Kansas City theater performer killed in crash after sold-out Lawrence show
A Kansas City theater performer was killed in a car crash Friday night after appearing in a sold-out performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in Lawrence.
Louise ImMasche, who played the part of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the show at Theatre Lawrence, was driving a 2019 Kia Forte east on Kansas 10 Highway on the south side of Lawrence, about 1.75 miles from U.S. 59 at 10:29 p.m. when a 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe headed west veered out of its lane and hit ImMasche’s car head on, according to a Kansas State Highway Patrol crash report.
ImMasche was declared dead at the scene. The driver of the Tahoe was taken to Overland Park Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.
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The two shows scheduled for Saturday were canceled, according to a post on Theatre Lawrence’s Facebook account.
Louise ImMasche mourned by theater community
The theater community mourned ImMasche’s passing on social media.
“We are devastated by the loss of one of our cast members, due to a collision on K10 after last night’s show,” Susan Hires, the production’s music director, commented under the cancellation the post. “Your thoughts are very much appreciated at this time. Thank you for being part of the extended Theatre Lawrence family.”
“I was at last night’s performance,” an attendee commented Saturday under the same post. “What horrific news. (ImMasche) was incandescent. A thousand thousand hugs to all.”
The Topeka Civic Theatre and Academy posted about their heartbreak after hearing about ImMasche’s passing.
“Louise shared their creativity and energy with Topeka Civic Theatre years ago and remained a bright light in the theatre community,” they said. “Our friends at Theatre Lawrence—and so many who knew Louise—are feeling this loss deeply. Louise was kind, funny, and endlessly creative. We’re holding everyone who loved them close in our hearts.”
Dinsha LaShay, a former cast member, posted a tribute to ImMasche on Facebook. The two performed “The Rocky Horror Show” at in 2016. LaShay recalled it being the first time the production was put on at Theatre Lawrence, and that ImMasche’s inclusivity and welcoming presence was the reason the cast was leaned into their roles so freely.
“Louise, what artistry you brought to every role you worked for and earned,” she wrote in the post. “What talent you poured into every song you sang and every story you told. You had a way of pulling a room together and reminding us why we were all there- to celebrate one thing: unapologetic ART.”
LaShay added in the post she was about to move back to Lawrence and planned to see her old friends next week, including ImMasche.
“Thank you for your light, your laughter, your brilliance, and your heart. You made us all braver,” she said. “And how I wish, if only one more time, we could “Time Warp Again.”
Secily Rees posted about her childhood friend, “ We grew up performing on stage together and I had the joy of watching you blossom into one of the most genuine, magnetic, beautiful, and fiercely talented souls out there. You gave everything on stage and your passion will forever inspire those who witnessed it. My heart is with your family, the Rocky Horror cast & crew, and anyone whose life you touched.”
This story was originally published October 26, 2025 at 11:14 AM.
