Beatles tribute group, Yesterday & Today headlines Theatre Lawrence's 2025 Benefit Concert

"CHASING NIRVANA"  CAST LIST: Presley..........Vivi Riffel Sam...............James Green Tommy........Brodie Breckenridge Jettie.............Melia Stockham June..............Courtney Chacon Kat..................Kerry Hagner Charlie.........Brenden Oliver Jacob...........Havok Kiser Frank.............Ryan Hamlin-Canady Opie...............Stephanie Ellis Ann.................Gladys Demby Jasmine......LaShea Johnson

Joy. That's the only word I can think of to describe the feeling that has been radiating from the TL stage over the past several weeks. First came the joy of our annual Penguin Project production. Seeing youth with special needs take the stage and experience the audience's warm appreciation each night is nothing short of magical. This year's production of Alice in Wonderland Jr. proved it with time-obsessed rabbits, murderous Queen of Hearts, and ever-growing and shrinking young Alices. That was followed last weekend by our sold-out run of Guys and Dolls SR ., our very first Vintage Players senior musical. The joy was written on the face of every cast member, some of whom were appearing in their very first show (one made her acting debut at 83!). That joy carried over after each performance as friends, children, and grandchildren eagerly waited to congratulate the cast.  There's one more weekend of summer joy on tap as we present two youth productions, Willy Wonka KIDS and The Aristocats KIDS , playing in repertory this Friday and Saturday. Sharing joy like this makes all the schedule juggling, rehearsals, and investment of resources worthwhile. It reminds us why we support community-based, locally produced theatre. There is truly nothing like it, and we're thrilled to have been bringing that joy to our community for 50 years. Our exciting 50th Anniversary Season is about to begin, and we can't wait to share that joy with you! Jamie Ulmer TL Executive Director