No broomsticks are required to attend the Lawrence Opera Theatre’s 2026 season, “Basic Witches,” which is full of thrilling, macabre and espresso-fueled performances.
LOT was founded by Holly White and Hugo Vera, two University of Kansas graduates, as Lawrence Opera Works in 2009. Today, LOT brings premieres, cabarets, arias, chamber pieces and more to Theatre Lawrence and other stages to enrich local performing arts.
The group has a few 2026 performances under their belts already. Here’s what’s coming up in the rest of their season:
• Echoes of the Macabre: A Celebration of Micro Operas will include scenes of seances, ghosts and twisted fables with excerpts from longer operas. That performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6 at Maceli’s Catering & Events, 1031 New Hampshire St. Tickets cost $12.50. Get yours at this link.
• “Songs for a Haunted Stage” is an eerie mix of musical theatre and opera, for performance fans of all ages.
The evening’s second act will include a staging premiere of “Brewed Ambition,” a one-act musical by Michael Turnblom and B.K. Wells. It’s a dark comedy set in a lagging corporate coffee shop.
The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13 at Theatre Lawrence, 4660 Bauer Farm Drive.
Tickets cost $25 for students age 18 and younger, as well as for seniors age 62 and older. They cost $30 for all other adults. Buy tickets at this link.
• “The Crucible,” based on the classic novel by Arthur Miller, is the story of witch trial hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts with compositions by Robert Ward.
LOT will perform “The Crucible” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 at Theatre Lawrence.
Ticket costs and the purchasing link is the same as for “Songs for a Haunted Stage” (see above).
• “Phantom Follies,” like “Songs for a Haunted Stage,” marries opera and musical theater. Both productions “feature everything from supernatural chills to outrageous comedy, showcasing unforgettable characters and captivating music from two beloved genres,” according to the event page.
This show will also include a staging premiere of “Brewed Ambition.” See more details above.
“Phantom Follies” plus “Brewed Ambition” will kick off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15 at Theatre Lawrence.
Ticket costs and the purchasing link is the same as for “Songs for a Haunted Stage” (see above).
Learn about the full 2026 LOT season at this link.
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