Prior to becoming a writer for Broadway World, Theresa Bertram has had an extensive career in the media/entertainment business. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada to a professional poker-playing mother, Theresa’s formative years during the summer were spent being babysat by entertainers in the Vegas showrooms. “Having children sit in the poker rooms is frowned upon, so they would tuck me away in the various theatres to entertain me while my mother worked,”Theresa said. To this day, she still keeps in touch with the many musicians, magicians, and jugglers through Facebook. “Social media is a wonderful communication tool.” Theresa has played piano since the age of three and is a sought after regional pianist in Arkansas. “I’m more of an “ear” player, but I can play through sheet music when needed.” Theresa’s writing career began in high school when she was placed in journalism. “I didn’t even want to be in that class,” Theresa admitted. “I knew they put in a lot more hours than I really wanted to commit. I tried to get the counselor to change it, but she thought I would do really well. So, I stuck it out, became Sports Editor since I played volleyball in junior high and that was more sports than anyone else on the staff had (though my real love was feature profile writing), and ended up taking it to the next level in college. During college, Theresa studied mass communications and music at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway during the day and was a radio disc jockey at night. “My first radio job was at KVOM in my small town of Morrilton. I was only there for eight months, before I moved on up to Little Rock to work at B98.5--which later would be owned by Citidel. Ultimately, I moved over to Clear Channel stations and met a lot of country stars. Those were some fun years,” Bertram said. Theresa took a 10-year hiatus to start a family and finished up her educational journey with a Public Relations degree from Arkansas Tech University. “I was a better-focused student my second time around,” Theresa said. “I would be a professional student if I had the funds and time to do so.” With children old enough to allow Theresa to focus on professional pursuits once again, she began working as a producer/on-air talent in 2011 for AIRS Radio, which is a reading service for the blind and visually impaired offered by the Division Services for the Blind-a branch off of the Division of Human Services in Arkansas. She also started volunteering with local school associations and the historic Rialto Theatre. “I have always been attracted to this haunting building,” Theresa said referring to the Rialto. “It calls to you when you pass by it on the road. I love It.” Theresa does everything from producing music programs to making the popcorn. “It’s a great place to spend time and give my children a memorable place to grow up in. I will always love this theatre.” Theresa became a copy writer for the local newspaper, when the editor came early to one of the shows at the Rialto and offered her a job. “The best jobs are the ones that are given to you,” she said. “Also, I have a hard time saying ‘no’ to people if there is a way I can do what is requested.” A year later she was offered the editor position in the neighboring county. “You just never know what people are going to want from you. I keep thinking of that movie with Jim Carrey and how he had to say ‘yes’ to everything. If it isn’t illegal and time permits, I try to do it if I can.” Even though she has now taken over the Director position of AIRS Radio, she still finds time to attend as many shows as she can. “I have always been an entertainment cheerleader for as long as I can remember. If I think hard enough, I feel it probably started with those entertainers in Las Vegas. They performed for me, and I was happy to be the enthusiastic audience member night after night. It was a magical and unique childhood. I was very lucky.” Theresa is excited to be among the writing team of Broadway World. “I know when you think of Arkansas, ‘Broadway stars’ is not the first, or maybe even the last, thing that pops into your mind. I beg to differ though. Arkansas has an abundant amount of talent, and not only do we entertain for our own personal fancies, but we raise our children in this environment as well. We are a close-nit group of people, and I want to show how awesome Arkansas entertainers are to the rest of the world through Broadway World.”
January 7, 2025
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock is focused on providing a well-rounded artistic experience to their patrons, and this is proven to be true with their holiday offering of MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, which ran from December 7-22. Featuring a cast of professional actors alongside talented local children, the production brought Ludwig Bemelmans' beloved story to life with charm and creativity.
January 6, 2025
What did our critic think of PAGANS ON BOBSLEDS XXXI: RIZZ THE SEASON at The Public Theater?
January 5, 2025
For the non-theatrical people, you would be surprised at how many A CHRISTMAS CAROLs there are, and the students at Morrilton High School and their teachers presented their own version. Read the review here!
December 28, 2024
What did our critic think of HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR at Conway High School?
December 26, 2024
When I heard that CONWAY MEN’S CHORUS was celebrating 25 years of singing, I knew I needed to check out their Holiday Concert Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Reynolds Performance Hall at The University of Central Arkansas in Conway, and I loved this celebration of music, community, and the holiday spirit. Not only did they have a beautiful repertoire, but they let others shine that evening as well.
December 23, 2024
The holiday season is in full swing at The Joint Comedy Theater, located at 301 Main Street in North Little Rock! The Main Thing Comedy Trio—featuring my favorite comedians, Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell, and Brett Ihler—brings the uproarious Fertle family to life in A FERTLE HOLIDAY this Friday and Saturday and again on New Year’s Eve, where they’ll host a spectacular party complete with catering, champagne, and live music to ring in the new year in style.
December 20, 2024
If you mix the Hee Haw cornfield joke skits with a PG-13 RomCom, you get SHUCKED, which is playing at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville now through December 22nd. This hilarious Broadway musical (Book by Robert Horn with Music and Lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally) combines down-home humor with a heartwarming love story, filled with witty one-liners that will have you laughing non-stop.
December 20, 2024
I now have a new favorite Christmas rock band! Scratch that. I now have a new favorite rock band that happens to play Christmas music, and let’s be honest, if you can make Christmas music sound this cool, you deserve high accolades.
December 16, 2024
To close out the holiday season, the Argenta Contemporary Theatre in North Little Rock presents A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL now through December 22, to a sold-out crowd, and rightfully so. The talent level for this production is through the roof, with a cast that brings extraordinary energy and charm to this timeless holiday tale. My adoration grows and grows with each visit, and I am continually impressed by the magic this theatre creates.
December 15, 2024
What did our critic think of WINTER WONDERETTES at The Pocket Community Theatre?
December 13, 2024
What did our critic think of SILVER BELLES at The Royal Theatre?
December 13, 2024
With Music by Henry Krieger and Books and Lyrics by Tom Even, DREAMGIRLS follows the rise of a fictional 1960s girl group, The Dreams, which was inspired by acts like The Supremes. Effie (Courtney “Coco” Briggs), Deena (Rosa Howard), and Lorrell (Tiara Piggee) enter a talent contest with hopes of launching their singing careers.
December 11, 2024
It’s always fun to go back to my home theatre to see what they are doing, and for this holiday season, Directed by Kent Britton and K. Shane Boen, the Rialto Theatre in Morrilton is presenting THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which runs through this weekend, Sunday, Dec. 15.
December 10, 2024
As one of their last main shows in their space that they have been inhabiting for about a decade, the Studio Theatre in Little Rock brings the timeless charm of ANNIE to life in a heartwarming production with songs that you know and love now through Sunday, Dec. 15. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to their theatre at 320 W 7th St, in Little Rock, but Broadway World is intrigued on where we are going next.
December 7, 2024
What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center?
December 7, 2024
What did our critic think of CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Lakeside High School?
December 6, 2024
What did our critic think of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Silvermoon Children's Theatre?aBroadway World loves taking a road trip to Texarkana to see the young actors at The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre. They impress me every time I go see them. For this trip we saw the delightful BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER which had a limited engagement November 21-24. Directed by the amazing Susannah Morriss Linnett, the production captured the heartwarming chaos and charm of Barbara Robinson's classic story, and these kids gave a performance that rivaled seasoned thespians.
December 4, 2024
Nothing says Christmas like going to Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock for a festive evening of delicious food and heartwarming entertainment. With its cozy atmosphere and wonderful hospitality, Murry’s creates the perfect setting to celebrate the season with family and friends. Now through New Year’s Eve, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is lighting up the stage with its timeless music, dazzling choreography, and a story that captures the true spirit of the holidays. Don’t miss your chance to make this magical show part of your holiday celebration!
December 1, 2024
What did our critic think of RIDE THE CYCLONE at Arkansas State University Jonesboro?
December 1, 2024
What did our critic think of CENDRILLON: A CINDERELLA STORY at Ouachita Baptist University McBeth Recital Hall?
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