5 Reasons You Should See a Springfield Little Theatre Show

1. It’s a Party All Year Long!

SLT is celebrating nine fulfilling decades in showbiz this year. “I’m proud of where we started, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come,” says Executive Director Beth Domann. “I’m proud of and so grateful to the volunteers, the staff and the community that has supported it all these years.”

Join SLT in celebrating this milestone and kicking off the new season at its 90th Season Celebration Gala performance of The Wizard of Oz on September 14. The evening begins with a pre-show party at SLT’s education facility, The Judy, and concludes with a post-show reception.

2. The Wizard of Oz and More on The Landers Theatre’s Stage This Season

SLT’s season lineup offers a perfect mix of beloved classics and contemporary favorites that will captivate, inspire and enchant audiences of all ages. Here is the SLT 2024-2025 season lineup:

The Wizard of Oz
September 13–29

Featuring all the beloved songs and memorable moments from the 1939 classic film, The Wizard of Oz brings to life a magical tale of wonder, friendship, courage and the quest for home at the historic Landers Theatre.

Murder on the Orient Express
October 18–27

Murder on the Orient Express is a whodunit play adapted from Agatha Christie’s novel. Audiences join the world-renowned detective Hercule Poirot as he embarks on a luxurious journey aboard the Orient Express, only to find himself in the midst of a murder investigation.

A Christmas Carol
November 22–December 8

Celebrate the holiday season with A Christmas Carol, a heartwarming musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic. Audiences join Ebenezer Scrooge on his journey from miserly recluse to a beacon of holiday spirit.

Waitress
January 31–February 16

Delight in the heartfelt and empowering story of Waitress, a contemporary musical that combines the perfect recipe of love, resilience and delicious music. Audiences follow Jenna, a talented pie-maker trapped in an unfulfilling marriage, as she dreams of a better life and a fresh start.

Exit Laughing
March 14–23

Get ready for a night of giggles with Exit Laughing, a comedy that proves life is full of surprises at any age. When the members of a long-standing bridge club gather for their usual game, they are faced with an unexpected twist: the recent passing of one of their own.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
April 25–May 11

Dive into an underwater adventure with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, an enchanting musical that brings the animated classic to life on stage. Audiences follow Ariel, a curious and spirited mermaid, as she dreams of exploring the world above the waves and finding true love.

Oklahoma!
June 13–29

Experience the spirit of the American frontier with the classic Oklahoma! This musical, set in the early 1900s, tells the story of the rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, and the blossoming romance between Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a headstrong farm girl.

In addition to enjoying the productions on stage, be sure to follow SLT on Facebook to reminisce with photos of past shows and video interviews with volunteers, staff, students, patrons and supporters in the “90 Stories for 90 Years” social media series.

3. Catch a Show and Support Your Community

The outstanding performances on the historic Landers Theatre stage wouldn’t be possible without the community’s support. “Live theatre is fundamentally a collaborative and communal experience,” says Education Director Lorianne Dunn. “It thrives on the shared experience of a live performance. The sense of community and connection among audience members, as well as between the audience and performers, is a key aspect of what makes live theatre so special.”

When guests attend a show at SLT, they are supporting the community in several significant ways:

Economic impact: Guests contribute to the local economy by purchasing tickets, concessions and merchandise. This revenue helps sustain the theatre, supporting local jobs and services.

Cultural enrichment: Attending performances promotes cultural awareness and appreciation within the community. The theatre offers a diverse range of shows that educate, entertain and inspire, creating a richer cultural environment.

Community engagement: Theatre brings people together, creating a sense of community and belonging. Guests’ participation helps build a vibrant, cohesive community by providing a shared space for people to connect and enjoy the arts.

Support for local artists: By attending shows, guests directly support local actors, directors, designers and technicians. This helps local talent thrive and encourages the growth of the arts scene in the community.

Preservation of historic spaces: Many community theatres, like SLT, are housed in historic buildings. Attendance helps maintain and preserve these cultural landmarks for future generations.

Non-profit support: As a non-profit organization, the theatre relies on ticket sales and donations to continue its mission. Guests’ attendance is a crucial form of support that allows the theatre to offer more programs and reach wider audiences.

4. Experience the Timelessness of The Landers Theatre

While the SLT organization was founded in 1934, The Landers Theatre was built in 1909. Acquired by SLT in 1970, the historic Landers Theatre has been SLT’s home for 54 years.

The SLT staff and facilities committee have been working hard to renovate the theatre before the new season. Currently, the historic Landers Theatre is undergoing a complete HVAC replacement. The plasterwork on the proscenium arch and throughout the auditorium and lobby is being repaired. Walls are being repainted, and worn curtains and carpeting are being replaced. Additionally, the box office is being enlarged to include an accessible window.

5. SLT is a Place Where People Can Get Involved

Beyond seeing a show, there are dozens of volunteer and educational opportunities, including:

• SLT Education Series productions starting at age 8
• The Springfield Public Schools Academy of Fine and Performing Arts for fifth-grade students
• SLT Academy for eighth- to 12th-grade students
• UpstAGE Dance Team for adults
• Illumination Dance Company for sixth- to 12th-grade students
• Youth performance troupes for second- to 12th-graders

Visit springfieldlittletheatre.org/education to explore other educational opportunities at SLT, and visit springfieldlittletheatre.org/support/volunteer for more information on how to volunteer.

SLT is also launching The Gargoyle Sessions, a new Talkback Series for the mainstage season. This educational series allows community members to engage with the cast, crew and creative team behind the productions. For a $5 add-on to each ticket, attendees can stay after the show on the second Friday of each production run, receive a group photo and participate in an insightful and interactive discussion about the performance.

What people are saying: “SLT has been inspiring the community through plays for 90 seasons,” says Kelle Rathe, an SLT volunteer, life trouper and local business owner. “Our youth programs have long been lovingly termed ‘life troupe’ for the lifelong bonds they create. Graduates have earned their place in competitive performing arts college programs and entered professional careers from Hollywood to Broadway. SLT is uniquely poised to help nurture and identify career paths for performers and theater professionals as they pursue their trade across the globe. Others apply the social and communication skills acquired through SLT’s education programs for careers in medicine, teaching, business and more.”

There’s no place like The Landers!