Mel Brooks' big year

Jamie Ulmer • September 18, 2024

"Young Frankenstein" a perfect season opener for TL

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


Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

Performer kneeling on stage, wearing blonde wig, denim outfit, and holding a microphone.
October 27, 2025
The Theatre Lawrence family is deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Louise ImMasche , who was killed in a car accident on Friday, October 24, following a performance of The Rocky Horror Show . Louise was an immensely talented performer who lit up every room and filled the stage with remarkable energy and charisma. They were kind, generous, and caring - making anyone they shared the stage with feel welcomed and accepted for who they are. Louise appeared in many Theatre Lawrence productions, including Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors , Adam/Felicia in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert , Max in Lend Me a Tenor , and Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid . In addition to performing on stage, they appeared in several fundraisers and volunteered at the theatre, including ushering. Louise was particularly proud to have played Hedwig in last year’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch , and was currently appearing for the fifth time as Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Show . We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from individuals and organizations across the country. It is often said that theatre is a family, and we have truly felt the embrace of our extended theatre family during this difficult time. Thank you. A celebration of Louise’s life will be held at the theatre on Friday, Oct. 31 at 11 a.m. "All in attendance are invited to wear something colorful and sparkly." Complete obituary here . On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers of Theatre Lawrence, we extend our deepest condolences to Louise’s husband, Zak, their family, friends, and all who knew and loved them. For those who are unable to attend Louise's Celebration of Life in person, we have created a Zoom link that anyone interested can register for and you will be sent a private link to livestream the event. Here's the registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_og0oMAz5QGyL-l04cXt6Hg
October 22, 2025
What a night! Theatre Lawrence was rocking a nearly sold out house on October 10 as the Beatles tribute band Yesterday & Today brought down the house at our 2025 Benefit Concert. From the great music, to a surprise wedding proposal, the energy in the room was electric! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our audience, sponsors, and donors, the evening raised approximately $61,000 in net proceeds, with more than $31,000 contributed through the Raise the Paddle for The Penguin Project —our program empowering young artists with special needs to shine on stage. Guests enjoyed great music, delicious food and drinks, and a joyful celebration of community and the arts. We’re grateful to everyone who made it possible—our volunteers, sponsors, and the amazing crowd who filled the theatre with joy and Beatles love!  Check out the full photo gallery.
Man in blue sweater smiles in front of a colorful graphic that says
By Jamie Ulmer October 21, 2025
A snapshot of a typical Tuesday at Theatre Lawrence—where auditions, classes, outreach, and performances bring our community to life all at once.
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