[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FRANCES ANN LUTCHER THEATER FOR 
                            PERFORMING ARTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 2020

  Mr. BABIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Frances 
Ann Lutcher Theater for Performing Arts on its 40th anniversary. The 
1,500 seat, world-class, non-profit performing arts center was opened 
by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation on February 7, 1980, 
with a sold-out performance by the great pianist Liberace!
  I am proud to say that this outstanding theater is located in the 
36th Congressional District in the beautiful city of Orange, Texas. The 
Lutcher Theater is the largest Performing Arts Series from Houston to 
New Orleans, with annual attendance of approximately 30,000 adults and 
children. In its first 40 seasons, the theater has brought 1,026,285 
patrons through their doors to experience a variety of events from 
Broadway to dance recitals, Willie Nelson to Blue Man Group, Riverdance 
to local reading and declamation contests.
  A recipient of multiple grants from the National Endowment for the 
Arts, the Lutcher Theater most recently received a grant to produce a 
professional theater event for secondary students from Southeast Texas. 
This event will allow students to experience the performing arts world 
and potentially discover a life-long love of theater. Students can see 
the literature from their classrooms in action, for a full `page to 
stage' experience, featuring professionally trained actors and 
actresses. The Lutcher Theater creates the opportunity to share the 
love of art and literature with the next generation.
  This theater is only one of four theaters in Texas having received 
with the Kennedy Center Partners in Education designation. The Kennedy 
Center Partnership was established in 2003 to bring nationally 
accredited teaching artists to work with local educators, training them 
how to integrate the arts into their classroom curriculum.
  Embracing their mission, Lutcher Theater is committed to providing 
professional entertainment for the enlightenment and cultural growth of 
residents living in Southeast Texas.
  For 40 seasons, the Lutcher Theater has enriched the region with 
invaluable resources and opportunities for the study and enjoyment of 
the performing arts. I thank them for their continued support and 
dedication to both the city of Orange and Southeast Texas.

                          ____________________