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

Escape to those summer vibes

By Jamie Ulmer • June 2, 2025
What better way to kick off those laid-back summer vibes than with our season-closing musical, Escape to Margaritaville ? The music of Jimmy Buffett invites us to relax and enjoy ourselves—and let’s be honest, we could all use a little “License to Chill.” But what is it about Buffett and his music that inspired devoted fans, restaurants, resorts, and of course, a Broadway musical? Now, I’m no Parrothead, but it doesn’t take much to see the appeal. Buffett’s music blends multiple genres and sounds—country, rock, and Caribbean influences—that celebrate escapism, a relaxed attitude, and that unmistakable “beach life” feeling. His songs are relatable. We all want to find joy, freedom, and sometimes a little redemption, preferably with a dash of humor. It all adds up to a timeless appeal. Buffett’s music is custom-made for summer BBQs, sipping drinks poolside, or just taking a mental vacation in the middle of a hectic workday. That music, of course, led to an entire culture around being a Parrothead - Hawaiian shirts, margaritas, and chill vibes became the trademarks of devoted fans who try not to take life too seriously. And then there’s the business empire, which may contribute most to the enduring celebration of the “Buffett lifestyle,” even after his passing. He turned his persona into a brand—complete with restaurants, resorts (including one opening just down the road in a few weeks), and more. So now, it’s time to sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy your official start to summer. Enjoy the show, Jamie Ulmer Executive Director

Margarita pre-show class June 20

May 30, 2025
Join us for a presentation by margarita expert, Phil Bradley, on Friday, June 20 from 6-7 PM. This special pre-show event will feature: Tips on how to spice up your Margarita Salt vs Sugar On the rock vs frozen  Fancy embellishments Includes 1 drink ticket for a margarita at the TL bar AND MORE! Limited Availability! When purchasing tickets for the June 20 performance you will be given the opportunity to add this experience for $10 per person. If you are not attending the performance, you can still boost your margarita skills and be part of this bonus event for $20. Click here to purchase EVENT ONLY TICKETS.

Hey, how's it going?

By Jamie Ulmer • May 13, 2025
How are things at the theatre? That’s the standard way I’m greeted when out and about. I certainly don’t mind, and it’s more interesting than the non-interest greeting of “how are you?” The theatre is a much more interesting topic of conversation than I am. At the same time, I know people don’t have time for a complete answer of how things are going at Theatre Lawrence. In short, good – busy as always. The slightly longer answer is – very busy but we’re keeping all the plates spinning and proud of what we’re achieving. Somehow, we are just a few weeks away from wrapping up the regular season with “Escape to Margaritaville.” Things are gearing up for all our summer youth programs including starting rehearsals for “The Lightning Thief” and the Penguins are hard at work on “Little Mermaid, Jr”. The new season will be here before we know it. Early bird season tickets for the 2025-2026 season are available now, and we’re in the midst of all the planning and staffing up for those shows. It’s also a time of challenges. We are planning our way forward following the loss of our friend and colleague Mary Ann Saunders. Like many individuals and organizations, we are keeping an eye on the latest developments from the Federal government and how it may impact us and our community going forward. Overall, though, things at the theatre are going well, with solid attendance, and excitement about future projects. See you at the theatre Jamie Ulmer Executive Director
More Posts