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.
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.
Jeremy Matthey stars in this one-man show written by Mary Hall Surface, directed by John Isner with music by Lori Isner.
Little Rock Culture Vulture 