Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University Beebe theater department has blossomed so much under the tutelage of Director Ryan Gibbons that they now offer multiple opportunities for their students to work on and off the stage. In March the ASU Beebe Theatre presented BLACK BOX NIGHT, where students were able to gain experience performing in a more intimate setting, and then in April, the students adapted Lewis Carroll’s iconic ALICE novels into a script molding in their own vision. Though vastly different, both shows allowed the students to prove that they were worthy of competing with the larger programs in Arkansas. 

Life is about making connections, and when my daughter told me she wanted me to interview her Band Director Brent Bristow at Arkansas State University Beebe because he started a band named EMERALD CITY COUNCIL and released a new album entitled MOTION CARRIES, I was intrigued.

We sat down for a Q&A with Broadway and television veteran Jenny Powers, who will star as The Witch alongside The Book of Mormon's Kevin Clay as The Baker in The Link Theatre Company's production of Into the Woods.

Broadway and television veteran Jenny Powers will star as “The Witch” alongside The Book of Mormon's Kevin Clay as “The Baker” in The Link Theatre Company's production of Into the Woods.

Hello, friends, and welcome to my 2023 Broadway World Year in Review. I literally doubled the number of articles this year from last year, and I’ve had the best time!

It’s great when a higher institution can educate the audience, and that is what happened for me when I went to Arkansas State University Beebe’s Theatre Department production of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN. Though I am familiar with the story of the Titanic, I have never seen this musical and was intrigued to see what this group of scholars have done. With Book by Henry Richard Morris, Music and Lyrics by Meredith Willson, and Directed by Ryan Gibbons, these actors told the story of Mrs. Brown from her humble beginnings with her brothers and pa to her time with royalty and beyond.  

What did our critic think of IS HE DEAD at Arkansas State University Beebe?

BWW's Theresa Bertram gives out awards for 2022 and talks about what's next.

What did our critic think of BIG FISH THE MUSICAL at Arkansas State University Beebe?

In theatre, as well as in life, we all need a little help from our friends. This holds true for Director Ryan Gibbins at Arkansas State University-Beebe Theatre Department, who will be presenting BIG FISH this Thursday through Saturday, November 3 through 5, in the Owen Center Theatre, beginning at 7pm. Thankfully, Mr. Gibbons has extremely talented friends, and his students are blessed to be guided under professional opera singer Frank Pitts, who has graciously stepped into the Music Director position for the show.

What did our critic think of SHREK! THE MUSICAL at Murry's Dinner Playhouse? The critic couldn't stop laughing, and loved every minute of it.

Set in Grover's Corner, New Hampshire, OUR TOWN, written by Thronton Wilder in 1937, is a staple for theaters everywhere, and it is tradition that every theater performs it, at least, once. And though I've seen it several times, I am always interested to see how each company interprets this piece of classic literature. I was especially excited to do my first college review with the Arkansas State University-Beebe's Theatre Department Thursday, April 21, because when you go to a theater where education is top priority, intriguing scenarios can develop. Also, my daughter has accepted a scholarship to this program in the fall, so I wanted to check it out, and I am happy that I did.

The Link Theatre Company in collaboration with the Delta Symphony Orchestra will present a concert version of the acclaimed Broadway musical, Ragtime, written by the award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and Tony Award-winning playwright, Terrence McNally.

The pandemic has not halted Opera Memphis’s forward momentum as the company continues to expand its reach in the community with the addition and promotion of two impressive women of color.

Black 'n da Blues: Stories and Songs from the Arkansas Delta is an invitation to gather, to reflect and to reveal. It is a communal ritual. It happens in a cafeteria, a church, a club, a school, a stage, or under some shade; a space where the line between the audience and the performers is blurred because we are all here to be seen and remembered.