Next to Normal, April 24–25 & May 1–2 at 7pm, April 26 & May 3 at 2pm! #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:

Next to Normal

Friday–Saturday, April 24–25 & May 1–3, 7:00PM
Sunday, April 26 & May 1, 2:00PM

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama present 3-time Tony Award-Winning Next to Normal performed at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater April 24–25 and May 1–2 at 7:00PM, April 26 and May 3 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 ON SALE SOON!

Next to Normal, with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, Next to Normal was also chosen as “one of the year’s ten best shows” by critics around the country, including The Los AngelesTimes, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.

Dad’s an architect; Mom rushes to pack lunches and pour cereal; their daughter and son are bright, wise-cracking teens, appearing to be a typical American family. And yet their lives are anything but normal because the mother has been battling bipolar disorder for 16 years. Next to Normaltakes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.

This deeply moving piece of theatre provides a wonderful opportunity for performers to explore dramatic material and showcase vocal talents with an energetic pop/rock score. Next to Normal is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life and is ideal for community theatres, as well as colleges and regional theatre companies.

Join us at the Lyric for Next to Normal April 24–25 and May 1–2 at 7:00PM, April 26 and May 3 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. #LiveAtTheLyric. When tickets go on sale, they will be available here at TheLyric.org or by clicking any “Get Tickets” link.

Comedy & Dinner Theatre: The Christmas Tree Farm! Twelve Oaks Estate, October at 6:00pm and October 27, 2024 at 1:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:
The Christmas Tree Farm

Thursday December 11, 6:00pm 
with charcuterie and dessert preceding
Friday–Saturday, December 12–13, 6:00PM
with a full dinner preceding

Saturday–Sunday, December 13–14, 1:00PM
with brunch preceding

The Christmas Tree Farm will be performed at Twelve Oaks Estate on December 11 at 6:00PM (preceded by charcuterie and dessert), FridaySaturday December 1213 at 6:00pm (preceded by a full dinner), and SaturdaySunday December 1314 at 1:00PM (preceded by brunch). Please note: there are 2 performances on Saturday at 1:00pm (for brunch) and 6:00pm (for dinner).

Tickets: $50 dinner; $40 brunch; $30 charcuterie/dessert.

“Isn’t it nice when something delivers precisely on what it promises? THE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM … is just such a considerate holiday present. An 80-minute rom-com full of meet-cutes and holiday charm, the play is a yummy Christmas cookie of a holiday show. The play is fun and often adorable, but that is not to call it trivial or without substance: this is by no means a plot rolled off the Hallmark Channel assembly line. Instead, playwright Adam Szymkowicz turns a warm, thoughtful eye on the people, relationships, and unavoidable tensions that weave themselves through a local tree farm.” ⁠—⁠NJ.com

A series of vignettes, mostly love stories, all take place at a Christmas tree farm owned by the narrator. From breakups to breakdowns, meet cutes to maybe too many Santas, this holiday play about love and joy will help put you in that holly jolly spirit while you get to feast on the delicious delights of Twelve Oaks dining.

The Christmas Tree Farm will be performed at Twelve Oaks Estate on December 11 at 6:00PM (preceded by charcuterie and dessert), FridaySaturday December 1213 at 6:00pm (preceded by a full dinner), and SaturdaySunday December 1314 at 1:00PM (preceded by brunch). Please note: there are 2 performances on Saturday at 1:00pm (for brunch) and 6:00pm (for dinner). Tickets on sale in November.

OAC Ticketing Link

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 present Thornton Wilder’s Our Town performed at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater November 14–15 and 21–22 at 7:00PM, November 16 and 23 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 ON SALE SOON!

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.

Join us at the Lyric for Our Town November 14–15 and 21–22 at 7:00PM, November 16 and 23 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. #LiveAtTheLyric. When tickets go on sale, they will be available here at TheLyric.org or by clicking any “Get Tickets” link.

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 TBD. 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!

Northark Drama Presents: Spotlights — Fri–Sat Apr 25–26, 2025 @ 7:00 — #LiveAtTheLyric!

Student-Written One Acts and Monologues:
Spotlights
Friday–Saturday, Apr. 25–26, 2025 at 7:00PM 

Spotlights of Life, a Northark Drama production, will be performed at Harrison’s historic Lyric Theater Friday and Saturday, April 25–26, at 7:00pm. FREE tickets with donation of food or toiletries for Pete’s Pantry!

A list of needed items: Basic toiletries (deodorant, shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, wash cloths, toiletry bags); Toilet paper; Ramen noodles; Granola bars; Ready meals (microwavable Mac and cheese, etc.); spring meat (spam, weenies, etc.), Packaged crackers.

This spring, live at the historic Lyric Theater on the downtown Harrison, Arkansas, come see student-written scenes and monologues from NorthArk Drama professor Michael Mahoney’s Drama I and II classes! Join us for a captivating evening showcasing the talent of NorthArk students through powerful, original monologues and short scenes that capture the many facets of life.

Come and spend your time with this wonderful cast as they spend their time with us and help donate to a terrific cause!

Please Note: This production contains adult language.

Hadestown Test Page

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama Present:
Hadestown: Teen

 

Friday–Saturday, May 9-10, May 16-17, 7:00PM
Sunday May 11, May 18, 2:00PM

Hadestown: Teen will be performed Live at the Lyric May 9–10, 2025 at 7:00PM,  Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM, and May 15–17, 2025 at 7:00PM.

PLEASE NOTE: There will
NOT be
a performance on Sunday, May 18.
Saturday evening, May 17 is the finale!

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $11 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

 
Hadestown: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, very gently-modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. The Teen Edition is only available for school and youth groups with performers 19 years old and younger.
 
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone—“Hadestown” invites audiences on an inspiring journey to the underworld and back. Rooted in traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling, sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
 
The plot follows Orpheus, a hopeful young musician, who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice after she is lured there by the promise of security by the enigmatic ruler Hades. In the underworld, Eurydice faces the harsh realities of Hadestown—a factory where souls toil endlessly, forgotten by the world above. Meanwhile, the strained relationship between Hades and his wife Persephone mirrors the cycles of decay and growth, influencing the fates of those below and above.
 
Hadestown: Teen is not only a narrative of individual journeys, but also a commentary on societal issues such as power, wealth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With its emotive performances, rich lyrical storytelling, and dynamic score, Hadestown: Teen offers a profound theatrical experience that invites audiences to question what it means to make sacrifices for love and to dream of a better world.
 

Hadestown: Teen will be performed Live at the Lyric May 9–10, 2025 at 7:00PM,  Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM, and May 15–17, 2025 at 7:00PM.

PLEASE NOTE: There will
NOT be
a performance on Sunday, May 18.
Saturday evening, May 17 is the finale!

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $11 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

OAC Ticketing Link

Art Contest for Hadestown: Teen through Friday Aril 4

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama Present:
An Art Contest, Hadestown: Teen

Hadestown: Teen Student Art Contest – Sponsored by Harrison Art League and the Ozark Arts Council

PURPOSE The purpose of the Hadestown: Teen Art Contest is to recognize the artistic achievements of our area students and to increase community involvement in live theatre. This student art contest is open to students grades 7-12 in public, private, and home schools, as well as high school students enrolled at NorthArk.

THEME: The theme for the Art contest comes from one of Broadway’s newest and brightest hits, Hadestown, based on the beautiful Greek myths of Perspephone and Hades, and Eurydice and Orpheus. Students are encouraged to use the synopsis attached to create a piece of artwork to be used at the playbill cover for the Ozark Arts Council/NorthArk Drama’s production of Hadestown: Teen.

ORIGINALITY All work must be created by the student. The entry must be conceptualized, developed, and completed by the student. 

Entry form here.

RECOGNITION: There will be FIVE winning pieces which will be used as the Hadestown: Teen playbill in a rotating print. The artists will receive a framed copy of the playbill and will be recognized on opening night of Hadestown: Teen (Friday May 9, 2025 at 7:00PM). The artists will receive free admission to the production on Friday May 9, 2025, along with 2 complimentary tickets to be used at their discretion. The artists’ Art teachers will also receive 2 complimentary tickets to the Friday May 9, 2025 production. Artists will also receive a $50 cash prize.

NOTE: If our email address appears blurred out, just click/tap on it to reveal it.

DEADLINE Deadline for submitting entries along with the forms is no later than Friday April 4, 2025. Artists/parents of Artists, please email in**@**************il.org to arrange for drop off of artwork March 1-April 4.

Guidelines for Artwork

  • Submit only one piece of artwork per student in any medium, including graphic design. If photography is used, there cannot be any facial recognition.
  • No lettering, signatures, or initials may appear on the front of the design. Any artwork with such identifying characteristics will be disqualified and eliminated from the competition,
  • Artwork must be original and can be from any medium. AI content is NOT acceptable. Artwork must not have clippings from newspapers, magazines, found objects, etc.
  • Minimum entry size for digital work is width=2120px; height=2811px. Maximum size for all work is 18×24 inches, not including matting.
  • Photographs not originated by the student (e.g., found in magazines, newspapers, other media) may not be used as source material for artwork submissions.
  • Artwork must be completely dry or fixed.
  • Works on paper should be matted to protect the artwork. Works on stretched canvas or canvas board do not need to be matted.
  • No framed artwork.
  • Use a clear glue stick to affix your completed entry form to the back of the artwork. Affix the entry form the upper right hand corner of the artwork. Please do NOT staple, paper clip, or tape as it will damage the artwork.

FORMS: All entrants must complete the Student Art Contest Entry Form, which should be attached to the back upper right hand corner of the artwork using a clear glue stick. The Student Art Contest Statement Form should be submitted with the artwork. This form provides the contest committee with vital contact information and certification signatures from the student, parent/guardian, and art teacher, which confirm that the student has abided by the rules and regulations of the contest. The form also releases Harrison Art League and Ozark Arts Council from responsibility in cases of loss, theft, or damage to the artwork, and gives permission for displaying and reproducing the artwork.

Judging Criteria

TECHNIQUE: The student chooses and utilizes media and tools competently to enhance the appearance of their work.

PERSONAL EXPRESSION: The evidence of imagination, creativity, and individuality. The result is distinctive and the concept presented in a unique way that is imaginative and inventive.

ORGANIZATION: The use of elements and the principles of art, effectively selecting those which enhance the overall appearance of the work.

INTEGRATION: The work combines technique, expression, and organization through artistic and critical judgment to achieve an effective interpretation or result.

NOTE: Jurors have the right to exclude any work from consideration in the contest—the decision of the jurors is final as relating to all contest matters.

Judging

Judging will take place soon after the deadline for submissions has passed and the winner will be notified by a member of Harrison Art League or one of their designees.

Synopsis of the Play

Hadestown: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Hadestown, modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. The Teen Edition is only available for school and youth groups with performers 19 years old and younger.

This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories – that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone – Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. 

The plot follows Orpheus, a hopeful young musician, who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice after she is lured there by the promise of security by the enigmatic ruler Hades. In the underworld, Eurydice faces the harsh realities of Hadestown, a factory where souls toil endlessly, forgotten by the world above. Meanwhile, the strained relationship between Hades and his wife Persephone mirrors the cycles of decay and growth, influencing the fates of those below and above. Hadestown: Teen is not only a narrative of individual journeys but also a commentary on societal issues such as power, wealth, and the resilience of human spirit in the face of adversity. With its emotive performances, rich lyrical storytelling, and dynamic score, Hadestown offers a profound theatrical experience that invites audiences to question what it means to make sacrifices for love and to dream of a better world.

Entry Form here.

Musical: A love story and a classic Greek Myth – Hadestown: Teen #LiveAtTheLyric – May 9-10, May 15-17 at 7:00pm and May 11, 2025 at 2:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council and NorthArk Drama Present:
Hadestown: Teen

Friday–Saturday May 9–10, Thursday–Saturday May 15–17, 7:00PM
Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM

Hadestown: Teen will be performed Live at the Lyric May 9–10, 2025 at 7:00PM,  Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM, and May 15–17, 2025 at 7:00PM.

PLEASE NOTE: There will
NOT be
a performance on Sunday, May 18.
Saturday evening, May 17 is the finale!

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $11 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

 
Hadestown: Teen Edition is a full-length adaptation of Anaïs Mitchell’s Broadway hit, Hadestown, very gently-modified for performance by teen actors for family audiences. The Teen Edition is only available for school and youth groups with performers 19 years old and younger.
 
This intriguing and beautiful folk opera delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience. Following two intertwining love stories—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of immortal King Hades and lady Persephone—Hadestown: Teen invites audiences on an inspiring journey to the underworld and back. Rooted in traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell’s beguiling, sung-through musical pits industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
 
The plot follows Orpheus, a hopeful young musician, who embarks on a perilous journey to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice after she is lured there by the promise of security by the enigmatic ruler Hades. In the underworld, Eurydice faces the harsh realities of Hadestown—a factory where souls toil endlessly, forgotten by the world above. Meanwhile, the strained relationship between Hades and his wife Persephone mirrors the cycles of decay and growth, influencing the fates of those below and above.
 
Hadestown: Teen is not only a narrative of individual journeys, but also a commentary on societal issues such as power, wealth, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With its emotive performances, rich lyrical storytelling, and dynamic score, Hadestown: Teen offers a profound theatrical experience that invites audiences to question what it means to make sacrifices for love and to dream of a better world.
 

Hadestown: Teen will be performed Live at the Lyric May 9–10, 2025 at 7:00PM,  Sunday May 11 at 2:00PM, and May 15–17, 2025 at 7:00PM.

PLEASE NOTE: There will
NOT be
a performance on Sunday, May 18.
Saturday evening, May 17 is the finale!

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $11 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

OAC Ticketing Link

Movie Double Feature: Hotel Transylvania and Insidious — Saturday, October 27, 2023 at 4pm and 7pm!

 

Hotel Transylvania, October 27 at 4:00PM

&

Insidious, October 27 at 7:00PM

Halloween Fundraiser for HHS Theatre Dept.!

At 4pm, HHS Theatre Students will welcome you and the kiddos to the Lyric for a fun showing of Hotel Transylvania! Afterwards, at 7pm, they will be happy to get the older kids and adults spooked with Insidious (rated PG-13). Tickets for Hotel Transylvania are available here; tickets for Insidious are here, and all proceeds will go to HHS Theatre Dept.! Come out and get ready for Halloween while supporting these awesome kids!

OAC Ticketing Link