Category Archives:Comedy

lisa lampanelli
Apr. 04.

Comedy, Kids, and an Archery Competition

This weekend, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will host events that couldn’t be more different, yet they’ll each draw equally enthusiastic crowds. Come out and support whatever event speaks to you, from kids to comedy to a sports tournament!

Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean – Lisa Lampanelli

Love her, hate her, or love to hate her, you can’t deny Lampanelli’s quick wit and ability to give a dang good roast. If you’re ready for a raunchy good time, you won’t want to miss legendary comedian Lisa Lampanelli in the flesh. She’s bringing her “Queen of Mean” routine to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Theatre on Saturday, April 6th, 8:00pm.

Known as an “equal opportunity offender,” Lampanelli has become a regular on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and Howard Stern’s Sirius satellite radio shows, as well as appearances on “Late Show with David Letterman,” “Chelsea Lately,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” and “Good Morning America.” In 2009, she joined the ranks of comic greats with the premier of her first ever one-hour HBO comedy special, “Long Live the Queen,” which was received with fantastic ratings. However, it’s her numerous Comedy Central and Friars Club roasts that have gained Lampanelli the most notoriety. She has roasted personalities including Jeff Foxworthy, Pamela Anderson, David Hasselhoff, Betty White, Donald Trump and Flavor Flav to name a few.

Fans can expect this same caliber of offensive fun during Saturday night’s event. After all, it wouldn’t be Lampanelli if it wasn’t a little nasty, right? Get in on the jokes and be sure to purchase your ticket to see Lampanelli in person, Saturday, April 6th, 8:00pm. Mature audiences only!

YFS Kids’ Fair

It’s a fabulous weekend to be a kid! Youth & Family Services Kids’ Fair celebrates children and their families in an annual event that provides entertainment for all. This signature YFS weekend draws nearly 11,000 attendees every spring to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. For the 18th year, YFS Kids’ Fair will feature new attractions mixed with old favorites such as hands-on activities, inflatables, mini-train rides, and live entertainment. If you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, you’ve got to make your way to the Civic Center this weekend. The fun will take place Friday, April 5th from 8:30am to 4:00pm, Saturday, April 6th from 8:30am to 4:00pm, and Sunday, April 7th from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Children under one year of age get in free, all other visitors pay $3.

National Archery in the School Program – State Tournament

On Saturday, April 6th, 660 students representing 37 schools across South Dakota will gather in Barnett Arena to put their archery skills to the test. Sponsored by South Dakota Game Fish & Parks, the National Archery in the School Program has steadily gained popularity over recent years. In fact, registration numbers have doubled from 330 students in the 2011 tournament. There is no cost for anyone who would like to watch the event, so come out and support South Dakota’s budding archers on Saturday, April 6th, beginning at 8:00am in Barnett Arena.

 

We look forward to hosting all of the exciting events taking place this weekend, from comedy to kids to an archery contest. Come out and support your favorite event at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center!

GET YOUR LISA LAMPANELLI TICKETS TODAY

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comedy events rapid city
Mar. 06.

Jeff Dunham: America’s Favorite Comedian to Entertain Rapid City Audience

Called “America’s favorite comedian” by Slate.com, Jeff Dunham has proven himself as one of the top-grossing standup comedy acts in North America. The Dallas-born ventriloquist and comedian has a lengthy list of credits to his name, including appearances on numerous television shows such as Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents, The Tonight Show and Sonny with a Chance. And don’t forget his five specials that run on Comedy Central: Jeff Dunham: Arguing with Myself, Jeff Dunham: Spark of Insanity, Jeff Dunham’s Very Special Christmas Special, Jeff Dunham: Controlled Chaos and Jeff Dunham: Minding the Monsters.

As if those credentials weren’t enough to keep the man and his posse of puppet pals busy, he’s also embarked on a highly successful national standup tour. Of his characters, they’ve been described by Time. “All of them are politically incorrect, gratuitously insulting and ill tempered.” His handheld help includes Walter, the grumpy retiree, NASCAR-loving Bubba J, the furry Peanut, Jose Jalapeno, the skeletal Achmed the Dead Terrorist, the almost dead son of Achmed, AJ, and Little Jeff. The unlikely crew’s success as a global entertainment brand has not only won the hearts of audiences across the country, but an arsenal of accolades as well. Dunham has been credited for the revival of ventriloquism with his devotion in promoting the art form amongst today’s modern culture.

Dunham’s fascination with ventriloquism began at age eight and eventually led him on a move to Los Angeles. It was there that he soon became a sensation on the national comedy club circuit, as well as nearly every stand-up comedy show known to man. In 2006, his self-produced Arguing With Myself premiered as a one-hour prime time special on Comedy Central, followed by 2007’s Spark of Insanity. Both premiered to record ratings and million plus DVD sales. In 2008, his third event, A Very Special Christmas Special, premiered with 6.6 million viewers and became the cable channel’s most-watched program ever.

Named the top-grossing live comedy act in the world in 2009 and 2010 by Pollstar, Dunham has been entertaining sold-out stadium shows across three continents from Canada to Europe to Australia. His current “Disorderly Conduct” live show has been met once again with packed audiences and rave reviews. This Thursday, March 7th is your chance to catch Jeff Dunham in person at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Enjoy an evening of riotous entertainment with the comedian that’s captured audiences across the globe. Delivering his unique brand of laughs and unforgettable standup routine, you won’t want to miss Jeff Dunham’s “Disorderly Conduct” Worldwide Tour, Thursday, March 7th, 7:30pm.

 

Tickets on sale here!

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shutterstock_51297283
Aug. 07.

Broadway in Our Backyard

Nestled amongst stunning granite vistas and towering ponderosa pines, the Black Hills make for a vibrant residence full of warm and interesting neighbors. However, from time to time one might find themselves thinking of the big city, and what it would be like to live there. Endless opportunities! Shining lights! And the entertainment!

But wait…did you know that for the last 23 years, the Broadway Play Series has been an integral part of our community’s entertainment opportunities? That’s right. Each year, world renowned performers pack their bags and journey to South Dakota, bringing to life our favorite stories on the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center stage. Beginning in 1989, the Broadway Play Series has showcased award winning performances throughout the year, providing multiple chances to experience Broadway right here at home. From Cats and Camelot to Rent and Chicago, our stage has hosted the highest level of professional theatre, year after year.

The 2012 – 2013 Broadway Play Series will continue the entertainment with a remarkable lineup. The Series opens with Rock of Ages on November 3rd and 4th, set in 1987’s Sunset Strip and featuring the best of 80’s tunes. December 8th and 9th will bring Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the classic tale of a young woman and her prince, trapped in a transformative spell. On February 22nd and 23rd, Hooray for Hollywood will be featured, taking the audience on a nostalgic journey through Hollywood’s most popular musicals of the last 50 years. Closing this year’s Play Series, Celtic Woman will run on June 8th, showcasing classic Irish tunes, timeless pop anthems, and inspirational style.

This year, escape the everyday and get lost in a world of unparalleled imagination, magical melodies, and timeless characters that remind us why Broadway theatre is simply unrivaled. Join the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center as we host the 2012 – 2013 Broadway Play Series, where the big city meets the splendor of the Black Hills. We think it’s safe to say we truly enjoy the best of both worlds.

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Mar. 20.

Spring Fever is Official!

Today marks the first day of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere, and we’re marking the new season with a fresh lineup of entertainment to fill your week!

Jim Gaffigan

Tuesday, March 20th, 7:00pm

One of the top 5 most successful touring comedians in the country, Gaffigan’s unique style of quiet humor has earned him recognition and a dedicated fan base. Having made an unprecedented number of appearances on shows ranging from Letterman to Conan, Gaffigan has proved himself a leading talent adored by a wide range of audiences.

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Dec. 20.

Giving the Gift of Quality Entertainment!

Scrambling for something to give that uncle who has everything? Do the kids have enough play things to open their own toy store? Put down the meat and cheese platter, and save that spare candle that’s been tucked in your closet…It’s time to give the gift they’ll never forget – quality entertainment, of course! This holiday season treat your loved ones to a night out, where they’ll experience outstanding entertainment in the region’s premier events facility. Forget racing from store to store, desperately trying to find a gadget that will be forgotten by the end of December – the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is hosting an event for everyone!

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