Leslie Lynn Hart, 71, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. He was born on October 8, 1954, in Pampa, Texas, to Charles and Leslie Hart.
From an early age, Lynn showed exceptional musical talent and a deep love for the arts. A gifted pianist and organist, he carried this talent throughout his life.
After graduating from Pampa High School in 1973, He joined the organization UP WITH PEOPLE in Warwick, New York in the summer of 1974. They embarked on an amazing 11-month tour performing at the Dolphinarium Stadium in Piraeus, Greece continuing through the Greek islands and to the West Coast of Italy. Lynn joined a new cast for UWP in Spa, Belgium, and continued touring through most of Europe and northern Africa before returning to the U.S.
Once the tour ended, Lynn decided to head west for sunny California, joining the Walt Disney Company for many wonderful and productive years. During his tenure, he designed the “Fantasy in the Sky” fireworks show, assisted with the design of the “Main Street Electrical Parade”, and the pyrotechnics for the show “Fantasmic” as well as many other projects and shows at Disneyland. After many years on the West Coast, Lynn was recruited to work on the Pleasure Island project at Walt Disney World in Orlando. While there, he wrote the music and lyrics for the “Adventurers Club All-Purpose Theme Song” and “Jump Up for Jinkies” as well as material for the original “Forbidden Disney” show for the Comedy Warehouse. He also wrote and directed the “Pleasure Island New Years Eve Show” that was performed nightly.
He became an independent consultant for Walt Disney Imagineering, allowing him to travel to Shanghai and Tokyo to work on other projects for Disney. At one point they offered him a dedicated full-time position as Senior Creative Director, however, he turned it down stating, “I want to work on my own projects,” and that is what he did! Lynn created his company 4th Wall, Ltd., and went on to write shows that were performed all over the world.
Lynn’s remarkable career included years with Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney Imagineering, Universal Studios, and countless other projects around the globe, including the opening of the Globe News Center here in Amarillo. Throughout his life Lynn was a writer, creative director, lighting designer, stage manager, musical composer and musician.
Yet, despite his extraordinary work worldwide, Lynn’s heart always remained in Texas. Lynn wanted to return home to Amarillo and create productions that would inspire this community.
His work with the Lone Star Ballet became one of the defining passions of his life. Lynn was the creative force behind the development and design of Lone Star Ballet’s reimagined production of The Nutcracker, a vision he began shaping in 2007. He rewrote the script, creating an entirely unique interpretation of the classic story. Through his imagination, new characters were introduced, new worlds were created, and a sense of magic was woven into every moment. His artistic vision continues to make this Nutcracker performed every year here in Amarillo unlike any other in the world.
During the early stages of the production, Lynn used his Disney connections to introduce Lone Star Ballet to Broadway designer Stanley Meyer the set designer for the Broadway production “Beauty & The Beast.” Lynn hired Stan to create the stunning sets seen in the production today. Lynn dreamed that The Nutcracker would become a cherished Amarillo family tradition, one shared by parents, grandparents, and children each Christmas season. That dream lives on through every performance.
Lynn also created other memorable productions for Lone Star Ballet, including Time Steps, which will return for the 2026 season, and last year’s ballet Alice, inspired by Lewis Carols “Alice in Wonderland”. His work shaped not only this production but the spirit and creativity of the Lone Star Ballet.
He also had a long history with the outdoor musical drama Texas. He began as a lighting designer and later became creative director. In 2003, he rewrote the show’s script to enhance its historical accuracy, resulting in the updated production Texas Legacies.
Lynn’s contributions shaped not only individual productions, but the spirit and artistic identity of the Amarillo arts community. His influence will continue to shine through every dancer, every performance, and every moment of wonder he helped create.
Lynn’s greatest joy was being an uncle. He shared unforgettable experiences with his nieces and nephew, including summers at Disneyland, beach trips, Los Angeles adventures, and attending the many productions he created. For birthdays, he designed elaborate scavenger hunts. He taught his nieces how to play blackjack, a game he enjoyed, and each Christmas he decorated his home with dazzling light displays that delighted friends and neighbors.
Lynn was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Charles Hart, and his sister, Jan Roberts-Campbell. He is survived by his nieces Brandi Roberts of Amarillo and Heidi Roberts of Oklahoma City, and his nephew Alex Roberts of Amarillo.
Lynn’s imagination, warmth, and generous spirit touched all who knew him. He made others believe in magic, in the impossible, and in the power of storytelling. His legacy will be carried forward by those he inspired, the family and friends who loved him, and the countless lives brightened by his creativity.
We will carry your light with us always. We love you, and we will miss you deeply.
