Theresa Bertram

Education plays a vital role in shaping artists into extraordinary performers, which is why I always enjoy visiting universities to witness the incredible work our students are creating. This time, however, I had the distinct privilege of attending Dr. Ian Aipperspach’s organ recital at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia on Friday, Jan. 17.  

I love Motown music, so when I heard Celebrity Attractions was bringing AIN'T TOO PROUD to Robinson from Friday through Sunday, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, I was beyond excited. I was even more thrilled to learn I’d get the chance to speak with the talented and beautiful Jasmine Barboa, who portrays the iconic Diana Ross and other influential women connected to The Temptations. 

What did our critic think of FERGIE PHILIPPE AND AN UNLIKELY HERO at Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts?

What did our critic think of RIPCORD at Murry's Dinner Playhouse?

Welcome to my 2024 Broadway World Year in Review. It’s been a busy year, and I’m having a great time. This year I’ve written 174 articles (175 counting this one), which is up 30 articles from last year. Thank you for allowing me into your world and entertaining me.  

What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at The Royal Theatre?

To wrap up 2024, I decided to spend the New Year’s holiday with my favorite couple in Eureka Springs at the Melonlight Theater, enjoying their show Christmas with the Rosses. Throughout December, Emily and Raymond Ulibarri, along with their friends, performed a festive spin-off of their hit production I Haunt You. If you haven’t experienced this type of immersive theater before, you’re in for a treat. The intimate setting of the Melonlight Theater, combined with the Ulibarris' captivating storytelling and choreography, draws you into their world in a way that feels personal and magical. 

What did our critic think of CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY at The HeARTh?

What did our critic think of RIVER CITY MEN'S CHORUS at St. James UMC In Little Rock?

This past holiday season was filled with joy and jubilee, and the talent was overflowing at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff, with their show Miracle on Main: A Holiday Special. This festive celebration, directed by Kayla Earnest and Bethany Gere brought together talent from the community to usher in the holiday spirit with a vibrant showcase of music, theater, and dance. It was a cheery and heartwarming event that highlighted the magic of the season.  

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock is focused on providing a well-rounded artistic experience to their patrons, and this is proven to be true with their holiday offering of MADELINE’S CHRISTMAS, which ran from December 7-22. Featuring a cast of professional actors alongside talented local children, the production brought Ludwig Bemelmans' beloved story to life with charm and creativity.  

What did our critic think of PAGANS ON BOBSLEDS XXXI: RIZZ THE SEASON at The Public Theater?

For the non-theatrical people, you would be surprised at how many A CHRISTMAS CAROLs there are, and the students at Morrilton High School and their teachers presented their own version. Read the review here!

What did our critic think of HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR at Conway High School?

When I heard that CONWAY MEN’S CHORUS was celebrating 25 years of singing, I knew I needed to check out their Holiday Concert Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Reynolds Performance Hall at The University of Central Arkansas in Conway, and I loved this celebration of music, community, and the holiday spirit. Not only did they have a beautiful repertoire, but they let others shine that evening as well.  

The holiday season is in full swing at The Joint Comedy Theater, located at 301 Main Street in North Little Rock! The Main Thing Comedy Trio—featuring my favorite comedians, Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell, and Brett Ihler—brings the uproarious Fertle family to life in A FERTLE HOLIDAY this Friday and Saturday and again on New Year’s Eve, where they’ll host a spectacular party complete with catering, champagne, and live music to ring in the new year in style. 

If you mix the Hee Haw cornfield joke skits with a PG-13 RomCom, you get SHUCKED, which is playing at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville now through December 22nd. This hilarious Broadway musical (Book by Robert Horn with Music and Lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally) combines down-home humor with a heartwarming love story, filled with witty one-liners that will have you laughing non-stop.

I now have a new favorite Christmas rock band! Scratch that. I now have a new favorite rock band that happens to play Christmas music, and let’s be honest, if you can make Christmas music sound this cool, you deserve high accolades.

To close out the holiday season, the Argenta Contemporary Theatre in North Little Rock presents A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL now through December 22, to a sold-out crowd, and rightfully so. The talent level for this production is through the roof, with a cast that brings extraordinary energy and charm to this timeless holiday tale. My adoration grows and grows with each visit, and I am continually impressed by the magic this theatre creates. 

What did our critic think of WINTER WONDERETTES at The Pocket Community Theatre?