Tag Archives: John Isner

Run as fast as you can to the THE GINGERBREAD MAN at the AAC Children’s Theatre

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AACCT GIngerThe Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is excited to ring in the holiday season with The Gingerbread Man, through December 20.

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 fun for the whole family, festive musical which will run Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. through December 20. 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!

The cast includes:

  • Paige Carpenter as Sugarplum Fairy;
  • Aleigha Morton as Grandma Tic;
  • Jeremy Matthey as Grandpa Toc;
  • Madison Stolzer as Ginger;
  • Katie Campbell as Snow Fox;
  • Mark Hansen as Filbert;
  • John Isner as Adorable;
  • Max Green as Papa Penguin;
  • Amelia Bartholomew as Mama Penguin;
  • Morgan Stolzer as Junior the Penguin;
  • Matthew Thorne and Keith Smith as Mr. Nick;
  • Madison Fleck as Elf Clarissa;
  • John Michael Murphy as Elf Clyde.

Bradley D. Anderson is the artistic director for the production which was adapted for the stage and is directed by Keith Smith. Costumes are designed by Erin Larkin, technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Mike Stacks, set design by Mary Alyce Hare, properties design by Miranda Young, choreographed by Erin Fowler, and Rivka Kupperman is the stage manager.

The Gingerbread Man is also sponsored by Target Corporation.

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.

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

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow unfolds at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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aacctSleepyHollow_posterWashington Irving’s classic tale comes to life as the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre continues its 2015/2016 Main Stage season with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, October 23-November 8.

The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is an American Halloween classic. Gremlins, ghosts and galloping headless horsemen will haunt audiences Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., October 23 through November 8. It is recommended for 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.

The cast includes:

  • Paige Carpenter of Lonsdale, as Hilde Winetraub;
  • Geoffrey Eggelston of Sioux Falls, S.D., as Ichabold Crane;
  • Mark Hansen of Little Rock as the Pastor and Van Ripper;
  • Lauren Linton of Memphis, as Katrina Van Tassel;
  • Aleigha Morton of Little Rock, as Widow Winetraub;
  • Nick Spencer of Nashville, Tenn, as Brom Van Brunt;
  • Rhett Booher of Little Rock as Cornwall;
  •  and Sarah Tennille of Little Rock, and Max Green of North Little Rock.

Adapted by Frederick Gaines from the story by Washington Irving, it is directed by John Isner. Bradley Anderson is the artistic director. Costumes are designed by Erin Larkin, technical direction by Drew Posey, lighting design by Mike Stacks, properties design by Miranda Young and Sarah Gasser is the stage manager.

 

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 third grade and up.

Today through Sunday – Ark. Arts Center Children’s Theatre Studio Series – APOLLO TO THE MOON

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AAC CT SS Apollo

Tonight at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 2pm, audiences will have a chance to relive the glory days of space exploration with the play Apollo to the Moon.

Originally produced by Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre, Apollo To the Moon is a history-packed celebration of our American Space Program, wherein 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.

This play introduces today’s young audiences to the glory days of the space program. Apollo to the Moon is an exciting look at the breathtaking risks and unforgettable heroism of the American Space program. Told through the lens of one young man’s dream to become an astronaut, this thrilling story takes you on the journey that gripped the nation.

AAC CT SS GingerJeremy Matthey stars in this one-man show written by Mary Hall Surface, directed by John Isner with music by Lori Isner.

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.

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.

Robin Hood Steals in to Ark Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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aacctrobinThe Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre presents The Legend of Robin Hood April 24 through May 10.

“The Legend of Robin Hood takes the audience on an action-packed journey that’s familiar to so many generations,” said Todd Herman, executive director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “The audience will be entertained as Robin Hood and his gang take them on adventure after adventure through Nottingham.”

Swords will clash. Arrows will fly. Truth and justice will be championed. From the treetops of Sherwood, the call rings out: “Come to the forest, all ye of stout heart and true. Rally to Robin Hood and his Merry Band as they outwit and outclass the nasty Sheriff of Nottingham. Now is the time to find your heart and your courage. Now is the time to liberate England’s honest poor from the strangling grasp of tyranny.

The cast for The Legend of Robin Hood includes:

  • Noah Kaplan of Virginia Beach VA, as Robin Hood
  • Katie Campbell of Little Rock as Marian of Lea
  • Jordan Taylor of Little Rock as the Old Woman
  • Drew Posey of Jonesboro as the Sheriff of Nottingham
  • Paige Carpenter of Lonsdale as The Prioress of Kirklees
  • Richard Nelson of Little Rock as Forrester Willie
  • Margaret Lowry of Little Rock as Much
  • John Isner of Little Rock as Little John
  • Mark Hansen of Little Rock as Will Scarlet and Sir Guy of Gisbourne
  • Jeremy Matthey of Little Rock as Alan-a-Dale
  • Genevieve West Fulks of Jonesboro as Ellen of Lea
  • Keara Billings of Little Rock as an ensemble member
  • Kate Kelly of Little Rock as an ensemble member
  • Gabriel Moleta of Brazil as an ensemble member

Bradley Anderson is the artistic director. Keith Smith is the playwright for the production. Sets are designed by MA Hare; costumes are designed by Erin Larkin; technical direction by Drew Posey; lighting design by Penelope Poppers; properties design by Miranda Young; fight choreography by Brett Ihler and Sarah Gasser is the stage manager.

The Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre presenting sponsor is Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the season sponsor is Dr. Loren Bartole, ‘Family Footcare’; Pay What You Can Night is sponsored by Dorothy Morris.

Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre is supported in part by: The Shubert Foundation, the City of Little Rock; the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; Arkansas Arts Center Board of Trustees; and the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Performances for the public Fridays at 7pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 2pm.

Straw Gets Spun into Gold as RUMPELSTILTSKIN takes stage at Arts Center Children’s Theatre

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AACCTrumpThe Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre presents Rumpelstiltskin through February 8, 2015.

“The magical tale of Rumpelstiltskin 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 enchantment of this wonderful play.”

Once upon a time, there was a dwarf who tried to take things that just weren’t his. Now, this dwarf lived in a land that was ruled by a king whose greed was as grand as his kingdom. And in that kingdom, there lived a miller whose bragging mouth was nearly as grand as the king’s greed. And it so happened that this miller had a lovely daughter who was kind and good, but one day she did a very bad thing –  she made a promise she could not keep. Now, the king is angry, the miller is frightened, and the dwarf is simply out of control.

Wheels spin and straw flies as the miller’s daughter works madly to make things right again, but the only way she can is by discovering the mean old dwarf’s secret true name. In searching for that, she discovers the only power in the world that will help her. The most magical power of all: love.

This production is adapted for the stage by Keith Smith from the Brothers Grimm.

The cast for Rumpelstiltskin includes:

  • Nate Plummer as Rumpelstiltskin
  • Lauren Linton as The Miller’s Daughter
  • Mark Hansen as The King
  • John Isner as The Miller

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

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.