Yearly Archives: 2012

Little Rock author Frank Thurmond book signing

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Frank ThurmondLittle Rock author Frank Thurmond will have a book signing today. For those not in Little Rock for the Razorback game, they should journey to That Bookstore In Blytheville for his 1pm book signing.

Thurmond will be signing copies of his new book entitled BEFORE I SLEEP: A MEMOIR OF TRAVEL AND RECONCILIATION, published by Et Alia Press. The book is available locally at the Clinton Museum Store, Wordsworth Books, and the UALR bookstore. It can be ordered online through Amazon.com.

After growing up in Little Rock, Thurmond has now returned and is an instructor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.  In addition to being an author, he is a classical guitarist.

The Band of Brothers: HENRY V at Arkansas Rep

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The Arkansas Repertory Theatre kicks off its 37th season with William Shakespeare’s Henry V.  Directed by Producing Artistic Director Robert Hupp, this production is the first of Shakespeare’s History plays to be produced at the Rep.

The production reunites Hupp with actors Avery Clark and Nikki Coble from the Rep’s widely acclaimed production of Hamlet in 2010.  The cast is an amalgam of seasoned Rep veterans and newcomers.  It includes Jason Collins, Jason Guy, Peter Leake, Joe Menino, Irungu Mutu, Richard Prioleau, Paul Romero, Mitch Tebo, Ed Lowry, DC Wright, Bill Jones, Sheila Glasscock, Fang Du, Ashton Crosby, Michael Bartholmey, Nate Washburn and Andrew Curzon.

Other members of the creative team include scenic designer Mike Nichols (beginning his 30th season at the Rep), costume designer Marianne Custer, lighting designer Michael J. Eddy, props by Lynda J. Kwallek and sound designer Jim Spencer.  Ellen Mandel returns to the Rep as composer of the show’s original score.

Henry V runs through September 23.

On September 10, the “Reel Classics with the Rep” series at Laman Library will feature the Kenneth Branagh film version of Henry V at 6pm.

The Rep will also host a Student Actor Workshop with the cast from 1pm to 4pm on September 15.  This workshop for high school and college students ages 15-22. The Student Actor Workshop will cover on-stage combat, blocking and dissecting the language of Shakespeare’s Henry V for a modern audience. The workshop will be led by professional actors Avery Clark and Nikki Coble who play the roles of Henry the Fifth and Katherine in The Rep’s production of Henry V.The workshop is free and space is limited. 

Farewell Glen Campbell

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Delight native Glen Campbell is playing his farewell Little Rock concert tonight at Robinson Center Music Hall.

Glen Campbell will bring his Farewell Tour to Little Rock this fall. He is known for hits like 1967’s “Gentle on My Mind,” and “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”, as well as the 1975 single of the year “Rhinestone Cowboy.”  He also hosted a highly acclaimed (and rated) TV show in the early 1970s.

Campbell disclosed his Alzheimer’s diagnosis in June of 2011 prior to announcing his farewell tour.

Campbell, who has won eight Grammy Awards, learned of his diagnosis roughly six months prior to his public announcement.

Clinton School presents discussion on Rep’s HENRY V

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Tomorrow, Thursday, September 6, the Clinton School of Public Service will present a panel discussion on the Arkansas Repertory Theatre production of Henry V.

In a panel moderated by The Rep’s producing artistic director Bob Hupp, members of the cast of Henry V will discuss the process of bringing Shakespeare’s characters to life for a modern audience.

This is the latest in a continuing series of panels at the Clinton School which look at Arkansas Rep productions.

The program will take place at 12 noon at Sturgis Hall.

Ballet Arkansas Master Class

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Internationally known dancer/teacher/choreographer Tong Wang will teach an open master class for intermediate and advanced dancers this Thursday. The class begins at 6 pm and will conclude at 8 pm. This will be the first class in a series of Master Classes to be taught by Ballet Arkansas’ guest choreographers and guest dancers throughout the 2012-2013 Season. Mr. Wang is choreographing a new work for Ballet Arkansas’ fall concert, American Images</em, which premieres at Wildwood Park for the Arts October 12-14.

Where: Ballet Arkansas Studio at Shuffles & Ballet II
1521 Merrill Drive, Little Rock

When: This Thursday, August 30th
6:00-8:00, please arrive early to register

Class Fee – $25
Observer Fee – $15

Both participants and observer numbers are limited, so advance reservations are required. Female dancers should bring pointe shoes.

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Tong Wang is assistant professor at the University of California at Irvine Department of Dance. For the last twenty years, he has enjoyed a successful international dance career as a principal dancer. After graduating from Beijing Dance Academy in 1986, he danced with Shanghai Ballet, Tulsa Ballet Theatre, Dayton Ballet, Colorado Ballet, and most recently, Ballet West in Salt Lake City. He has performed almost every leading male role in the classical ballet repertoire and also danced a full range of ballets created by world-renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Antony Tudor, Frederick Ashton, John Cranko, Paul Taylor, Glen Tetley, Birgit Culberg, Choo-san Goh, William Forsythe, Ben Stevenson, and Hans Van Manen. While dancing professionally, he completed his B.F.A and M.F.A degrees with the University of Utah Ballet Department and also worked as a guest faculty member.

In addition, he has enjoyed a choreographic relationship with Ballet West, the University of Utah Ballet Department, Wright State University, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, DanceOhio, and Ballet West Conservatory. Mr. Wang has served as Assistant Professor of Dance at Wright State University and at Butler University in Indianapolis.

Museum of Discovery Science After Dark

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20120829-112219.jpgMuseum’s Science after Dark Takes Things to the Extreme

The Museum of Discovery’s monthly program series designed for people ages 21 and older, titled “Science after Dark,” will be Wednesday, August 29, 2012 6-8 pm. This month’s theme, “Taking It to the Extreme,” will take people into the world of adrenaline-laced activities like extreme sports, eating and more. Guests will learn about science in a unique, social setting. Admission will be five dollars, and a cash bar will be available.

There is a psychology behind the need for speed, and the rush some people get from stepping out of his or her comfort zone and seeking the ‘thrill.’ And, physics allows our bodies to adapt to motion, force and speed.

Science after Dark will feature a mountain climbing slack rope where attendees can try their luck. Also, there will be a climbing demonstration complete with gear, and people will learn the technology behind the sport.

For those interested in skateboarding, museum staff will discuss this wildly popular sport and the physics of how tricks are performed. Guests will have the opportunity to decorate mini-skateboards and try them out on the museum’s tiny skateboard park. While there, attendees can see the museum’s latest traveling exhibit, Design Zone, which includes interactive stations including a skateboard design area. Design Zone is a behind the scenes look at how math is used to create music tracks, design roller coasters, make video games and more.

What about water? It holds a mystique all its own, at the surface and certainly below. Enjoy diving presentations, and see first-hand how sophisticated equipment is used. Also, learn about whitewater kayaking and see the equipment needed and the technology used in this fast-paced sport.

Not into sports? What about eating? Join us as we explore the physiological impact of competitive eating on the human body, and we’ll host a competitive eating contest.

Science after Dark occurs the last Wednesday of each month. Museum educators pick a science-related topic, and develop an event around it. The event is for ages 21 and older. General admission is $5 per person. Museum members get in free.

For more information on Science after Dark or the Museum of Discovery, visit http://www.museumofdiscovery.org, follow us on http://www.facebook.com/scienceafterdark or call (501) 396-7050.

Culture Vulture tending the nest

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The Little Rock Culture Vulture is on vacation until Labor Day.