Feature: HARE AND TORTOISE & PETE THE CAT at Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway
A seven-year-old's honest review reveals why children's theatre matters for young audiences in Central Arkansas.
When I can’t make it to a show myself, I love sending my friends as my honorary reviewers—and for Hare and Tortoise at Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway on April 2, I sent my most enthusiastic one yet. My youngest critic, seven-year-old Melody from Morrilton Primary School, was more than ready to share every little detail, and hearing the story through her bright, excited perspective made it feel like I was right there with her, seeing it all for the very first time. I’ve long believed that children’s theatre plays an essential role in the educational and emotional development of our youth, and my friends at Reynolds Performance Hall feel the same. In fact, Executive Director Amanda Horton and her team have thoughtfully curated a Main Stage Education Series designed especially for young theatre-goers.
When asked what the play was about, Melody summed it up in the most heartfelt way: “The play was about a tortoise that was really slow, but the hare really wanted to win… but the hare was really mean to the tortoise.” In her honest and unfiltered retelling, the story’s message came through loud and clear. “The tortoise never gave up on the race,” she said proudly, adding that the tortoise was “slow and steady.”
Melody was especially drawn to the lesson behind the story. “I loved the tortoise because she never gave up on what she loved the best,” she explained. To her, the story wasn’t just about winning, it was about trying your best and not being a sore loser. She even highlighted the compassion at the end, sharing that after the race, “the hare and the tortoise became friends,” and that the tortoise “felt bad for the hare,” showing just how deeply she connected with the emotional arc of the piece.
The world of the play sparked her imagination, too. Melody excitedly recalled the variety of animals on stage, including “foxes… hares… and little jumpy kangaroos,” painting a picture of a lively, colorful production that fully engaged its young audience. When it came to the costumes, one character stood out. “This man was a hare with ears and a little jacket with a pom-pom—and it’s funny,” she said with a laugh, while also remembering the tortoise’s glasses and shell—details that clearly made a lasting impression.
Her reaction says it all. “It was kind of good because I loved the play,” she said, before sharing that her classmates agreed—“They say it’s good and they clapped about it. Yay!” And when asked if she would go back to the theatre, her answer was immediate and enthusiastic: “Yes.”
That same sense of joy and discovery filled Reynolds just weeks earlier on March 19 with Pete the Cat, a vibrant, music-filled production based on the beloved children’s books. From the moment the show began, the energy in the room was electric. Young audiences were completely engaged, clapping along, laughing freely, and eagerly following Pete and his friends on their groovy adventure centered on friendship, self-expression, and resilience. In fact, more than 2,000 children attended the Main Stage performance, with some even turning the outing into a full day of fun by enjoying picnics on the lawn.
What made Pete the Cat particularly effective was its ability to meet young audiences exactly where they are. With bold, colorful costumes, fun songs, and clear, accessible storytelling, the production created a welcoming introduction to live theatre. Like Hare and Tortoise, it balanced entertainment with meaningful life lessons, reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to be different and that a positive attitude can carry you through life’s challenges.
Experiences like these underscore the vital importance of Theatre for Young Audiences. Live theatre sparks children’s imaginations in a way few other experiences can, allowing them to connect learning through movement, language, social interaction, and collaboration. Since 2015, the Main Stage Education Series at Reynolds Performance Hall has served schools across Central Arkansas, welcoming thousands of students each year from all corners of the state.
Each production in the series is thoughtfully chosen to both entertain and educate, often tying into subjects like math, science, history, and language arts while reinforcing social skills and teamwork. Scheduled during the school day to accommodate field trips, these performances are brought to life by professional, national touring artists, ensuring a high-quality theatrical experience. Teachers are also equipped with study guides and classroom resources designed to align with educational standards, helping students engage more deeply with the material before and after attending the performance.
With the season coming to an end, Reynolds Performance Hall is already looking ahead with excitement as it prepares to unveil its next lineup on May 12. The annual announcement has become something of a celebration in itself with a lively gathering of patrons, educators, and eager theatre lovers, all buzzing with anticipation to see what is coming to Conway. I can't wait to find out!
If this year is any indication, audiences can expect a dynamic mix of Main Stage productions and educational offerings that continue to inspire and engage, along with amazing concerts, dance shows, and everyone's favorite -- the Broadway series. One thing is certain: the Theatre for Young Audiences series will remain a cornerstone, introducing students to the magic of live performance while reinforcing the very lessons Melody so beautifully articulated—perseverance, kindness, creativity, and the joy of storytelling.
As young theatre-goers like Melody leave the auditorium with wide eyes and big smiles, it’s clear that Reynolds Performance Hall isn’t just presenting shows, it’s cultivating the next generation of arts lovers, one unforgettable performance at a time.
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