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.”
December 1, 2024
What did our critic think of CENDRILLON: A CINDERELLA STORY at Ouachita Baptist University McBeth Recital Hall?
November 29, 2024
I have the most fun every time I go to The Joint Comedy Theater in North Little Rock. Not only do they feature my favorite comedians, The Main Thing Comedy Trio, but they also offer a wide range of entertainment throughout the year, including live music, themed shows, and interactive performances that make every visit unique and exciting.
November 27, 2024
Creativity thrives at Batesville Community Theatre! Their latest production, THE MALTESE ANTIDEPRESSANT, an original play written by board member Stephen Norris, debuted to enthusiastic audiences November 15–17. The show was such a hit that they’re bringing it back by popular demand the weekend of January 10, 2025.
November 26, 2024
Directed by Jeremy Clay, the Bryant High School Thespian Troupe took on an ambitious challenge with their production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, presented November 14-17, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. With a story as layered and emotionally rich as this Tony Award-winning musical, with Music, Lyrics, and Book by Anais Mitchell, the students poured their hearts into every moment, creating a show that was as visually stunning as it was emotionally resonant.
November 25, 2024
What did our critic think of CLUE at Red Curtain Theatre?
November 23, 2024
What did our critic think of WAIT UNTIL DARK at Performing Arts Center On The Square?
November 21, 2024
Believe it or not, I have never really seen the movie A CHRISTMAS STORY. Sure, I’ve heard ‘you’ll shoot your eye out’, I’m familiar with the kid sticking his tongue on the frozen pole, and I’ve seen the leg lamp, but I have never sat down and watched the movie. So, my real introduction to this Christmas classic was at the Twin Lakes Playhouse, 600 West Sixth Street, in Mountain Home, Sunday, Nov. 10.
November 20, 2024
What did our critic think of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL at University Of Central Arkansas Theatre?
November 19, 2024
Framed like a Christmas dream full of color and glee, Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL was simply magical, and we were thrilled to catch a performance Saturday, Nov. 9, at Robinson Center in Little Rock. With its whimsical sets, dazzling costumes, and a heartwarming story brought to life by a talented cast, the production captured the essence of Seuss’ timeless tale. It was a truly enchanting experience and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
November 15, 2024
The Lantern Theatre in Conway has reimagined William Shakespeare’s HAMLET by casting a female in the titular role, and it has proved to be the most inspirational and creative choice allowing you to experience this classic in a whole new way. Directed by Vera Proctor, this innovative approach not only honors Shakespeare’s original text but also underscores the timelessness of his work, proving that great storytelling transcends boundaries of gender. This is their final weekend, so grab your tickets at https://www.conwaylanterntheatre.org. You don’t want to miss this one.
November 16, 2024
Broadway World loves it when companies produce shows that take risks unapologetically. Several times now the Actors Theatre of Little Rock has left me speechless and proud at the same time, and this is one of those moments with their production of DANCE NATION, which was presented Oct. 30 through Nov. 9 at the Quapaw Methodist Church. Similar to the show Dance Moms but taken to a whole new level, this show probes into the intense, complicated lives of 13-year-old dancers and explores the brutal yet exhilarating process of discovering who they are and what they want.
November 12, 2024
Theatre education is incredibly important for fostering a range of skills and values that benefit students far beyond the stage, so I love going to the different schools to see what they are learning. For my inaugural trip to the University of Arkansas Little Rock’s Haislip Theatre Thursday, Oct. 24, I was able to experience Moliere’s THE IMAGINARY INVALID, directed by the amazing Ben Grimes.
November 12, 2024
The holiday shows have officially begun, and my first introduction into the season was by my favorite a cappella group STRAIGHT NO CHASER, who took the Reynolds Performance Hall stage in Conway on Friday, Nov. 1, and performed a mixture of hits and Christmas tunes to a packed house of appreciating Chasers and new-to-them fans. From their beautiful harmonies to their humor and heart, Straight No Chaser brought something special to Arkansas, and we can’t wait for them to return next year!
November 11, 2024
Going to MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH THE CHANGE at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, which was presented November 1-3, was like joining a big party bound by women who were embracing the aging process and laughing in the face of every hot flash, mood swing, and memory lapse! Based on the Original Stage Play by Jeanie Linders, with Additional Book and Lyrics by Karen Bishko and Jeanette Hopkins, and Directed by Seth Greenleaf, the show was a celebration of womanhood with humor that felt refreshingly honest, touching on all the highs and lows of 'the change' with a wink and a smile.
November 9, 2024
What did our critic think of DRACULA at The Collins Theatre?
November 6, 2024
As a journalist, I don’t want to say that I have favorites when it comes to my artistic community, but well..... Ben Grimes is juggling all sorts of projects, and Broadway World wanted to catch up with him to see what he had for us.
November 5, 2024
What did our critic think of HARVEY at Hot Springs World Class High School Theater?
November 2, 2024
What did our critic think of DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS at Red Curtain Theatre?
November 1, 2024
Walton Arts Center, 495 W Dickson St, in Fayetteville, brought the excitement again, this time with BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL, which ran from October 22-27. I would say his name three times just to see the show again! Directed by Alex Timbers, the thrilling blend of dark humor, incredible music and spooky charm had us smiling through the whole production! We loved it!
November 1, 2024
What did our critic think of AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MURDER ON THE NILE at Murry's Dinner Playhouse?
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