The Lutcher Theater is the largest performing art series between Houston and New Orleans and is now set to celebrate 45 years of delivering unforgettable entertainment experiences. Since its opening with Liberace, the venue has hosted the best of the best – from Broadway shows to top notch musicians – and this year’s lineup will be no different.
“I can confidently say that this upcoming season is shaping up to be the best one since I came on board here in 2019,” said Lutcher Theatre’s Marketing Manager, Andy McCall. “Every single one of our Broadway shows are Tony winners. I’ve seen a few of them and loved every single one of them, so I’m excited that our patrons are getting the chance to see and experience them as well.”
Broadway enthusiasts are in for a treat as an impressive array of Tony Award-winning shows are coming such as “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” on Nov. 16; “Dear Evan Hansen” on Dec. 17-18; “Come From Away,” on Jan. 2, 2024; “Ain’t Too Proud,” which features the life and times of the Temptations,” on Jan. 14- 15, 2024; “Chicago” on Feb. 20, 2024; Momix “Alice,” that includes illusion, acrobatics, magic and whimsy, on March 7, 2024; “The Cher Show” on April 4, 2024; and “Hadestown,” an eight-time Tony winner, on April 21-22.
“I was really glad to see that both ‘Come From Away’ and ‘Chicago’ are returning this season,” said McCall. “I personally know quite a few people who have already told me they are looking forward to catching one or both of these musicals since they were unable to see them this past season. I also know a number of people who saw ‘Come From Away’ and can’t wait to see it again and invite someone else to see it with them this time. Everyone says the same thing, “It’s either one of their favorites or ‘the favorite’ show they have ever seen.’ It’s such a beautiful, heartwarming story that you just can’t get enough of, and you want to see it over and over again.”
The 45th season will open with the Bacon Brothers on Saturday, Oct. 19. The renowned brothers (Kevin and Michael) will perform their unique blend of folk, rock, soul and country.
This upcoming year, music lovers will be treated to performances by some of the industry’s most beloved artists. Lonestar, one of country music’s most iconic bands, will bring their harmonies and timeless songs the stage Sunday, Nov. 3. Country music superstar LeAnn Rimes will captivate audiences with her powerful voice and chart-topping hits Jan. 25, 2025.
“Honestly, I’ve never been more excited about our concert lineup,” said McCall. “I consider myself a pretty big movie buff, so the fact that we have Kevin Bacon coming here with his brother, Michael, is really cool. I’ve also been a big fan of LeAnn Rimes ever since she first became famous back in the 1990s. She still sounds amazing, and I’m so glad she is bringing her incredibly beautiful voice to the Lutcher Theater.”
In addition to the star-studded lineup to celebrate their 45 years of incredible events, patrons will have the chance to experience the “Lutcher en Light,” a concert series offering a one-of-a-kind experience in a candlelit setting. Lutcher en Light will feature Twitty & Lynn, the grandson of Conway Twitty and the granddaughter of Loretta Lynn, on Feb. 15, 2025, as well as the March 29, 2025, performance of the Gentlemen’s Quartet, who offer a modern, elegant take on some of the most famous classical and popular music the world has ever known.
“This season we have the opportunity to have a show hold tech rehearsal at the Lutcher Theater,” said McCall. “While this has happened several times here over the years, I’m really looking forward to experiencing this for the first time since I’ve been on the Lutcher staff. Cirque Dreams Holidaze will be here for about 10 days basically putting the show together and setting all the lights and sound cues. So, the two shows on our Lutcher stage will be kicking off the entire tour. As someone who has been involved in dozens of local community theater productions over the years, it’s going to be fascinating being able to watch the rehearsal process of a show on the professional level.”
What’s the best part about seeing a show at the Lutcher Theater in downtown Orange?
“You don’t have to go all the way to Houston, New Orleans, Dallas, San Antonio or any other big city to see the same high quality Broadway productions,” he said. “We like to say we are ‘Houston without the hassle.’ You don’t have to spend the gas money driving an hour or two to see your favorite Broadway shows and parking is always free, too.
“And our tickets are much more affordable than what you would pay to see these same shows in bigger cities. We are not affiliated with Ticketmaster or any other third-party ticket agency, so there aren’t any outrageous extra fees and surcharges or anything like that. We have one $3 fee per ticket, which basically covers the printing of the ticket. If you get your tickets from our box office or online at lutcher.org, you aren’t paying nearly as much as you would to see the same shows in bigger cities.”
Season packages (four or more shows) are on sale now and tickets for individual shows go on sale Monday, Aug. 19.
The Lutcher Theater is located at 707 Main Ave. in downtown Orange. For more information, view lutcher.org or call (409) 886-5535.