Oxford American
1300 South Main Street, Little Rock
Monday, May 21
5:30 p.m. 

AST’s summer season kicks off this year with Twelfth Night on June 7th at The Village at Hendrix College in Conway, with subsequent performances on June 9, 10, and 15. Twelfth Night will be produced at Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock on June 22, 23, and 24. AST’s other productions this summer are Richard III, Big River, and a children’s version of The Tempest, all produced in Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus.

Despite the weather, the 2nd Annual Shakespeare Scurry and Family Festival was a success! Thanks to all who participated! We’ll see you again next year!

Click here to view the entire album on our Facebook page. Be sure to “Like” Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre while you’re there!

Watch our web site and Facebook page for more information as it becomes available.

AST sets out to answer these questions by giving Shakespeare himself an opportunity to bring suit in front of U.S. Judge Joe Volpe, with the help of top Arkansas attorneys serving as the prosecution and defense. Other Elizabethan luminaries may make appearances as witnesses to add their two cents as AST celebrates Shakespeare’s birthday in the courtroom. Birthday cake will be provided, whether or not Shakespearewins his case.

Monday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Clinton School of Public Service • Sturgis Hall

Admission

Admission is free to this event. You can reserve your seat by e-mailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu, or calling 501-683-5239.

Produced and performed by Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (AST) including advanced theatre students from UCA’s theatre program, many of whom are part of the AST professional summer company, this production was adapted specifically for families and those less familiar with Shakespeare to enjoy together.

At just an hour in length, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre’s production of The Tempest brings the Bard’s words to life, and showcases the very best of his play in a way that is enjoyable and engaging for a variety of audiences and ages. It is the perfect way for parents to introduce their children to Shakespeare, or for adults who may not be very familiar with his work, to experience one of the most extraordinary playwrights of all time in a comfortable and fun setting. “The goal of this Tempest is to get people of all ages excited about Shakespeare. We use Shakespeare’s original language, but really focus on storytelling, and The Tempest is a great story,” says Rebekah Scallett, Producing Artistic Director, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.

“We are so excited to announce this production as the first-ever “Shakespeare in the Park” event, at The River Market. What’s great about this production is that we’re able bring our community such a wonderful entertainment value in this event – the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre has been written about by the New York Times. Our hope is that we can continue to bring rich cultural experiences to the River Market that are appealing and affordable to all,” Diana McClung, Director of River Market Operations.

*

Who: Presented by The River Market and The Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

What: An accessible, condensed version of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” by the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre

Where: East Pavilion of Ottenheimer Market Hall in the River Market

When: Sunday, April 29th at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under. Seating will be provided. Tickets are only available at the door, and not in advance.

Why: Incredible opportunity for both Shakespeare enthusiasts and novices of all ages to enjoy a delightful afternoon of “Shakespeare in the Park.”

*

More Info

For additional questions regarding this production, please contact Diana McClung, Director of River Market Operations, at 501-320-3503, or via e-mail at dmcclung@littlerock.com.

About The Tempest

The Tempest is a beautiful story that can resonate with people at all stages of their lives. Though it is full of magic and make-believe, I believe at its center it is about the importance of family and love. At the beginning, Prospero seeks vengeance on his own brother for stealing his Dukedom and power. However, throughout the course of the play, Prospero’s own journey leads him to discover that virtue trumps vengeance, and familial love trumps all. In this special production, Shakespeare’s incredible words combine with live music, puppetry, and physical comedy in this 45-minute adaptation specifically created for families to enjoy together.

Presented at Reynolds Performance Hall

Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is brought to life to the strains of the banjo, fiddle, and harmonica in this Tony Award-winning musical.  Huck escapes home and all attempts to “civilize” him by hitting the mighty Mississippi with the runaway slave Jim. That great river takes the two of them on outrageous adventures and brings them to places as exotic and far away as Arkansas. This delightful and tuneful adventure story won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score.

Jordan Breckenridge - Tom Sawyer

Alex Goley - Huck Finn

De’Lon Grant* - Jim

Dan Matisa* - Pap Finn

Mark Hansen - The King

Josh Rice* - The Duke

Bri Sudia - Mary Jane

Adam Frank - Mark Twain/The Doctor

Jacob Clanton - Ben Rogers

Charles Wallace - Simon/Counselor Robinson

Matt Duncan - Schoolmaster

Haulston Mann - Dick/Young Fool

Derrick Herman - Ensemble

Chris Straw - Ensemble

John Basiulis - Judge Thatcher

Holly Ruth Gale - Widow Douglas

Laurie Pascale - Miss Watson

Samantha Davis - Joanna Wilkes/Jo Harper

Alaina Kizer - Susan Wilkes

Nisheedah Devre Golden - Alice

Satia Spencer - Alice’s Daughter

*indicates member of Actor’s Equity

Presented at Reynolds Performance Hall

Miranda has grown up on a faraway island full of magic, alone with her father Prospero. They live in relative peace, until one day fate brings Prospero’s enemies near their shore, and he raises a furious tempest to seek his revenge. This 45-minute adaptation of Shakespeare’s fantastical tale  is specifically directed for young audiences.

Paige Reynolds - Prospera

Alaina Kizer - Miranda

Samantha Davis - Ariel

Matt Duncan - Caliban

Jordan Breckenridge - Sebastian/Boatswain

Chris Straw - Alonso/Master

Mark Hansen - Gonzalo

Haulston Mann - Ferdinand

Courtney Bennett - Trinculo

Jordy Neill - Stephano

Jeff Kursyz - Antonio

Maggie Whisenhunt - Iris

Rebecca Kuo - Juno

Caroline Osborn  - Ceres

Presented at Reynolds Performance Hall

In this powerful and surprisingly relevant drama we meet the ambitious and crippled Richard, Duke of Gloucester. At the conclusion of the War of the Roses, Richard jealously watches as his brother is crowned King of England, and swears he will take the throne for himself. In Shakespeare’s take on the deformed despot’s bloody history, the audience becomes Richard’s conspirators as he seduces and murders his way to the top, and is forced to confront the consequences of his corruptions.

Dan Matisa* - Richard III

Nisi Sturgis* - Queen Elizabeth

Bri Sudia - Lady Anne

Jordan Coughtry* - Buckingham

Chad Bradford - Clarence/Lord Mayor

Heather Dupree - Queen Margaret

Jordan Breckenridge - Gray/Ensemble

Alex Goley - Young Edward

De’Lon Grant* - Sir James Blunt/Bishop

Kevin Browne* - Brackenbury

Laurie Pascale - Duchess of York

Mark Hansen - Edward

Tim Sailer - Hastings

Adam Frank - Stanley

Ron Thomas - Ratcliff

Curtis Jackson - Rivers/Ensemble

Jeff Kursyz - Richmond

John Basiulis - Catesby

Jordy Neill - Tyrell/Murderer 2

Haulston Mann - Ensemble

Charles Wallace - Ensemble

Samantha Davis - Lady Jane Shore

Robert Durante - Ensemble

Aaron Eley - Young York

Lucas Massingill - Clarence’s son

Natalie Hiatt - Clarence’s daughter

Sarah Guinee - Young Elizabeth

*indicates member of Actor’s Equity

Presented on the green at The Village at Hendrix and at Wildwood Park for the Arts

After a tragic shipwreck, Viola washes up on shore on the unknown island of Illyria. Believing her brother to be lost, she disguises herself as a boy in order to seek shelter as a servant to the Duke Orsino. Her plans quickly go awry, however, when she falls in love with the Duke, who is already in love with the Countess Olivia, who falls in love with Viola, whom she thinks is a boy.  Mistaken identities, missed signals, and mischievous mayhem abound in one of the Bard’s most romantic and delightful comedies.

Nisi Sturgis*  - Viola

Chad Bradford – Orsino

Paige Reynolds – Olivia

Kevin Browne* – Sir Toby

Ron Thomas- Malvolio

Jordan Coughtry* - Feste

Heather Dupree - Maria

Tim Sailer - Sir Andrew

Curtis Jackson - Sebastian

Jeff Kursyz - Antonio

Courtney Bennett - Fabian

Jordy Neill - Valentine

Robert Durante - Curio/Officer

Eric Binnie - Priest

Olivia Marotte - Servant to Olivia

Joey Whisenhunt - Servant to Orsino

Connor Weeks - Officer/Servant to Orsino

*indicates member of Actor’s Equity

2nd Annual Shakespeare Scurry Family Fun Run 2K & Festival
The Village at Hendrix
Friday, April 20th
5:30 p.m. • Race Starts 6:00 p.m.

Race participants are encouraged to wear Renaissance inspired attire to pay tribute to Shakespeare during the race, but this is not required. The evening begins in the Market Square at the Village at Hendrix where race participants will begin the Shakespeare Scurry Family Fun Run led by Shakespeare himself! The race participants will wind through the beautiful campus of Hendrix College.

Following the race, families can attend the festival which will host an assortment of finish line activities, including a race award ceremony, refreshments, games, giveaways, and conclude with a preview performance by AST Company Actors.

All proceeds benefit Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre.

RSVP on Facebook

Official Registration Form

Race Route

The race will begin at the Market Square at The Village at Hendrix. Participants will take a point-to-point route through the beautiful campus of Hendrix College led by Shakespeare himself and conclude back at the Market Square.

Parking

Day of the event parking will be available at the Market Square gravel parking lot west of Panera Bread.

Registration

Registration for the 2K race is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 on the day of the event.

Advance Registration: Through April 11 (FREE T-Shirt)

Race Day Registration: Race day registration will be from 5:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in front of the Village Bookstore located in the Market Square of The Village at Hendrix.

Download & Print: Official Registration Form

Packet Pick-up

Race packets may be picked up at Village Books on Thursday, April 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Packets may also be picked up on the day of the race from 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Race Day Registration

Race day registration will be from 5:00 until 5:30pm in front of the Village Bookstore located in the Market Square of The Village at Hendrix.