GUTHRIE (Oklahoma) — The 37th season of the Pollard Theater in downtown Guthrie is set to start in August with a wide spectrum of productions.
“I’m absolutely thrilled about this new season!” Artistic Director Jared Blount said in a recent email. “There’s hardly a time I’m not excited about our upcoming productions, and it’s always because I can’t wait to share them with audiences.”
The new season kicks off in August with the first of the Performance Series. Another Pink in the Floyd is an 8-piece Pink Floyd tribute band, and they perform on The Pollard’s stage for two nights only, August 16th and 17th.
The performance series continues in October with Brian Ledbetter’s Mysteries of the Mind. Mixing illusion and comedy, mentalist Brian Ledbetter performs this family-friendly show, which promises to be “jaw-dropping and stunning”, October 4th and 5th.
Speaking about bringing the arts to local audiences in Guthrie, Blount said “We’re in a beautiful city with a rich and vibrant history- but there’s not much more to offer in the realm of year-round, live entertainment. So, finding new productions with diverse themes or styles – or ones conceived by individuals with uncommon perspectives – is absolutely important. It keeps things fresh and active, and audiences on their toes,” he said.
“The last few seasons have really been about getting people back into the theatre. Not only did we have the pandemic basically clear folks out of public spaces, but we had a complete switch in administration on our end – so a big part of the last few years has been, ‘Hey, it’s okay. Let’s do some cool, fun stuff you want to see!’” Blount said.
The main stage series begins in time for the annual holiday festivities. A Territorial Christmas Carol enjoys a long run, November 22nd – December 22nd, and will feature an all-new cast from year to year. The long run is fortunate, as this event brings patrons from all over the state and beyond and often sells out each night.
The Spring 2025 musical is another family-friendly show that will please kids of all ages. The Spongebob Musical is a rare treat in the world of live children’s shows. It features unique, catchy, and truly enjoyable music and has a star-studded lineup of composers. The beloved SpongeBob and his band of recognizable friends are all seen in this epic tale that was written for the stage.
SpongeBob Squarepants sets out to prove he’s more than a simple sponge and save his hometown of Bikini Bottom in the process.
With tunes by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, Sara Bareilles, John Legend, The Flaming Lips, and many more, this musical is truly unforgettable.
“The SpongeBob Musical is going to be a whole ocean of fun. The only thing better than SpongeBob… is SpongeBob AND Patrick.” Blount said. SpongeBob runs March 14th – April 5th, 2025.
Closing out Season 37 is the Oklahoma debut of The Shark is Broken. This parody pays homage to the iconic movie JAWS and offers an imaginary twist on what it might have looked like behind the scenes of one of Spielberg’s greatest hits.
The Shark is Broken is ideal for any movie lover, and anyone who appreciates a bit of nostalgia. “I am very much looking forward to The Shark is Broken as ‘Jaws’ is one of my favorite movies. And introducing the regional premiere of a play hot off Broadway is something I can’t say I’ve done before!” Blount said.
The final show of the season runs June 13th – July 5th, 2025.
The Performance Series
In 2021, the company introduced the Pollard Performance Series. Operating alongside their regular season, the Performance Series offers a chance for patrons to enjoy live music, tribute bands, local acts, and even traveling shows.
Previous seasons have seen an Elvis impersonator and a ventriloquist, along with local bands Shelly Phelps and the Storm, The Jason Young Band, and more.
Deep history
The Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, OK is surrounded by history. Guthrie, OK boasts even today that they served as the first state capitol. Every year, the town celebrates the Land Run of 1889. They go all out for Christmas on the territory and recreate the Victorian era amongst the beautiful historic buildings. The Pollard’s annual holiday staple, A Territorial Christmas Carol, is the center of the festivities.
The building that houses the current theatre company was built before statehood and has seen several iterations of business. First a furniture store, then a funeral home, and finally a vaudeville theatre, The Pollard’s rich history has added to the story of the theatre and Guthrie at large.
Restored in 1984 by the Guthrie Arts and Humanities Council, The Pollard re-opened in 1987 as a community theatre in partnership with Langston University. The Pollard became an independent company in 2003 and has run full seasons of plays and musicals every year since.
Tickets for the first three shows of The Pollard’s 37th season are on sale now. Visit thepollard.org.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.