Crown Uptown drops dinner shows, changes focus

Owners of the Crown Uptown Theatre have decided to discontinue shows and musicals, except for the Christmas show between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Owners Scott and Lisa Ritchie and Ray and Diane Gans announced the changes in a letter to friends and supporters on Crown Uptown’s Facebook page Saturday.

“The Crown Uptown Theatre has decided that a change in direction is needed,” the post said. The owners have decided to focus on using the theater as a venue for weddings, concerts, corporate events, private parties and other events.

“We reviewed all aspects of our business and considered ways that we could continue to make the dinner theatre operation work. But we made the difficult decision to discontinue our annual regular schedule of shows and musicals for the time being, and instead open the calendar and see how our ‘venue’ approach would be received,” the post said.

The theater said it will refund all previously purchased 2015 season tickets. Ticket holders should call 316-612-7696.

This story was originally published January 17, 2015 at 12:23 PM with the headline "Crown Uptown drops dinner shows, changes focus."