The Drowsy Chaperone comments on the King and I
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Black Hills Playhouse

4.8
·213 reviews·Custer, United States

A historic theater in Custer State Park offering professional summer stock productions in an intimate, scenic setting since 1946.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer evenings

Enjoy a show after a day of exploring

CrowdHigh
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The Drowsy Chaperone comments on the King and I

Black Hills Playhouse

Best Time

Summer evenings

Enjoy a show after a day of exploring

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic theater in Custer State Park offering professional summer stock productions in an intimate, scenic setting since 1946.

4.8
(213 reviews)

"What a gem in the middle of the beauty of the Black Hills!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Park Entry Fee

You might encounter park entrance fee booths, but they're often closed by showtime.

📶 Spotty Cell Service

Download maps and confirm show details beforehand; cell service is unreliable.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 213 reviews

Type

Performing Arts Theater

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Professional Stage Productions

Professional Stage Productions

Main Theater

Experience top-notch acting, directing, and stagecraft in an intimate setting.

InstagramReddit
Custer State Park Location

Custer State Park Location

Custer State Park

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Black Hills surrounding the theater.

TikTok+1
Historic CCC Camp Site

Historic CCC Camp Site

Custer State Park

Learn about the site's history, originally a Civilian Conservation Corps camp.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Popular shows at the Black Hills Playhouse sell out quickly, especially during peak season. Booking your tickets online well in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred dates and seating. Instagram+1

Embrace the Park Setting

The playhouse is nestled within Custer State Park. Be prepared for potential wildlife sightings on your way in and out, and note that cell service can be unreliable. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Summer evenings
Why
Enjoy a show after a day of exploring
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

10/14/24 - Indigenous People’s Day #Remembering and honoring the late Clinton Bird Hat, a Northern Cheyenne Vietnam Veteran. Each year during #BlackHillsPowwow Clinton used to drag General Custer’s Flag on the dance floor in honor the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho Warriors, who defeated General Custer and the Seventh Calvary. #nativetiktok #indigenouspeoplesday #IndigenousTikTok #lakota ...
@kimironroad
121.3K likes • 1.8M views

🚗 Park Entry Fee

You might encounter park entrance fee booths, but they're often closed by showtime. Reddit

📶 Spotty Cell Service

Download maps and confirm show details beforehand; cell service is unreliable. Reddit

The INGG Program was at the #BlackHillsPowwow in #SouthDakota home of the #OcetiSakowin #Lakota #CustersFlag
@unlv.ingg
78.1K likes • 873.9K views
Tomorrow I head off on my big summer adventure to Black Hills Playhouse in South Dakota! At 30nunyabizness years old, I’m doing my very first summer stock. But guess what y’all everyone’s path is different and it’s never ever too late to follow a dream! I’m proud of myself for not reshooting this callback submission a zillion times and instead just recording and firing it off with hopeful optimis...
edenmendezmusic
163 likes • 3K views

☕ Snacks Available

Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase before the show. Reddit

🎭 Diverse Show Selection

From musicals to mysteries, they offer a variety of professional productions. Instagram+1

She is beauty. She is grace. She is Cinderella. Come see Cinderella at the Black Hills Playhouse! ✨ #broadway #quickchange #costume #theatre #actor
blackhillsplayhouse
660 likes • 15K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Park Entry Fee

You might encounter park entrance fee booths, but they're often closed by showtime. Reddit

📶 Spotty Cell Service

Download maps and confirm show details beforehand; cell service is unreliable. Reddit

☕ Snacks Available

Light snacks and drinks are available for purchase before the show. Reddit

🎭 Diverse Show Selection

From musicals to mysteries, they offer a variety of professional productions. Instagram+1

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You might do some walking around the park before or after the show. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.8
(213 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Black Hills Playhouse for its professional, high-quality productions and intimate atmosphere. The theater's beautiful setting within Custer State Park is a significant draw, though unreliable cell service and the need for advance booking are noted drawbacks.

"The theater has a small, intimate feeling to it, but not cramped. This was the fifth production that I've attended, and all have been excellently produced. Whatever you see will be professional in every respect, with great attention to art and detail.

This time, I saw Murder on the Orient Express, and the actors are top notch, as always, and I was most impressed with the lighting effects ... And I'll leave it at that. I'm confident that you'll enjoy your time there!"

Randy Voshell

"What a gem in the middle of the beauty of the Black Hills! We saw “Murder on the Orient Express” and it was an excellent production, thoroughly enjoyed it. The playhouse is actually in Custer State Park and there are fee booths at park entrances. They are closed by the time you are headed to the play and can be bypassed without the entry fee."

Amanda Mueller

"Very enjoyable performance and a nice facility. Snacks available for sale."

Kim Ream

What People Like

Excellent professional productions
Intimate theater feel
Beautiful park location

What People Dislike

Spotty cell service
Need to book in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Black Hills Playhouse is located within Custer State Park in South Dakota. You'll likely drive through the park to reach it. Be aware that there may be park entrance fees, though these booths are sometimes closed by the time performances begin. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is typically ample parking available at the playhouse. Given its location in a state park, it's designed to accommodate visitors attending performances. TikTok

Cell phone service and data can be very unreliable in and around Custer State Park, including at the Black Hills Playhouse. It's best to download any necessary information or maps before you arrive. Reddit

Absolutely! The playhouse is situated within Custer State Park, offering a perfect opportunity to explore the park's scenic drives, wildlife, and hiking trails before or after your performance. TikTok+1

Yes, the playhouse is close to many Black Hills attractions, including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and the charming town of Custer itself, known for its historic buildings and shops. TikTok+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased online through the Black Hills Playhouse website or by calling their box office. It's highly recommended to book in advance, as popular shows can sell out. TikTokInstagram

The playhouse typically operates during the summer season, with performances scheduled in the evenings. Check their official website for the most current showtimes and season dates. Instagram

Discounts may be available for groups, students, or seniors. It's best to check the playhouse's ticketing page or contact them directly for any available promotions. Instagram

Policies can vary, but generally, tickets are non-refundable. Exchanges might be possible for a fee, depending on availability and the specific show. Review the playhouse's policy when purchasing. Instagram

While the playhouse is within Custer State Park, the park entrance fee booths are often closed by the time evening performances start, allowing bypass. However, it's wise to check current park regulations. Reddit

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The playhouse is known for its intimate feel, with seating that allows for good views of the stage without feeling cramped. Reddit

Yes, snacks and beverages are available for purchase at the playhouse. While offerings might have been reduced over time, they provide options for attendees. Reddit

The playhouse stages a variety of professional productions, including musicals, comedies, and dramas. Past shows have included 'Murder on the Orient Express,' 'Legally Blonde,' and 'Cinderella.' InstagramReddit+1

The playhouse generally strives to be accessible. It's recommended to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs or accommodations. Instagram

Typically, photography and videography are not permitted during live performances to avoid disrupting the actors and audience. Check for specific venue policies. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The surrounding Custer State Park offers stunning natural beauty. Look for scenic overlooks, wildlife (like bison!), and unique rock formations for memorable photos. TikTok+1

Photography is usually allowed in the lobby and common areas before and after the show, but strictly prohibited during the performance itself. TikTok

The playhouse's location on a former CCC camp site offers a glimpse into history. While not a typical photo op, the rustic setting can be evocative. Instagram

Wildlife photography, landscape shots of the granite peaks, and capturing the unique charm of small towns like Custer are very popular. TikTok+1

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscapes and wildlife. Midday can be harsh. TikTok

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