pure drama, capturing the events leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The play features a thrilling score with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards. story & photos by
Lisa Wipperling, who directed last season’ s production of Legally Blonde, the Musical, will be starring as
LAURA LINDBLOM
John Hancock,“ the guy whose signature is quite large on the Constitution.” Wippering calls him the“ squeaky wheel in government,” portrayed in the popular song“ Sit Down John,” which is featured in the well-known musical.
Wipperling will also play Beverly in the production of Come From Away, a beautiful musical about the power of community following the worldwide grounding of airplanes in the wake of 9-11. Gander, Newfoundland, was a small town with a population of approximately 10,000 people. During the event depicted, the town’ s population nearly doubled overnight as it accommodated stranded passengers and crew from 38 diverted planes.
250 YEARS AND COUNTING
42 Black Hills Adventure Guide 2026