Weekly Update!
A Front-Row Seat to Everything Local
One of my favorite things about our local theatre community is how everyone seems to show up for each other. Whether it’s a sold-out matinee in Argenta or a distillery creating a custom drink just to celebrate an opening night, the support in this town is incredible. It makes me even more excited to share what’s coming down the pike.
I’ve been chatting with some of the folks behind the scenes lately, and the energy right now is electric. From youth programs hitting capacity to high-stakes audition calls for the spring, there is a seat (or a stage) waiting for you. Here is the latest on what’s happening around the neighborhood.
Opening Night Toasts and Immersive Vibes
Actors Theatre of Little Rock is officially kicking off Season 4 this week with a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! like you’ve never seen it before. They’re taking an immersive approach right in the SoMa neighborhood, which always adds such a cool, visceral layer to a classic story.
To celebrate, Rock Town Distillery is getting in on the fun with a specialty “Drink of the Week” named—appropriately—”Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’.” It’s a bright mix of Rock Town Vodka, Coffee Liqueur, orange juice, and soda water. You can grab one at the distillery cocktail bar for $7 (tax inclusive) through March 1. Whether you need a pre-show boost or a spot to decompress after the curtain falls, it’s the perfect pairing for opening week.
Bonus Content: Keep your eyes peeled for an exclusive behind-the-scenes chat coming soon. I’ll be talking with Director Caelon Colbert about his specific inspiration for bringing this version of Oklahoma! to life.
Big Moves at Red Curtain Theatre
If you have kids in your life or just a deep appreciation for the next generation of performers, Red Curtain Theatre is the place to be right now. They are juggling three different projects, so there is truly something for everyone:
101 Dalmatians Kids: This one is proving to be a massive hit. Tickets have been selling so fast that they actually had to add an extra performance to the schedule. If you want to catch these spotted pups in action, grab your seats now before the “Sold Out” signs go up.
The Aristocats Kids: If your young performer is looking for their next stage home, registration for the youth program of Disney’s Aristocats Kids opens this Friday, February 27, at 6:00 PM. You can find all the registration details here.
Y!kes Improv: For those who just want a good laugh, the Y!kes Improv team is taking the stage this Saturday, February 28, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are just $10 at the door, and it’s a safe, fun environment for all ages.
Mystery and Auditions at The Weekend Theater
The Weekend Theater is keeping the momentum high as they prepare for two very different shows. First, they are gearing up for the opening of NUTS, which runs March 6–22. This intense courtroom drama follows Claudia Draper, a woman fighting to prove her sanity and autonomy against a system that wants to lock her away. Fun fact: while the 1987 film starred Barbra Streisand and Richard Dreyfuss, we get to see some of our own local TWT legends take on these heavy-hitting roles. Tickets are available now.
If you’re looking to get on the stage instead of in the audience, they’ve just announced auditions for the hilarious musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
When: Saturday, March 6 at 10:00 AM and Sunday, March 7 at 6:00 PM.
The Vibe: It’s an open call, so no appointments are necessary. They are looking for all gender expressions and ethnicities to fill out this ghoulishly funny cast. You can find the audition form and character breakdowns here.
Pirates and Penzance at Wildwood
Wildwood Park for the Arts is bringing the quintessential Gilbert & Sullivan wit to the Cabe Festival Theater with The Pirates of Penzance from March 6–15. Expect a rollicking romp filled with swashbuckling buccaneers, bumbling bobbies, and that iconic “Model of a Modern Major-General” patter song.
I’m particularly excited because Heather and I will be attending opening night! I’ll be sharing a full write-up of my thoughts and the overall experience soon after, so stay tuned for that. If you want to join the fun, tickets are on sale now.
Success at Argenta and Pitches at Pocket
Argenta Contemporary Theatre: A huge round of applause for the team at ACT! Their matinee of Always...Patsy Cline officially sold out this past weekend. If you’ve been meaning to catch this tribute to the country legend, don’t wait—check their remaining dates immediately before they’re all gone.
Pocket Community Theatre: Calling all local directors! The 2027 Season Pitch Session is happening this Friday, February 27, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. If you’ve assistant directed at the Pocket before, this is your chance to pitch your dream show to the Production Committee. You have five minutes to make your case. You can fill out the optional form here or just show up with your info.
Heading to the Swamp with The Royal Theatre
Finally, The Young Players at The Royal Theatre are bringing SHREK The Musical JR to the stage from March 12–21. This is a masterfully adapted version of the Broadway hit, specifically designed to keep even the youngest theater-goers captivated.
It’s an “OGRE-sized” adventure about self-acceptance and finding beauty in the most unlikely places. Directed by Matthew Burns and featuring a huge cast of local talent, this is a perfect family outing. Tickets are $20 for general admission, with discounts for seniors, military, and students. I highly recommend buying in advance, as Royal shows have a habit of filling up fast.
Coming Soon
I’m working on a very special, behind-the-scenes look at Stage 13. I’ll be chatting with Co-Executive Directors Alyson Courtney and Warren McCullough to hear their story and find out exactly what they have in store for us next.
Currently On Stage & Opening This Week
Always... Patsy Cline | Argenta Contemporary Theatre | Now – March 8
Oklahoma! (Immersive Production) | Actors Theatre of Little Rock | Opens Feb 25 – March 8 (I’ll be there tomorrow! Stop by and say hi!!)
101 Dalmatians Kids | Red Curtain Theatre | Feb 27 – March 1 (Additional performances added due to demand!)
Y!kes Improv Night | Red Curtain Theatre | Feb 28 @ 7:00 PM (One night only—$10 at the door.)
Opening Soon
Nuts | The Weekend Theater | March 6 – 22
The Pirates of Penzance | Wildwood Park for the Arts | March 6 – 15 (I’ll be there opening night, come say hi!)
Shrek The Musical JR | The Young Players at The Royal Theatre | March 12 – 21