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NEXT TO NORMAL

Through the storm of struggle comes a destination of hope

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best Score, Next to Normal is a powerful rock musical that shatters the illusion of the perfect American family. Beneath their suburban routine lies a raw and emotional journey through mental illness, love, and resilience. With a gripping pop/rock score, it’s a deeply moving and unforgettable theatrical experience

Sept. 19-21, 25-28

The rocky horror show

AUDITIONS: The Rocky Horror Show


Let's do the Time Warp again!


Be part of this cult favorite!


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22


benefit concert fundraiser yesterday and today

BENEFIT CONCERT featuring Yesterday & Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Beatles Hits, Big Fun & A Great Cause!

 

Join us Friday, October 10 for Theatre Lawrence’s 2025 Benefit Concert featuring the high-energy Beatles tribute band Yesterday & Today—powered by YOUR song requests!

 

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10

youth theatre education fall

FALL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

From infants to teens, we have something for every kiddo this fall!


School's Out, Theatre's in, for when kids are out of school.  Saturday morning creative sessions, music classes, and full youth productions.


ENROLLING NOW!

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LABOR DAY: OFFICE CLOSED

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6pm Bicycle Face auditions for "New Works Night"

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1:30pm Vintage Players Meeting

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7pm Rocky Horror Show auditions

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Theatre Lawrence News & Announcements

Logo for
By Jamie Ulmer September 8, 2025
Welcome to the 2025–2026 Theatre Lawrence Season! This year promises a wide variety of theatrical destinations designed to entertain, expand, and enliven audiences and participants alike. We begin our journey with the Pulitzer Prize–winning musical Next to Normal . This groundbreaking work opened on Broadway in 2009, after first appearing as a 10-minute workshop in 1998. An unconventional topic for a musical, the show centers on a family navigating grief and mental health. In her book Feeling Pain is Normal, Rebecca Cecilia Kidwell writes, “Next to Normal provides a safe community for grief. Many of the audience members have experienced loss, and many of them will cry and hug each other—even if they are strangers—because they finally feel that someone is permitting them to be open with their emotions.” Paired with a contemporary rock score, the show asks honest, sometimes uncomfortable, questions. In rehearsals, we’ve reflected on how the themes and emotions explored by the characters are universal, reaching beyond the specific circumstances of the script. The excitement in our acting community has been remarkable: over 70 performers auditioned for this six-person cast. Casting was both a challenge and a gift, resulting in a group of performers who are giving their all every night as we explore this complex, rewarding material together. All of this makes me truly excited to share Next to Normal with you. Theatre offers the unique opportunity to share an experience—even when it is challenging. We thank you for joining us on this journey and encourage you to talk with one another, share your feelings, and seek support if this story resonates deeply with you. Enjoy the show! Jamie Ulmer Executive Director
Woman with short dark hair smiles at the camera in a black and white close-up portrait.
By Genée Figuieras September 1, 2025
Jamie Ulmer, TL Executive Director, in front of a yellow and purple background, titled
By Jamie Ulmer August 25, 2025
Last week we celebrated nearly 400 rock stars who played leading roles in the success of Theatre Lawrence’s 2024–2025 season.

Get Involved

Join the Action: Get Involved and Make a Difference!

At Theatre Lawrence, we believe that getting involved is essential to fostering a vibrant performing arts community. By participating in our productions, you can enrich your skills, connect with like-minded individuals, and contribute to the cultural fabric of Lawrence. Join us and experience the power of live theatre firsthand.

Thank you to our sponsors

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