Tag Archives: Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

No Lies, final weekend of PINOCCHIO on stage at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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PinocchioThe Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre presents Pinocchio through November 9.

“We are thrilled to bring this timeless children’s book to life with the magic of live theatre,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “Audiences young and old are invited to experience the fun and the frolic as Geppetto’s little Pinocchio learns an important lesson.”

Once upon a time there was… a king? A beautiful princess? An evil wizard? No. Once upon a time there was… a block of wood. One day, by a stroke of incredible luck, this commonplace piece of lumber found its way into the skilled hands of Geppetto the wood carver. And so, the world’s most famous marionette, Pinocchio, was born. Come join the fun as the little puppet runs away to discover the world. Meet strange and exciting creatures like the Fox, the Cat, the Blue-haired Fairy, the dreaded Giant Dogfish, and yes – the Talking Cricket.

This production is adapted for the stage by Keith Smith from the original story by Carlo Collodia.

The cast for Pinocchio includes:

  • Mark Hansen as Geppetto Patalone
  • Genevieve West Fulks as The Blue Fairy
  • Margaret Lowry as Pinocchio
  • Nate Plummer as Dottore/The Talking Cricket
  • Jeremy Matthey as Capitano
  • Katie Campbell as Arlecchino/The Lame Fox
  • Araya Harrison as Puchinella/The Blind Cat
  • Aleigha Garstika as Scapino/Tuna
  • Paige Carpenter as Antonio/The Coachman
  • Lauren Linton as Asti
  • Kenny Barron as Spumanti/Inn Keeper
  • Sienna Grace, Richard Nelson, Anna Spollen, Sophie Wacaster, Jasmine Ware, and Demetrius Watts as the Pandemonium Mimes

Keith Smith is the director and playwright for the production. Costumes are designed by Erin Larkin, set design and technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Penelope Poppers, properties design by Miranda Young and Sarah Gasser is the stage manager.

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre season sponsor is Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the fall season is sponsored by Centennial Bank.

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.

No Lies, PINOCCHIO now on stage at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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PinocchioThe Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre presents Pinocchio through November 9.

“We are thrilled to bring this timeless children’s book to life with the magic of live theatre,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “Audiences young and old are invited to experience the fun and the frolic as Geppetto’s little Pinocchio learns an important lesson.”

Once upon a time there was… a king? A beautiful princess? An evil wizard? No. Once upon a time there was… a block of wood. One day, by a stroke of incredible luck, this commonplace piece of lumber found its way into the skilled hands of Geppetto the wood carver. And so, the world’s most famous marionette, Pinocchio, was born. Come join the fun as the little puppet runs away to discover the world. Meet strange and exciting creatures like the Fox, the Cat, the Blue-haired Fairy, the dreaded Giant Dogfish, and yes – the Talking Cricket.

This production is adapted for the stage by Keith Smith from the original story by Carlo Collodia.

The cast for Pinocchio includes:

  • Mark Hansen as Geppetto Patalone
  • Genevieve West Fulks as The Blue Fairy
  • Margaret Lowry as Pinocchio
  • Nate Plummer as Dottore/The Talking Cricket
  • Jeremy Matthey as Capitano
  • Katie Campbell as Arlecchino/The Lame Fox
  • Araya Harrison as Puchinella/The Blind Cat
  • Aleigha Garstika as Scapino/Tuna
  • Paige Carpenter as Antonio/The Coachman
  • Lauren Linton as Asti
  • Kenny Barron as Spumanti/Inn Keeper
  • Sienna Grace, Richard Nelson, Anna Spollen, Sophie Wacaster, Jasmine Ware, and Demetrius Watts as the Pandemonium Mimes

Keith Smith is the director and playwright for the production. Costumes are designed by Erin Larkin, set design and technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Penelope Poppers, properties design by Miranda Young and Sarah Gasser is the stage manager.

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre season sponsor is Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the fall season is sponsored by Centennial Bank.

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.

GO, DOG, GO! at Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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aacctdogThe Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre kicks off the 2014-2015 season with Go, Dog! Go! September 19 – October 5.

“Go, Dog. Go! takes the audience on an action packed journey that is familiar to so many generations,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “We invite the community to experience the nostalgia and enchantment of this wonderful play.”

“Go, dogs. Go! Just look at those dogs go! Why are they going so fast in those cars? Where are those dogs going?” Find out for yourself as the Children’s Theatre presents this captivating canine extravaganza. This production is adapted for the stage by Stephen Dietz and Allison Gregory from the original book written by P.D. Eastman.

The cast for Go, Dog. Go! includes:

  • Aleigha Garstka as Blue Dog
  • Genevieve Kimbrough as Hattie Dog
  • Nate Plummer as Green Dog
  • Jeremy Matthey as Yellow Dog
  • Courtney Bennett as Red Dog
  • Mark Hansen as MC Dog

Katie Campbell is the director for the production. Costumes are designed by Nikki Webster, technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Penelope Poppers, setting and properties design by Miranda Young and Rivka Kuperman is the stage manager.

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre season sponsor is Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the fall season is sponsored by Centennial Bank.

Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Puppets, Kings and Robbers Hightlight 2014-2015 Season of Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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aac_logo_childrens_theatreAs the state’s leader in international, visual and performing arts, the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre announces a sensational lineup of productions for the 2014–15 season.

“Our 2014-15 season has a diverse and innovative line-up of talented actors and compelling stories that reflect our continued tradition of bringing joy and laughter into the hearts of our audience,” said Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre artistic director Bradley Anderson. “Our upcoming season will offer something for everyone and we can’t wait to bring our audience back for six consecutive productions sure to delight children of all ages.”

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre will open the 2014-15 season with Go, Dog. Go! September 17 – October 5, 2014. Watch the stage explode with a delight of color, motion, music and dogs in this captivating adaptation of P. D. Eastman’s famous canine extravaganza. Go, Dog. Go! is adapted for the stage by Stephen Dietz and Allison Gregory.

Magic and morality abound this fall when Pinocchio takes the stage on October 24 – November 9, 2014. One day, by a stroke of incredible luck, this commonplace piece of lumber found its way into the skilled hands of Geppetto the wood carver. And so, the world’s most famous marionette, Pinocchio, was born. Come join the fun as the little puppet runs away to discover the world. The audience will enjoy the fun and share Geppetto’s delight as his little Pinocchio learns an important lesson. The production is written by Alan Keith Smith based on the story by Carlo Collodi.

Spend quality time with the family this holiday season with The Velveteen Rabbit on November 28 – December 21, 2014. The audience will be thrilled with this Christmas themed childhood favorite as the story of a stuffed rabbit and his quest to become real through the love of his owner come to life on stage. The Velveteen Rabbit is written by Alan Keith Smith and based on the story by Margery Williams.

arkartsTake a break from the winter wonderland to see the world famous Grimm’s fairy tale Rumpelstiltskin take the stage January 21 – February 8, 2015. Watch as the miller whose bragging mouth was nearly as grand as the king’s greed gets his lovely daughter into a bit of a mess. The story takes the audience on an adventure while the characters facing life-altering decisions, broken promises and an array of mysterious events through the power of friendship, the destructive nature of vanity and greed and the value of forgiveness. Rumpelstiltskin is adapted for the stage by Alan Keith Smith.

Ever been stuck inside when the weather is blue? The Cat in the Hat has fun in store for you as one of the most familiar and beloved picture books of the last half century erupts with fun on the Children’s Theatre stage on March 5 – March 29, 2015. Sally and her brother are miserably bored on a rainy day until they cross paths with the Cat in the Hat and he’s just in time to show the kids a Thing or two about fun. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is adapted for the stage by Katie Mitchell.

Just in time for spring, audiences will rally with Robin Hood and his merry band as they outwit and outclass the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham in The Legend of Robin Hood on stage April 24 – May 10, 2015. Join the Children’s Theatre on a glorious adventure with charm and wit that never fails to rouse our hearts in the age-old battle of good versus evil. The Legend of Robin Hood is written by Alan Keith Smith.

Current presenting sponsors for this Children’s Theatre season are Landers Fiat, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Centennial Bank, JPMS Cox and the media partner is Little Rock Family magazine.

Tickets are $12.50 for children and adults and $10 for Arkansas Arts Center members. Season ticket packages are available. For more information, visit arkansasartscenter.org or call (501) 372-4000.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

Contact: (501) 372-4000

Location: Arkansas Arts Center – 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202

Gallery Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Closed Monday & Major Holidays

 

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.

ROCKing the Tonys – Case Dillard

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Rock the Tonys

Photo by Deen Van Meer

Photo by Deen Van Meer

Case Dillard

Little Rock connection – Little Rock native; grew up appearing at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre and Weekend Theater

 Tony Awards connection – Was in original Broadway cast of Mary Poppins and appeared on Tony Awards segment

Case has appeared on Broadway and the national tour of Mary Poppins as well as dancing with Ballet Arkansas and acting at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre.  He is currently back in Little Rock. He has recently appeared in Baby at Community Theatre of Little Rock and The Water Children at Weekend Theater.

Sleeping Beauty Brought to life at Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre will bring the enchanted Sleeping Beauty to life from April 25 – May 11.

AAC SLeep Beauty“This production is filled with colorful characters brought to life by a talented group of actors in this magical journey,” said Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre artistic director Bradley Anderson. “Share this classic fairytale of love, courage and the triumph of good over evil with the whole family.”

For years, the king and queen have wanted a child. So when their sweet princess is finally born, they invite the entire kingdom with the exception of one bad fairy. What follows is sure to leave audiences of all ages feeling happily ever after. Sleeping Beauty is written by Alan Keith Smith and is based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm.

The cast for Sleeping Beauty includes:

  • John Isner of Little Rock, as Melon the Fool
  • Katherine Kuli, of Little Rock, as Memory
  • Mark Hansen, of Little Rock, as the King
  • Memory Apata, of Little Rock, as the Queen
  • Courtney Bennett, of Little Rock, as Twelfth Fairy
  • Paige Carpenter,  of Lonsdale, as the Thirteenth Fairy
  • Veronica Lowry, of Charlottesville, Va., as Rose
  • Jeremy Matthey, of Little Rock, as The Prince
  • Ben Fish, of Little Rock; Timothy Rhodes, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Kate Kelly, of Little Rock; Jeffrey Oakley of Sherwood; Nina Sharpley, of North Little Rock; and Diondre Wright, of Little Rock are in the  Court

Bradley D. Anderson is the artistic director and director for the production. Musical direction by Lori Isner, costume design by Nikki Webster, technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Penelope Poppers, scenic design by Mary Alyce Hare, properties by Miranda Young and Sarah Gasser is the stage manager.

Presenting sponsors are Landers FIAT in Benton, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and in honor of Dorothy and Fallon Davis by Dr. Scott and Shannon Davis. The production is also sponsored by Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Foot Care.’ The Media Sponsor for this production is The Point 94.1.

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.

Guests are invited to experience a night full of merriment and magic at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre Sleeping Beauty Ball on Saturday, May 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. Admission to the event is $20.

For more information, visit arkansasartscenter.org or call (501)372-4000.

 

ROCKing the TONYs – David Auburn (who also Rocked the Pulitzers too)

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Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images

Rock the TonysDavid Auburn

Little Rock connection: Graduated from Hall High School. Participated in Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre.

Tony Awards connection: Won a Tony for writing Proof, 2001 Best Play. The play also won Tony’s for Actress in a Play (Mary-Louise Parker) and Director of a Play (Daniel Sullivan) and received three other nominations for the other members of the cast: Larry Bryggman, Ben Shenkman and Johanna Day. His 2013 play The Columnist netted a Tony nomination for John Lithgow.  His next play, Lost Lake, premieres Off Broadway at Manhattan Theatre Club later this year.

Auburn also won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Proof. This year’s Pulitzer prizes are to be announced today.