Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre announces casting for season opener: Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Arrow Rock, MO, July 20, 2021 –

The Arrow Rock Lyceum theatre will reopen its doors with the Lyceum premiere of the beloved Disney classic, The Little Mermaid, August 11 and playing through August 22.

Based on the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a charming love story for the ages. This fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” 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.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid is directed and choreographed by Sam Hay. At The Lyceum, Mr. Hay has directed and/or choreographed All Shook Up, Footloose, A Year With Frog and Toad, Seussical, Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, and Oklahoma. He has also choreographed for the Geva Theatre Center, Phoenix Theatre, Little Theatre on the Square, Webster Conservatory, and Temple University. Currently, Sam is serving as Show Supervisor for the Step One Dance Company’s productions of Musicology. Brett Kristofferson serves as Musical Director and will also conduct the Lyceum orchestra. Mr. Kristofferson has worked as an artist/educator for nearly two decades, both in New York City and Missouri. Currently he is musical director, adjunct faculty, and guest instructor at Lindenwood University and University of Missouri Columbia.

Meadow Nguy will play the titular mermaid, Ariel. Ms. Nguy’s credits include Cinderella in the Off-Broadway production of Interstellar Cinderella at NYCCT, Annie at Alabama Shakespeare Festival; Joe Schmoe Saves The World at Indiana Festival of Theatre, West Side Story and Hairspray at Cardinal Stage Theatre Company, Spring Awakening and Spellbound: A Musical Fable at Stray Dog Theatre Company.  Film/TV include The Blacklist, The Artist’s’ Wife, The Honeypot, Law and Order SVU, Madam Secretary, and Hunters. Lukas James Miller plays Prince Eric. Credits include Prince Topher in the National Tour of Cinderella, Girlfriend at Signature Theatre, The Little Mermaid at Charleston Stage, Freaky Friday and Mamma Mia at Virginia Musical Theatre, and 1776 at Cortland Repertory Theatre. Longtime Lyceum favorite, Timothy Shew returns to play Ariel’s father, King Triton. 40 years ago, Mr. Shew began his professional career at The Lyceum. Since then he has appeared in 11 Broadway productions including Les Miserables as Jean Valjean, Guys and Dolls with Nathan Lane, EVITA with Ricky Martin, The Visit with Chita Rivera, and many more. He also spent seven years playing Santa at Radio City Music Hall. Most recently he appeared in the Broadway National tour of HELLO DOLLY. Yvette Monique Clark returns to The Lyceum to play the evil sea witch, Ursula. Previous Lyceum credits include Hairspray (Motormouth Maybelle), To Kill A Mockingbird (Calpurnia), and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Apollo Singer). Ms. Clark recently produced her own series of virtual cabarets entitled “Diva of the ‘Demic”. Her credits include Gun and Powder at Signature Theatre, the international tour of Ain’t Misbehavin’, Smokey Joe’s Café at Gateway Playhouse, The Wiz and UniSon at Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

Playing Sebastian, King Triton’s trusted advisor and Ariel’s crustacean caretaker, is Lyceum newcomer Cornelius Davis. Credits include the National Tour of Disney’s Aladdin, Flat Rock Playhouse’s Once On This Island , The Rev Theatre Co.’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Arkansas Rep’s Sister Act, and Maltz Jupiter Theatre’s Les Miserables. Returning after playing Polly in the Lyceum’s 2018 production of Crazy for You is Andrea Dotto as the confused seagull, Scuttle. Ms. Dotto made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning musical Bandstand, where she earned a Chita Rivera Award Nomination for Best Female Dancer in a Broadway Show. Dotto has performed all over the country, including Lincoln Center and Radio City Music Hall. Playing Ariel’s best friend, Flounder, is Rebecca Russell, a recent Webster Conservatory graduate. Her credits at Webster include  Dinah in The Philadelphia Story, Armanda in The Glorious Ones, and Maggie in Brigadoon. Playing Grimsby, Prince Eric’s caretaker is Lyceum favorite, Alan Knoll. Previous Lyceum roles include Sebastian in Dracula, Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey, Mr Van Daan in The Diary of Anne Frank, Paul in You Alabama Story at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, To Kill a Mockingbird at Repertory Theatre of St Louis, and An Act of God at New Jewish Theatre. From the National Tour of Something Rotten, Mark Saunders plays Chef Louis. Lyceum veterans Justin Campbell and Diego Alejandro Gonzales play Ursula’s wicked eels, Flotsam and Jetsam. The cast also includes Emily Applebaum, Nick Monaldo, Christine Wanda, Robert Head, Sammy Tuchman, Ilana Gabriella, Joseph Oliveri, Louisa Mauzé, Darius Aushay, and Danielle Gonzalez Quevedo.

Stephen Gifford is the Scenic Designer, returning to the Lyceum after designing Greater Tuna 20 years ago. His designs have been seen from the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle to the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia, and he is currently designing two shows that will premier this October in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Costumes will be designed by Lyceum Resident Costume Designer, Garth Dunbar. Mr. Dunbar has designed many Lyceum productions for almost 20 years, including Cinderella, Into the Woods, Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, and many more.

Longtime Resident Lighting Designer Randy B. Winder is the lighting designer having designed over 120 productions including Les Miserables, Cats, A Christmas Carol, and many more. Sound Design is by Jon Robertson whose Lyceum designs have included All Shook Up, The 39 Steps, and A Christmas Carol. Production Stage Manager Is Tony Dearing, now in his 27th season at the Lyceum. Ivan Dario Cano is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Single Tickets for Disney’s The Little Mermaid are priced at $45.00 for adults. Senior, student and children discounts are available. Special Group Rates are available as well. Performances are August 11 – August 22, 2021, Evening performances are at 7:30pm and matinees are at 2pm. For tickets: www.lyceumtheatre.org or (660) 837-3311 x1.

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3), professional theatre located in the unique village of Arrow Rock, Missouri, a 19th century National Historic Landmark. The Lyceum has been entertaining audiences in the heart of Missouri for 60 years 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. Actors, designers, stage managers, directors, and technicians take residence in Arrow Rock to bring its patrons Broadway caliber productions throughout the summer. 

The Lyceum Theatre is affiliated with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union for Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

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Arrow Rock, MO, November 2, 2020 –

The Arrow Rock Lyceum theatre will offer its beloved holiday version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, originally adapted for the stage by Lyceum Producing Artistic Director Quin Gresham in 2014, this holiday season – but with a twist.

       Gresham has created an innovative new adaptation this fall in order to present the classic in an entirely unexpected medium – digitally streaming, online. There will be two performances, December 22 and 23 at 7pm.

The show, which will be something between live theatre and a radio drama, will feature the names and faces The Lyceum audience knows and loves. “Our audience expects a lot from this annual tradition,” said Gresham. “Ryan Zirngibl, our resident technical director and scenic designer, and I have cooked up a fun and unique form of storytelling—it will be visual, it will be musical, and, happily, it won’t involve anyone logging into Zoom! I’m delighted by our sizable cast, made of Lyceum favorites from season past, present, and future.” More information on the production cast will be released at a later date.

       This production is a benefit fundraiser for the theatre, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which relies on the generous support of businesses and individuals to further its mission to develop, enrich, and engage its audience through professional theatre. The theatre will take digital reservations through the Eventbrite platform (visit www.lyceumtheatre.org for a link to the site and additional information) with a suggested minimum donation of $10 and up. A link directing audience members to the performance will be emailed to anyone who made a reservation on the day of the show.

       Donors will have the option to enhance their virtual experience of the show by adding the purchase of three scented Fiddlehead Candles to their reservation, at $25/order (which includes shipping). These scents will correspond with particular scenes during the show and will evoke another level of holiday spirit. And of course, they may be enjoyed even after the event concludes. In order to receive the candles on time, The Lyceum suggests guests should make their purchase no later than December 5; the theatre will need to contact patrons to confirm mailing information and the candles will be shipped directly from New York.

We have made the difficult decision to cancel our 2020 production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

We are exploring new and safe ways that we might deliver this timeless story of Christmas to our Lyceum supporters – please be sure to follow our social media accounts if you don’t already, or request to join our email mailing list, for updates.

If you have a reservation for this show and are able, please consider donating your purchase back to The Lyceum. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre, we depend on the generosity of businesses and individuals to survive, and this year is an unprecedented challenge for our industry and for us in particular. If you are unable to donate your tickets and do not wish to talk to us about other arrangements, your tickets will be automatically moved to our 2021 season.

Please note, the linked form applies to our production of A Christmas Carol only. Please complete this form even if you filled out one or more of our previous postponement forms this season.

As always, thank you for your time and for your generosity. We truly would not be here today without your support.

We are heartbroken to report that legendary Missouri newspaperman and Lyceum hero Hank Waters passed away August 20, 2020 at the age of 90. Today we honor Mr. Waters, without whom there would be no Lyceum history.

Hank’s importance to The Lyceum cannot be overstated. Not only had he served on The Lyceum’s board of directors continuously since the 1960s, it is an indisputable fact that The Lyceum would not exist today without his steadfast refusal to let her fail and his enthusiasm for all of the ways in which she might flourish and expand. We send our love and condolences to Hank’s wife, Vicki, and his family.

Both the Columbia Missourian and Columbia Daily Tribune have published obituaries in honor of Mr. Waters. Here are links to each:
The Columbia Daily Tribune
The Columbia Missourian

On behalf of The Lyceum’s board of directors and staff:

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the postponement of the remainder of our summer/fall programming: Murder on the Orient Express, Our Town, Charley’s Aunt, and Heartbreak Hotel.

We have also postponed our trips to London and New York to the spring, as well as our special presentations of Count Basie Orchestra and Don Schlitz. Our Murder Mystery Weekend is postponed to October 2021.

In a statement from the Saline County Health Department, Administrator Tara Brewer said:
“Our hearts are broken that The Lyceum is postponing the remainder of its season through November, but in this uncertain time this is best for their actors, employees and patrons. Saline County Health Department supports The Lyceum in this difficult decision, and agree that opening the doors at this time may be an unnecessary risk.”

We will continue to evaluate the practicality of A Christmas Carol in the coming months.

Through a careful examination of the economic ramifications and potential public health impact of continuing our season in August, and after hearing from you, we have made the difficult decision that it is in the best interest of all of us to wait until next year to celebrate our 60th Season. We firmly believe this was the only decision that will allow us to reopen ready and strong in 2021 – and get back to filling your summers with Lyceum magic!

For those of you who have tickets to the remaining shows, we ask you to fill out our ticketing form (see button above for the link – it is important to complete this form even if you had tickets to the first three shows and previously completed that ticketing form) to let us know how you’d prefer for us to handle your ticket purchase for these shows. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to take care of you.

If you can, please consider turning your ticket(s) into a tax-deductible donation. If you convert your ticket to a donation, it will double in value for us thanks to a special challenge grant of $100,000 has been made possible by: Stan & Kay Kuecker with a lead gift, Hank Waters & Vicki Russell, Orscheln Farm & Home, John Landrum, Rita Burnstad, Dave & Nancy Griggs, and Rich & Debbie Lawson.

You can also transfer your ticket(s) to corresponding date(s) in 2021 (see chart below for reference).

Finally, we miss seeing you, Lyceum Family. We will weather this storm together and celebrate our reopening with renewed enthusiasm and joy next year! Stay safe, stay healthy and we will see you again soon. Please note our box office is currently closed to in person visits and operating by phone during limited business hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.); we will be reaching out to ticketholders for these productions as needed.

POSTPONEMENT DATE CHART:

Murder on the Orient Express:
Friday, 08/07/20 – 7:30 pm: Friday, 08/06/21 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 08/08/20 – 2:00 pm: Saturday, 08/07/21 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 08/08/20 – 7:30 pm: Saturday, 8/07/21 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 08/09/20 – 2:00 pm: Sunday, 08/08/21 – 2:00 pm
Tuesday, 08/11/20 – 2:00 pm: Tuesday, 08/10/21 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, 08/12/20 – 2:00 pm: Wednesday, 08/11/21 – 2:00 pm
Thursday, 08/13/20 – 2:00 pm: Thursday, 08/12/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 08/14/20 – 2:00 pm: Friday, 08/13/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 08/14/20 – 7:30 pm: Friday, 08/13/21 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 08/15/20 – 2:00 pm: Saturday, 08/14/21 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 08/15/20 – 7:30 pm: Saturday, 08/14/21 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 08/16/20 – 2:00 pm: Sunday, 08/15/21 – 2:00 pm

Our Town:
Wednesday, 08/26/20 – 2:00 pm: Wednesday, 08/25/21 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, 08/26/20 – 7:30 pm: Wednesday, 08/25/21 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, 08/27/20 – 2:00 pm: Thursday, 08/26/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 08/28/20 – 2:00 pm: Friday, 08/27/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 08/28/20 – 7:30 pm: Friday, 08/27/21 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 08/29/20 – 2:00 pm: Saturday, 08/28/21 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 08/29/20 – 7:30 pm: Saturday, 08/28/21 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 08/30/20 – 2:00 pm: Sunday, 08/29/21 – 2:00 pm

Charley’s Aunt:
Wednesday, 09/09/20 – 2:00 pm: Wednesday, 09/08/21 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, 09/09/20 – 7:30 pm: Wednesday, 09/08/21 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, 09/10/20 – 2:00 pm: Thursday, 09/09/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 09/11/20 – 2:00 pm: Friday, 09/10/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 09/11/20 – 7:30 pm: Friday, 09/10/21 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 09/12/20 – 2:00 pm: Saturday, 09/11/21 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 09/12/20 – 7:30 pm: Saturday, 09/11/21 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 09/13/20 – 2:00 pm: Sunday, 09/12/21 – 2:00 pm

Heartbreak Hotel:
Wednesday, 09/23/20 – 7:30 pm: Wednesday, 09/22/21 – 7:30 pm
Thursday, 09/24/20 – 2:00 pm: Thursday, 09/23/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 09/25/20 – 2:00 pm: Friday, 09/24/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 09/25/20 – 7:30 pm: Friday, 09/24/21 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 09/26/20 – 2:00 pm: Saturday, 09/25/21 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 09/26/20 – 7:30 pm: Saturday, 09/25/21 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 09/27/20 – 2:00 pm: Sunday, 09/26/21 – 2:00 pm
Tuesday, 09/29/20 – 2:00 pm: Tuesday, 09/28/21 – 2:00 pm
Wednesday, 09/30/20 – 2:00 pm: Wednesday, 09/29/21 – 2:00 pm
Thursday, 10/01/20 – 2:00 pm: Thursday, 09/30/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 10/02/20 – 2:00 pm: Friday, 10/01/21 – 2:00 pm
Friday, 10/02/20 – 7:30 pm: Friday, 10/01/21 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, 10/03/20 – 2:00 pm: Saturday, 10/02/21 – 2:00 pm
Saturday, 10/03/20 – 7:30 pm: Saturday, 10/02/21 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, 10/04/20 – 2:00 pm: Sunday, 10/03/21 – 2:00 pm

Lyceum Family:

We need to hear from you!

Reopening the theatre is an important and complex decision in which we must consider current state and local health guidelines, theatre-specific regulations, and of course the insights provided by you, our audience.

This anonymous survey is short (you should be able to complete the 9 questions in under five minutes) but will help us figure out the logistics of reopening in the best manner possible. We look forward to your response!

To our loyal friends and patrons,

In the interest of protecting our artists, administrative staff, patrons and community members, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the first three productions of our season (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Singin’ in the Rain, and Sister Act).

This means the 2020 season is now slated to begin in early August with our production of Murder on the Orient Express.

This is not the way we expected to begin our 60th anniversary season, but the good news is that we were able to secure the rights to produce these musicals in our 2021 season instead. If you have tickets for any or all of these shows, you have options, some of which are mentioned below.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generous support of businesses and individuals to meet our funding needs even during a normal season. The loss of three shows this season puts us in a challenging situation, as you might imagine. If you are able, please consider converting any tickets you may have purchased to the above shows into a tax-deductible donation, or making an additional donation to the theatre. This will help ensure we can keep our doors open and our beloved theatre staffed through this difficult season.

We are thrilled to be able to tell you that if you convert your ticket to a donation, your gift will double in value for us, thanks to a special challenge grant of $100,000. This has been made possible by: Stan & Kay Kuecker with a lead gift, Hank Waters & Vicki Russell, Orscheln Farm & Home, John Landrum, Rita Burnstad, Dave & Nancy Griggs, and Rich & Debbie Lawson.

Converting your purchase to a donation, if you are able, is truly the best way to help The Lyceum survive this crisis.

If you have seats reserved for one or all of the above musicals, whether through a subscription package or a single ticket purchase, your reservations can automatically transfer to the 2021 season (see below for a chart with corresponding dates). If you would like to keep your ticket but think you may want to switch to another show time, we will make an exchange period available early in January 2021, before tickets go on sale to the general public again (a benefit normally reserved exclusively for our season subscribers).

Please do not try to contact our box office at this time, as our staff members are all working remotely. You can help us most by filling out our ticketing form (click link below) so you can tell us how you’d like for us to handle your purchase. Please respond, if you can, no later than June 3.

For more complicated questions, we will contact you directly to make sure we take care of you on an individual basis.

We appreciate your patience during this time as we are operating with a skeleton crew and have a lot of loyal patrons to contact! You can best help us by completing the form below, if you have reservations to one or more of these shows. We appreciate your patience as we work hard to reach out to individuals, as needed, during the coming weeks.

Sincerely,

Quin Gresham, Producing Artistic Director
Steve Bertani, Managing Director

SCHEDULE OF CORRESPONDING DATES FOR SHOWS MOVING TO 2021:

The Little Mermaid
Wednesday 6/3/2020 at 2:00 PM: Wednesday 6/2/2021 at 2:00 PM
Wednesday 6/3/2020 at 7:30 PM: Wednesday 6/2/2021 at 7:30 PM
Thursday 6/4/2020 at 2:00 PM: Thursday 6/3/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 6/5/2020 at 2:00 PM: Friday 6/4/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 6/5/2020 at 7:30 PM: Friday 6/4/2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday 6/6/2020 at 2:00 PM: Saturday 6/5/2021 at 2:00 PM
Saturday 6/6/2020 at 7:30 PM: Saturday 6/5/2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday 6/7/2020 at 2:00 PM: Sunday 6/6/2021 at 2:00 PM
Tuesday 6/9/2020 at 2:00 PM: Tuesday 6/8/2021 at 2:00 PM
Wednesday 6/10/2020 at 2:00 PM: Wednesday 6/9/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 6/12/2020 at 2:00 PM: Friday 6/11/2021at 2:00 PM
Friday 6/12/2020 at 7:30 PM: Friday 6/11/2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday 6/13/2020 at 2:00 PM: Saturday 6/12/2021 at 2:00 PM
Saturday 6/13/2020 at 7:30 PM: Saturday 6/12/2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday 6/14/2020 at 2:00 PM: Sunday 6/13/2021 at 2:00 PM

Singin’ In The Rain
Thursday 6/25/2020 at 2:00 PM: Thursday 6/24/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 6/26/2020 at 2:00 PM: Friday 6/25/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 6/26/2020 at 7:30 PM: Friday 6/25/2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday 6/27/2020 at 2:00 PM: Saturday 6/26/2021 at 2:00 PM
Saturday 6/27/2020 7:30 PM: Saturday 6/26/2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday 6/28/2020 at 2:00 PM: Sunday 6/27/2021 at 2:00 PM
Tuesday 6/30/2020 at 2:00 PM: Tuesday 6/29/2021 at 2:00 PM
Wednesday 7/1/2020 at 2:00 PM: Wednesday 6/30/2021 at 2:00 PM
Thursday 7/2/2020 at 2:00 PM: Thursday 7/1/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 7/3/2020 at 2:00 PM: Friday 7/2/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 7/3/2020 at 7:30 PM: Friday 7/2/2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday 7/4/2020 at 2:00 PM: Saturday 7/3/2021 at 2:00 PM
Sunday 7/5/2020 at 2:00 PM: Sunday 7/4/2021 at 2:00 PM

Sister Act
Thursday 7/16/2020 at 2:00 PM: Thursday 7/15/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 7/17/2020 at 2:00 PM: Friday 7/16/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 7/17/2020 at 7:30 PM: Friday 7/16/2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday 7/18/2020 at 2:00 PM: Saturday 7/17/2021 at 2:00 PM
Saturday 7/18/2020 7:30 PM: Saturday 7/17/2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday 7/19/2020 at 2:00 PM: Sunday 7/18/2021 at 2:00 PM
Tuesday 7/21/2020 at 2:00 PM: Tuesday 7/20/2021at 2:00 PM
Wednesday 7/22/2020 at 2:00 PM: Wednesday 7/21/2021 at 2:00 PM
Thursday 7/23/2020 at 2:00 PM: Thursday 7/22/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 7/24/2020 at 2:00 PM: Friday 7/23/2021 at 2:00 PM
Friday 7/24/2020 at 7:30 PM: Friday 7/23/2021 at 7:30 PM
Saturday 7/25/2020 at 2:00 PM: Saturday 7/24/2021 at 2:00 PM
Saturday 7/25/2020 at 7:30 PM: Saturday 7/24/2021 at 7:30 PM
Sunday 7/26/2020 at 2:00 PM: Sunday 7/25/2021at 2:00 PM

In light of the Governor’s stay-at-home order, the Lyceum Theatre and its box office will be closed through May 3.

We will be checking messages remotely, and will return calls and emails as soon as possible.

The Lyceum is closed to public visitors for the time being and our administrative staff are working remotely. Our box office remains open for calls only at 660-837-3311 x1 – please do not try to visit us in person.

Continue to check our website, social media accounts and email updates (you can sign up for these at the bottom of this page if you don’t already receive our emails) for announcements.

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 19^th-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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