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

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
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