Creating an enduring place for the performing arts in the lives of every Capital Region resident, the Manship Theatre was built to support the diverse pursuits and passions of creative performance. In addition to the Main Stage Theatre, which hosts film screenings, dance performances, and theatrical productions, Manship is home to the Hartley/Vey Studio Theatre, a black box space where audiences enjoy live bands, comedy shows, and more. Here’s a preview of what’s coming up on the Manship’s spring calendar.
On Film
April 7: The Godfather
Experience one of the greatest films of all time on the big screen, as part of the Manship’s “$5 Movie” Series. Marlon Brando gives the performance of a lifetime in this 1972 cinematic classic mob-drama. Presented by Films at the Manship. 7:30 pm. $5.
April 8: Science on Screen: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
The “Science on Screen” series pairs film with the world of science, technology, and medicine. In Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a couple goes to extremes to forget their relationship after a painful breakup. The film will be introduced by Professor of Psychology at Louisiana State University, Emily M. Elliott, PhD., who studies how memory and attention interact. An initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. 7 pm. $10.
April 11: EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
A follow-up to Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 biopic Elvis, this 2025 documentary by Luhrmann contains never-before-seen footage and recordings featuring Elvis Presley in concert at his Las Vegas residency during the later stage of his career. 2 pm. $9.50
April 12: In the Mood for Love (25th Anniversary Screening)
From director Wong Kar Wai, In the Mood for Love follows Chow and Su as they navigate the complexities of marriage, friendship and infidelity. The screening will feature a previously-unseen 9-minute short film by Wong Kar Wai. Presented by Films at Manship. 2 pm. $9.50
May 1: Spoof Night! The Twilight Saga: New Moon 2009
Join The Family Dinner Comedy Troupe for an interactive movie screening of 2009’s The Twilight Saga, complete with live commentary, drinking games, and lots of laughs that poke loving fun at the iconic film. In the film, Bella Swan is on the cusp of her 18th birthday and blissfully happy with her undead beau Edward Cullen. While celebrating her birthday with Edward's family of 'vegetarian' vampires, a frightening incident convinces Edward that he's simply too dangerous to be around his sweetheart. He decides to leave town in order to ensure her safety - leaving her behind, angry and depressed.
Costumes are encouraged—so dust off your shoulder pads, don the hot pink leg warmers, and get set for a night of nostalgic fun in the Manship’s Main Theatre. 7:30 pm. $17
On Stage
April 16: 2026 Manship Theatre Red Carpet Gala Featuring LeAnn Rimes
On April 16, the Manship Theatre proudly welcomes American icon LeAnn Rimes to the stage, for an intimate concert experience with accompanying gala reception and dinner. The premier annual fundraising event for the theatre, the 2026 Red Carpet Gala promises an unforgettable performance by one of music’s most singular voices. To purchase tickets or learn more about Red Carpet Gala sponsorship opportunities visit, manshiptheatre.org/red-carpet-gala.
April 19: Lightwire Theater - The Ugly Duckling
Using light, music, and a cutting-edge blend of puppetry and dance, Lightwire Theater brings a classic tale to the modern stage. This is the beloved story of The Ugly Duckling, outlined in bioluminescent wire and re-told by the New Orleans-based, internationally traveling theater production. Presented by the Charles Lamar Family Foundation and Manship Kids! 2 pm. $20–$30
April 28: An Evening with Emerson, Lake, and Palmer
Not a tribute act - this is the real thing. Created by Carl Palmer, An Evening with Emerson, Lake, and Palmer uses modern technology to reunite Carl Palmer with his two bandmates, Keith Emerson and Greg Lake, who both passed away in 2016. The show combines video performance of Emerson and Lake from a legendary ELP show that took place at the Royal Albert Hall in 1992, with live performance by Carl Palmer and his ELP Legacy band (Paul Bielatowicz and Simon Fitzpatrick). An Evening with Emerson, Lake, and Palmer is presented with the cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. 7:30 pm. $70–$120.
April 30: Luca Stricagnoli: Groundbreaking Guitarist
With more than 200 million views on his music videos and concerts in 30 countries, Luca Stricagnoli has established himself as one of the most innovative and unique guitarists in the world. Known for pushing the boundaries of the acoustic guitar, he has invented groundbreaking instruments, been featured in major international outlets such as NME and Guitar World, and performed music shared by world-famous bands including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Muse, and Walk Off The Earth. Stricagnoli has released six albums to date: Luca Stricagnoli (2015), What If? (2017), Change of Rules (2019), Blue (2021), Unsent (2022), and Guitars for Nothing (2023). Each project showcases his unorthodox techniques and imaginative approach to the instrument, expanding both his reach and influence. 7:30 pm. $35–$45.
May 8: CJ Solar & the Old Souls Featuring Rick Huckaby
Baton Rouge native CJ Solar returns with a new band—CJ Solar & the Old Souls—and a new record that will be released later this year. This show will debut some of the new tracks slated for that release. Long-time friend & collaborator Rick Huckaby will open the show. Huck is a veteran singer-songwriter whose credits include hits for Thomas Rhett “Beer with Jesus”, Trace Adkins “Muddy Water”, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan, Frankie Ballard, Gov’t Mule and others. 7:30 pm. $35
May 9: The Songs She Sings - a Joyful Jazz Tribute to the Women Who Raised Us
An intimate evening of music to honor the women who shape our lives. Jazz vocalist/ukulele artist Ashley Orlando and her band weave together heartfelt storytelling with timeless classics like “Feeling Good” (Nina Simone), “Over the Rainbow” (Eva Cassidy) and “Don’t Know Why” (Norah Jones). Warm, nostalgic, and joyful, tickets to this concert will make a perfect Mother’s Day gift. 7:30 pm. $30.
