Theresa Bertram

Believe it or not, I have never really seen the movie A CHRISTMAS STORY. Sure, I’ve heard ‘you’ll shoot your eye out’, I’m familiar with the kid sticking his tongue on the frozen pole, and I’ve seen the leg lamp, but I have never sat down and watched the movie. So, my real introduction to this Christmas classic was at the Twin Lakes Playhouse, 600 West Sixth Street, in Mountain Home, Sunday, Nov. 10.

What did our critic think of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL at University Of Central Arkansas Theatre?

Framed like a Christmas dream full of color and glee, Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL was simply magical, and we were thrilled to catch a performance Saturday, Nov. 9, at Robinson Center in Little Rock. With its whimsical sets, dazzling costumes, and a heartwarming story brought to life by a talented cast, the production captured the essence of Seuss’ timeless tale. It was a truly enchanting experience and a perfect way to kick off the holiday season! 

The Lantern Theatre in Conway has reimagined William Shakespeare’s HAMLET by casting a female in the titular role, and it has proved to be the most inspirational and creative choice allowing you to experience this classic in a whole new way. Directed by Vera Proctor, this innovative approach not only honors Shakespeare’s original text but also underscores the timelessness of his work, proving that great storytelling transcends boundaries of gender. This is their final weekend, so grab your tickets at https://www.conwaylanterntheatre.org. You don’t want to miss this one. 

Broadway World loves it when companies produce shows that take risks unapologetically. Several times now the Actors Theatre of Little Rock has left me speechless and proud at the same time, and this is one of those moments with their production of DANCE NATION, which was presented Oct. 30 through Nov. 9 at the Quapaw Methodist Church. Similar to the show Dance Moms but taken to a whole new level, this show probes into the intense, complicated lives of 13-year-old dancers and explores the brutal yet exhilarating process of discovering who they are and what they want.  

Theatre education is incredibly important for fostering a range of skills and values that benefit students far beyond the stage, so I love going to the different schools to see what they are learning. For my inaugural trip to the University of Arkansas Little Rock’s Haislip Theatre Thursday, Oct. 24, I was able to experience Moliere’s THE IMAGINARY INVALID, directed by the amazing Ben Grimes.

The holiday shows have officially begun, and my first introduction into the season was by my favorite a cappella group STRAIGHT NO CHASER, who took the Reynolds Performance Hall stage in Conway on Friday, Nov. 1, and performed a mixture of hits and Christmas tunes to a packed house of appreciating Chasers and new-to-them fans. From their beautiful harmonies to their humor and heart, Straight No Chaser brought something special to Arkansas, and we can’t wait for them to return next year! 

Going to MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING THROUGH THE CHANGE at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas, which was presented November 1-3, was like joining a big party bound by women who were embracing the aging process and laughing in the face of every hot flash, mood swing, and memory lapse! Based on the Original Stage Play by Jeanie Linders, with Additional Book and Lyrics by Karen Bishko and Jeanette Hopkins, and Directed by Seth Greenleaf, the show was a celebration of womanhood with humor that felt refreshingly honest, touching on all the highs and lows of 'the change' with a wink and a smile.  

What did our critic think of DRACULA at The Collins Theatre?

As a journalist, I don’t want to say that I have favorites when it comes to my artistic community, but well..... Ben Grimes is juggling all sorts of projects, and Broadway World wanted to catch up with him to see what he had for us.

What did our critic think of HARVEY at Hot Springs World Class High School Theater?

What did our critic think of DISNEY'S DESCENDANTS at Red Curtain Theatre?

Walton Arts Center, 495 W Dickson St, in Fayetteville, brought the excitement again, this time with BEETLEJUICE THE MUSICAL, which ran from October 22-27. I would say his name three times just to see the show again! Directed by Alex Timbers, the thrilling blend of dark humor, incredible music and spooky charm had us smiling through the whole production! We loved it! 

What did our critic think of AGATHA CHRISTIE'S MURDER ON THE NILE at Murry's Dinner Playhouse?

What did our critic think of THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY FLURFFY at Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts?

What did our critic think of THE SMELL OF THE KILL at Germantown Community Theatre?

When I go to shows that I have not seen before, I do not do any research so I can go in fresh with no expectations. This was the case for my trip to Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff for GEORGE A ROMERO’S NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD LIVE, which was performed Oct. 17th through the 20th.

What did our critic think of CHAR-BOOOOOO-TERIE at The Public Theater?

For three years, The Peoples Courte has been giving Morrilton a safe space for the LGBTQIA community to come together and express themselves through various forms of entertainment, with Drag being a focal point in the merriment, and because we are a friend to everyone, I wanted to check it out.

There is nothing more glamorous than going to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock to witness the world-class artists of Ballet Arkansas bring to life the iconic opera CARMEN that opens with the most exquisite voice you have ever heard. On Saturday, Oct. 12, Broadway World was treated to this experience of passion, elegance, and drama, merging the intensity of Georges Bizet's famous score with the fluid grace of Rodion Shchedrin’s “modernist perspective.” Under the guidance of Choreographer Michael Fothergill, the audience was thoroughly captivated from beginning to end.