Leavenworth Summer Theater Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Leavenworth Summer Theater has been a constant in Leavenworth summers since 1994.  This season, founders John and Susan Wagner, are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the theater program. 

A Leavenworth community staple, the theater has been flocked by locals, tourists and returning faces. According to Leavenworth Summer Theater executive director, Susan Hufman, the audience average is over 20,000 visitors. 

But despite its success, the local performance powerhouse did face obstacles before evolving into a beloved centerpiece for the Leavenworth arts and music community. The theater faced difficulties in its first season. Some are results from natural forces, Leavenworth fires, and others stemmed from frustrating circumstances like empty audience seats. 

"We (John and Susan Wagner) were actually very discouraged after the first summer, because even before the fires, we were only averaging about 10 people a night in the audience for our first show, Hansel & Gretel," John and Susan Wagner, founders, said. "We thought we were done. But our business partner, Bill Weis, our main financial backer, wanted to give it one more shot so we agreed to try again at the Hatchery with The Sound of Music."

The theater's first year was produced in the IRMS Commons, however the second season, with The Sound of Music, was performed outdoors at Hatchery Park. The Sound of Music and the scenic outdoor venue remained core features of the theater as the years unfolded to achieve a flourishing growth from the original 10 person audience. 

Sound of Music is a continuous performance for the program that remains popular, even among the returning audience members. Despite familiarity with the Von Trapp family, the musical continues to be welcomed back warmly. 

"The vast majority of Sound of Music performances sell out year after year, and it has developed its own following with strong word-of-mouth support," the Wagners said. "The natural ambience of the Ski Hill Amphitheater is also a big part of the show's continued success." 

The "Bavarian Village" setting magnifies the attraction to the performances. The musicals unfold beneath a picturesque foreground that illuminates the magical quality of the theater. The overlap of the Leavenworth idyllic scenery and the vibrant musical numbers harmonize to create an unequivocal performance for the audience. 

However, talent both on stage and off, is the foundation for the theater's success and high ratings.  Rather than a particular starry night performance or a standing ovation, Hufman circles back to the people involved in the program when it comes to the highlights of LST over the years. She said, it's the people, always the people. 

"The talented actors on stage, the creative directors that have a vision and bring it to life, the children who learn new skills and give joy to so many as they bring young energy to the performance," Hufman said "And without a doubt the skilled leaders on the Board of Directors who have helped guide Leavenworth Summer Theater over the years to become such a terrific and well-run nonprofit organization."

The theater has a collective force of thespian talent, including both local and surrounding area. Both young, fresh faces and seasoned veteran actors gravitate towards the theater's stage. 

"The young students who are cast in shows and the young musicians who play in our orchestra pits are an integral and special part of who we are," Hufman said. "We celebrate them and are proud to contribute to their growth and opportunities."

The secret to keeping up seemingly effortless performances for 25 years isn't just the ability to hit a high note or never stuttering over a line - it's the underlying teamwork. 

"The year we did Camelot at the Festhalle, I was in the audience waiting to watch the performance, when a staff member ran over and frantically informed me that the pianist hadn't shown up," Susan Wagner, music director, said. "I drove home, grabbed the score, drove back, ran backstage, and played the show." 

Wagner said this was just one small example of the ways everyone pitches in to help each other because the show must go on.  

The theater doesn't limit its helping hand within the program, but also the community as well. In an effort to support local students and schools, the Leavenworth Summer Theater allows music booster clubs to raise funds by selling concessions at both the Ski Hill Amphitheater and the Hatchery Park Stage. 

"The funds raised at concessions allows the boosters to offer expanded music education and special opportunities that would not be available under normal circumstances," said Hufman. "Supporting the next generation of arts and music is important to Leavenworth Summer Theater."

The Leavenworth Summer Theater has been intertwined with the community throughout its 25 years, with locals returning each summer to watch the performances. For the 25th anniversary season, there are 39 performances for 2018: 20 performances of The Sound of Music, 12 performances of My Fair Lady and seven performances of Little Women.