Give Lancaster’s  theater-loving crowd a theme and get out of the way! When the Fulton Theatre announced its 2026-2027 season of productions to its most ardent supporters – the Producer’s Circle – and community member patrons, the vibe was totally 60s: The Beat Goes On!

With flashy, nostalgic Hairspray serving as the Fulton Theatre’s kickoff to its new season, a ’60s-driven party was a natural for generating electrified excitement among its nearly 200 guests. The Ware Center for the Arts atrium was transformed into a retro dance party that put the teased-up bouffant front and center, thanks to costumed and lacquered Hairspray cast members. The fun vibe put Fulton Theatre’s patrons in the mood to celebrate, bid generously at live and silent auctions and twist the night away. 

“The energy in the room made it feel like a giant party,” says the Fulton’s executive artistic producer, Marc Robin. The exuberant musical Hairspray, which premiered two weeks before the gala, “felt like a party itself, and the gala felt like an extension of that celebration.”

Flanked by a 10-foot-tall Ultra Clutch hairspray prop, guests locked in their selfies at a balloon-laced photo opp backdrop of Hairspray-inspired artwork. Guests were seated at place settings of vinyl LPs and centerpieces featuring throwback hair curlers, combs, hairsprays and a reminder of a Broadway show from days gone by.

In a culinary collaboration, Lancaster’s TFB Catering, Cracked Pepper and GEM’s Catering teamed up to serve hors d’oeuvres, dinner, and decadent desserts, followed by an auction to capstone the event’s fundraising mission. Just as live theater promises the unexpected, the evening’s live auction brought a moment of magic. Prompted by a “sell your jacket” shout-out from the crowd, Marc Robin donated his vibrant blue-and-rhinestone-bedazzled jacket – which he had had custom-made for Hairspray’sopening night – as a live auction item. 

Time to dance! Fun-loving guests in white go-go boots, varsity sweaters and Pucci-inspired prints crowded the dance floor to twist and shout to all-vinyl oldies spun by DJ Major Vibes.

“There are so many nonprofit organizations’ galas in one short time, and many people attend more than one,” said Fulton Theatre’s major gifts officer and event committee member Rebecca Fowler. “The ‘not black-tie-serious’ theme was a refreshing take on the community’s fundraising gala season.”

“The night felt like everything the arts should be. Happy. Fun. Collaborative,” recalls Marc Robin. “The arts are meant to make you feel alive! When you leave a show at the Fulton Theatre, we want you to feel moved, inspired, your mood lifted and perhaps even your life changed.”

The Fulton Theatre’s 2026-2027 season opens with the powerful, Tony Award-winning musical Ragtime, September 25 – October 18, and the charmingly timeless Annie, November 20 – December 31. And there’s so much more ahead in 2027 at this national historic landmark theatre at12 N. Prince Street! For more shows and information, visit TheFulton.org.