Welcome to the 24-25 Season

Brandon Eisman • September 2, 2024

From the 24-25 President of the Board of the Directors

Dear Theatre Lawrence Community,


Welcome to Theatre Lawrence, where this season's theme, "Extraordinary Theatre," sets the stage for an unforgettable journey! As the President of the Board of Directors, I am both thrilled and deeply honored to guide us through a time of remarkable transformation and growth for our theatre and community alongside our dedicated TL staff and 2024-25 Board of Directors. 


The arts play a vital role in the growth and enrichment of our community. They offer a space where creativity flourishes, stories come to life, and diverse voices are heard. Through the magic of theatre, we illuminate the human experience, stir imagination, and unite our community in moments of shared emotion and reflection. Let us all contribute to writing the next chapter of creativity and inspiration.


Prepare yourself for an exhilarating lineup of shows designed to entertain and inspire. From the hilariously spooky Young Frankenstein and the whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to the vibrant drama of Native Gardens and the heartwarming comedy of Chicken & Biscuits, our diverse season has something for everyone. Solve the mystery with Clue, escape to paradise with Escape to Margaritaville, rock out with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and be captivated by the artistry of Sunday in the Park with George. This season, we invite you to join us in celebrating the magic and creativity that makes theatre truly extraordinary!


This year, we are proud to present not only our regular season of shows but also a variety of special programs that highlight the diverse talents within our community. Our youth education programs continue to nurture the next generation of theatre enthusiasts, providing them with the skills and confidence to shine on stage and beyond. The Penguin Project, one of our most cherished initiatives, empowers young artists with special needs through theatre, creating unforgettable experiences for participants and audiences alike.


Additionally, our Vintage Players bring a unique charm to the stage, showcasing the talents of our seasoned performers and celebrating the timeless nature of storytelling. These programs, alongside our mainstage productions, reflect our commitment to providing enriching and inclusive experiences for all.


We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who support Theatre Lawrence. Your support, whether through purchasing tickets, becoming season ticket holders, bringing friends and family to the theatre, or making monetary donations, is invaluable. If you are not already, we invite you to become a contributing member of Theatre Lawrence. Your contributions enable us to continue our mission of bringing extraordinary theatre experiences to life and enriching our community.


We also invite you to explore the many volunteering opportunities we offer. You can assist in the box office, usher patrons to their seats, or lend a hand with bartending. There are also opportunities to work behind the scenes on sets or costuming, and to help with running lights and sound. If you’re interested in taking a more active role in the spotlight, consider auditioning for an upcoming show. Your participation not only enriches our productions but also supports the vibrant spirit of our theatre.


Our journey ahead is bright, and we are eager to share it with you. Thank you for being an integral part of our Theatre Lawrence family. Together, we will continue to transform lives through the power of the arts.


With warm regards,

Brandon Eisman

Board President 

Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

A summer filled with JOY

By Jamie Ulmer • July 20, 2026
Joy. That's the only word I can think of to describe the feeling that has been radiating from the TL stage over the past several weeks. First came the joy of our annual Penguin Project production. Seeing youth with special needs take the stage and experience the audience's warm appreciation each night is nothing short of magical. This year's production of Alice in Wonderland Jr. proved it with time-obsessed rabbits, murderous Queen of Hearts, and ever-growing and shrinking young Alices. That was followed last weekend by our sold-out run of Guys and Dolls SR ., our very first Vintage Players senior musical. The joy was written on the face of every cast member, some of whom were appearing in their very first show (one made her acting debut at 83!). That joy carried over after each performance as friends, children, and grandchildren eagerly waited to congratulate the cast.  There's one more weekend of summer joy on tap as we present two youth productions, Willy Wonka KIDS and The Aristocats KIDS , playing in repertory this Friday and Saturday. Sharing joy like this makes all the schedule juggling, rehearsals, and investment of resources worthwhile. It reminds us why we support community-based, locally produced theatre. There is truly nothing like it, and we're thrilled to have been bringing that joy to our community for 50 years. Our exciting 50th Anniversary Season is about to begin, and we can't wait to share that joy with you! Jamie Ulmer TL Executive Director
Purple poster with a skull-and-crossbones and the title “PIRATES! Penzance the Musical”

CAST LIST: Pirates! The Penzance Musical

July 17, 2026
View the cast list for 'Pirates! The Penzance Musical.' Tickets go on sale August 3. Check it out!

Announcing the first Striving Artists Project recipient

July 1, 2026
Theatre Lawrence is pleased to announce the first recipient of the Louise ImMasche Striving Artists Project is Anj Marie Riffel and her musical Chasing Nirvana . The show will receive a production at Theatre Lawrence Oct. 2 and 3, 2026. Information about auditions and participating in the first staging of this original musical will be available in the coming weeks. Anj Marie Riffel wears a stack of hats professionally and passionately — including writer, editor, designer, and songwriter — with an enduring love of artistic expression. Her short plays have been featured on stage at Theatre Lawrence for New Works Night. When she’s not searching for her missing iPhone or the meaning of life, Anj can be found wading heart-deep in creative pursuits and loving her people. The Striving Artists Project honors the legacy of Louise ImMasche and the art they created by fostering a space and providing resources to small artists with big shows. This project aims to provide an opportunity to kinder those like Louise – unyielding in their dreams, a need to tell their stories, and looking to go big with the chances they are provided. About the show: Travel back to the heyday of Gen X, when twentysomethings were trying to figure out who they were beyond the walls of Shermer High School—and discovering that reality does indeed bite. Presley Martin is an endearingly awkward, hot mess of a musician who’s hoping her band might be the next Nirvana. While reaching on tiptoe for the stars, she loses her balance and winds up flirting with rock bottom instead. With the resurgence of 1990s culture, CHASING NIRVANA feels simultaneously nostalgic and current. Driven by catchy 90’s alt-rock music, the story appeals to a multi-generational audience, as it examines life’s big questions: Who will love me? Why am I here? What really matters? Packed with heart, humor, and a healthy dose of pop-culture wisdom, we follow Presley’s journey as she navigates a Bermuda love triangle and risks losing herself in the void between two very different dreams. Will she find her own sense of nirvana?
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