Ben Wright

The Royal Theatre to Present Irving Berlin’s ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
by Gillian Blum - Mar 22, 2026

The historic Royal Theatre announced its upcoming production of Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun (Stone), the beloved classic musical featuring songs by legendary composer Irving Berlin.

Review: AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at The Royal Theatre in Benton
by Theresa Bertram - Feb 19, 2026

From now through Sunday, February 22, The Royal Theatre invites audiences aboard a snowbound locomotive packed with secrets in Murder on the Orient Express, brought to the stage by Ken Ludwig from the legendary mystery by Agatha Christie.

Photos: First Look At CROWN OF BLOOD Co-Producton From Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres 
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2026

Sheffield-based theatrical powerhouses Utopia Theatre and Sheffield Theatres have released production photos from their major world premiere co-production, Crown of Blood.

Photos: In Rehearsal for CROWN OF BLOOD, A Yoruba Adaptation OF MACBETH
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 23, 2026

Rehearsal photos have been released for Crown of Blood, a Yoruba adaptation of Macbeth by Oladipo Agboluaje and Mojisola Kareem. The world premiere will run at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in February 2026 before transferring to the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.

The Royal Players To Present MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS At The Royal Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 14, 2026

The Royal Players will present Murder on the Orient Express, Agatha Christie’s celebrated mystery adapted for the stage by Ken Ludwig, at The Royal Theatre in historic downtown Benton.

Review: NEIL SIMON'S RUMORS at The Royal Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - Apr 20, 2025

It was laughter nonstop at The Royal Theatre in Benton with their uproarious production of Neil Simon’s Rumors, which was presented April 3rd-13th.

Review: SONDHEIM’S MASTERPIECE COMES TO LIFE WITH INTO THE WOODS at New Tampa Players
by Drew Eberhard - Mar 31, 2025

Into the Woods is a Tony Award-winning 1986 Musical written by Stephen Sondheim (Music/Lyrics) and James Lapine (Book), marking their second collaboration following Sunday in the Park with George (1984). Into the Woods premiered in 1986 at San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre and then was followed by a Broadway transfer in 1987 which amassed three Tony Awards (Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress. A year in which many know the “Great White Way,” was dominated by The Phantom of the Opera.

Neil Simon's RUMORS to be Presented at The Royal Players
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 17, 2025

The Royal Players will bring Neil Simon's Rumors to life. Written by Tony Award winning playwright, Neil Simon, Rumors is a beloved fast-paced comedy. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Review: SILVER BELLES at The Royal Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - Dec 13, 2024

What did our critic think of SILVER BELLES at The Royal Theatre?

THE SOUND OF MUSIC Returns to ABC This Month
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 12, 2024

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s cinematic treasure The Sound of Music will be broadcast on ABC on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 7/6c. The musical’s official social media pages will host a live watch party during the airing on December 15.

Royal Players Will Present SILVER BELLES This Holiday Season
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 4, 2024

The Historic Royal Theatre will bring Silver Belles (A Christmas Comedy), written by Lauren Grove to the stage in December, sponsored by Everett Buick GMC. Learn more about the production and how to get tickets here!

THE SOUND OF MUSIC 60th Anniversary Events Set for Saltzburg Next Year
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 17, 2024

In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Sound of Music, Saltzburg, Vienna, is gearing up to host a large celebration including musical acts, a gala dinner with the Von Trapp family, and more, according to NPR. Find out what's planned and how to get in on the celebration.

Review: SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre
by Theresa Bertram - Mar 3, 2024

What did our critic think of SHE LOVES ME at The Royal Theatre?

SHE LOVES ME Comes to the Historic Royal Theatre, February 15-25
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2024

The Royal Players present 'SHE LOVES ME' at the Historic Royal Theatre in Benton, AR from February 15-25, 2024. Don't miss this charming and romantic musical comedy with an old-world elegance.

Video: Northern Ballet Releases First Inclusive Dance Film, EVERY LITTLE THING IS A CHANGE
by Stephi Wild - Dec 6, 2023

Northern Ballet has released its first inclusive dance film, 'Every Little Thing is a Change.' This groundbreaking film showcases the power of dance to break barriers and promote inclusivity.

Royal Players To Present A CHRISTMAS STORY, December 7- 17
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2023

A Christmas Story, written by Phillip Grecian and directed by Matthew Burns, comes to the Royal Theatre at 111 S. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas December 7-17th. 

Royal Players Presents LITTLE WOMEN The Musical
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 17, 2023

The Royal Players presents Little Women: The Broadway Musical by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickerson and music by Jason Howland.

Review: LA BOHÈME at Kennedy Center
by David Friscic - May 17, 2023

The glorious music of Puccini remains the principal reason to see the Washington National Opera’s (WNO)current production of the beloved classic opera La bohème. This oft-referenced opera that has influenced everything from the famous film Moonstruck to the hit Broadway musical Rent, must be a fairly faithful revival of the original opera that the WNO presented at the Kennedy Center in 2014 –the original director Peter Kazaras is one again at the helm.  Additionally, the original costumes by Jennifer Moeller (which are appropriate to the updated period), the original choreography by Ben Wright and the original set design by Lee Savage have all been retained. From referencing the program, however, it seems that lighting design by A. J. Guban has been brought in for this production.

QUALITY STREET Comes To The Stephen Joseph Theatre
by Stephi Wild - May 9, 2023

Delicious Regency farce Quality Street comes to Scarborough's Stephen Joseph Theatre next month. A co-production from Northern Broadsides and the New Vic Theatre, it can be seen in the Round from 6 to 10 June.

Northern Ballet presents Federico Bonelli's First Season as Artistic Director
by Stephi Wild - Apr 25, 2023

Northern Ballet announced their 2023/24 Season, the first under new Artistic Director Federico Bonelli. Learn more about the lineup here!