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.”
Review: GHOSTBUSTERS IN CONCERT at Reynolds Performance Hall
February 18, 2025
February 18, 2025
What did our critic think of GHOSTBUSTERS IN CONCERT at Reynolds Performance Hall?
Review: ALMOST, MAINE at Red Curtain Theatre
February 14, 2025
February 14, 2025
If you are wanting to win Valentine’s weekend, take your sweetheart to The Red Curtain Theatre in Conway, where the cast of ALMOST, MAINE will charm you with this beautifully poetic collection of vignettes about love and loss, set against the magical backdrop of the Northern Lights.
Review: SOCIAL SECURITY at Murry's Dinner Playhouse
February 12, 2025
February 12, 2025
Just in time for the Valentine season, Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock presents a heartwarming comedy that proves it’s never too late to fall in love. Social Security by Andrew Bergman runs through Saturday, March 8, offering the perfect date night opportunity.
Review: STEP AFRIKA! at Reynolds Performance Hall
February 11, 2025
February 11, 2025
What did our critic think of STEP AFRIKA! at Reynolds Performance Hall?
Review: AIN'T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS at Robinson Center
February 7, 2025
February 7, 2025
As a GenXer, I was not around to experience MoTown’s heyday, so whenever there is a performance of any kind that celebrates that era, I am there! Luckily, Celebrity Attractions is in tune to the desires of my heart and brings shows like AIN’T TOO PROUD: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS to Robinson Center in Little Rock. From January 31-February 2, Central Arkansas was on Cloud Nine as we were whisked away to a world of soulful melodies, powerful harmonies, and captivating choreography. It was all that I ever dreamed it would be.
Review: PUFFS at The Pocket Community Theatre
February 6, 2025
February 6, 2025
Attention all you magical beings!! Get out your wizard wands and head to The Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs this weekend Friday-Sunday, Feb. 7-9, for the final performances of PUFFS.
Review: PRIMARY TRUST at TheatreSquared
February 2, 2025
February 2, 2025
What did our critic think of PRIMARY TRUST at TheatreSquared?
Review: HOW BLACK MOTHERS SAY I LOVE YOU at The Weekend Theater
January 31, 2025
January 31, 2025
What did our critic think of HOW BLACK MOTHERS SAY I LOVE YOU at The Weekend Theater?
Review: DR. IAN AIPPERSPACH ORGAN RECITAL at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia
January 29, 2025
January 29, 2025
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.
Interview: Jasmine Barboa of AIN'T TOO PROUD at Robinson Center
January 28, 2025
January 28, 2025
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.
Review: FERGIE PHILIPPE AND AN UNLIKELY HERO at Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts
January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025
What did our critic think of FERGIE PHILIPPE AND AN UNLIKELY HERO at Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts?
Review: RIPCORD at Murry's Dinner Playhouse
January 23, 2025
January 23, 2025
What did our critic think of RIPCORD at Murry's Dinner Playhouse?
Feature: ARKANSAS THEATRE YEAR IN REVIEW FOR 2024
January 21, 2025
January 21, 2025
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.
Review: THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at The Royal Theatre
January 19, 2025
January 19, 2025
What did our critic think of THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL at The Royal Theatre?
Review: CHRISTMAS WITH THE ROSSES at Melonlight Theater
January 13, 2025
January 13, 2025
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.
Review: CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY at The HeARTh in Russellville
January 12, 2025
January 12, 2025
What did our critic think of CHRISTMAS CAROL: A GHOST STORY at The HeARTh?
Review: RIVER CITY MEN'S CHORUS at St. James UMC In Little Rock
January 10, 2025
January 10, 2025
What did our critic think of RIVER CITY MEN'S CHORUS at St. James UMC In Little Rock?
Review: MIRACLE ON MAIN: A HOLIDAY SPECIAL at Arts & Science Center For Southeast Arkansas
January 10, 2025
January 10, 2025
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.
Review: MADELINE'S CHRISTMAS at Arkansas Museum Of Fine Arts
January 7, 2025
January 7, 2025
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.
Review: PAGANS ON BOBSLEDS XXXI: RIZZ THE SEASON at The Public Theater
January 6, 2025
January 6, 2025
What did our critic think of PAGANS ON BOBSLEDS XXXI: RIZZ THE SEASON at The Public Theater?
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