Some things are universal

Jamie Ulmer • March 4, 2025

"Chicken and Biscuits" a good laugh for anyone with a family

Some things are universal, such as death and taxes. This wonderfully heartfelt comedy by Douglas Lyons isn’t about taxes. Instead it’s a show that invites you to laugh, cry, and celebrate family in all its beautiful, messy, complicated glory.


Describing the show in an interview just prior to its Broadway opening, Lyons said, “I would say Chicken and Biscuits would be a good laugh for anyone who has family.”


Lyons began work on the script (his first) while appearing on Broadway in the musical Beautiful, writing a little bit at a time during a 45-minute window between scenes. The show draws on his own experiences but also what he saw as a need. “Growing up with so many Black women ... they’re all strong and vibrant and have real personalities, and I rarely see those depictions in the American theater,” he explained in a recent LA Times interview. “The actor in me is like, why not write some different offerings for my peers so they can have more work?”


Debuting on Broadway in 2021, Chicken and Biscuits would go on to become the second most produced play in the 2022-23 season around the country. It would also be the jumping off point for two other plays that Lyons describes as “The Deep Breath Trilogy: New Plays for Black Women.” Table 17 debuted off-Broadway last year and Don’t Touch My Hair completed its premier last month in LA.


The theme of the trilogy isn’t recurring characters. Instead, Lyons says each play has a moment where a Black woman stands center stage and takes a deep breath. “In the world we live in right now, that’s revolutionary,” he said.


At a time when being inclusive and intentional in celebrating all aspects of our community is becoming bafflingly taboo a show like this reminds us of our shared experiences. As Lyon’s said, “…I think the beauty of the play is that I found it’s not just the food itself, it’s the imagery of us eating the food, it’s the tradition, the laughter, the healing, and the joy that takes place over the food that the play is addressing.”


Enjoy the show!

Jamie Ulmer

Executive Director

Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

Performer kneeling on stage, wearing blonde wig, denim outfit, and holding a microphone.

TL family mourns the loss of Louise ImMasche

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

2025 Benefit Concert a Huge Success!

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

Just a typical Tuesday at Theatre Lawrence

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.
More Posts