25 to watch in 2025: Lexington theatre group expanding, ‘Dreams’ of more shows
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25 to watch in 2025
The Lexington Herald-Leader is tracking 25 individuals we expect will be making news in 2025.
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Editor’s note: The Herald-Leader is profiling 25 individuals we predict will make headlines in 2025.
Name: Lexington Theatre Company co-founder, artistic director Lyndy Franklin Smith and co-founder, producing director Jeromy Smith.
Background: This year will mark the 10-year anniversary of the Lexington Theatre Company, also known as The Lex. The married couple created the theatre group that brings in Broadway talent and productions for real-world education for aspiring local performers and technicians. Notable alumni include Tony Award-nominated actor Colton Ryan, who has come back to perform in the company’s popular Concert with the Stars, which has also brought in big names like Laura Bell Bundy (Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde — The Musical”) and Jonathan Groff (King George III in “Hamilton”).
Why they’re someone to watch in 2025: Despite many local performing groups closing, the Lexington Theatre Company is in the middle of an expansion. Last year they moved into a permanent home on Alexandria Drive, and in 2025 they plan to renovate a 120-seat theater there for smaller musicals, concerts and other shows.
Their main shows will still be at the Lexington Opera House, the 2025 season of performances called, “Decade of Dreams” featuring “42nd Street,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “ A Christmas Carol.” Said Lyndy Franklin Smith, “While we’re saluting our first ten years — the first chapter of The Lex — we’re also looking forward to turning the page on the next chapter and all that is in store for the years to come. We will continue creating our world-class professional productions featuring our signature blend of Broadway veterans, rising stars, local professionals and Central Kentucky youth and teens. And, with our new home we are looking forward to expanding our reach.”
What they expect out of 2025: Because ticket sales are never enough, the company is looking to increase its donor base after starting a five-year donation campaign in 2024. “Our goal is that The Lexington Theatre Company outlives us and becomes a centerpiece of our cultural scene here in Kentucky, as well as a major player in the national theater industry, putting Lexington on the map as a destination for fantastic theatrical experiences,” said Franklin Smith.
What others will be watching for: “In my personal opinion, if it is something they choose to go after, they are going to be a regional Tony (Award) winner one day,” said Karyn Czar, a WUKY FM-91.3 anchor and reporter and Lexington stage performer. Czar has performed at least six musicals with the Smith’s and dozens of other events. “Not only did they come in with a goal in mind, they set goals for themselves for each year of the company and they exceeded them 10 fold.”
