Lutcher Theater readies for 44th season

The spectacular Lutcher Theater has been wowing audiences in their state-ofthe-art 1,500-seat world-class performing arts facility with the very best of Broadway, national and international tours, award-winning artists, renowned dance and acclaimed children’s performances for Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana for more than four decades. Since its Gala Opening Performance with Liberace on Feb. 7, 1980, the Lutcher Theater has offered a world class experience with unforgettable memories to each and every audience member, season after season.

Individual show tickets for the largest performing arts series, from Houston to New Orleans, are now available.

“Straight from Broadway in New York City to Main Avenue in Orange, Texas, this season at the Lutcher Theater is sure to be a crowd-pleaser,” said Lynae Sanford, Lutcher Theater executive director. “We have a variety of incredible shows including a country music icon, an a cappella sensation and so many Broadway smash hits. This season is one of our biggest and best yet!”

Country music icon and member of the Grand Ole Opry, Craig Morgan, will open the 44th season on Sunday, Oct. 15, and will be followed by “Mean Girls,” STOMP, Voctave – The Spirit of the Season, “On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan,” “Pretty Woman The Musical,” “Little Women,” The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, “Come From Away,” “Annie,” Scott Mulvahill and “Chicago.”

Andy McCall, marketing manager, is ecstatic about the season, especially “Come From Away” on Thursday, March 14, 2024, a Best Musical winner all across North America.

“I have never seen it, but everyone says it’s their favorite theatre show and they can’t wait to see it again,” said McCall. “It’s a story of hope and humanity during a very dark period of time.”

The musical is based on actual events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001 and the days that followed. The FAA made the decision to shut down the airspace in the United States, which forced 4,000 planes to land at the nearest airport – Newfoundland. More than 7,000 stranded passengers were welcomed. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

“If you aren’t certain about theatre in general, then STOMP is the show to see,” said McCall.

Patrons will have two chances to see the international sensation that is STOMP – Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9.

Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP: the inventive and invigorating stage show that’s dance, music, and theatrical performance blended together in one electrifying rhythm.

Voctave, an 11-member a cappella sensation, returns for “The Spirit of the Season” on Sunday, Dec. 17.

“They blew the audience away last year,” said McCall. “They closed the show with a song using no microphones, just their voices and the great acoustics of the Lutcher Theater. Their beautiful harmonies are a seasonal treat for musical lovers of all ages.”

Something new at the Lutcher Theater is the Candlelight Concert Series. Candles will illuminate the stage, creating a serene atmosphere that will enhance the live music experience with the Fabulous Equinox Orchestra (Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024) and Scott Mulvahill (Saturday, April 20, 2024).

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, led by Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson, along with their fabulous big band, is inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.

For the past decade, Mulvahill has left his unique mark on the intersecting worlds of Americana, bluegrass, folk, jazz, rock and roll, and roots music. Before he earned an NPR Tiny Desk performance in 2019, and before touring with recent multi-Grammy winner Lauren Daigle in 2018, Mulvahill spent a five-year stint as the full-time bassist for Ricky Skaggs’ Grammy-winning Kentucky Thunder band, sharing the stage with Alison Krauss, Barry Gibb of the BeeGees, Bruce Hornsby, Brad Paisley, Peter Frampton, Steven Curtis Chapman, Emmylou Harris, Dave Barnes, Ben Rector, and many more.

Tickets to the Candlelight Concert Series are separate from the season package and can be purchased online at lutcher.org, by phone at (409) 886-5535 or the Lutcher box office (707 Main Ave.) in Orange.

“It’s Houston without the hassle,” said McCall. “There is no third-party ticketing system and outrageous extra ticket fees. And, it’s free parking. It’s so much easier to come to the Lutcher Theater.”

The Stark Foundation will host a Volunteer Fair for their four cultural venues, which includes Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, The W.H. Stark House, Stark Museum of Art and the Lutcher Theater, on Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Lutcher Theater.

“From gardening to greeting, from hands-on history to hospitality, from ticketing to stage lighting, there is a place for everyone to volunteer at one of the Stark Cultural Venues,” added Sanford. “We encourage the public to join us and learn about the different volunteer opportunities we have available.”