13-02-2025
‘The Premiere Premieres' returns to Orpheum Theater
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A pair of plays written and performed by local talent are set to hit the stage in Sioux Falls.
The Premiere Playhouse is a community-based theater in Sioux Falls, and it doesn't get any more local than The Premiere Premieres.
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'Every element of it is curated by a local artist, whether that be the writer, the director, the actors, the designers, every person a part of this production is from this community and is trying to tell a story to their community, so it's really one of the most special performances that we could bring to the community,' Managing Artistic Director Oliver Mayes said.
The Premiere Playhouse received about 12 submissions, which was narrowed to four, with a panel selecting the winning two, Aftermath and Battle Cry.
'Aftermath is really, you kind of get the gist of it from the title, it's about what happens when the world's about to end and you want to have those final moments, what are the last words you want to say, what are the last actions you want to take,' Mayes said. 'And then Battle Cry is about recovering from addiction and navigating the intersectionality of being Indigenous and queer and kind of grappling with that through a visitation at a rehabilitation center,' Mayes added.
'We're doing a play that's sort of experimental but also what speaks to this area, what people want in theater in this community, and so it's truly local,' actor Jimmy McLain said.
Jimmy McLain is originally from Pierre and has been part of The Premiere Playhouse for about 18 months. He's playing the role of Puff in Battle Cry and is ready for opening night.
'We're there, we're in our characters, we feel secure in them, definitely with costumes we feel like really into the characters now, we feel like we're bringing their identities and bringing their experiences to life and the emotion is definitely there and we're definitely hitting those emotional notes that I know we're going to hit and it's going to be great,' McLain said.
And Mayes says it's special to witness a play written for your community, by someone in your community.
'There's a different impact. You are enlightened a little bit more and you gain perspective that is going to give you more benefits than maybe seeing a musical that you've known for twenty years,' Mayes said.
The Premiere Premieres opens Thursday night and runs through Sunday at the Orpheum Theater. There will be a free public talk back session following Saturday's performance. Tickets are buy one get one free this week.
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