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Theresa Bertram - Page 15

Theresa Bertram

Prior to becoming a writer for Broadway World, Theresa Bertram has had an extensive career in the media/entertainment business. Born in Las Vegas, Nevada to a professional poker-playing mother, Theresa’s formative years during the summer were spent being babysat by entertainers in the Vegas showrooms. “Having children sit in the poker rooms is frowned upon, so they would tuck me away in the various theatres to entertain me while my mother worked,”Theresa said. To this day, she still keeps in touch with the many musicians, magicians, and jugglers through Facebook. “Social media is a wonderful communication tool.” Theresa has played piano since the age of three and is a sought after regional pianist in Arkansas. “I’m more of an “ear” player, but I can play through sheet music when needed.” Theresa’s writing career began in high school when she was placed in journalism. “I didn’t even want to be in that class,” Theresa admitted. “I knew they put in a lot more hours than I really wanted to commit. I tried to get the counselor to change it, but she thought I would do really well. So, I stuck it out, became Sports Editor since I played volleyball in junior high and that was more sports than anyone else on the staff had (though my real love was feature profile writing), and ended up taking it to the next level in college. During college, Theresa studied mass communications and music at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway during the day and was a radio disc jockey at night. “My first radio job was at KVOM in my small town of Morrilton. I was only there for eight months, before I moved on up to Little Rock to work at B98.5--which later would be owned by Citidel. Ultimately, I moved over to Clear Channel stations and met a lot of country stars. Those were some fun years,” Bertram said. Theresa took a 10-year hiatus to start a family and finished up her educational journey with a Public Relations degree from Arkansas Tech University. “I was a better-focused student my second time around,” Theresa said. “I would be a professional student if I had the funds and time to do so.” With children old enough to allow Theresa to focus on professional pursuits once again, she began working as a producer/on-air talent in 2011 for AIRS Radio, which is a reading service for the blind and visually impaired offered by the Division Services for the Blind-a branch off of the Division of Human Services in Arkansas. She also started volunteering with local school associations and the historic Rialto Theatre. “I have always been attracted to this haunting building,” Theresa said referring to the Rialto. “It calls to you when you pass by it on the road. I love It.” Theresa does everything from producing music programs to making the popcorn. “It’s a great place to spend time and give my children a memorable place to grow up in. I will always love this theatre.” Theresa became a copy writer for the local newspaper, when the editor came early to one of the shows at the Rialto and offered her a job. “The best jobs are the ones that are given to you,” she said. “Also, I have a hard time saying ‘no’ to people if there is a way I can do what is requested.” A year later she was offered the editor position in the neighboring county. “You just never know what people are going to want from you. I keep thinking of that movie with Jim Carrey and how he had to say ‘yes’ to everything. If it isn’t illegal and time permits, I try to do it if I can.” Even though she has now taken over the Director position of AIRS Radio, she still finds time to attend as many shows as she can. “I have always been an entertainment cheerleader for as long as I can remember. If I think hard enough, I feel it probably started with those entertainers in Las Vegas. They performed for me, and I was happy to be the enthusiastic audience member night after night. It was a magical and unique childhood. I was very lucky.” Theresa is excited to be among the writing team of Broadway World. “I know when you think of Arkansas, ‘Broadway stars’ is not the first, or maybe even the last, thing that pops into your mind. I beg to differ though. Arkansas has an abundant amount of talent, and not only do we entertain for our own personal fancies, but we raise our children in this environment as well. We are a close-nit group of people, and I want to show how awesome Arkansas entertainers are to the rest of the world through Broadway World.”






Interview: Erin Eppinette, Miriam Bennett, Issac Linnett, Braden Craig, And Susannah Linnett of SINGIN IN THE RAIN at Silvermoon Children's Theatre
Interview: Erin Eppinette, Miriam Bennett, Issac Linnett, Braden Craig, And Susannah Linnett of SINGIN IN THE RAIN at Silvermoon Children's Theatre
April 21, 2023

I feel that the most important thing I do as a writer for Broadway World is assist theatres in cultivating excitement for the next generation of storytellers. Whether I am there to review a show, give feedback, or talk with the budding thespians, spotlighting their ideas and accomplishments brings me a lot of joy. As Whitney Houston once sang--'I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.' I feel that Susannah Linnett, Executive Director at Silvermoon Children's Theatre, 217C W. Broad St., in Texarkana, is doing just that. Next weekend, April 27-29, their troupe will be performing SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. I was fortunate to watch a rehearsal before I sat down with the leads of the show. From what I saw, I am confident saying that this is going to be an incredible show. The cast is wonderful. They sound fantastic, and they work well as an ensemble. I am disappointed that I will not be able to see the final results of their hard work, but I feel blessed that I was able to chat with Erin Eppinette, Miriam Bennett, Isaac Linnett, and Braden Craig for a few minutes.

Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG At The Pocket Community Theatre
Review: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG At The Pocket Community Theatre
April 18, 2023

What did our critic think of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at The Pocket Community Theatre?

Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at Pulaski Academy Theatre Department
Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at Pulaski Academy Theatre Department
April 18, 2023

What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at Pulaski Academy Theatre Department?

Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at The Studio Theatre
Review: THE COLOR PURPLE at The Studio Theatre
April 15, 2023

What did our critic think of THE COLOR PURPLE at The Studio Theatre?

Review: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S AS YOU LIKE IT at Henderson State University-Arkansas Hall
Review: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S AS YOU LIKE IT at Henderson State University-Arkansas Hall
April 12, 2023

What did our critic think of WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S AS YOU LIKE IT at Henderson State University-Arkansas Hall?

Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Arkansas Repertory Theatre
Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Arkansas Repertory Theatre
April 10, 2023

What did our critic think of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Arkansas Repertory Theatre?

Review: CLUE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center
Review: CLUE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center
April 10, 2023

What did our critic think of CLUE: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION at North Little Rock High School Performing Arts Center?

Review: DISNEY'S LITTLE MERMAID JR at Red Curtain Theatre
Review: DISNEY'S LITTLE MERMAID JR at Red Curtain Theatre
April 9, 2023

What did our critic think of DISNEY'S LITTLE MERMAID JR at Red Curtain Theatre?

Review: WHAT HAPPENED TO STEVE: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE BURNS at Reynolds Performance Hall
Review: WHAT HAPPENED TO STEVE: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE BURNS at Reynolds Performance Hall
April 8, 2023

What did our critic think of WHAT HAPPENED TO STEVE: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVE BURNS at Reynolds Performance Hall?

Feature: IMPROV CLASS YIKES! JR. at Red Curtain Theatre with Jeff Ward
Feature: IMPROV CLASS YIKES! JR. at Red Curtain Theatre with Jeff Ward
April 5, 2023

Theatre education is important to Broadway World, and we get excited when new programs pop up that benefit the community, especially our younger thespians. Red Curtain Theatre, 913 W Oak Street, in Conway, is now in its tenth year of offering various productions that cater to all ages. In companion with the shows, Red Curtain offers various classes for all ages in voice, dance, and theatre, which range from beginners to advanced performers. Broadway World was thrilled to be able to sit in on an Improv class of high school students, which was led by the amazing Jeff Ward.

Review: TED SWINDLEY'S HONKY TONK ANGELS at Murry's Dinner Playhouse
Review: TED SWINDLEY'S HONKY TONK ANGELS at Murry's Dinner Playhouse
April 3, 2023

What did our critic think of TED SWINDLEY'S HONKY TONK ANGELS at Murry's Dinner Playhouse? It wasn't God who made HONKY TONK ANGELS, but Murry's Dinner Playhouse, 6323 Col Glenn Rd, in Little Rock, has definitely done a great job assembling a cast that is Heavenly. Written by Ted Swindley, this trio of women, along with their band, will charm and delight you from now through April 22, with songs from artists like Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Pam Tillis, and many others. Bring your appetite and follow the girls as they leave their familiar lives behind to chase their dreams in Music City.

Interview: Olivia Bradley of CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND Talks Of Her Life Emerged In The Irish Culture And Future Plans
Interview: Olivia Bradley of CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND Talks Of Her Life Emerged In The Irish Culture And Future Plans
March 29, 2023

​​​​​​​As a writer for Broadway World, I love watching all types of shows-musicals, plays, concerts, standup comedy...whatever. In fact, I have seen so many shows, sometimes I see different variations of the same show over and over. So, when unique shows come through the state, I want to be there. This was the case for Celtic Angels Ireland. Due to scheduling conflicts, I was afraid I was going to miss it, but things worked out to where not only did I get to see the show, but I was also able to interview a couple of the Angels.

Review: VENUS IN FUR at The Weekend Theater
Review: VENUS IN FUR at The Weekend Theater
March 24, 2023

What did our critic think of VENUS IN FUR at The Weekend Theater?

Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Arts & Science Center For Southeast Arkansas
Review: STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Arts & Science Center For Southeast Arkansas
March 23, 2023

What did our critic think of STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Arts & Science Center For Southeast Arkansas?

Review: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Robinson Center
Review: CHICAGO THE MUSICAL at Robinson Center
March 22, 2023

When a scantily clad beauty took the stage at Robinson Center in Little Rock Friday, March 17, and said 'Welcome, ladies and gentlemen - you are about to witness a story of murder, greed, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery: all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts,' we knew CHICAGO THE MUSICAL - America's longest running musical in Broadway History - was going to be something special. For two days, the APEX Touring Company Fosse'd their way into Central Arkansas' heart and gave us a 'Razzle Dazzle' experience that will keep us singing for a long time.

Review: THE ONE-EYED STRANGER at The Joint Theater
Review: THE ONE-EYED STRANGER at The Joint Theater
March 21, 2023

What did our critic think of THE ONE-EYED STRANGER at The Joint Theater? Nestled in the Argenta District is, quite possibly, the best little comedy club ever. Exaggeration? I don't think so. The Joint Comedy Theater, 301 Main St #102, in North Little Rock, is now my newest favorite place to go. Yes, I've only gone once (and shame on all my friends who didn't tell me about this gem), and I will return. For my inaugural visit Saturday, March 18, I saw the hilarious ONE-EYED STRANGER with The Main Thing Comedy Trio, starring Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell, and Brett Ihler. I did not stop laughing from the time they hit the stage until time to take their bows, and I am 'serious as a little baby owl!' Don't miss this show!

Interview: Louise Barry & Olivia Bradley of CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND at Reynolds Performance Hall
Interview: Louise Barry & Olivia Bradley of CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND at Reynolds Performance Hall
March 17, 2023

Just in time for the St. Patrick's Day celebration, Reynolds Performance Hall, 223 Beatrice Powell St, in Conway, brought in the fabulous CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND Tuesday, March 14, for a one-night only performance. They brought grace, culture, and fantastic music to our town, and I was thrilled when I found out that I was able to see the show. Then, before the show, the 'Luck of the Irish' was with me when I was blessed to interview two of the Angels of the troupe - Louise Barry, Writer and Director of CELTIC ANGELS IRELAND and Celtic Angel Olivia Bradley.

Review: SANCTUARY CITY At TheatreSquared
Review: SANCTUARY CITY At TheatreSquared
March 15, 2023

What did our critic think of SANCTUARY CITY at TheatreSquared?

Review: ANNIE JR. at The Royal Theatre
Review: ANNIE JR. at The Royal Theatre
March 12, 2023

What did our critic think of ANNIE JR. at The Royal Theatre?

Review: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Wildwood Park For The Arts
Review: MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Wildwood Park For The Arts
March 6, 2023

What did our critic think of MONTY PYTHON'S SPAMALOT at Wildwood Park For The Arts?



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