Theresa Bertram - Page 11

One of my favorite things about The Weekend Theater in Little Rock is their fearless commitment to producing shows that make you think deeply, feel unexpectedly, and, at times, laugh through your tears.

What did our critic think of MAD HATTERS DUELING PIANOS at MAD House 101 Restaurant & Bar? The Mad Hatters Dueling Pianos gave us a night of laughs and nostalgia at MAD House 101 Restaurant Bar in El Dorado Thursday, June 5.

Laughter echoed through The Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs this weekend as Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park took center stage, bringing with it the warm, nostalgic charm of a classic American sitcom. Under the direction of Kevin Day, this production, which runs through Sunday, June 15, played like a delightful episode from the golden age of television: sharp, character-driven, and laugh-out-loud funny.

If you're looking for a few of your favorite things this June, make sure one of them is a ticket to The Sound of Music at The Royal Theatre in Benton.

Nothing will get a mama more emotional than watching a child being wronged, and y’all, I was deep in my feels at THE PROM at Actors Theatre of Little Rock, which is running now through June 21. Directed by Caelon Colbert, this vibrant musical, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Bob Martin and Beguelin, is based on an original concept by Jack Viertel.

I absolutely love the Ozark Mountains! There’s something peaceful yet invigorating about their rolling beauty, so anytime I get the chance to head that way, I take it. It didn’t take any convincing for me to make the trip to Mountain Home to check out the Twin Lakes Playhouse production of Laura, now running through Sunday, June 15. 

Are you ready to get a little teary-eyed? Driving Miss Daisy is playing at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock now through June 21. Under the direction of Roger M. Eaves, this Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Uhrey gently unfolds the evolving 25-year relationship between Daisy Werthan (Leigh Anne Ralston), a sharp-tongued, fiercely independent Jewish widow, and her patient, good-natured chauffeur Hoke Coleburn (Christopher Straw). This duo will get you in your feels! 

Mesmerizing. Electrifying. And that music, y’all! Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock knows how to kick off a season in style. If you haven’t seen ME AND THE DEVIL, written by their new Artistic Director Steve Broadnax III, now’s the time! This powerful production that Broadnax calls his “love note to the south” runs through Sunday, June 8, so don’t miss your chance to experience it. Grab your tickets at therep.org! 

Currently on stage at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre through Sunday, June 8, is the World Premiere of ME AND THE DEVIL, written and directed by the Rep’s new Artistic Director, Steve H. Broadnax III. Described as his “love note to the South,” the production pulses with blues, brims with drama, and drips with decadence—everything we love in a show. A few days before opening night, we had the privelege to get to know this powerhouse artist.

I had my first introduction to the Tuna series at The Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs last weekend, and I couldn’t have asked for a better welcome into this wildly funny, fast-paced world. With performances from May 16th to the 25th, GREATER TUNA by Jaston Williams, Ed Howard, and Joe Sears was a whirlwind tour through the quirks and contradictions of small-town Texas life, delivered with heart, hilarity, and a whole lot of quick costume changes. 

There’s always something exciting about discovering a new place and a fresh program, so when I had the opportunity to visit the Memphis Jewish Community Center (MJCC) and catch a glimpse of their production of ALICE @ WONDERLAND by Jonathan Yukich, I couldn’t wait to attend.

ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller is in my top five of favorite classic plays, so I was thrilled to hear that The Lantern Theatre was performing it May 9–17 in the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Conway. Directed by Rachel McKee, the production honored Miller’s tightly-woven narrative and emotional complexity with a cast that brought a raw, honest intensity to every scene. 

Though sometimes it feels like it takes 525,600 minutes to drive to Texarkana, the trip is always worth it, especially when the Texarkana Repertory Company delivers powerhouse performances like RENT, presented May 2–11. With raw emotion, electrifying vocals, and fearless storytelling, this production, Directed by Michael Cooper, captured the spirit of Jonathan Larson’s iconic rock musical while infusing it with a unique local energy that left audiences breathless. It was a vibrant reminder that art not only reflects life, but it also gives it meaning. 

If you didn’t “Suddenly, Seymour” on stage at The Red Curtain Theatre in Conway between May 2 and 11, you missed a hilariously twisted night of toe-tapping terror. Their production of Little Shop of Horrors (Book and Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken, and based on the no-budget Roger Corman film from 1960) proved once again that this quirky cult classic still packs a punch right in the 'Dentist!' chair. 

There are some plays that reach into your chest, gently lift your heart, and place it into a more vulnerable position, and On Golden Pond is one of them. Currently playing at The Argenta Contemporary Theatre in North Little Rock through Saturday, May 24, this Ernest Thompson classic has found fresh resonance in the hands of a talented cast and a deeply affecting production that speaks with poignancy and warmth to anyone who's walked alongside a loved one facing the fog of memory loss. 

UCA Public Appearances has announced an all new season of performances including show stopping Broadway hits Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and The Music Man, family friendly shows such as Cirque Dreams Holidaze and Pete the Cat, exciting night outs with comedian Kevin Nealon and JAWS in Concert, award-winning musicians including the Gin Blossoms with special guest Spin Doctors, The Band Perry, John Waite and a variety of more shows throughout the year.

As a child, I absolutely adored going to the circus. I was mesmerized by the high-flying acrobats who danced through the air like magic, enchanted by the kaleidoscope of bright colors that twirled before my eyes, and endlessly amused by the clowns who could send the whole crowd into fits of giggles with nothing more than a goofy grin or a perfectly timed pratfall.

For my first visit to the Walton Fine Arts Center Black Box on the University of the Ozarks campus in Clarksville on May 1, I had the pleasure of attending John Proctor Is The Villain by Kimberly Belflower. The intensity of this performance left me deeply moved, not just by the play itself, but by the passion and commitment of the students bringing it to life. They definitely exceeded all my expectations. 

If CARRIE THE MUSICAL at The Weekend Theater in Little Rock isn’t sold out yet, I will be surprised! With a powerful cast and haunting score, this production grabs hold of your spine and doesn’t let go. Running through Sunday, May 18, this weekend is your last chance to catch this chilling and deeply moving show. Don’t miss it!