Arkansas Theatre Newsroom

The Rialto Theater has announced the appointment of Mrs. K. Shane Boen as its new Artistic Director, effective April 1, 2025, marking a new chapter in the theatre's history. Mrs. Boen brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role.

What did our critic think of BACK TO THE FUTURE THE MUSICAL at Robinson Center?

What did our critic think of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Arts One Presents?

What did our critic think of FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center? The power that came from the vocals of the cast of FUNNY GIRL at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, which is running through Sunday, March 23, will blow you away!

What did our critic think of GOD OF CARNAGE at The Weekend Theater?

What did our critic think of GREASE at Rialto Community Theatre?

Western swing may be my new favorite genre of music thanks to Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway, who brings a lot of variety to their patrons.  On March 1, we were treated to the swinging sounds of HOT CLUB OF COWTOWN, along with the handsome TYLER HILTON, who took the stage for an unforgettable night of music that blended vintage charm with modern flair. We couldn’t stop tapping our feet the whole night.   

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts has announced Michael R. Mayton as Chair of the AMFA Foundation. In addition, Larry Middleton, Mary Ritchey, and Miles Stephens join the AMFA Foundation as new Directors.

If you are looking for a place in Central Arkansas where your young thespian needs to find their people, Red Curtain Theatre in Conway is an excellent place that fosters a sense of community and artistic growth.

The Royal Players will bring Neil Simon's Rumors to life. Written by Tony Award winning playwright, Neil Simon, Rumors is a beloved fast-paced comedy. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

What did our critic think of TOIL + TROUBLE at University Of Central Arkansas Theatre? I am so impressed with the talent and creativity that are coming from our universities. The dedication, passion, and hard work these students and faculty pour into their productions are truly remarkable, resulting in performances that are both inspiring and unforgettable.

I have loved Into the Woods ever since I saw the 1987 production on PBS. The way it mashed up all those fairy tales into one story completely blew my mind — and then when most of the characters died, I couldn’t believe it. It was wild. Honestly, I still think it’s wild, and I’m still obsessed. So, when I heard that my favorite, Bob Bidewell, was directing this Stephen Sondheim classic (Book by James LaPine) at The Royal Theatre in Benton — playing through Sunday, March 16 — I knew I was ready to go back Into the Woods.

The Little Rock Winds captured cinematic magic with their program TINSELTOWN TUNES at the Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock Thursday, Feb. 27. Conducted by the very entertaining Israel Getzov and accompanied by voice extraordinaire Brent Walker, their music transcended the audience through a whirlwind of iconic film scores, sweeping them from the golden age of Hollywood epics to heart-pounding action blockbusters and beloved family classics.

Walton Arts Center has announced the 2025/26 P&G Broadway Series, which includes six main productions as well as five bonus Broadway productions! Learn more about the lineup here!

I am so happy I didn’t miss the mind-blowing, face melting production that was the SCHOOL OF ROCK THE MUSICAL at the Argenta Contemporary Theatre, which had a few shows pushed off to the last week of February due to the crazy Arkansas weather. On Tuesday, Feb. 25, I took my seat, not entirely sure what to expect, but from the very first power chord, I knew I was in for something special. The energy was electric, the cast was on fire, and the live music—played by the incredibly talented young performers—was nothing short of jaw-dropping. I was impressed! 

Don Stephenson portrays the role of Doc Brown in Back to the Future: The Musical, playing at the Robinson Center from March 13 through March 16, 2025. Check here for the whole interview.

I’ve gotta crow about the enchanting production of Peter Pan at Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock! Running through Sunday, March 9, this beloved classic, based on 1904 J.M. Barrie's tale brings Neverland to life in a way that captures the hearts of audiences, young and old alike.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024-25 Walton Arts Center Diamond Awards Ceremony on Sunday, May 4 at 4 pm. The musical theater showcase and awards ceremony will feature performances by Diamond Award finalists. Tickets are just $10.

We had the best morning hanging out with Little Rock high schoolers watching PROUD! 2025 at Arkansas Repertory Theatre Thursday, Feb. 27. Not only did I see a prfound presentation on Black History in Arkansas, but I got to witness these young minds embracing this knowledge in an artistic way that was both inspiring and thought-provoking. Seeing their engagement—whether through thoughtful discussion, or simply the light of realization in their eyes—reminded me how vital it is to share these stories.  

Arkansans who make the yearly pilgrimage to Pryor, Oklahoma—a small town just 45 minutes from Tulsa—have plenty to be excited about. The lineup for the 2025 Rocklahoma Music Festival was released Tuesday.

The Link Theatre will present an incredible ensemble cast filled with talent from NYC and NEA in the upcoming production of The 25 th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. 

The ARTx3 Campus will present a modern telling of 'Prometheus Bound' on March 13-16 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. in Pine Bluff.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL walked down the street to Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway on Sunday, March 23, bringing with it all the romance and glamour of the beloved film with Book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton. The touring production dazzled the audience with its dynamic performances and a score by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance that infused the classic love story with fresh, rock-infused energy. 

One of the world’s top Irish dance shows, featuring a starry roster of international dance champions, A Taste of Ireland—The Irish Music & Dance Sensation comes to Arkansas, in March for two performances. Learn more.

Oh, the things you can think when you see a musical that lingers in your mind for days after you've left! That's exactly what’s twirling in my head after visiting The Young Players at The Royal Theatre in Benton to see Seussical Jr., which I had the chance to catch on Sunday, March 23. I don’t usually like going on the last day, but thanks to the groundhog, the weather made it difficult to get there any sooner.