Behind the Curtain: Demystifying Season Selection

One of the biggest questions we hear at LCT is, "How do you choose the shows for each season?" While it might seem like a mysterious process, it’s actually grounded in practicality more than you might think. Selecting a season isn’t just about choosing scripts we love or that the audience wants—it’s a strategic process that balances community interest, artistic vision, practical resources, and the logistics of licensing. We thought we’d take a moment to pull back the curtain on our recent season selections and offer insight into the considerations that shaped our decisions.

Starting the Season with a Classic: Oliver!

We launched our 2024-2025 season with Oliver!—a title as beloved as it is timeless. Similar to past crowd-pleasers like Fiddler on the Roof, Oliver! offered us an opportunity to engage audiences of all ages and welcome young actors into our cast. The involvement of children and the show's reputation as a classic musical made it a natural choice for our season opener, and we anticipated that it would bring a warm welcome back to theatre for many families and musical lovers.

A Holiday Gem Revisited: White Christmas

White Christmas has a special history with LCT—it was originally planned for a previous season but had to be canceled, and ever since, it has consistently topped our “most requested” holiday titles. Given its festive appeal and enduring popularity, we knew this season would be the perfect opportunity to bring it to life. The joy and nostalgia of White Christmas promise to make the holiday season at LCT truly magical.

Celebrating Southern Charm and Women’s Voices: Steel Magnolias

After a season marked by male-centric productions, we wanted to bring a powerful female-centered story to our stage. Steel Magnolias resonated as a choice that’s both heartfelt and relatable. It also holds a personal significance for our director, Alex, who grew up in the South and was drawn to the play’s portrayal of southern culture. This production will celebrate women’s stories, friendships, and resilience—an emotional and dynamic addition to the season.

A Special Opportunity: Waitress

Our spring musical slot was originally intended for another title, but sometimes, opportunities arise that are just too good to pass up. When we were presented with the chance to produce Waitress—a contemporary, powerful story about love, resilience, and self-discovery—while the tour is on hiatus, we seized the moment. It’s a testament to the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of theatre that sometimes, the best opportunities come when we least expect them!

Embracing the Offbeat and Timely in the Blackbox Series

For our Blackbox season, we wanted a mix of quirky, seasonal, and locally inspired titles:

• Deer Camp – Set for hunting season, Deer Camp is an unconventional holiday choice that brings a laugh-out-loud, rustic twist to the winter festivities.
• Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man – Slated for Valentine’s Day, this comedy promises a “girls’ night out” experience filled with humor and plenty of laughs, a playful and light-hearted addition to our season.
• Adventures Await – We’re thrilled to elevate a homegrown story from our staged reading series to a full production. Written by local playwright Jonathan Lamb, this production lets us celebrate our community’s talent and bring a truly unique voice to our audience.

Thoughtful Staged Readings for the Community

Our staged readings reflect current conversations, future planning, and an eagerness to explore a variety of themes and voices:

• Church and State – Timed to the election year, Church and State offers a thought-provoking look at politics, beliefs, and society, sparking timely discussions for our community.
• August: Osage County – As a tester for a potential full production, this reading will help us gauge interest in this powerful, emotionally charged family drama.
• Arcadia – A personal favorite of director William Garcia, Arcadia allows us to experiment with new material and bring a beloved yet lesser-known piece to the stage.

The Balancing Act of Season Planning

Every show we select reflects an intricate balance of audience appeal, budget, cast needs, and practical considerations like securing performance rights and managing production costs. We aim to provide a blend of beloved classics, fresh voices, and local stories that keep our community engaged and inspired.

And while we love sharing our lineup with everyone, sometimes we have to hold back on announcements until the rights are fully secured. Licensing agreements often restrict how and when we can publicly reveal our choices, so if we’re ever a little mysterious about what’s coming, it’s simply because we’re bound by these agreements.

Our ultimate goal is to bring you meaningful, memorable theatre that resonates with La Crosse, and we look forward to sharing each of these stories with you. Thank you for joining us on this journey, and here’s to a fantastic season ahead at LCT!