theatre lawrence

Theatre Lawrence is a beautiful new addition to the city, with a great line-up of shows each season, a fantastic cast of volunteer actors and actresses and great directors. The ushers and backstage crew are very helpful and dedicated, as well. Set design and technical/sound/lighting is all volunteer, too, with just a few paid staff positions and a board of directors to oversee the entire operation. I was thrilled to see my first show there and I enjoyed it very much. There are larger musicals as part of the season, and some smaller plays. The musicians are wonderful. I wish they had an orchestra pit to properly show them off, but they make creative use of the space by incorporating them onto the stage throughout the production, or by having them play in the wings. I know that is very difficult for the musicians, but they didn't miss a beat. There is a really wonderful mask collection on display, as well as art by local artists in the lobby. Drinks are available during intermission, and they are cleverly named to coordinate with the show. The theatre offers educational programs for children as well, to ensure the future of the arts in the community. Parking is a bit of a concern, and I do hope they will be able to solve that with their neighboring businesses as they "settle in". I was so surprised not to see any kind of a marque or sign, not even so much as a banner, announcing upcoming shows either on the building or visible from the street. That would be a great addition and would be sure to bring in a bigger audience. If you would like to take in dinner, there are many nearby restaurants to enjoy.

I would recommend to anyone who loves live theater that they attend a performance at Theatre Lawrence. First of all there is not a bad seat in the house! Secondly the talent is amazing!Talented and trained thespians come from Lawrence, the Kansas City area, and other surrounding areas near Lawrence. With Lawrence being the home of the University of Kansas there is a strong theatrical presence from the university. I have attended a comedy performance as well as a musical performance. In the comedy the actors were spot-on and very funny. The musical was superb. The vocals were simply outstanding. The children who sang were members of recognized children's choirs and the adults were members of operatic groups in the area.Theatre Lawrence is definitely a must attend theater. You will be glad you did!

I've seen quite a few performances at Theatre Lawrence (including Footloose, Ragtime, and the Wrong Window) and I have never been disappointed. The scripts are of a high quality, the acting incredible, and the entire atmosphere of a thrust stage entertaining and comfortable. The facility itself is beautiful. Exquisite artwork is displayed in the main lobby, which is also graced by a mask collection, a piano, and a bar. The theatre even has elevators for those seated in the top rows or in need of assistance to their seat. The ushers were also very helpful, and much friendlier than I'd ever met before. And, just like the actors, all of the bar-tenders and ushers are volunteers. Performers and workers alike volunteer at this theatre out of the goodness of their heart, and their love and dedication to theatre. This passion drives them to put on outstanding productions, and I guarantee that you will love them as much as I do.

Very cute production. Loved the theater in the round concept, very Shakespearian. felt a little bit like a HS auditoriu outside. I think they could have done more to make it feel more like a real theater. That was the only downside.

I just saw "Ragtime" at this new theater, and it was wonderful. The setting was very intimate; you won't find a bad seat. The second floor seating is easily accessible by the elevators or stairs. The interior lobby area was very new and modern, had lots of funky local artwork, and they offered great themed refreshments (of both kid and adult variety) at intermission. Parking was a bit hard to find, and my family and I ended up parking across the street. I recommend you arrive early to get a good spot! Would absolutely see a show here again.