Weekly Update!
So many shows, so little time!
Curtains up! From immersive parties on the prairie to ghoulishly funny video auditions, the Central Arkansas stage scene is moving at a breakneck pace this March. Here is your weekly look at what’s opening, what’s closing, and who is stepping into the spotlight.
I have a bit of personal news to share: I’ll be traveling to Thailand for two weeks this April! While I’m sad I won’t be able to personally review the incredible lineup of shows hitting the boards next month, you are in very good hands.
We have some wonderful individuals from our own community hitting the beat to provide coverage for:
Fences at Actors Theatre of Little Rock
Annie Get Your Gun at The Royal Theatre
A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at The Weekend Theater
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Argenta Contemporary Theatre
I can’t wait to read their perspectives on these productions while I’m away!
Video Auditions Open: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder
The Weekend Theater is officially on the hunt for a cast that can pull off a little “musical-comedy-murder-non-mystery.” They are currently accepting video auditions for all roles in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Follow Monty Navarro, a low-born man who discovers he is eighth in line for an earldom and decides to “eliminate” the D’Ysquith family members standing in his way. This ghoulish path to the Earldom of Highhurst is packed with lightning-fast character changes and hilarious musical numbers. Parts are available for all ethnicities and gender expressions.
How to Apply: Fill out the online form at weekendtheater.org/auditions and email your video to twtarticdirector@gmail.com.
Show Dates: April 17 – May 3, 2026.
The “Loudest Party on the Prairie” Ends Saturday
If you haven't seen the immersive production of Oklahoma! at Actors Theatre of Little Rock, this is your final warning. BroadwayWorld has called it "hard to beat" for favorite show of the year, but tickets are extremely limited for the remaining performances. The production has been described as a loud, proud party that brings Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic to life in a way you've never experienced before. The final week of shows begins tonight and officially wraps up this Saturday night.
New Cast Announcements
Actors Theatre of Little Rock: Fences
ATLR has revealed the cast for August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece, Fences, which runs April 15 – May 2. This poignant exploration of love and responsibility is set in 1950s Pittsburgh, following a former baseball player struggling with unfulfilled dreams and the invisible fences that confine us.
Troy Maxon: T. Dion Burns
Rose Maxson: Belinda Devine
Jim Bono: David House
Cory Maxson: Isaiah Austin
Lyons Maxson: Willie Lucius
Gabriel: Donald Jackson
Raynell: Kinsley Washington / Zuraiya Matabele
The Royal Theatre: Annie Get Your Gun
The Royal Players in Benton have announced a massive, talented cast for their April 9–19 production of Annie Get Your Gun.
Annie Oakley: Katie Choate
Frank Butler: Sean Grigsby
Dolly Tate: Jessica Miller
Tommy Keeler: Marseiko Jackson
Winnie Tate: Rylee Woodard
Charlie Davenport: Matthew Burns
Buffalo Bill Cody: Seth Hawkins
Chief Sitting Bull: Sa’teh Hampton
Pawnee Bill: Carl McBride
Foster Wilson: Ben Wright
Jessie: Dawson Claire Jones
Nellie: Maddox Easterly
Little Jake: Malachi Thomspon
Ensemble: Katrina Taylor, Abygail Hawkins, Leah White, Azlyn Barnard, Abby Grace Neufer, Callie Grace Graham, Sadie Hawkins, Braden Hammock, Sawyer Hawkins, Ezra Heyl, Connor Heyl, M.J. Sides, and Kayla Maurer.
Stage 13: The Addams Family
In case you missed the buzz from my interview with Alyson and Warren, Stage 13 has officially announced that The Addams Family Musical is coming to Wildwood Park for the Arts this October. Keep an eye out for audition info coming soon!
Currently Running & Closing Soon
Nuts (The Weekend Theater): You have until March 22 to catch this “visceral, gritty” courtroom drama. Tickets are available at weekendtheater.org/tickets.
101 Dalmatians Kids (Red Curtain Theatre): After a “pack”ed opening weekend in Conway, the puppies are back for one more weekend of shows. Grab tickets at redcurtaintheatre.com.
Currently Running & Upcoming
Oklahoma! - Actors Theatre of LR - Ending March 14
Nuts - The Weekend Theater - Now – March 22
101 Dalmatians Kids - Red Curtain Theatre - Now – March 15
Annie Get Your Gun - Royal Theatre - April 9 – 19
Fences - Actors Theatre of LR - April 15 – May 2
Gentleman’s Guide - The Weekend Theater - April 17 – May 3
With all of the Spring weather swiftly blooming around us, it’s a beautiful time to support local artists, whether you’re sitting in the audience or filming an audition in your living room. I’ll see you at the theater!