The Lyceum Theatre will open its exciting new 8 show season on June 3 with the Lyceum premiere of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The season continues with the classic Singin’ in the Rain and the new stage adaptation of Sister Act (a Lyceum premiere), followed by at the Missouri professional premiere of Ken Ludwig’s new stage adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and the beloved Thornton Wilder classic, Our Town. The farcical Charley’s Aunt will take audiences back to The Lyceum’s first season and leave them in stitches, and the final musical of the year, the Missouri professional premiere of Heartbreak Hotel, rounds out the fun. The season will conclude with a now beloved tradition: the seventh annual production of our unique adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol.
“We are excited to celebrate the Lyceum’s 60th Season in grand fashion with productions that honor our past, and new shows that demonstrate our ever-expanding future,” said Lyceum Producing Artistic Director, Quin Gresham.
The sixtieth anniversary season runs June 3 through December 23, 2020.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid opens June 3 and runs through June 14. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” MUSICAL RATED G
“In planning next year’s season it was very important to us to include a production that audience members of all ages could enjoy. I’m thrilled to see Disney’s charming undersea adventure, The Little Mermaid, come magically to life at the launch of our big anniversary year.”
Opening June 25 and running through July 5 is Singin’ in the Rain. Singin’ in the Rain is faithfully and lovingly adapted from “the greatest movie of all time,” by Broadway legends Betty Comden and Adolph Green, from their original award-winning screenplay. Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for, including the show-stopping title number. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals. MUSICAL RATED G
“Last produced at The Lyceum during the 1993 season, the inaugural season for our current auditorium, Singin’ in the Rain is the laughter- and dance-filled celebration of that great American art form: musical theatre. And, yes, it will rain on stage!”
Running July 16 through July 26 will be Sister Act, based on the hit 1992 film. Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar-winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including for Best Musical. When disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior. Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community. MUSICAL RATED PG-13
“Lyceum audiences love to root for an underdog and they also love to laugh—the feel-good musical comedy Sister Act is the perfect recipe for theatrical fun!”
The season continues August 7 through August 16 with Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express. Just after midnight, a snowdrift stops the Orient Express in its tracks. The luxurious train is surprisingly full for the time of the year, but by the morning it is one passenger fewer. An American tycoon lies dead in his compartment, his door locked from the inside. Isolated and with a killer in their midst, famous detective Hercule Poirot must identify the murderer – in case he or she decides to strike again. MYSTERY RATED PG
“In 2008 The Lyceum produced Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, and in subsequent years we produced seven of her other mysteries. After a few years of absence, she’s back, and we are thrilled to host the Missouri professional premiere of Ken Ludwig’s brand-new stage adaptation of Ms. Christie’s most famous whodunit. When else will you see a full train on The Lyceum’s stage?!”
Running August 26 through August 30 is the classic Thornton Wilder play, Our Town follows the small town of Grover’s Corners through three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, audiences follow the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die. PLAY RATED PG
“The secret ingredient in The Lyceum’s success is, without question, its location in the tiny little village of Arrow Rock. Our Town celebrates the magic of small town life while taking a universal look at life, love, and death. Our Town is easily one of the very best plays the American theatre has ever produced.”
Next in the 2020 lineup, Charley’s Aunt runs September 9 through September 13. Jack Chesney loves Kitty Verdun and Charley loves Miss Amy Spettigue. They invite the ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, “where the nuts come from”. Cancelling her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into cataclysmic confusion. What do they do now? The problem is solved by drafting their undergrad pal into a black satin skirt, bloomers and wig. When the real aunt turns up, classic comic confusion ensues! COMEDY RATED G
“Brandon Thomas’s hilarious farce, Charley’s Aunt, appeared during The Lyceum’s very first season in 1961. We are thrilled to bring this absolutely hysterical 1892 play back to our stage as a tribute to the many artists and audience members who have kept The Lyceum thriving over six decades.”
After that, running September 23 through October 4, is the Lyceum premiere of Heartbreak Hotel. A Lyceum premiere, Heartbreak Hotel follows the tender story of Elvis Presley in the early years of his career as he and Sam Phillips create the music that will forever change their lives. As Elvis’s career skyrockets, both lifting and shattering the lives of those he loves, a secret love story is revealed, a betrayal is discovered, and “Colonel” Tom Parker changes the course of history, all in just 18 short months. This brand new musical features hit songs from the King himself as well as the legends who influenced his iconic music, with chart-toppers including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “That’s All Right Momma,” “Shake, Rattle, and Roll,” and, of course, “Heartbreak Hotel.” This is where the story begins… “Take a walk down lonely street.” MUSICAL RATED PG-13
“One of The Lyceum’s greatest successes was our 2016 production of Million Dollar Quartet. Rounding out our summer season is the prequel to that hit show from the same talented creators. Be among the first audience members in Missouri to see this brand new show which tells the story of Elvis Presley.”
The Lyceum season will close with a now-beloved mid-Missouri tradition, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol running from December 11 through December 23. In its own adaptation of the classic Christmas story, The Lyceum is pleased to bring to life the familiar story of a seemingly heartless miser, given one last chance at redemption by four visiting spirits. On Christmas Eve, Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes an incredible transformation as he is guided through his past, present and the possibilities of his future. A Christmas Carol’s timeless and heartwarming message, dazzling scenery and costumes, and delightful holiday music will get you and your entire family in the Christmas spirit. A PLAY WITH MUSIC RATED G
“The Lyceum Theatre has changed an awful lot in its 60 years. So has our annual production of A Christmas Carol, which will celebrate its 7th year, thanks to the generous support of LammTech in Sedalia.”
Season subscriptions go on sale September 9. Beginning on February 3, 2020, single tickets will go on sale to the general public. Senior, student, public service and child discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Evening performances are at 7:30 p.m., and matinees are at 2:00 p.m. For ticket information, visit www.lyceumtheatre.org, call our box office at (660) 837-3311 x1, or visit us at 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO. In Marshall, pick up tickets at our satellite ticketing location at Wood & Huston Bank’s main branch.
The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is a professional theatre located in the village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th-century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for six decades, producing a variety of musicals, dramas and comedies. Each year, this 416-seat theatre attracts professional talent from across the country to produce an eight show season (June-December). Performers, designers, directors and technical staff reside in Arrow Rock during the season as they work to bring Broadway-caliber productions to mid-Missouri audiences. The Lyceum receives much needed support from the Missouri Arts Council and many other individuals and organizations throughout the region.
The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
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