The time of year for pumpkin lattes, hawk migrations and dramatic performances is upon us. Though plays happen year-round, the fall is when most theatrical organizations begin a new season of productions. This primer lists upcoming shows from a dozen Duluth-area theater entities, but first gives an overview of other theater options in the region.

In addition to the works of the Duluth/Superior theater companies listed below, a smattering of productions are scheduled across 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 the variety of local and touring productions at Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

The Duluth Entertainment Convention Center continues to bring in touring shows including Mania: The ABBA Tribute on Oct. 16 and Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland on Nov. 23.

Local musician Steve Solkela is starring in a production Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s comic opera La Serva Padrona, which runs Sept. 11-12 at the Lyric Center for the Arts in Virginia and Sept. 13-15 at the Douglas County Historical Society in Superior.

Twin Cities-based New Native Theatre is working with the Duluth Playhouse to present Native American stories. A production of Fallenstar: The Watchoverers, a superhero play by Ramón Esquivel, runs Oct. 11-13.

Also in the realm of local theater is Take it With You, a series of hour-long, originally scripted, live radio theater performances recorded for a podcast. The shows feature versatile voice actors, original music and old-school foley sound effects (think Monty Python coconut horses). Performances are Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17.
 

Boat Club Productions is an offshoot theater company of the Boat Club Restaurant. It brings high-quality productions to the Spirit of the North Theater in the Fitger’s complex.

Wait Until Dark
Oct. 4-6, 10-13

Winter Wonderettes
Dec. 5-8, 12-15
 

Broadway at the DECC‘s inaugural season brings four fan-favorite Broadway shows.

Chicago
Jan. 21

Pretty Woman
Feb. 16

Mean Girls
April 7

Riverdance: The New Generation
May 17
 

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.

Jersey Boys
Sept. 13-29

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Dec. 6-22

The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong
Jan. 31 to Feb. 9

The Light in the Piazza
March 14-30

Home, I’m Darling
May 23 to June 1

Waitress
July 11-27
 

Duluth Playhouse Underground presents contemporary theater focused on unique stories. Plays are performed in The Lab, a studio space adjacent to the NorShor Theatre.

The Thin Place
Oct. 17-27

Every Brilliant Thing
April 3-13

Women in Theater, New Play Festival (performed at the NorShor Theatre)
June 6
 

Duluth Playhouse Youth Theatre produces shows for all ages, showcasing the talents of young artists.

Anastasia: The Musical Youth Edition
Nov. 8-10

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland Jr.
April 25-27

Cats: Young Actors Edition
Aug. 8-10

Rock of Ages: Teen Edition
Aug. 15-17
 

Lyric Opera of The North provides world-class opera performance and education for all ages.

Little LOON: Rusalka: A Mermaid’s Tale
Fall 2024 and Winter 2025, touring Elementary Schools throughout the Arrowhead Region.

The Impresario & Circe on Superior
Nov. 1, 3

The Radio Hour
Jan. 24, 26

Die Fledermaus
June 13, 15
 

Renegade Theater Company is committed to introducing the area to the boldest, newest and most imaginative works in theater. It produces and performs improv, original plays and family-friendly shows in the Zeitgeist Teatro.

The Wonderful World of Chris Monroe
Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29

Drinksgiving Again
Nov. 27, 29

The Kidz Holiday Special
Dec. 14, 15, 21, 22

The Ball Dropping Special
Dec. 31
 

Rubber Chicken Theater produces original theater created by local artists, typically within the realm of comedy.

How the Grinch Stole Park Point, or, Spreading the Christmas Cheerios
Dec. 20-21, 27-28

New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve
Dec. 31
 

Time Arc Theatre performs in the ballroom of the Old Post Office in downtown Superior. It features local playwrights, directors and actors, as well as community members interested in technical aspects of theater.

Let Him Sleep ‘Til it’s Time for His Funeral
Nov. 8-17

80th Anniversary of WWII’s End
Jan. 2025

12 Angry Men
March 21-30
 

UMD Theatre provides academic and professional training in the theater arts. The program generates meaningful opportunities in production and the classroom that prepare students for professional opportunities in the arts and beyond.

The Importance of Being Earnest
Oct. 11-19

Danceworks 2024
Nov. 22-24

The Tempest
Feb. 7-15

The Ice Fishing Play
March 7-8, 18-22

Cabaret
April 18-26
 

University Theatre at UWS emphasizes active student participation, providing hands-on experiences in acting, stage direction, set design and technical production.

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind
Oct. 17-20

The Wolves
Nov. 8-10, 14-16

Twelfth Night
March 28-30 and April 2-4

The Bronte Sister: Retrospection / Trial by Jury
April 24-25
 

Zeitgeist Theater offers new works and reimagined classics, bringing plays to new and exploratory places.

Macbeth: A Dinner Party
Oct. 20-21, 27-28
Nov. 3, 4

Invisible Fences
Nov. 7-10, 14-15