Summer Lyric Theatre
Want to experience Broadway without leaving the bayou? For its 58th season, Tulane University's Summer Lyric Theatre is bringing three beloved musicals to New Orleans.
The summer lineup combines the local performing arts with the Tony Award-winning musicals of A Chorus Line, Company, and Carousel.
The three productions of the Summer Lyric Theatre stem from the dedication of Tulane's all-female team of directors, as well as a talented cast of actors and musicians. The 2025 season introduces new artistic director C. Leonard Raybon, who first performed with the company in 1996.
Dance Along with A Chorus Line
A Chorus Line focuses on a ragtag group of 17 dancers, each seeking their big break on Broadway. The desire for fame and fortune leads the dancers to audition for the namesake chorus line. As the number of dancers dwindles, A Chorus Line reveals the cutthroat nature of show business, where one step can make or break a career.
Experienced director Jauné Buisson seeks to breathe new life into the 50-year-old musical, welcoming a cast of young artists. Having choreographed the Summer Lyric Theatre productions of Hairspray and Ragtime, Buisson is no stranger to the challenges facing the characters of A Chorus Line. Her dancer and director experience ensures a new take on the 1975 musical.
The Summer Lyric Theatre production runs from June 19-22 in Dixon Hall. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the Dixon Hall box office on the day of the performance.
Fall in Love with Company
In 1970, Company bursted onto the Broadway scene as a musical revolving around the friendship between a bachelor and five couples. Thirty-five-year-old Robert attempts to celebrate his birthday as each romantic couple tries to find him the perfect match. Following a series of breakups and dates, Robert questions whether having a company of friends is all he needs to feel fulfilled.
After first performing with the Summer Lyric Theatre in 1980, Leslie Castay plans to make her directorial debut with this summer's performance of Company. Castay is working with choreographer Katelin Zelon, whose credits include Grease and Wizard of Oz. The two women hope to create a contemporary adaptation of Company that makes the questions asked by Sondheim in the '70s relevant to today's audiences.
Company premieres in Dixon Hall on July 10 and will be showing until July 13. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, as well as the day of at the Dixon Hall box office.
Take a Ride with Carousel
From the creators of The Sound of Music and Oklahoma!, Carousel is a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical based on the Hungarian play Lilliom. Set in 1800s Maine, Carousel centers around the tumultuous romance between carnival barker Billy and millworker Julie. With a shocking plot twist in Act 2, Carousel asks, "What happens to loved ones after death?"
Director and choreographer Diane Lala refuses to shy away from the musical's heavy topics, including domestic violence and suicide. Her approach to Carousel promises to view Billy and Julie's relationship through a new lens. Sharing Lala's mission, the Summer Lyric Theatre works with a nonprofit to provide resources and promote discussion among audience members.
Carousel is the final show of the 2025 season, running from July 31 to August 3. Tickets are available online and in person at the Dixon Hall box office.
Enjoy the Show
Interested in experiencing the breadth of musicals offered by the Summer Lyric Theatre? Choose the day that works best for you and purchase a season subscription. Step, kick, and leap over to Dixon Hall to experience the musical events of the summer.
