Category: Fantasy

Our Town, November 14–15 & November 21–22 at 7pm, November 16 & 23 at 2pm! #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:

Our Town

Friday–Saturday, November 14–15 & 21–22, 7:00PM
Sunday, November 16 & 23, 2:00PM

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, live at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater November 14-15 and 21-22 at 7:00pm, November 16 and 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at TheLyric.org and are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55+) and students, and $11 for children (12 and under), when bought in advance; prices rise $4 if purchased at the door.

Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town is not merely a play; it is a devastating mediation on the swiftness of life itself. Presented in three acts, “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage,” and “Death and Eternity,” the small town of Grover’s Corners unfolds under the watchful Stage Manager (Myles Gilbert). Performed with minimal props and sets, the play strips bare the spectacle and forces us to look beyond and straight into the aching heart of existence. Our Town depicts the simple daily lives of the local newspaper editor, Mr. Webb (Matt Hamblin), his wife, Myrtle (Kathern Scott), and their children Emily (Wynn Mahoney and Valeria Carbajal) and Wally (George Fancher); and Dr. Gibbs (Michael Mahoney), his wife, Julia (Mary Beth Anderson), and their children, George (Wesley Gilbert and Oliver Bemis) and Rebecca (Emma Braswell). As the children grow up, fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die, we see the minutiae of their daily lives and the lives of the townsfolk, the comfort and joy of simple routine. 
 
The beautiful and sleepy town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire is brought to life by many others—Joe and Si Crowell (Hayleigh Rodery and Mattison Fay), the Constable (Shawn Aiden Nicks), Howie, the milkman (Bailey Kolb), Professor Willard (Landyn Gilbert), and choir director Simon Stimson (Brooks Cheek). Surrounded by a full cast who embody the full spectrum of living and lived, (Kayla Long, Jayden Bradshaw, Madison Tucker, Lena Harris, Ellie Jones, Jake Fancher, Johnny Phillips, Rachel Hayes, Jaxon Marcum, Chasity Price, Juni Salsman, Trinity Scott), we are transported to both the mundanity of ordinary life and the beauty of that same daily life.
 
At the play’s shattering peak, Emily cries out for us to recognize the glorious moments that we take for granted and asks us to see the true treasures of life, from the taste of coffee to the sight of a loving parent—”oh earth, you’re too wonderful for anybody to realize you.” Join us as we explore glorious, precious, ordinary life at the Lyric Theater for Our Town, November 14-15 and 21-22 at 7:00pm, November 16 and 23 at 2:00pm. Tickets are available at TheLyric.org and are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55+) and students, and $11 for children (12 and under), when bought in advance; prices rise $4 if purchased at the door.

If our ticketing area doesn’t appear below,
please tap/click here to Get Tickets!

 

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, September 26–27 & October 3–4 at 7pm, September 28 & October 5 at 2pm! #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents
a Musical Comedy:

The 25th Annual
Putnam County
Spelling Bee

Friday–Saturday
September 26–27 & October 3–4, 7:00PM
Sunday
September 28 & October 5, 2:00PM

The Ozark Arts Council presents Disney’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, performed live at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater September 26–27 and October 3–4 at 7:00PM, September 28 and October 5 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55+) and students, and $11 for children (11 and under), when bought in advance; prices rise $4 if purchased at the door—$19 for adults, $17 for seniors and students, and $15 for children. Tickets are on sale now!

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny, and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! (At least the losers get a juice box!)

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

Join us at the Lyric for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee September 26–27 and October 3–4 at 7:00PM, September 28 and October 5 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55+) and students, and $11 for children (11 and under), when bought in advance; prices rise $4 if purchased at the door—$19 for adults, $17 for seniors and students, and $15 for children. #LiveAtTheLyric!

If our ticketing area doesn’t appear below,
please tap/click here to Get Tickets!

Auditions: Monday August 25 and Tuesday August 26 at 6:00pm for Our Town

Auditions! Monday, August 25 and Tuesday, August 26 at 6:00PM for

Our Town!

Auditions for Our Town will be held at North Ark College, room M134. Performance dates are November 14-16 and November 21-23, 2025.  

Please register by clicking HERE to audition!

The Requirements

  • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor.
  • Sides for cold reads will be chosen by the director.
  • Ages 8 and up ONLY.

The Story

Our Town will be performed Live at the Lyric November 14-15 and November 21-22, 2025 at 7:00PM, Sunday November 16 and November 17, 2025 at 2:00PM.

 

This edition of the play differs only slightly from previous acting editions, yet it presents Our Town as Thornton Wilder wished it to be performed. Described by Edward Albee as “the greatest American play ever written,” Our Town presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually – in one of the most famous scenes in American theatre – die. Thornton Wilder’s final word on how he wanted his play performed is an invaluable addition to the American stage and to the libraries of theatre lovers internationally.

Please register to audition at our ticketing page!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Auditions: Saturday July 26 and Sunday July 27 at 6:00pm for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!

Auditions! Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 at 6:00PM for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!

Auditions for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be held at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater. Performance dates are September 26-28 and October 3-5, 2025. Ages 16 and up ONLY. 

Please register by clicking HERE to audition!

The Requirements

  • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor
  • Ages 16 and up ONLY.
  • Please prepare ONE 30 second to 1 minute portion of a song to sing that showcases your singing ability. We recommend songs from musical theatre, but anything that shows off your voice is acceptable. (You will be singing it a capella.) 
  • Please prepare a 1-2 minute comedic monologue (memorized if possible, but not required). If you are unable to find a monologue, directors will have a selection from which you may choose.
  • Sides for cold reads will be chosen by the director.
  • Auditions will consist of singing your song, reading your monologue, and cold reads.

The Story

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee will be performed Live at the Lyric September 26-27 and October 3-4, 2025 at 7:00PM, Sunday September 28 and October 5, 2025 at 2:00PM.

Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. Featuring a fast-paced, wildly funny and touching book by Rachel Sheinkin and a truly fresh and vibrant score by William Finn, this bee is one unforgettable experience.

An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.

A riotous ride, complete with audience participation, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a delightful den of comedic genius. The small cast and unit set make this a perfect option for high schools or community theatres. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a fast-paced crowd pleaser and an instant theatre patron favorite.

Please register to audition at our ticketing page!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Mary Poppins, August 1–2 & 8–9 at 7pm, August 3 & 10 at 2pm! #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents
Mary Poppins!
Friday–Saturday, August 1–2 & 8–9, 7:00PM
Sunday, August 3 & 10, 2:00PM

The Ozark Arts Council presents Disney’s Mary Poppins performed at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater August 1–2 and August 8–9 at 7:00PM, August 3 and 10 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55+) and students, and $11 for children (11 and under), when bought in advance; prices rise $3 if purchased at the door—$18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, and $14 for children. Tickets are on sale now!

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The jack-of-all-trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

        Please check out our wonderful sponsors!

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and astonishing stagecraft. Set in an era in which the strength of women as leaders in society was first truly blossoming in England, this show’s iconic female lead character has provided us with an excellent opportunity to feature local woman-owned businesses, as well, who were kind enough to sponsor the unique special effects and illusions that help make Mary Poppins even more exciting on stage than at the movies! Please visit them and thank them with your business when you can!

Join us at the Lyric for Mary Poppins, August 1–2 and August 8–9 at 7:00PM, August 3 and 10 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55+) and students, and $11 for children (11 and under), when bought in advance; prices rise $3 if purchased at the door—$18 for adults, $16 for seniors and students, and $14 for children. It’s time for some #PoppinsFreshMagic  #LiveAtTheLyric!

If our ticketing area doesn’t appear below,
please tap/click here to Get Tickets!

Sponsorship Opportunity

The Ozark Arts Council Presents… Sponsorship Opportunities!

We want YOU to be a sponsor!

The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater/Ozark Arts Council would like to offer you/your business an opportunity to sponsor our 2026/2027 Play Season. 
 
From rights and royalties to costumes and lumber, plays can be quite the financial burden. To keep costs down (which means lower ticket prices!), we would love to be able to feature you or your business as a sponsor for one or more of our 2026/2027 season of plays!
 
Please click the button below for more info! If you have questions, or perhaps an even better idea for how we can celebrate you in our advertising, please email us at in**@**************il.org. If you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to let them know, too!
Click HERE for levels of sponsorship!

Auditions: Saturday April 12 at 10:00am and Sunday April 13 at 2:00pm for Mary Poppins!

 

Auditions! Saturday, April 12 at 10AM and Sunday, April 13 at 2:00PM for Mary Poppins!

Auditions for Mary Poppins will be held at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater. Performance dates are August 1-3 and August 8-10, 2025. Ages 10 and up ONLY. 

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

The Requirements

  • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor
  • Ages 10 and up ONLY.
  • Please prepare TWO songs to sing: ONE 30 second to 1 minute song from Mary Poppins AND ONE 30 second to 1 minute completely unrelated song that is contrasting and shows your vocal range and ability. (You will be singing it a capella.) 
  • Sides for cold reads will be chosen by the director.
  • Auditions will consist of singing both songs and then cold reads.

The Story

Mary Poppins will be performed Live at the Lyric August 1-2, 8-9, 2025 at 7:00PM, Sunday August 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, and Sunday August 10, 2025 at 2:00PM.

In Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins, everyone’s favorite practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious musical adventure.
 

One of the most popular Disney movies of all time is capturing hearts in a whole new way: as a practically perfect musical! Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s Mary Poppins delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. Using a combination of magic and common sense, she must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

5 Minute Opener Opportunity!

Calling all area comedians!

Comedians one and all! Enter our comedy jam to audition for Comedian Josh Pray’s upcoming stand-up comedy show at the Lyric Theater! ONLY 15 ENTRIES ALLOWED – register here.

Josh lives in Florida, so we will be recording each comedian and sending the recordings for him to decide who will be his local opener. 

The opener will be chosen by Josh and will be given a 15 minute set before Josh’s show on April 12 at 7:00pm at the Lyric Theater in Harrison, AR.

Entry Rules:

Doors will open at 6:15pm. Comedians must be there by 5:30 for sound check.

Entry is FREE.

Material must be no longer than 5 minutes. The Emcee will flash a light when a minute is left in your set.

Content Warning: No content that is divisive. Josh’s comedy is a bit on the adult side, and he typically has 18+ crowds, so please be mindful of this. 

There are only 15 entries allowed, please register here!

This event is open and free to the public. Our upstairs bar will open at 6:15pm. Please feel free to invite your friends and try out your material!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Auditions: Saturday September 14 at 6:30pm and Sunday September 15 at 2:00pm for The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe!

 

Auditions! Saturday, September 14 at 6:30PM and Sunday, September 15 at 2:00PM for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe!

Auditions for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will be held at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater. Performance dates are December 13-15 and 20-22, 2024. Ages 8 and up ONLY. 

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

The Story

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe will be performed Live at the Lyric December 13-14, 2024 at 7:00PM, December 20-21, 2024 at 7:00PM, Sunday December 15 at 2:00PM, and Sunday December 22 at 2:00PM.

This dramatization of C.S. Lewis’ classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting, never-to-be-forgotten Narnia. The intense action features chases, duels and escapes as the witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and to end the reign of Aslan. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this exciting dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the evil wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan’s resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowing of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here: the unicorn, the centaur and other forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life. 

Please register to audition at our ticketing page to receive more information!

The Requirements

  • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor
  • Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director. To see more information, please register here.
  • Ages 8 and up ONLY.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!