It’s fitting that Springfield Little Theatre opens its emerald anniversary season with a trip to the Emerald City.
SLT’s 90th season is filled with hits, starting with the “Wizard of Oz” in September and wrapping up with “Oklahoma!” in June. Five shows are scheduled in between, including family-friendly productions of “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.”
That 90th season will play out inside the Historic Landers Theatre downtown. The “Crown Jewel of the Ozarks” is entering its 115th year and is currently undergoing plaster repairs throughout the auditorium and lobby areas. Here’s a rundown of what you can see at the refurbished Landers.
“The Wizard of Oz,” Sept. 13-29
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they travel the Yellow Brick Road and discover that the power to achieve their deepest desires has been with them all along. “The Wizard of Oz” will be directed by Beth Domann, SLT’s executive director, with choreography by Josh Inmon and music direction from Clayton Avery.
The family-friendly show features all of the most beloved songs and memorable moments from the classic 1939 film, including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “We’re Off to See the Wizard.”
“Murder on the Orient Express,” Oct. 18-27
The estate of Agatha Christie approached playwright Ken Ludwig and asked him to adapt “Murder on the Orient Express” — Christie’s most enduring novel — and put it on stage. You can see his version Oct. 18-27.
Christie created a cast of intriguing characters, each a potential suspect, and a plot full of twists and turns for her book. The whodunit follows 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: The Musical,” Nov. 22-Dec. 8
Springfield Little Theatre presents a holiday gift for the whole family with a musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas Carol.” This version was originally presented by Radio City Entertainment at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on his transformative journey from miserly recluse to a beacon of holiday spirit. He encounters the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as he discovers the true meaning of the season. “A Christmas Carol: The Musical” features a score from Alan Menken, composer of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Little Mermaid.”
“Waitress,” Jan. 31-Feb. 16, 2025
Based on the 2007 indie film of the same name, “Waitress” has music and lyrics from Grammy-nominated pop artist Sara Bareilles.
“Waitress” is a contemporary musical that tells the story of Jenna, a talented pie maker trapped in an unfulfilling marriage and dreaming of a better life and a fresh start. With the support of her quirky coworkers and an unexpected romance, Jenna find the courage to reinvent herself.
“Exit Laughing,” March 14-23, 2025
SLT reaches back into its past with “Exit Laughing.” The 2013 American Association of Community Theatre PLAYFest winner for Best Comedy made its world debut at the Landers Theatre, breaking a 50-year record for money raised and tickets sold, with standing-room-only crowds every night. The feel-good comedy was written by Paul Elliott.
When the members of a long-standing bridge club gather for their usual game, they’re faced with an unexpected twist: the recent death of one of their own. Determined to honor their friend’s memory unconventionally, they “borrow” her ashes for one last wild night of fun. The evening unfolds with hilarious antics and heartfelt moments.
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” April 25-May 11, 2025
Go “Under the Sea” when SLT presents “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” It’s based on the classic 1989 animated film of the same name.
Ariel, a curious and spirited mermaid dreams of exploring the the world above the waves and discovering true love. She’s joined by her friends Flounder, Sebastien and Scuttle on a journey filled with nautical wonder and royal romance. The story of love ad self-discovery features another classic score from Menken, including “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl.”
“Oklahoma!” June 13-29, 2025
SLT wraps up its 90th season with the first musical written by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein. “Oklahoma!” opened on Broadway in 1943 and was a box office success, running for an unprecedented 2,212 performances, and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1944.
Set in the early 1900s, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of the spirited rivalry between farmers and cowboys, and the blossoming romance between Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a headstrong farm girl. The score includes timeless songs “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love” and — of course — the rousing title number.
Tickets, subscriptions on sale now
Individual tickets to all seven shows in Springfield Little Theatre’s 90th season are on sale now. You can order them on SLT’s website, at the Landers Theatre box office or by calling (417) 869-1334. Individual seats range in price from $22-$42
Both full-season and half-season subscription packages are also available. Both options offer the flexibility for patrons to book their dates now or later. More information is available on Springfield Little Theatre’s website.
Jeff Kessinger
Jeff Kessinger is the Reader Engagement Editor for the Springfield Daily Citizen, and the voice of its daily newsletter SGF A.M. He covered sports in southwest Missouri for the better part of 20 years, from young athletes to the pros. The Springfield native and Missouri State University alumnus is thrilled to be doing journalism in the Queen City, helping connect the community with important information. He and wife Jamie daily try to keep a tent on the circus that is a blended family of five kids and three cats. More by Jeff Kessinger
