Finding the positive

Jamie Ulmer • February 18, 2025

How do you stay positive and find inspiration during difficult times? That’s definitely something on a lot of minds right now. While it might seem cliché I know I’ve seen the positive impact of the arts radiating from activities at TL.

“Native Gardens” used humor to spark timely conversations about belonging and perceptions of our neighbors. “Sunday in the Park with George” brought tears to many patron’s eyes as we reflected on the sacrifices we make for our passions and our lasting legacies. We saw joy and excitement on the faces of kids in the audience at our free Suitcase Stories performance and from the stage during the middle school musical “Tut Tut”.

That impact is continuing, as our upcoming “Chicken and Biscuits” hilariously explores family and our common bonds. Nothing highlights inspiration like the Penguin Project which has started work for this summer’s show. We’re connecting with the broader community as we are a beneficiary of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade festivities (support of those upcoming events helps our education programs).

Make no mistake, the challenges are many, and continue to compound. One thing that has always provided inspiration, creative shelter, and community connection is the arts. Let’s work together to keep making sure that stays true.

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Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

Next to Normal starts season journey

By Jamie Ulmer • September 8, 2025

Welcome to the 2025–2026 Theatre Lawrence Season! This year promises a wide variety of theatrical destinations designed to entertain, expand, and enliven audiences and participants alike. We begin our journey with the Pulitzer Prize–winning musical Next to Normal . This groundbreaking work opened on Broadway in 2009, after first appearing as a 10-minute workshop in 1998. An unconventional topic for a musical, the show centers on a family navigating grief and mental health. In her book Feeling Pain is Normal, Rebecca Cecilia Kidwell writes, “Next to Normal provides a safe community for grief. Many of the audience members have experienced loss, and many of them will cry and hug each other—even if they are strangers—because they finally feel that someone is permitting them to be open with their emotions.” Paired with a contemporary rock score, the show asks honest, sometimes uncomfortable, questions. In rehearsals, we’ve reflected on how the themes and emotions explored by the characters are universal, reaching beyond the specific circumstances of the script. The excitement in our acting community has been remarkable: over 70 performers auditioned for this six-person cast. Casting was both a challenge and a gift, resulting in a group of performers who are giving their all every night as we explore this complex, rewarding material together. All of this makes me truly excited to share Next to Normal with you. Theatre offers the unique opportunity to share an experience—even when it is challenging. We thank you for joining us on this journey and encourage you to talk with one another, share your feelings, and seek support if this story resonates deeply with you. Enjoy the show! Jamie Ulmer Executive Director