Theresa Bertram - Page 12

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! 

It always excites me to visit a new theater, especially when it's a historic gem nestled in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. There’s a distinct charm stepping into The Melody Theater in Leachville, which began showing movies in 1948. The walls definitely echo with stories of performances past, so it was super cool to see Studio 42 & Co production of Little Women: The Musical (Book by Allan Knee, Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein),  come to life during the first weekend of May. Director Sarah Poe curated a remarkable cast that showcased just how rich Northeast Arkansas is in musical talent.  

Pulaski Academy’s theatre program is truly a standout gem in Arkansas’s educational arts scene. They not only invest in high production value and quality storytelling, but also consistently nurture student talent with such evident care and professionalism. 

The Hot Springs Trojan Theatre has truly outdone themselves with what has become my favorite rendition of The Addams Family, performed April 24–26 in the Joyce L. Littleton Craft Auditorium. Directed by Kaitlin Potts, this cast delivered doom and gloom with a delightfully magical and macabre flair, and it wasn’t just me who took notice.

Hendrix College in Conway, one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the United States, is a true gem nestled right here in Central Arkansas. At Hendrix, students are immersed in a continual journey of discovery, and the theatre department exemplifies that spirit.

And oh, how gloriously they ruled it. Disney’s Descendants: The Musical, directed with commanding vision by Caitlin Peterson and cleverly co-led by student director Samuel Jones, wasn’t just a school production, it was a theatrical uprising. A royal coronation of mischief, magic, and mayhem. 

The Broadway Bound Awards of Central Arkansas, presented by Celebrity Attractions in partnership with Argenta Contemporary Theatre, is proud to honor the next generation of musical theatre stars with an opportunity of a lifetime.