Category Archives: Holidays

Ark Rep presents World Premiere of BECAUSE OF WINN DIXIE

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From the lyricist of Legally Blonde and the composer of Spring Awakening comes a new musical based on the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo.

A World Premiere musical brings a Tony Award-winning creative team to Little Rock this holiday season. Because of Winn Dixie is a new musical based on the heartwarming and award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo about a young girl and a dog she finds at a Winn Dixie supermarket.

Berloni and Tartaglia with two of the dogs

This unique production will include music by Duncan Sheik (Tony and Grammy Award Winner for Spring Awakening), lyrics and book by Nell Benjamin (Tony Nominee for Legally Blonde), direction by John Tartaglia (Tony nominee for Avenue Q) and animal direction by Bill Berloni (a 2011 Tony Honor recipient).

This original production will also be the first pre-Broadway musical starring a live dog in a leading role. Taran (and understudy Cally), both Irish Wolfhounds, have been cast in the title role of “Winn-Dixie,” trained by Broadway’s foremost animal trainer, Bill Berloni.

“It has always amazed me the reaction animals have on an audience,” says Berloni, “When a dog or cat comes onstage, our collective reality is ‘Wait a minute, you can’t get an animal to act, what is it going to do?’ And it brings the audience closer into the piece.”

“This story will melt your heart,” says Bob Hupp. “We are honored that the creative team of Winn Dixie approached us for this world premiere, and I think this project has tremendous potential to introduce a significant new work into the American musical theatre canon, and it all begins right here on our stage, for Arkansas audiences.”

The cast is led by Jonathan Rayson, Julia Nightingale Landfair, Gabe Bowling, Riley Costello, Aisha de Haas, Imari Hardon, Crystal Kellogg, Tari Kelly, Shannon Lamb, Nic Rowe, Douglas Storm and Sydni Whitfield.  Others in the cast include Danny Phillips, Cayla Christina Christian, Reagan Hodson, Dalton Johnson, Molly Russ, and Sam Shaughessy.

The music director is Jason Hart. Duncan Sheik is the orchestrator and vocal arranger.  The creative team included Mike Nichols (scenery), Marianne Custer (costumes), Michael J. Eddy (lighting), Allan Branson (sound), and Lynda J. Kwallek (props).

UPDATED: Christmas with the Wind Symphony now on December 10

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DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER THREAT, THIS CONCERT IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10.

The Little Rock Wind Symphony will present its annual Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30 pm.

To celebrate the season, the concert features an extravaganza of favorite Christmas carols performed by the Little Rock Wind Symphony and fabulous guest artists. Join the fun as Cindy Shaw Henry, the winner of the Christmas baton, takes the podium to lead the LRWC in Leroy Anderson’s classic “Sleigh Ride.”  And of course, don’t miss your chance to sing-along with the LRWS!

The concert features Suzanne Bannister, mezzo soprano as well as the Don Roberts Elementary School Children’s Choir led by Sharon Burrall.

The Little Rock Wind Symphony is under the baton of Karen Fannin.  The concert will take place at Second Presbyterian Church.

Ark Rep’s “Because of Winn Dixie” at Clinton School

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The Arkansas Repertory Theatre works in partnership with the Clinton School of Public Service to participate in the UACS’s Distinguished Speaker Series, hosting educational panel discussions on various Rep productions. The latest in these takes place today, Thursday, December 5 at 12 noon at Sturgis Hall in Clinton Presidential Park.

The panel will feature the cast of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s production of Because of Winn Dixie. A World Premiere musical brings a Tony Award-winning creative team to Little Rock this holiday season. Because of Winn Dixie is a new musical based on the heartwarming and award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo about a young girl and a dog she finds at a Winn Dixie supermarket.

This unique production will include music by Duncan Sheik (Tony and Grammy Award Winner for Spring Awakening), lyrics and book by Nell Benjamin (Tony nominee for Legally Blonde), direction by John Tartaglia (Tony nominee for Avenue Q) and animal direction by Bill Berloni (a 2011 Tony Honor recipient).

Because of Winn Dixie opens tomorrow night (with previews last night and tonight). It runs through Sunday, December 29. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday Matinees performances are at 2 p.m.

clinton-school-logo

Warren McCullough featured on Tales from the South’s Tin Roof Project

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Warren McCullough PictureThe first Tuesday of each month, Tales from the South features one person sharing their life story. They call it Tin Roof Project.  December features filmmaker Warren McCullough.  The program will be Tuesday, December 3.

Music is by the Salty Dogs and blues guitarist Mark Simpson.

Warren spent his early career in Los Angeles where he starred in national TV commercials such as “Jaguar,” “Bud Light, Natural Light,” “Zicam” and “GoodYear.”  He has worked alongside stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Molly Sims and Steve Carell. He has acted in over twenty films, dozens of plays and has appeared on The Chelsea Handler Show and on the pages of Glamour, Blender and People magazines. He worked on television sets such as E.R., Entourage, Crossing Jordan, and The Young & The Restless and also movie sets such as He’s Just Not That Into You and Yes, Man.  While in L.A., Warren studied acting at the Anita Jesse Studio under the critically acclaimed acting teacher Anita Jesse. He also studied with acting coach to the stars, Margie Haber.
In 2009, he relocated back to the mid west to start Warmac Films production company. He wrote and directed the feature film Silent Night and is preparing to release it as his production company’s first full-length film. Warren is currently in preproduction on a short film that he is producing, directing and starring in. Warren’s second feature film, a thriller, is in development. Warren grew up in Thayer, MO, and Salem, AR, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from Lyon College in Batesville, AR.
“Tales From the South” is a radio show created and produced by Paula Martin Morell, who is also the show’s host. The show is taped live on Tuesday. The night is a cross between a house concert and a reading/show, with incredible food and great company. Tickets must be purchased before the show, as shows are usually standing-room only.

“Tales from the South” is a showcase of writers reading their own true stories. While the show itself is unrehearsed, the literary memoirs have been worked on for weeks leading up to the readings. Stories range from funny to touching, from everyday occurrences to life-altering tragedies.

The program takes place at Starving Artist Café.  Dinner is served from 5pm to 6:30pm, the show starts at 7pm.  Admission is $7.50, not including dinner.

You MUST purchase your ticket before the show

Previous episodes of “Tales from the South” air on KUAR Public Radio on Thursdays at 7pm.

River City Men’s Chorus Holiday 2013

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1398117_10152031415501119_948002399_oIt is perhaps not too early to start standing in line for the final performance of the River City Men’s Chorus 2013 Holiday Concert.  The first performances (Sunday) was overflowing.  The final performances are tonight (Monday, December 2) and Thursday, December 5th at 7pm.

Under the leadership of conductor and artistic director David Glaze, the River City Men’s Chorus concert ranges from the sublime to the silly. There are times it is hard to tell who is having more fun or is more moved – the audience or the singers.

The River City Men’s Chorus ushers in the holiday season with its annual concert that combines traditional Christmas songs such as “O Holy Night” and “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” with favorites like “Let It Snow” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” along with some other wonderful surprises.

The concert takes place at Trinity Methodist Church at 1101 N. Mississippi St.  The concert starts at 7pm. Doors to auditorium typically open an hour early for the free, open seating.  If weather is inclement, doors to the church (but not auditorium) will be opened even earlier so that audience members can stay warm and dry.

A Capital Christmas Kicks Off Tonight

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Capital Hotel Tree Delivery

It was “all hands on deck” as staff from Tipton Hurst and the Capital Hotel hoisted the 28 foot tall tree into place on Friday.

The 28 foot tall tree has been delivered.  Finishing touches are being placed on its decorations.  Tonight at 5:00pm, the Capital Hotel will kick off A Capital Christmas.

Sunday, December 1, 2013 at 5:00pm
We are lighting the Capital Hotel Christmas tree and unveiling the Gingerbread Village.
Holiday music and treats.
And a visit from Santa Claus!
Free to the public.

Teddy Bear Tea in Ashley’s
Saturday, December 7, 2013 1:30pm – 3:30pm

A wonderful event for families.
Tea and hot chocolate.
Fancy finger foods and pastries.
A fun family tradition.

$25/child (plus tax and gratuity)
$35/adult (plus tax and gratuity)
For reservations and information
501.374.7474
glenda.johnson@capitalhotel.com

Sundays with Santa
December 8, 2013 at 12:30-3pm
December 15, 2013 at 12:30-3pm
December 22, 2013 at 12:30-3pm
Santa likes to relax at the Capital before his big night.
Stop by and see him in our lobby on these Sunday afternoons–Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Gingerbread Workshops
Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 10:00-Noon
Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 10:00-Noon

Learn how to decorate a gingerbread house in this hands-on workshop with our pastry chefs.
For kiddos and adults.

$75/Adult with Child ($20/Adult, $55/Child) inclusive of tax and gratuity
For reservations and information
501.374.7474
glenda.johnson@capitalhotel.com

 

 

LITTLE ENGINE running at Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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As the state’s premiere center for visual and performing arts with a renowned collection of international art, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre will present The Engine That Thought It Could November 29 – December 22.

“We are thrilled to bring this wonderful children’s book to life with the excitement and magic that only live theater can,” said Arkansas Arts Center executive director Todd Herman. “Generations will enjoy the style and spirit of a story they know and love.”

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre will take the audience on an exciting journey in this classic tale of determination when it’s left up to the little engine to save the day. The little engine learns that hard work pays off even when faced with adversity. The Engine That Thought It Could is written by Alan Keith Smith and is based on the 1906 story by Reverend Charles S. Wing.

The cast for The Engine That Thought It Could includes:

  • Veronica Lowry, of Charlottesville, Va., as Fast Fanny
  • Jeremy Matthey, of Little Rock, as Mister Moon/Big Electric Bill/Yard Hand
  • Aleigha Garstka, of Little Rock, as Big Momma Engine
  • Sissy Anne Quaranta, of Denver, Colo., as Miss Phoebe Sunshine
  • Ben Fish, of Little Rock, as Uncle Big Reggie Engine/Yard Hand
  • Erin Fowler, of Little Rock, as Yard Hand/Choreographer
  • Mark Hansen, of Little Rock, as Conductor Mike/Big Don Diesel
  • Madison Stolzer, of Little Rock, Little Millie Engine

The production is directed by John Isner, artistic direction by Bradley Anderson, choreography by Erin Fowler, costumes are designed by Erin Larkin, technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Penelope Poppers, musical direction by Lori Isner, properties by Miranda Young, scenic design by Mary Alyce Hare and Rivka Kuperman is the stage manager.

Presenting sponsors are Landers FIAT in Benton, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, JPMS Cox and Centennial Bank.  This production also sponsored by All Aboard Restaurant.

Recognized 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 unique experiences for family audiences. During the 2012-13 season, nearly 43,000 children and families enjoyed Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre productions which included more than 200 schools across Arkansas.

For more information, visit arkansasartscenter.org or call (501)372-4000. “Like” the Arkansas Arts Center on Facebook for the most up-to-date information on exhibitions, events and educational offerings.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact: (501)372-4000
Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre – 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Cost: General Admission Tickets are $12.50 for children and adults & $10 for AAC members.

Performance Times: Friday at 7 p.m.
Saturday at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m.
Arkansas Arts Center programs are supported in part by: the City of Little Rock; The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; The City of North Little Rock and the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts.