Springer Opera House Announces New Season with Preview Performances

The numbers for the Springer Opera House Theatre tell an impressive story. 112,000 admissions, more than 3,000 new patrons this year, the second largest audience in the state and, perhaps most significantly, 152 seasons of performances that set the community abuzz. For a century and just over half as many decades, the Springer has maintained a reputation of setting the theatrical production bar high by delivering quality entertainment to a dedicated arts and culture community. The 2023-24 season raises the bar higher with brand new Broadway productions that include classic literature, hilarious comedy, spectacular musicals and thought-provoking drama.

The backdrop to this year's announcement was a post-Covid event that welcomed theatre patrons who were comfortable and excited to return in person for sneak peeks at upcoming productions. The building became a multi-level part of the celebration as each floor converted into staged locations for live performances from well-loved shows such as The Bodyguard and the current mainstage production, Guys and Dolls.

"The Springer Opera House has been at the vanguard of economic development, tourism, and community building since first opening its doors in 1871," said Artistic Director Paul Pierce as he welcomed the audience from the stage. "This year's announcement continues that commitment to our community. We have had a very fulfilling and exciting season thus far and there is much more magic to come." Pierce went on to acknowledge the significance of the historic organization to a growing base. "The Springer has 112,000 admissions per year. Downtown is bustling, the river is alive again, and a vital cultural corridor has been created. While we can't claim all the credit, we have always been on the front lines fighting for downtown, investing in excellence, and keeping the big ideas flowing. I will never stop fighting for the Springer."

Pierce's sentiment is particularly notable. Earlier this year it was announced that he will pass the torch of leadership to Managing Director Danielle Varner and Associate Artistic Director Keith McCoy. The newly named leadership duo was on hand during the event and welcomed the audience as part of the announcement event.

"The Springer has a miraculous way of capturing a special place inside you and never letting go. Like Paul mentioned, there is an historic transition taking place and it is a true honor to serve the Springer," said Varner as she took her turn onstage to welcome the audience. "We have had a very fulfilling season thus far and there is much more magic to come. We will continue to bring you high quality, innovative and exhilarating productions. The Springer has the second largest audience in the state and that is because your loyalty makes us strong and keeps us strong. We couldn't do any of this without your support.”

McCoy also focused on the new season as well as future plans for the growth of the theatre. "As you've heard this is a very important night. In addition to this season, we have big plans," McCoy said. "My goal is for the Springer to be the premiere regional theatre in the southeast. And then after that, there's a lot more areas on the map to take over. The Springer Opera House will become the premiere regional theatre in the nation." His statement was met with a round of enthusiastic applause which also supported the previous sentiments of Pierce and Varner.

In addition to revealing the 2023-24 performance lineup, a new star on the Springer Walk of Fame was dedicated to honor an individual who has been instrumental to the theater's operations. Varner returned to the stage and named this year's honoree: Brian Luedtke, a Springer historic preservationist, actor, friend and current member of the board of directors. The first star on the Walk of Fame was dedicated in 1998. Since then, more than a dozen additional individuals, including volunteers, donors and community members, have been recognized with a star embedded in the sidewalks on Tenth Street and First Avenue adjacent to the theater.

There are thirteen productions in the lineup for the new season that were revealed and received with several rounds of applause from an audience eager to experience more. "We couldn't be more excited about what we've planned," said Pierce. "There may be a favorite in the lineup but there will definitely be productions and performances that are not only new to the area but also to American theater goers. By providing a preview of the season before the public announcement, our supporters also have first pick of the best seats in the house. Although there isn't a bad seat in the house, for the 2023-24 season, everyone will want to be front row, center."

The Springer Opera House Theatre produces stage productions that are categorized into four series: Mainstage, Series II, Children's Theater and Theater for the Very Young. The following shows will be produced for the 2023-24 season: Elvis: A Musical Revolution

Elf the Musical, Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Cabaret, A Tuna Christmas, The Minutes

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

Holes, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Deep Blue Sea.

 

 

Season tickets are on sale now. Single ticket sales begin in July. Information about discounts and group rates are available by contacting the box office at (706) 256-3714.