Mel Brooks had a big year in 1974. He was already a huge success thanks to multiple projects, including his 1969 Academy Award win for “The Producers.” Then 1974 saw back to back film releases of “Blazing Saddles” and “Young Frankenstein.” The two films would both garner multiple Oscar nominations and be the second and third highest grossing films of the year, respectively. Brooks would describe “Young Frankenstein” as his best film – not his funniest, but his best. Others agree as it landed the number 13 spot in the American Film Institute’s list of top 100 comedies.
It is appropriate that the musical adaption of Young Frankenstein kicks off our season of notable – some would say extraordinary – events. This season at Theatre Lawrence builds on the excitement and success of our past and moves us forward with new projects and new ways of doing things.
You’ll have noticed the new box office software, but this system also brings together four different programs that didn’t talk to each other into one platform. This will make all our interactions with you more efficient. In August we threw the switch and brought a new website to life. With easier navigation, more content, and a lot of pictures of your friends and neighbors taking he stage, we hope you will visit it frequently and learn about the vast impact we make in our community.
In addition to a fun and diverse line up of six regular season shows we are featuring two bonus events. Boundaries will be pushed with the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and we salute a master of American musical theatre with our concert staging of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George. Combined with our flourishing youth education programs Theatre Lawrence is buzzing with excitement and bursting at the seams with programing.
It is a perfect time to experience Theatre Lawrence on or off stage. We are already seeing an increased interest from new volunteers (in addition to those taking on new roles). Make this season a big year for you and our entire community, get involved however you can at Theatre Lawrence!
Enjoy the show!
Jamie Ulmer
Executive Director
