The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Season packages for the Lutcher Theater’s 2013-14 “Red Hot” Season are on sale now at http://www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Box Office at 409-886-5535.

Over the past twenty-five years Managing Director Jim Clark has booked the Lutcher Performing arts series, he’s often heard requests for more matinee shows.

This week when Lutcher patrons receive the Lutcher Season brochures, they’ll notice an abundance of matinees, included in eight weekend shows.

Jefferson County, Calcasieu Parish, and Orange County each make up about one-third of the Lutcher audience.

With a total of fifteen national touring events on the season there is plenty of performing arts entertainment for area theater-goers to experience.

For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact the Lutcher Box Office.

The season promises something for everyone, opening September 26, 2013 with iconic soul and R&B artist, Aaron Neville and continuing through April 17, 2014 with a total of fifteen incredible events slated for Lutcher patrons to enjoy:

Aaron Neville – September 26, 7:30 PM

Iconic soul and R&B artist, Aaron Neville has spent five decades capturing New Orleans’ spirit of undying hope in music. Reflected in his recently released album My True Story, Neville revisits the music he grew up with, adding a few new spins along the way; classic doo-wop numbers, performed in his utterly inimitable vocal style. Enjoy classics such as “Tears on My Pillow,” “Work with Me, Annie,” “Money Honey,” “Under the Boardwalk,” and “This Magic Moment.”

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – October 22 & 23, 7:30 & 6:30 PM

Experience Disney magic live on stage at the Lutcher! Featuring the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score, Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Beyond Glory – November 5, 7:30 PM

Hear the voices of eight veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, rendering first hand accounts of valor, which resulted in the nation’s highest military award, the Medal of Honor. Stephen Lang, award winning playwright, stage and screen star, (AVATAR’s Col. Quaritch) brings these men to life in a one-man show that reaches into your very soul.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – November 16, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

The record-setting Broadway holiday sensation, which features the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” from the original animated special, makes its Lutcher debut. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos.

Memphis – November 22 & 23, 7:30, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

TURN UP THAT DIAL... From the underground dance clubs of 1950s comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, MEMPHIS is about a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.

Christmas with Shoji Tabuchi – December 14, 7:30 PM

Celebrate a new holiday tradition with the Lutcher as Shoji Tabuchi and friends return to Orange! For two decades, Shoji Tabuchi has presented the hottest must-see show in Branson, Missouri and he returns to the Lutcher again holding the record for the most sold-out Lutcher performances. Experience the joy and music of the season along with Shoji favorites, including Broadway, movies, classical, country, pop, rock and western music.

American Idiot - December 16, 7:30 PM

The New York Times calls AMERICAN IDIOT “thrilling and emotionally charged, as moving as anything on Broadway!” Based on Green Day’s groundbreaking rock opera of the same name, this daring new musical tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia, and features the smash hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Holiday” and “21 Guns.” (AMERICAN IDIOT contains adult content and strong language.)

Four Stand-Up Dads – January 3, 7:30 PM

Forget your troubles for a while and laugh at life. The “Four Stand-Up Dads” are so funny they bring tears. Comedians Dan St. Paul, Tim Bedore, Kelly McDonald and Milt Abel turn their wit and nutty observations about family life into a show that keeps the audience laughing almost from beginning to end. Each comic takes about 25 minutes to perform a routine infused with good-spirited humor along with a little tenderness about parents, wives and cherished but maddening children.

The Ten Tenors on Broadway – January 30, 7:30 PM

Bringing rock and classical music together, and having created a sound that is uniquely theirs, Australia’s “Rock Stars of the Opera” return offering a special treat for Broadway fans consisting of a wonderful collection of Broadway’s greatest hits. Expect the contrast of raw vocal power and soothing beauty in this special evening of the best of Broadway presented by Australia’s hottest tenors

Million Dollar Quartet – February 14, 15, 7:30, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony® award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session where Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” brought together icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for one unforgettable night. Savor timeless hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “That’s All Right,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog” and more.

The Miracle Worker – March 7, 7:30 PM

Produced by Montana Repertory Theatre, The Miracle Workertells the story of Helen Keller, deaf and blind since infancy, who finds her way into the world of knowledge and understanding with the help of Anne Sullivan, her gifted tutor. In some of the most turbulent and emotion-packed scenes ever presented on the stage, Helen overcomes rage and confusion to triumph over her physical disabilities.

Parsons Dance – March 14, 7:30 PM

Savor the sexy, athleticism, exuberant personality, and joyous movement of Parsons Dance, the internationally renowned contemporary dance company under the artistic direction of dancer/choreographer David Parsons. A company of 10 full-time dancers and maintaining a repertory of more than 80 works choreographed by David Parsons, Parsons Dance creates American works of extraordinary artistry that are both engaging and uplifting to audiences throughout the world. Lutcher audiences will once again enjoy the dazzling signature piece, “Caught.”

Hello Dolly starring Sally Struthers – March 26, 27, 7:30 PM

Winner of ten Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hello, Dolly! is one of the most enduring Broadway classics. Emmy-award winning Sally Struthers (All In the Family, Gilmore Girls) stars as the strong-willed matchmaker Dolly, as she travels to Yonkers, NY to find a match for the ornery “well-known unmarried half-a-millionaire” Horace Vandergelder. Featuring an irresistible story and an unforgettable score including the title song, “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “It Only Takes A Moment,” and the show-stopping “Before the Parade Passes By,” Hello, Dolly! has been charming audiences around the world for nearly 50 years

West Side Story – April 11, 12, 7:30, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it’s back and mesmerizing audiences once again. From the first note to the final breath, West Side Story soars as the greatest love story of all time. This revival, based on Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest and features such classics of the American musical theatre as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”

Jeanne Robertson – April 17, 7:30 PM

Heard daily on Sirius/XM Radio’s Family Comedy Channel, and recipient of every top honor in the speaking profession, in her positively hilarious style, 6’2” humorist, Jeanne Robertson, captivates audiences with her stories of friends, family and life with her husband, “Left Brain,” as she delivers comedy with class that will have you rolling in the aisles.

The Lutcher Theater offers various packages for season subscriptions including two Premiere Package options offering ten to fifteen shows. For four or more shows, the Spotlight Saver Package is also available allowing patrons the opportunity to create their own combination package. This package ranges in price from only $70 to $260 per person, depending on seat location and show selection. The Lutcher is also offering a Broadway Package of four to seven shows for the 2013-14 Season as six of this year’s shows are National Broadway tours and are slated for multiple performances, with four of them scheduled for matinees.

There are many benefits to buying a season subscription. With a season package, entertainment plans are set for the season; subscribers are the first to learn about upcoming shows, and having great seats show after show is definitely a perk. Premiere Package subscribers (10-15 shows) get the best seats in the A section - center orchestra. They also receive ticket exchange privileges. Spotlight Packages (4-9 shows) give subscribers discounted seats in the side orchestra and balcony. Shows with multiple performances allow premiere seating for Broadway Package subscribers. (4-7 shows)

Finally, a season package allows patrons an advantage to obtain tickets before single tickets go on sale in August. (Online – August 22, 2013 and at the box office and on the phone, Aug. 23, 2013)

For more information about the Lutcher’s 2013-14 “Red Hot” Series, visit http://www.lutcher.org or call 409-886-5535. The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts is located at 707 Main, Orange, TX, 77630.