Good morning, Lancaster County. The rain is clearing out and we're headed for a milder Thursday in the low 60s - not bad for the last day of April. Grab a coffee and settle in, because we've got a fresh show to tell you about, a Tony winner performing tonight, and a full weekend lineup that's already stacking up.
In today's Lancaster Local:
The Fulton Theatre opens its brand-new Castagna Hall with a powerful, intimate musical
Tony-winning Hamilton star Leslie Odom, Jr. takes the American Music Theatre stage tonight
STOMP kicks off a two-night run in Lancaster this Friday and Saturday
A pretzel fest, a vineyard concert, and a free maypole celebration fill your Saturday dance card
Community News
The Fulton Theatre Just Got a New Room - and It's Already Earning Standing Ovations
Lancaster's Fulton Theatre has officially opened Castagna Hall, a newly remodeled 130-seat venue on the theater's second floor.

The New Stage At The Fulton Theatre
The intimate space had its grand opening on April 24 with the Pennsylvania regional premiere of Dear Evan Hansen, the Tony Award-winning musical about a lonely teen caught up in a tragedy he didn't cause.

Leading the cast is Michael Fabisch, who previously performed the role on Broadway's national tour - in venues seating up to 6,000 people. Executive Artistic Director Marc Robin says Castagna Hall fills a gap between the Tell Studio Theatre and the main stage, giving directors a creative sweet spot they haven't had before. The production runs through May 17, with tickets priced between $57 and $77.
Fulton Gets Creative with a Split-Stage Setup
One of the most inventive details of the Dear Evan Hansen production is how the Fulton solved its orchestra problem. Rather than cramming a pit into the compact hall, musicians perform live from the Tell Studio Theatre while their sound and video feed directly into Castagna Hall. Marc Robin insisted on preserving the full orchestration, calling the music inseparable from the show's emotional weight. The theater has also partnered with Ponessa Behavioral Health to bring mental health conversations to local high schools - and to provide counseling resources for cast members working with the production's heavy subject matter.
EVENTS
Here's what's happening in and around Lancaster County.
🎤 Leslie Odom, Jr. - American Music Theatre - 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster. Tonight at 7:30 PM. The Tony-winning star of Hamilton performs in concert for one night only. If you've been waiting for a reason to treat yourself on a Thursday, this is it. Get tickets →
🎭 Dear Evan Hansen - Fulton Theatre, Castagna Hall - 12 N Prince St, Lancaster. Running now through May 17. The Fulton's inaugural production in its brand-new 130-seat venue - a must-see for theater fans who want to experience this Tony winner up close. Get tickets →
🥁 STOMP (30th Anniversary Tour) - American Music Theatre - 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster. Friday, May 1 & Saturday, May 2. The internationally acclaimed percussion spectacular returns for two performances. Pure rhythm, zero dialogue, all energy. Get tickets →
🎶 A Broadway Melody (Servant Stage) - Lancaster Alliance Church - 210 Pitney Rd, Lancaster. Friday, May 1 at 7 PM; Saturday, May 2 at 11 AM & 3 PM; Sunday, May 3 at 3 PM. A cabaret revue celebrating 100 years of Broadway. Pay-what-you-will. About 90 minutes. More info →
😂 The Complete History of America (Abridged) - Prima Theatre - 941 Wheatland Ave, Lancaster. Closing performance Sunday, May 3 at 2 PM. Three performers sprint through the entire American story in 90 hilarious minutes. Ages 13+. Last chance to catch it. Get tickets →
🎸 Nissley Vineyards "Springing Into Summer" Music Series - 140 Vintage Dr, Bainbridge. Saturday, May 2. Acoustic Vik performs live on the vineyard lawn. All ages welcome (under 21 with an adult). Free with RSVP on Eventbrite - a perfect low-key Saturday afternoon. More info →
🥨 Lititz Pretzel Fest - 18 Broad St, Lititz. Saturday, May 2, 11 AM–4 PM. Sweet pretzels, savory pretzels, alcohol tastings, and live music - all for $35. Proceeds benefit the Kiwanis Kids FREE Fun Day at the Park on May 16. Rain or shine. More info →
🌸 Mayfest at Maytown - 4 W High St, Maytown. Saturday, May 2, 10 AM–4 PM. Vendors, a scavenger hunt, art and historical demos, live music, and a maypole celebration - presented by The Shank Shoppe and the Maytown Historical Society. Free admission. More info →
🎵 Leonid & Friends - American Music Theatre - 2425 Lincoln Hwy E, Lancaster. Friday, May 8 at 8 PM. The Russian-Ukrainian supergroup that's become the world's most acclaimed Chicago tribute act. If you missed them last time, don't make the same mistake twice. More info →
Thursday, April 30 - The rain's moving out and we'll see highs near 61°F with a mix of clouds and some clearing. Not exactly beach weather, but a solid evening for a walk downtown or, say, a Leslie Odom Jr. concert.
Thanks for reading Lancaster Local. Whether you're catching a show tonight or just planning your weekend, we're glad you started your morning here. If you found something useful, forward it to someone who still gets their news from a Facebook group.
