The Players Unveil 60th Anniversary Season

**For Immediate Release**

**The Players Theatre Company Unveils “Legacy of Laughter, Legacy of Life” for Landmark 60th Anniversary Season**

**CONROE, TX – March 12, 2024** – The Players Theatre Company, a cherished cornerstone of Conroe’s vibrant arts scene, officially pulled back the curtain today on its landmark 60th-anniversary season. Appropriately titled “Legacy of Laughter, Legacy of Life,” the highly anticipated lineup was announced during a bustling press conference held right at the historic Owen Theatre in downtown Conroe, the company’s permanent home for decades.

The milestone season is poised to commence in September 2024 and will captivate audiences straight through August 2025, promising a diverse array of productions that honor the company’s rich history while looking forward to its bright future.

Artistic Director Jody Hughes and President Brenda E. Wagner were on hand to detail the six mainstage productions and a special bonus show, expressing enthusiasm for the ambitious schedule. “Sixty years is a remarkable achievement for any arts organization, and we wanted this season to truly reflect the breadth and depth of our community’s talent and our commitment to compelling storytelling,” stated Hughes. “From uproarious farces to profound musicals, ‘Legacy of Laughter, Legacy of Life’ is designed to entertain, challenge, and inspire.”

Wagner added, “This anniversary isn’t just about celebrating our past; it’s about acknowledging the incredible support from our community, our volunteers, and our patrons who have made The Players Theatre Company a true Conroe institution. This season is a thank you to everyone who has been a part of our journey.”

The celebratory season opens with the critically acclaimed, side-splitting farce *Noises Off*, promising an evening of theatrical chaos and mistaken identities. This production is scheduled to run from September 6-22, 2024. As the holiday season approaches, audiences can then look forward to the heartwarming magic of *A Christmas Story: The Musical*, playing from November 29-December 15, 2024, a perfect family outing.

Moving into the new year, 2025 will bring a dramatic shift with the powerful and moving adaptation of *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* to the stage, running from February 14-March 2. Later in the spring, the cult classic musical *Little Shop of Horrors* will enthrall audiences with its blend of sci-fi, comedy, and catchy tunes from May 9-25. The main season offerings will then be capped off in July with Stephen Sondheim’s beloved and thought-provoking fairytale musical, *Into the Woods*, scheduled for July 11-27, 2025. This intricate masterpiece explores the complexities that lie beyond “happily ever after.”

For a bit of extra fun and a truly unique theatrical experience, The Players are also presenting *The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]* as a bonus, one-weekend-only show from August 15-24, 2025. This rapid-fire romp through the Bard’s entire canon promises to be a hilarious and unforgettable capstone to the anniversary year.

Hughes mentioned that audition notices for these productions usually go out two to three months before opening night, giving aspiring actors ample time to prepare. Information on auditions can be found on the company’s website and social media channels.

This 60th anniversary marks a truly significant moment for The Players Theatre Company, which originally founded in 1965 and put on its very first production, *My Three Angels*, in the spring of 1966. After years of performing in various locations, they eventually made the historic Owen Theatre their permanent home back in 1979, solidifying their long-standing presence as a cultural beacon in Conroe’s burgeoning arts landscape.

Board Member and long-time actor Joe Vinson, also present at the announcement, underscored the deep community ties and rich history the company cherishes. “The Players have been a second home for generations of actors, technicians, and theatre lovers in Conroe. To reach 60 years is a testament to the enduring power of live theatre and the dedication of countless individuals who have poured their hearts into this organization.”

The Owen Theatre itself, located at 225 Metcalf St. in downtown Conroe, holds its own historical significance, having served as a cornerstone for community events and entertainment for over a century. Its continued vitality as the home of The Players Theatre Company is a testament to Conroe’s commitment to preserving its heritage while fostering a dynamic future.

Season tickets for the “Legacy of Laughter, Legacy of Life” season will become available soon, offering patrons the best value and guaranteed seating for these highly anticipated shows. Individual show tickets typically go on sale about a month before each production’s opening night.

For more information on the 60th-anniversary season, including audition schedules, ticket purchase options, and ways to support The Players Theatre Company, please visit their official website at www.theplayerstheatre.org or follow them on social media (Facebook: @PlayersTheatreConroe, Instagram: @playerstheatreco).

The Players Theatre Company invites the entire community to join in celebrating this momentous anniversary and experience the “Legacy of Laughter, Legacy of Life” that defines their enduring contribution to the arts in Conroe.

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