It’s the Halloween season, which of course means it’s time for witches and ghouls, but it’s also the time of year when the region’s theater companies get down to business. Here again is the PDD Theater Primer, where we hip you to all the haps on local stages for the next year.

In addition to the works of Duluth/Superior theater companies listed below, a smattering of other productions are scheduled around the region, including community theater by the Grand Marais Playhouse, Grand Rapids Players, StageNorth Groundlings in Washburn and County Seat Theater Company in Cloquet, along with touring shows like Menopause: the Musical at the DECC and The I Won’t Be Home for Christmas Club at the Reif Performing Arts Center.
 

The Duluth Playhouse was founded in 1914 and is one of the nation’s oldest community theaters, producing a year-round season of dramas, musicals and children’s productions.

Broadway Playlist: Family Edition
Oct. 19

The Wizard of Oz
Dec. 5-22

Steel Magnolias
Jan. 30 – Feb. 9

Broadway Playlist: Sweetheart Edition
Feb 14 and 15

Monty Python’s Spamalot
Mar. 19 – April 5

The Mousetrap
May 7-17

The Who’s Tommy
July 9-26
 

Lyric Opera of the North channels its collaborative efforts exclusively to the grand art of opera.

A Night at the Opera: Opera’s Greatest Hits
Nov. 23

Amahl and the Night Visitors
Jan. 24 and 26

Tosca
June 12 and 14
 

Playhouse Family Theatre produces shows for all ages and has two branches: Children’s Theatre Arts showcases the talents of young artists and Theatre for Young Audiences is an adult, professional company performing for young audiences.

Cousin Jack’s Presents
Oct. 5

Treasure Island
Oct. 25 – Nov. 3

Frozen, Jr.
Jan. 10-26

Matilda
Mar. 5-22

A Year with Frog and Toad
May 16-24

James and the Giant Peach, Jr.
June 26-28

The Tempest
July 31, August 1, 7 and 8

Mary Poppins, Jr.
August 1, 2, 8 and 9
 

Renegade Theater Company is committed to introducing the area to the boldest, newest and most imaginative works in theater.

The Meeting
Oct. 18-20, 24 and 26

Bright Star
Feb. 14-16, 20-23, 27-29

The Nether
April 17-19, 23-25

Jonah and the Whale
June 12-14, 18-21 and 25-27

Meteor Shower
Aug. 7-9, 13-16, 20-22
 

Rubber Chicken Theater was founded in 2008, and produces original theater created by local artists, typically within the realm of comedy.

Storm Wars: The Rise of Lakewalker
Dec. 27-28
 

St. Scholastica Theatre performs shows based in the liberal arts tradition of the college.

Merry Wives of Windsor
Nov. 1-3, 7-10

Almost, Maine
Jan. 31 – Feb.2, Feb. 6-9

Incorruptible: a Dark Comedy About the Dark Ages
April 3-5, April 16-19
 

UMD Theatre provides academic and professional training in the theater arts.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Oct. 3-6 and 9-12

An Enemy of the People
Nov. 7-10 and 12-16

Danceworks 2019
Dec. 5-8

The Little Prince
Feb. 6-9 and 12-15

Machinal
Mar. 5-7 and 17-22

Little Shop of Horrors
April 16-19 and 22-25
 

The Underground is a satellite theater of the Duluth Playhouse. It hosts Duluth Playhouse productions and performances by other theater groups, as well as serving as a multi-purpose event center and performance space.

Dracula
Oct. 3-19

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Oct. 30 – Nov. 2

The Santaland Diaries
Dec. 12-14

The Arsonists
Feb. 20-29

What She Said Festival
Mar. 26-28

Macbeth: Dinner Party
April 16-25

Around the World in 80 Days
May 28 – June 6

The Wild Party
Aug. 6-22

Pride Festival Special Event
Aug. 27-29
 

University Theatre at UWS emphasizes active student participation.

Gaslight
Nov. 15, 16, 22 and 23

Company
March 27-29, April 3-5
 

Wise Fool Theater is Duluth’s classical theater company, specializing in Shakespeare productions. The scheduled production of Hamlet might be Wise Fool’s final show due to financial struggles.

Hamlet
October 4-6 and 11-13