NORTH The Musical

NORTH The Musical

THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024 @ 10:00 AM AND 12:30 PM STUDENT MATINEES

NORTH, a new musical by Ashli St. Armant, follows the journey of a precocious teenage boy named Lawrence and his young mother, Minnie, as they escape the Deep South and travel North through the Underground Railroad, to seek their freedom. NORTH is based on actual accounts of slave escapes through the Underground Railroad network. While acknowledging the realities of slavery, the book and original jazz compositions by Ms. St. Armant brings out the full experience of freedom-seekers: optimism, bravery, playfulness, wonder, suspense and mystery.

NORTH Study Guide

 

SARA EVANS

Sara Evans

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

Sara Evans was the most-nominated artist at the 2001 Country Music Association awards with seven nominations overall, as she won her first CMA award when “Born to Fly” won the award for Video of the Year.  She’s had five #1 singles, sold millions of records, and won the Top Female Vocalist Award.  Some of her Top 10 country hits include “Suds in the Bucket,” “Three Chords and the Truth,” “No Place That Far,” and “A Little Bit Stronger.” Evans has played herself on the popular dramatic series, “Nashville,” and competed on ABC’s long-running hit, “Dancing with the Stars.”

 

Sponsored by

 

Conway Printing

CROCE PLAYS CROCE

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

A.J. Croce performs CROCE PLAYS CROCE, a special night of music featuring a complete set of classics by his late father Jim Croce, some of his own tunes, and songs that influenced both him and his father.  Jim Croce was an American folk singer with a short-lived professional recording and touring career, and decades of posthumous fame as one of the greatest songwriters and artists ever.  With sales surpassing 50 million records, including three #1 songs and ten Top 10 hits, Jim Croce’s short career and long-lived legacy are well-remembered through his era-defining standards like “Operator,” “Time in a Bottle,” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.”

 

Sponsored by

Log Cabin Democrat

 

 

MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY

 

Miss Nelson Has a Field Day

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019

10:00 A.M.  – FEW TICKETS REMAINING

12:30 P.M.

Return to the Horace B. Smedley School where the Smedley Tornadoes have never won a football game.  In fact, they have never even scored a single point!  With such a poor record and a team that is out of control, Coach Armstrong goes bonkers.  Kind-hearted Miss Nelson comes to the rescue when she enlists the help of her alter ego, the ill-tempered Miss Viola Swamp, to coach the team and whip them into shape.  Considered by all to be “the meanest substitute teacher in the whole world,” Coach Swamp applies her trademark discipline to the players’ training, demanding tough exercises and no back talk.  In the end, the team changes their attitude, pulls together, sharpens their skills, and manages to win the biggest game of the year.  Frolicking football players, a perky cheerleader, a hilarious spatula-wielding cafeteria lady, and an electrifying Viola Swamp, who transforms from the sweet-faced Miss Nelson, all play a special part in this wacky musical – MISS NELSON HAS A FIELD DAY!

CLICK HERE FOR STUDY GUIDE

 

 

TAJ EXPRESS – A BOLLYWOOD MUSICAL REVUE

Taj Express The Bollywood Musical

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

Taj Express explodes with the sounds of India and Bollywood, capturing the vibrant, expressive spirit of the world of Bollywood movies that have been entertaining billions of people in India for generations.  Through a fusion of film, dance, and music, this dazzling international sensation takes audiences on a live cinematic journey through modern Indian culture and society.  The production is a high energy celebration of new India’s pop music, Bollywood culture, and deep traditions featuring colorful costumes, joyful dance, and thrilling live music.

Sponsored by

Alice @ 107.7B98.5

 

JERSEY BOYS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30!  JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes off You.” “THE CROWD GOES WILD!” proclaims The New York Times.

*Please be advised that Jersey Boys contains “authentic, profane Jersey language,” and is therefore recommended for a mature audience.

 

 

Sponsored by

Log Cabin Democrat

STRAIGHT NO CHASER

Straight No Chaser

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

If the phrase “male a cappella group” conjures up an image of students in blue blazers, ties, and khakis singing traditional college songs on ivied campuses… think again. Straight No Chaser (SNC) are neither strait-laced nor straight-faced, but neither are they vaudeville-style kitsch. They have emerged as a phenomenon with a massive fan base, numerous national TV appearances and proven success with CD releases. Straight No Chaser is the real deal, the captivating sound of nine unadulterated human voices coming together to make extraordinary music that is moving people in a fundamental sense… and with a sense of humor. On the road, Straight No Chaser has built a reputation as an unforgettable live act.

Sponsored by

501 Life Magazine

THE COLOR PURPLE

The Color Purple

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

THE COLOR PURPLE is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic has conquered Broadway in an all-new “ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times).  With a soul-raising, Grammy®-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story.  Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. Experience the exhilarating power of this Tony-winning triumph that New York Magazine calls “one of the greatest revivals ever.”

* Please note this show contains adult themes and mature content.

 

Sponsored by

KOKY

 

BOSTON BRASS CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE SWINGIN’

Boston Brass Christmas Bells are Swingin'

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than with songs of the season! For 31 years, BOSTON BRASS has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. Performing exciting classical arrangements to burning jazz standards, BOSTON BRASS treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment captivating all ages. The ensemble’s lively repartee, touched with humor and personality, attempts to bridge the ocean of classical formality to delight audiences in an evening of great music and boisterous fun. Their vibrant holiday show, which includes the Brass All-Stars Big Band, is an audience favorite and includes songs from their two holiday albums: Christmas Bells are Swingin’, and The Stand Kenton Christmas Carols.

Sponsored by

UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication

A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS

Lightwire A Very Electric Christmas

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019 AT 6:00 P.M. – Public Show Benefitting Main Stage Education Program

MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2019 – Student Shows

10:00 A.M.  IS SOLD OUT

12:30 P.M.

Follow the story of a young bird, named Max and his family, as they begin their journey south for the winter.  When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole…his adventure begins!  Dancing toy soldiers, caroling worms and performing poinsettias, light up the stage in Lightwire Theater’s A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS.  Combining the arts of puppetry, theatre and dance, this magical and captivating tale of family, friendship and hope is set to timeless holiday hits, including Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey and Tchaikovsky.  Lightwire Theatre is internationally recognized for their electroluminescent artistry, poignant story telling and performs in complete darkness.  Brighten your holidays this season with A VERY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS.

CLICK HERE FOR STUDY GUIDE

 

THE GATLIN BROTHERS COUNTRY & CHRISTMAS

The Gatlin Brothers Country and Christmas

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2019 AT 7:30 P.M.

The legendary GATLIN BROTHERS are back and just in time for Christmas!  Celebrating over 62 years of entertaining audiences in some of the world’s largest venues and from some of the most iconic stages, THE GATLIN BROTHERS will be performing some of their favorite hits and holiday tunes in a Christmas show to remember.   Larry, Steve, and Rudy are a multi award-winning trio who have dazzled audiences all over the world with their incredible vocal harmonies and signature sound.  Their journey started on a dusty Texas stage but soon they were climbing their way to the top of the charts and winning a GRAMMY for their 1976 breakthrough hit, “Broken Lady.”

Sponsored by

501 Life Magazine

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2020 AT 7:30 PM.

Coming to Arkansas for the first time!    A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners. A visionary director and a Tony Award®-winning design team. One of the world’s most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The bold, original musical The New York Times declares, “BRILLIANT!”  “Wonders pour from the stage in a ravishing stream of color and invention” (Time Out New York) as Broadway’s best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a neon-sparkly “party for the eyes and ears” (Daily Beast). Be there when SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face catastrophe—until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage.  This “creative explosion” (Broadway.com) is “nothing short of genius” says Theatermania, so bring the entire family to celebrate friendship and cooperation, and learn the power of unity and inclusion. Get ready to enjoy the “Broadway Extravaganza” (The New Yorker) that New York Magazine calls “effervescent candy-for-the-spirit.” Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in NICKELODEON’S THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world.

Featuring original songs by :

  • Yolanda Adams
  • Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith
  • Sara Bareilles
  • Jonathan Coulton
  • Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
  • The Flaming Lips
  • Lady Antebellum
  • Cyndi Lauper & Rob Hyman
  • John Legend
  • Panic! At The Disco
  • Plain White T’s
  • They Might Be Giants
  • T.I.
  • Domani & Lil’C

And songs by David Bowie & Brian Eno, Tom Kenny & Andy Paley
Additional lyrics by Jonathan Coulton
Additional music by Tom Kitt

Sponsored by

501 Life Magazine

WALK ON: THE STORY OF ROSA PARKS

Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks

TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

10:00 A.M. – SOLD OUT

12:30 P.M.

The tremors of an earthquake were rumbling across America.  A new kind of music was making its first appearance on the radio and parents were outraged.  While the rhythms of rock and roll were shaking the social fabric of the country, deep down an even more important transformation was about to take place.  In Montgomery, Alabama, a determined activist named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a city bus.  The resulting uproar launched the Civil Rights movement and changed our country forever.  WALK ON:  THE STORY OF ROSA PARKS weaves together music and drama to tell the story of Rosa Parks from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted.”

CLICK HERE FOR STUDY GUIDE

 

TEMPLE GRANDIN

Temple Grandin

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2020 AT 7:30 P.M. –

SOLD OUT

DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN is a world-renowned autism spokesperson, scientist, and inventor.  She serves as a role model and inspiration to hundreds of thousands of families and people with autism.  She is considered the most accomplished and well-known adult with autism in the world.  GRANDIN is currently a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and speaks around the world on both autism and cattle handling.  She is an expert livestock-handling equipment designer and has now designed the facilities in which half the cattle are handled in the United States.  She has been featured on NPR and major television programs, including ABC’s Primetime Live, The Today Show, 20/20 and 48 Hours.  She has been written about in many national publications, including TIME in which she was included in the magazine’s annual “2010 TIME 100” List of the world’s most influential people. She has a current best-selling book on autism The Way I See It:  A Personal Look at Autism and Asperger’s.  In this unique presentation, GRANDIN will address how helping different kinds of minds solves problems. Backed by her personal experiences and research, she will share her valuable insight on all types of thinkers, why they are important, and ways in which people can continue to think about and understand what it means to be innovative.

Sponsored by

Log Cabin Democrat