Broadway and country music star to perform in El Dorado

Multihyphenate performer Laura Bell Bundy is coming to the USD 490 Performing Arts Center on July 10, 2026. Photo courtesy of Laura Bell Bundy.

Tony-nominated actress Laura Bell Bundy will be performing this Friday, July 10, at the USD 490 Performing Arts Center, bringing stories from her time on Broadway and singing songs from throughout her career in entertainment and country music. The event is an exciting opportunity for folks in El Dorado and surrounding communities to experience a high-profile performance, and it raises the question: how did a Broadway star end up bringing her show to El Dorado, KS? 

This event is the passion project of Chase Locke, an El Dorado native with a background in the music and entertainment industries and a passion for his hometown. Locke says that the idea for this event started when he was brainstorming more ways to utilize the USD 490 Performing Arts Center for community events. The 1937 building has been home to various educational institutions throughout the years, including El Dorado Junior College (now Butler Community College), El Dorado Senior High School, El Dorado Middle School and now El Dorado Extend Campus. The building’s auditorium was restored in 2018, with its original Art Deco architecture now enjoyed by those attending choir concerts and theatrical productions of USD 490 Fine Arts.

“I actually performed on that stage in sixth grade in Michele Banks' production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” says Locke. “It's a beautiful theater in the heart of downtown and an incredible asset for a community our size.”

As Locke set out to find a performer to bring to El Dorado, he immediately thought of Laura Bell Bundy. Bundy’s stage career includes performances in some of Broadway’s biggest productions, originating the stage roles of Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Tina in Ruthless! Off-stage, she has built a career in television, film and music. Her album Achin’ and Shakin’ debuted at No. 5 on the “Billboard Top Country Albums” chart in 2010, which is when Locke met Bundy in Nashville. 

“She's one of the most generous people I know. Over the years, she's volunteered her time for countless concerts, fundraisers and charitable events whenever we asked,” says Locke. “It's also a full-circle moment for me. Laura starred in Hairspray, which was the very first Broadway show I ever saw in New York City. At the time, it was a cultural phenomenon, so it's pretty special to now bring her to my hometown.”

In addition to her performance this Friday evening, Bundy will be spending time working with El Dorado Fine Arts students in a masterclass on Saturday, offering mentorship and sharing her experience with young performers. Locke is especially excited that a portion of the ticket sales will benefit El Dorado High School Fine Arts, where he was shaped by his experiences with his Drama teacher, Michele Banks.

“Michele played a huge role in introducing me to the entertainment industry,” says Locke. “She helped me realize there were so many different careers and opportunities within that world. Looking back, that experience planted a seed that has stayed with me ever since.”

Laura Bell Bundy: An Evening of Songs + Stories from Broadway begins at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the USD 490 Performing Arts Center located at 500 W. Central Ave. in El Dorado, KS. Locke will be joining Bundy on stage during the performance, moderating the event and bringing together his passion for live entertainment and his love of his community.

“More than anything, I hope this becomes the beginning of something bigger. We want to create memorable experiences, bring outstanding talent to El Dorado and continue building a vibrant arts community. We hope you'll join us for what promises to be a really fun evening in our hometown.”

Tickets are available at eldoradoshows.com and at the door.