Jeff Ward

Xolo Maridueña Joins Season 3 of Netflix’s ONE PIECE
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 5, 2025

Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai) has been cast to star as Portgas D. Ace in season three of One Piece, which is set to go back into production later this year in Cape Town, South Africa.

Cole Escola Cast as Bon Clay in Season 3 of Netflix's ONE PIECE
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 3, 2025

Tony Award-winning performer and writer Cole Escola (Oh, Mary!) has joined the third season of Netflix's One Piece, the live-action series based on the beloved manga of the same name.

Review: ANTIGONE with The Lantern Theatre in Conway
by Theresa Bertram - Oct 28, 2025

What did our critic think of ANTIGONE at The Lantern Theatre?

Interview: Christopher Lowell Wants to 'Meet the Moment' of MARJORIE PRIME
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 29, 2025

Just last fall, film and television star Christopher Lowell was gearing up for a major career milestone... his Broadway debut. He went on to take his first official Broadway bow at the Hayes Theatre in the acclaimed Second Stage production of Leslye Headland's Cult of Love, on December 12, 2024. Exactly one year later, Lowell will be back on Broadway, at the Hayes Theatre, starring in yet another Second Stage production- Marjorie Prime. ​

Review: SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Red Curtain Theatre in Conway
by Theresa Bertram - Aug 19, 2025

What did our critic think of SOMETHING ROTTEN! at Red Curtain Theatre? SOMETHING ROTTEN! is directed by Jeff Ward with music direction by Kayla White and choreography by Ansley Sherman.

ONE PIECE Renewed for Season 3 at Netflix; Watch a Season 2 First Look
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 11, 2025

Netflix has shared a first look at the highly anticipated season two of the epic pirate adventure series, returning in 2026. The series has also been given an early Season 3 renewal. Check out the first-look now!

Review: ALL MY SONS at The Lantern Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - May 27, 2025

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. 

Bonnie Milligan, Beanie Feldstein and More Nominated for 2025 Helen Hayes Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2025

Explore the 2025 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees, including standout performances by Bonnie Milligan and Beanie Feldstein. The awards will be presented on Monday, May 19 at an event at The Anthem. The nominations are for productions in the Washington, DC, region in the 2024 calendar year.

Sophia Anne Caruso Joins Netflix's ONE PIECE Series
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 14, 2025

Beetlejuice star Sophie Anne Caruso is set to appear in Season 2 of Netflix's live-action One Piece series, based on the popular manga of the same name.

Review: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S HAMLET at The Lantern Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - Nov 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. 

Joe Manganiello & Lera Abova Join Season Two of Netflix's ONE PIECE
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 20, 2024

At the Geeked Week live event in Atlanta, Netflix announced new cast members who will appear in roles in the upcoming second season of ONE PIECE. Joe Manganiello (True Blood, Magic Mike franchise) will appear as “Mr. 0,' with Lera Abova (Bumper in Berlin, Honey Don’t) taking on the role of “Miss All Sunday.'

Charithra Chandran Joins Season Two of Netflix's ONE PIECE
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 26, 2024

Netflix has announced that Charithra Chandran, of Bridgerton fame, will join season two of One Piece in the series regular role of “Miss Wednesday.' Season two is currently in production in Cape Town, South Africa.

Video: Netflix Begins Production on ONE PIECE Season 2; Confirms Cast
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 1, 2024

Netflix has begun production on Season Two of the beloved live-action adventure One Piece and released a cast video reuniting the original Straw Hat crew, Iñaki Godoy (Monkey D. Luffy), Mackenyu (Zoro), Emily Rudd (Nami), Jacob Romero (Usopp) and Taz Skylar (Sanji) as they come back together in Cape Town.

Review: WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF at The Lantern Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - Jun 2, 2024

What did our critic think of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF at The Lantern Theatre?

Photos: Highlights of Tammy Faye Starlite in NICO: UNDERGROUND
by Rebecca Kaplan - May 18, 2024

Cabaret singer Tammy Faye Starlite is bringing her show Nico: Underground, exploring the subversive singer Nico, who is perhaps best known for singing with the Velvet Underground. You can catch the show's final performance at Joe's Pub this Wednesday night on May 22 at at 9:30 pm. See highlights from the Wednesday May 15th show.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, CABARET & More Lead in Nominations for 2024 Drama League Awards
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2024

Read the full list of 2024 Drama League Nominations! Nominations include Cabaret, Merrily We Roll Along and more.

DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA Recoups Investment Off-Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Jan 11, 2024

The hit off-Broadway revival of John Patrick Shanley's Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, starring Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott, has recouped its initial investment.

Feature: Arkansas Theatre Year In Review for 2023
by Theresa Bertram - Jan 6, 2024

Hello, friends, and welcome to my 2023 Broadway World Year in Review. I literally doubled the number of articles this year from last year, and I’ve had the best time!

Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott Out of DANNY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA Performances This Week
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2023

Aubrey Plaza and Christopher Abbott will be out of Danny and the Deep Blue Sea Dec 12-14 due to sickness. 

STRANGE THINGS Star Joseph Quinn Added To FAN EXPO Portland Lineup
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 30, 2023

British actor Joseph Quinn, known for his role in 'Stranger Things,' joins the celebrity lineup at FAN EXPO Portland. Other additions include Laurie Holden, Mary McDonnell, and Diana Lee Inosanto. Tickets available now.