Theresa Bertram

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?

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

With Music by Henry Krieger and Books and Lyrics by Tom Even, DREAMGIRLS follows the rise of a fictional 1960s girl group, The Dreams, which was inspired by acts like The Supremes. Effie (Courtney “Coco” Briggs), Deena (Rosa Howard), and Lorrell (Tiara Piggee) enter a talent contest with hopes of launching their singing careers.

It’s always fun to go back to my home theatre to see what they are doing, and for this holiday season, Directed by Kent Britton and K. Shane Boen, the Rialto Theatre in Morrilton is presenting THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, which runs through this weekend, Sunday, Dec. 15.

As one of their last main shows in their space that they have been inhabiting for about a decade, the Studio Theatre in Little Rock brings the timeless charm of ANNIE to life in a heartwarming production with songs that you know and love now through Sunday, Dec. 15. It’s going to be sad to say goodbye to their theatre at 320 W 7th St, in Little Rock, but Broadway World is intrigued on where we are going next.  

What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center?

What did our critic think of CHARLES DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL at Lakeside High School?

What did our critic think of THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER at Silvermoon Children's Theatre?aBroadway World loves taking a road trip to Texarkana to see the young actors at The Silvermoon Children’s Theatre. They impress me every time I go see them. For this trip we saw the delightful BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER which had a limited engagement November 21-24. Directed by the amazing Susannah Morriss Linnett, the production captured the heartwarming chaos and charm of Barbara Robinson's classic story, and these kids gave a performance that rivaled seasoned thespians. 

Nothing says Christmas like going to Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock for a festive evening of delicious food and heartwarming entertainment. With its cozy atmosphere and wonderful hospitality, Murry’s creates the perfect setting to celebrate the season with family and friends. Now through New Year’s Eve, IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS is lighting up the stage with its timeless music, dazzling choreography, and a story that captures the true spirit of the holidays. Don’t miss your chance to make this magical show part of your holiday celebration! 

What did our critic think of RIDE THE CYCLONE at Arkansas State University Jonesboro?

What did our critic think of CENDRILLON: A CINDERELLA STORY at Ouachita Baptist University McBeth Recital Hall?

I have the most fun every time I go to The Joint Comedy Theater in North Little Rock. Not only do they feature my favorite comedians, The Main Thing Comedy Trio, but they also offer a wide range of entertainment throughout the year, including live music, themed shows, and interactive performances that make every visit unique and exciting. 

Creativity thrives at Batesville Community Theatre! Their latest production, THE MALTESE ANTIDEPRESSANT, an original play written by board member Stephen Norris, debuted to enthusiastic audiences November 15–17. The show was such a hit that they’re bringing it back by popular demand the weekend of January 10, 2025.

Directed by Jeremy Clay, the Bryant High School Thespian Troupe took on an ambitious challenge with their production of Hadestown: Teen Edition, presented November 14-17, and the result was nothing short of extraordinary. With a story as layered and emotionally rich as this Tony Award-winning musical, with Music, Lyrics, and Book by Anais Mitchell, the students poured their hearts into every moment, creating a show that was as visually stunning as it was emotionally resonant.