It's the perfect time of year for chocolate factories

Jamie Ulmer • December 4, 2024

It's a sugary adventure, with a lesson for the holidays

Welcome to our 2024 holiday production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! We truly appreciate you joining us during this busy time of year for this Roald Dahl favorite.


The lasting influence of this story, first published in 1964, is undeniable. The book is considered a classic and has been reprinted (and thoughtfully revised and updated) many times over the years. For some, their introduction to the story came with the 1971 film version starring Gene Wilder as Wonka; for others, it was the 2005 Tim Burton film with Johnny Depp. Still others may have first met Wonka in the 2023 Timothée Chalamet-led origin film, Wonka.

 

Like a Wonka-inspired confection, this 2017 stage adaption pulls multiple ingredients together. Familiar songs from the 1971 movie, such as “Pure Imagination” and “Candy Man” are mixed with new songs and elements from the book.


While it might seem unusual at first to bring this show to the stage during the holiday season, it's actually quite fitting. Of course, there’s the candy and sweets—always a favorite for kids (and adults) this time of year. But we’re also reminded of the consequences of greed and selfishness as the children and their parents tour a factory that would fail any OSHA inspection. Ultimately, it’s Charlie’s kindness and empathy that lead to his reward—a valuable reminder for kids and grownups alike during the holiday season, and perhaps even more so this year. In that way, the story offers a kind of Christmas Carol-esk lesson in the importance of sharing wealth and helping others.


Regardless of if you take away the moral lesson or simply revel in the sugary entertainment, thank you for making Theatre Lawrence a part of your holiday season.


Enjoy the show

Jamie Ulmer

Executive Director

Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

A summer filled with JOY

By Jamie Ulmer • July 20, 2026
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
Purple poster with a skull-and-crossbones and the title “PIRATES! Penzance the Musical”

CAST LIST: Pirates! The Penzance Musical

July 17, 2026
View the cast list for 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical.' Tickets go on sale August 3. Check it out!

Announcing the first Striving Artists Project recipient

July 1, 2026
Theatre Lawrence is pleased to announce the first recipient of the Louise ImMasche Striving Artists Project is Anj Marie Riffel and her musical Chasing Nirvana . The show will receive a production at Theatre Lawrence Oct. 2 and 3, 2026. Information about auditions and participating in the first staging of this original musical will be available in the coming weeks. Anj Marie Riffel wears a stack of hats professionally and passionately — including writer, editor, designer, and songwriter — with an enduring love of artistic expression. Her short plays have been featured on stage at Theatre Lawrence for New Works Night. When she’s not searching for her missing iPhone or the meaning of life, Anj can be found wading heart-deep in creative pursuits and loving her people. The Striving Artists Project honors the legacy of Louise ImMasche and the art they created by fostering a space and providing resources to small artists with big shows. This project aims to provide an opportunity to kinder those like Louise – unyielding in their dreams, a need to tell their stories, and looking to go big with the chances they are provided. About the show: Travel back to the heyday of Gen X, when twentysomethings were trying to figure out who they were beyond the walls of Shermer High School—and discovering that reality does indeed bite. Presley Martin is an endearingly awkward, hot mess of a musician who’s hoping her band might be the next Nirvana. While reaching on tiptoe for the stars, she loses her balance and winds up flirting with rock bottom instead. With the resurgence of 1990s culture, CHASING NIRVANA feels simultaneously nostalgic and current. Driven by catchy 90’s alt-rock music, the story appeals to a multi-generational audience, as it examines life’s big questions: Who will love me? Why am I here? What really matters? Packed with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of pop-culture wisdom, we follow Presley’s journey as she navigates a Bermuda love triangle and risks losing herself in the void between two very different dreams. Will she find her own sense of nirvana?
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