Special to The Leader

The Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts will present 13 incredible shows for the 2017-18 Performing Arts Season and season ticket packages of 4 or more shows are available now.

As a previous Spotlight Package holder now is your chance to purchase your 2017-18 Package.

Individual tickets will go on sale August 11, 2017.

This season the Lutcher will host thirteen diverse and inspirational shows offering every audience member unforgettable experiences. Cinderella and Chicago the Musical are scheduled for two performances each, with evening performances on Friday and matinee performances on Saturday. All other shows are only offered once this season, so tickets will go fast.

MOMIX OPUS CACTUS – TUE., SEP. 12, 2017, 7:30PM

MOMIX OPUS CACTUS is a visual and sensory dance journey through the natural wonders of the American Southwestern desert. From cacti to gila monsters, the combination of pure physicality mixed with artistic beauty has made Opus Cactus an audience favorite. Lutcher audience members might remember Momix’s stunningly beautiful Botanica in 2010. In the theme of the Stark Museum of Art “Branding the American West” exhibition, enjoy Moses Pendleton’s beautiful dance images of the American West.

SYMPHONY AT SHANGRI LA – SUN., OCT. 22, 2017, 5:00PM

THE SYMPHONY AT SHANGRI LA – Directed by Maestro, Chelsea Tipton, returns to Shangri La Gardens at the peak of Scarecrow Festival once again to indulge patrons with a festive evening of seasonal nature and magnificent music. NEW THIS YEAR, the program will feature a vocalist, Soprano soloist, Abigail Dueppen.

(Reserved lawn chairs are available for our season subscribers.)

RENT – 20th ANNIVERSARY TOUR – TUE., OCT. 24, 2017, 7:30PM

RENT – In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.

This show features mature themes, language and situations.

A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS – THUR., Nov. 16, 2017, 7:00PM

A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS – Lightwire Theater returns with the story of a young bird named Max and his family heading south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course during a snowstorm, he ends up lost and alone at the North Pole. As he tries to make his way home, his adventure begins, encountering Nutcracker soldiers, caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, mischievous mice and an evil Rat King. Brighten your holidays with this captivating and magical glow-in- the-dark tale of adventure, friendship and love!

THE TEXAS TENORS – SAT., DEC. 16, 2017, 7:30PM

THE TEXAS TENORS, the number one vocal group in the history of America’s Got Talent bring Christmas cheer in a fun-filled show Deep in the Heart of Christmas that is guaranteed to fill your heart with the holiday spirit! From “Unchained Melody” to “O Holy Night,” The Texas Tenors bring a unique blend of country, classical and holiday favorites to the Lutcher stage. The whole family will enjoy this fun-filled evening featuring breath-taking vocals, humor and irresistible charm.

KINKY BOOTS – TUE., JAN. 2, 2018, 7:30PM

KINKY BOOTS – KINKY BOOTS is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit! With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.

Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

This show features mature themes, language and situations.

CINDERELLA – FRI., JAN. 19, 2018, 7:30PM & SAT., JAN 20, 2018, 2:00PM

CINDERELLA – Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/ It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream… or a really great pair of shoes.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN – THU., JAN. 25, 2018, 7:30PM

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN – Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock. Now everyone is invited to share an evening with the woman and her musical influences in the hit musical A Night With Janis Joplin.

Fueled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby” and “Summertime,” this sensational show is a musical journey celebrating Joplin and her biggest musical influences, icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock & roll’s greatest legends.

This show features mature themes, language and situations.

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER – FRI., FEB. 9, 2018, 7:30PM

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER is the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by – your guessed it – eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea.

ON GOLDEN POND – FRI., MAR. 9, 2018, 7:30PM

Montana Rep returns! Something deep and profound resonates through the events that unfold in this American masterpiece brilliantly penned by Ernest Thompson. ON GOLDEN POND is a beguilingly simple tale of a single family and how they pull apart and then find each other has been touching audiences for decades and generations. This play has endured because it deals with a family in crisis in a humane, poetic, and often very funny way.

This show features mature themes, language and situations.

AMAZING GRACE – WED., MAR. 21, 2018, 7:30PM

AMAZING GRACE is a new original musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world’s most beloved song. A captivating tale of romance, rebellion, and redemption, this radiant production follows one man whose incredible journey ignited a historic wave of change.

RAIN – A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES – THUR., APR. 5, 2018, 7:30PM

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band! For the first time ever, RAIN will bring the historic album to like in its entirety for this psychedelic multimedia spectacular! This mind-blowing performance takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-not theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing the Beatles. Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and come celebrate 50 years of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

CHICAGO THE MUSICAL – FRI., APR. 20, 2018, 7:30PM & SAT., APR. 21, 2018, 2:00PM

CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. It’s no surprise that CHICAGO has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. And now it’s coming to your town!

This show features mature themes, language and situations.

Two of these shows will be offered twice with an evening showing on Friday and a matinee showing on Saturday. Eleven of the performances are only offered once which means tickets will go fast, so please call the Lutcher to reserve seats TODAY!

For more information about the 2017-18 Lutcher Season, visit LUTCHER.ORG, contact the Lutcher Theater Box Office at boxoffice@lutcher.org or call the Lutcher Theater Box Office at 409-886-5535.

Lutcher Theater is located at 707 Main in Orange, Texas, and is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit, Lutcher.org.