Monthly Archives: August 2015

New this year at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre – Three Studio Shows

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arkartsRecognized by The Drama League as one of the best regional theatre companies in America, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is the only professional company in Arkansas that produces children’s literary works for the stage.

New this year, AACCT will also feature three Studio Shows: The Ugly Duckling; Apollo: To the Moon and The Odyssey. The Ugly Duckling is a recipient of the 2015 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant which celebrates innovation and excellence in puppetry. It will feature original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson. The Ugly Duckling is presented by The Philip R. Jonsson Foundation and sponsored by The Jim Henson Foundation.

Studio Shows are intended to provide space to explore new ideas and themes, and appeal to a different audience than Main Stage shows. Smaller in size and budget, Studio Shows are intended to showcase actors and ideas over scenery and properties.

Theatre doors open 30 minutes prior to show for seating.

 The Ugly Duckling

 August 28 – September 6, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

 Best enjoyed by kindergarten and up.

This reimagining of the classic fairytale follows a young girl as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. This shadow play unfolds with three actor-puppeteers, two overhead projectors, more than 60 paper puppets and original music performed live by an ensemble from the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, directed by Geoffrey Robson. The Ugly Duckling is a recipient of the 2015 Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant which celebrates innovation and excellence in puppetry. Presented by The Philip R. Jonsson Foundation and sponsored by The Jim Henson Foundation. Devised and Directed by Katie Campbell; Music by Jessica Drake Mosher.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 Apollo: To the Moon

 October 9-11, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

 Best enjoyed by all ages.

So what does it take to get to the moon? In this history-packed celebration of our American Space Program, young astronaut-hopeful Scott Gibson learns that it takes more than just a rocket and a space helmet: It takes math, science, physical stamina, mental perseverance—and, oh yes, a dream. Originally produced by Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre. Written by Mary Hall Surface; Directed by John Isner; With music by Lori Isner.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 The Odyssey  

 February 19-28, 2016

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $10 General admission, $8 for Arkansas Arts Center members

 Best enjoyed by third grade and up.

Homer’s epic poem comes vibrantly alive in a fusion of music, dance, mime, masks, and choral effects. Enduring Poseidon’s wrath, King Odysseus faces witches, sirens and a cyclops as he wends his way—literally through Hell and high water—to his home and the long-suffering love of his queen Penelope. Adapted for the stage by Keith Smith, Music by Lori Isner.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

The 2015/2016 season of the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is sponsored by: Presenting Sponsor, Arkansas BlueCross Blue Shield; Fall Season Sponsor, Centennial Bank; Spring Season Sponsors, The Fine Arts Club of Arkansas and Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Foot Care’; Additional Support Provided by The Morris Foundation and Media Sponsor, Little Rock Family Magazine.

The Arkansas Arts Council wants to hear from you! Take their Strategic Planning survey

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The Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is in the process of developing a new strategic plan that will guide the agency for the next five years. To help us understand the needs and issues of our constituents,

Got a few minutes to spare? The Arkansas Arts Council would appreciate your input by taking their short survey.

Your feedback will help them better understand how they can continue to advance and empower the arts for the benefit of all Arkansans. Thanks for your support of the arts in Arkansas!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QHVH33P

Back to School Cinema: TO SIR, WITH LOVE

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tosirwithlove1967’s To Sir, With Love is a bit formulaic.  Following in the footsteps of Goodbye, Mr. Chips; The Corn Is Green; and Blackboard Jungle, it tells the tale of a teacher who seeks to educate “problem” students and show them a brighter future.

There are several reasons this movie succeeds.  One is Sidney Poitier. He is polished and understated exuding a genuine humanity without being beatifically noble.  The obvious wrinkle this movie presents to the formula is that the teacher is black, while the students are not mainly white.  While that is an added layer to the challenges “Sir” faces in teaching the students, neither the screenplay nor Poitier’s performance seek to make this a message movie.

The students also keep this movie from slipping into cliche.  They are a motley crew.  Filmed in the East End of London in 1966, these actors embody the time and era. These are not pristine, scrubbed faces – they are ruddy, with stringy hair. While they may be a bit older than their characters, it works in this movie.  These characters face hard lives and have had to grow up too quickly.  But, as Poitier’s character uncovers – they really are like schoolchildren who just want someone to care about them.

Several veteran mid-level British actors fill out the other adult roles.  Patricia Routledge makes her movie debut as one of Poitier’s colleagues.  For those who have only seen her as Hyacinth Bucket, her performance is a revelation here.

The cinematography, direction and music also aid the movie.  It has a dark, grimy look, more akin to a documentary. Director James Clavell working with cinematographer Paul Beeson and editor Peter Thornton, makes use of the realistic look while throwing in occasional quick cuts and varied angles. The iconic trip to the British Museum is accomplished by using only still photos over the score.  This was borne out of necessity because the museum would only allow still photos not filming.  But it is more powerful, and the photos are stunning.

The film was largely overlooked at awards time.  It was released the same year as Poitier’s In the Heat of the Night and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.  He received no nomination that year at the Oscars — his three films probably all cancelled each other out.

The title song, which was sung by Lulu in the movie, was nominated for a Grammy.  Written by Mark London and Don Black, it has been covered by everyone from Al Green to Soul Asylum to 10,000 Maniacs with Michael Stipe.  Lulu’s version spent five weeks at Number 1 on the Billboard chart.

Arts Center Children’s Theatre Main Stage Season for 2015-2016

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aac_logo_childrens_theatreRecognized by The Drama League as one of the best regional theatre companies in America, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is the only professional company in Arkansas that produces children’s literary works for the stage. Since 1979, Children’s Theatre has been creating exceptional theatre for family audiences. Well-loved contemporary stories and classic tales come to life with fantastic characters, brilliant lighting, colorful costumes and a little magic in our fully-staged productions.

The 2015-2016 season, presented by Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield, will feature six Main Stage shows: Puss in Boots; The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; The Gingerbread Man; The 13 Clocks; Schoolhouse Rock Live! and The Adventures of Peter Rabbit.

 

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is dedicated to the creation and presentation of high quality adaptations and original plays for young people and their families. Inspired by classic and contemporary sources, these works provide an honest, relevant and challenging artistic experience for our audiences throughout the state. It is our purpose to cultivate a nurturing and educational environment where performing artists and audience members alike can discover, learn and grow.

“Pay What You Can” tickets are available for the 7 p.m. Thursday preview performance of each Main Stage production. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Arkansas Arts Center (501 E. 9th St.) from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Stephens Inc. Visitors Center, Atrium Level, or from 6-6:45 p.m. at the Children’s Theatre Box Office, Lower Lobby Level. The minimum ticket price is $1.00 per ticket, with a maximum ticket purchase of six tickets per person. Additional tickets can always be purchased in person, online or by phone at regular ticket pricing.

Theatre doors open 30 minutes prior to show for seating.

The 2015/2016 season of the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is sponsored by: Presenting Sponsor, Arkansas BlueCross Blue Shield; Fall Season Sponsor, Centennial Bank; Spring Season Sponsors, The Fine Arts Club of Arkansas and Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Foot Care’; Additional Support Provided by The Morris Foundation and Media Sponsor, Little Rock Family Magazine.

 

MAIN STAGE SHOWS

 Puss in Boots

 September 18 – October 4, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more (Children 2 years of age and under are free, however the child must remain in an adult’s lap at all times.)

 Best enjoyed by all ages.

Based on Charlie Perrault’s world famous feline fun-time fairytale, Puss in Boots is an electric story set in song and dance. Be amazed as swashbuckling Puss the Cat raises his master, Claude, from a down-and-out miller’s son to the heights of happiness. Enjoy all the madcap fun as Puss brandishes, not his sword, but his superior feline intellect to conquer kings and ogres (and even a few rabbits along the way). It’s all about brain over brawn. Oh, and you’ll just love his shoes. Adapted by Keith Smith from the fable by Charles Perrault.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater

 

 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow

 October 23 – November 8, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more

 Best enjoyed by third grade and up.

Ichabod Crane is the newly-hired schoolmaster of Sleepy Hollow, a superstitious little community in New York’s Hudson Valley, 1790. He persistently professes his disbelief in all things supernatural—until the night of Katrina Van Tassel’s Halloween Frolic, that is. Riding home that evening, Ichabod comes face to face—so to speak—with Sleepy Hollow’s most feared and famous ghost.

Be swept along on this wild midnight ride of a story with the gremlins, ghosts and galloping headless horsemen which haunt this American Halloween classic—Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Adapted by Frederick Gaines from the story by Washington Irving.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 The Gingerbread Man

 December 4-20, 2015

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more

 Best enjoyed by all ages.

Grandma Tic and Grandpa Toc couldn’t be more surprised (or pleased) when the Gingerbread Man springs to life and dances around their little clock shop. He’s a happy little cookie man made of ginger and molasses. But when the sly, hungry Fox comes along, playtime is over and the race is on!

You won’t want to miss this wild, wacky holiday adventure, so strap on your sleigh-bell-Nikes and run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch him! He’s the Gingerbread Man! By Keith Smith.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 The 13 Clocks

 January 29 – February 14, 2016

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more

 Best enjoyed by third grade and up.

Enjoy this whimsically impossible fantasy quest from the ever-surprising, always entertaining imagination of James Thurber. Prince Zorn attempts to rescue Princess Saralinda from her uncle, the Duke of Coffin Castle. To do so he must complete an impossible task: He must deliver 1,000 jewels to the Duke just as the 13 castle clocks strike five o’clock. There’s just one problem: the clocks in Coffin Castle haven’t worked in seven years. Adapted by Keith Smith from the book by James Thurber.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 Schoolhouse Rock Live!

 March 4-25, 2016

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Spring Break matinees: March 22-25 at 2:00 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more

 Best enjoyed by all ages.

“Just a Bill,” “Conjunction Junction,” “Zero, My Hero,” “Interplanet Janet,” “Three is a Magic Number,” —and the beat goes on! Every song in this live musical performance of the classic, Emmy Award-winning cartoon series Schoolhouse Rock is sure to please.

Packing plenty of giggles, gasps, and outright laughs, this show makes grammar, science, math, history, and citizenship a delight to learn. And while the cartoon may be decades old now, this fresh live-theatre adaptation will spark the wide-eyed wonder of new discovery in our youngest generation while inviting smiles of toe-tapping, lip-synching nostalgia from the rest of us. It may be a fun-filled romp of color, comedy, music and movement, but the word of the day is still learning.Originally adapted and produced for the stage by Theatre Bam; From the series created by George Newall and Tom Yohe and based on an idea by David McCall; Book by Scott Ferguson, George Keating and Kyle Hall; Music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Bob Dorough, Dave Frishberg, Kathy Mandry, George Newall and Tom Yohe.

Schoolhouse Rock Live! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019 Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684 www.MTIShows.com

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

 

 The Adventures of Peter Rabbit

 April 22 – May 8, 2016

 Show times: Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

 Ticket prices: $12.50 General admission, $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members, $10 per person for groups of 10 or more

 Best enjoyed by all ages.

Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter Rabbit are bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and ready to romp. But before sending them off to explore the wide-wide world, Mother Rabbit gives each of her little ones a kiss and a pinch and a stern word of warning: “My dears, you may run and play in the fields or by the brook or down the lane, but whatever you do, don’t go into Mr. McGregor’s garden.” And so begins a day of mischief and adventure for one naughty little bunny—Peter Rabbit.

Featuring the charming and memorable songs of company composer, Lori Isner, this sweet little musical is a garden feast for eyes and ears of any size! Adapted by Keith Smith from the stories of Beatrix Potter.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ArkansasArtsCenter.org/theater.

(Posters for the MainStage shows created by David Hohn, with the exception of Schoolhouse Rock Live!)

Happy Birthday Maureen O’Hara – In 1940 she set off a stampede of fans at Robinson Center

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Mayor J V Satterfield escorting actress Maureen O'Hara at the Movie Ball (photo from Arkansas Democrat)

Mayor J V Satterfield escorting actress Maureen O’Hara at the Movie Ball (photo from Arkansas Democrat)

Oscar winner Maureen O’Hara turns 95 today.  With her elegance and beauty, she still turns heads. Seventy-five years ago, in February 1940, a nineteen year old Miss O’Hara turned many heads and set off a frenzy of autograph seekers when she came to Little Rock to attend a series of events.

In conjunction with a meeting of film executives and movie theatre owners sponsored by Robb and Rowley Theaters (which later became the United Artists theatre chain), several Hollywood actors were in Little Rock and headlined a Movie Ball. While in Little Rock, Maureen O’Hara, Phyllis Brooks, Arleen Whelan, Tim Holt and Gene Autry had also made a variety of public appearances.

On the evening of February 1, 1940, Robb and Rowley hosted the Movie Ball in the lower level of Robinson Auditorium. So many of the attendees crowded around for autographs that the evening’s grand march could not take place (a newspaper headline in the Democrat innocently used the word “orgy” to describe the crowd). After two attempts, Little Rock Mayor J. V. Satterfield (who was escorting Miss O’Hara) and the other members of the Little Rock host delegation led the Hollywood stars to their reserved table. For quite a while that evening, the table was besieged by autograph seekers.

Though it is unknown as to whether he sought an autograph, photos from the evening showed a very satisfied Mayor Satterfield with Miss O’Hara on his arm. Satterfield family lore joked that Mrs. Satterfield (who had stayed home that night to tend to a sick son) was not a fan of Miss O’Hara’s films after that evening.

The Movie Ball showed Little Rock citizens the value of Robinson Auditorium even before it had been officially dedicated. The film industry meetings had taken place at the Albert Pike Hotel which did not feature a ballroom large enough to host the ball. Without the auditorium’s availability for the gala, organizers might not have chosen Little Rock for the meeting.

Back to School Cinema: GREASE

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greaseGrease is the word! This 1978 film rode the wave of 1950s nostalgia and became a cultural phenomenon.  Based on the long-running Broadway musical, the film version capitalized on the success of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John by pairing them and making film history.

The film was directed by Randal Kleiser based on the original play by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.  The cast included 23 year old Travolta, 28 year old Newton-John, 26 year old Jeff Conaway, 33 year old Stockard Channing and cast members ranging from 20 to 31 including Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward, Didi Conn, Jamie Donnelly, Eddie Deezen and Annette Charles.  Only Lorenzo Lamas and Dinah Manoff were teenagers, at 19, from the principal cast.

A dash of old Hollywood – or at least TV from the 1950s rounded out the adult cast with Eve Arden, Sid Caesar, Dodie Goodman, Alice Ghostley and Joan Blondell. Frankie Avalon had a cameo as the very contemporary looking Teen Angel.

Because of the success of Saturday Night Fever, a BeeGees written title song was added.  Other songs were written for Newton-John by John Farrar, her main songwriter.  One of those, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” nabbed the film’s only Oscar nomination.  Sha-Na-Na was added to perform 1950s standards and Grease songs at the school dance in the film.

Though the film has its flaws, it was wildly successful and stands up today as still a very fun film.  Just hearing the opening strains of “Summer Nights” is likely to send people into singing “Tell me more, tell me more….”  In the 1970s, Grease was evocative of a simpler time.  Now, 37 years after its initial release, the film stands as a reminder of a simpler time – the summer it came out.

Remember end of WWII with a visit to MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

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With this month marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, it is a good time to remember the museum in Little Rock dedicated to preserving Arkansas’ rich military history.

Located in the historic Arsenal Tower in MacArthur Park, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History honors the Arkansans who have served in the armed forces.  Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, weapons, documents, uniforms and other military items that vividly portray Arkansas’s military history at home and abroad.

Undaunted Courage, Proven Loyalty:
Japanese American Soldiers in World War II
This exhibit focuses on the military experience of Japanese Americans during World War II including stories from veterans of the 100th Infantry Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, and the Military Intelligence Service. To prove their loyalty to the United States government, many Japanese American men joined the army as part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team or as part of the Military Intelligence Service.

Other exhibits include:

  • From Turbulence to Tranquility: The Little Rock Arsenal
  • Capital In Crisis and Celebration: Little Rock and the Civil War
  • Alger Cadet Gun
  • Camden Expedition
  • David Owen Dodd
  • Through the Camera’s Eye: The Allison Collection of World War II Photographs
  • By the President in the Name of Congress: Arkansas’ Medal of Honor Recipients
  • Conflict and Crisis: The MacArthur- Truman Controversy
  • Duty, Honor and Country: General Douglas MacArthur
  • The Sun Never Sets on the Mighty Jeep: The Jeep During World War II
  • War and Remembrance: The 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion
  • First Call – American Posters of World War I

The MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is a museum of the City of Little Rock.  It is led by executive director Stephan McAteer who works with the MacArthur Military History Museum Commission.

Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday; 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.