Tag: musical

Auditions: Saturday December 6 and Sunday December 7 at 2:00pm for Next to Normal

Auditions! Saturday, December 6 at 2PM and Sunday, December 7 at 2PM for Next to Normal!

Auditions for Next to Normal will be held at The Historic 1929 Lyric Theater. Performance dates are April 11-13 and April 17-19, 2026.  

Please register by clicking HERE to audition!

The Requirements

    • Only those auditioning may be present, unless the auditioner is a minor.
    • Ages 18 and up ONLY. (17 year olds may audition as long as they are 18 by performance dates)
    • A photo will be of great assistance to the director; a professional headshot is not necessary, just a photo to help the director remember everyone correctly.
    • Each auditioner will be required to sing the songs listed below, for the character they are auditioning for. We will ask you to sing once with no music, portraying the character and emotions to the best of your ability, and then again with the piano. Accompanist and sheet music will be provided.
    • If you want to be considered for more than one role, choose your top choice and perform that song. If you are called back, you will have an opportunity to sing for others. (Callback info listed below)
    • We have attached the sheet music with the cuts notated and a link to the rehearsal tracks from MTI HERE.

      Songs for each character for auditions:

      • Diana “I Miss the Mountains”
      • Gabe “I’m Alive”
      • Dan “I’ve Been”
      • Natalie “Superboy and the Invisible Girl”
      • Henry “Perfect for You”
      • Dr Fine/Madden “Make Up Your Mind”

Callback information is on the Registration page.

The Story

Next to Normal will be performed April 10-11 and April 17-18 at 7:00pm, Sunday April 12 and April 19, 2026 at 2:00PM.

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 Angeles Times, 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 Normal takes audiences into the minds and hearts of each character, presenting their family’s story with love, sympathy and heart.

Please register to audition at our ticketing page!

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Next to Normal, April 10–11 & 17–18 at 7pm, April 12 & 19 at 2pm! #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:

Next to Normal

Friday–Saturday, April 10–11 & 17–18, 7:00PM
Sunday, April 12 & 19, 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 10–11 and 17–18 at 7:00PM, April 12 and 19 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 will be 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 10–11 and 17–18 at 7:00PM, April 12 and 19 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.

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

Peter and the Starcatcher, June 12–13 & June 19–20 at 7pm, June 14 & 21 at 2pm! #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:

Peter and the Starcatcher

Friday–Saturday, June 12–13 & 19–20, 7:00PM
Sunday, Jun 14 & 21, 2:00PM

The Ozark Arts Council presents Peter and the Starcatcher performed at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater June 12–13 and 19–20 at 7:00PM, June 14 and 21 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 will be on sale soon!

Tony-nominated Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors Roger Rees and Alex Timbers and written by Rick Elice with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair and the bonds of friendship, duty, and love.

A young orphan and his mates are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They know nothing of the mysterious trunk in the captain’s cabin, containing a precious, otherworldly cargo. At sea, the boys are discovered by a precocious young girl named Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training, who realizes that the trunk’s precious cargo is starstuff, a celestial substance so powerful it must never fall into the wrong hands. When the ship is taken over by pirates – led by the fearsome Black Stache, a villain determined to claim the trunk and its treasure for his own – the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure.

Join us for Peter and the Starcatcher performed at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater June 12–13 and 19–20 at 7:00PM, June 14 and 21 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! #LiveAtTheLyric. When tickets are available, they will be here at TheLyric.org or by clicking any “Get Tickets” link.

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: 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 – Mary Poppins!

The Ozark Arts Council Presents…a Sponsorship Opportunity for: Mary Poppins!

Mary Poppins will be performed LIVE Friday–Saturday, August 1–2 & 8–9, 7:00PM
Sunday, August 3 & 10, 2:00PM, and we are wanting YOU to be a sponsor!

We at the Lyric Theater/Ozark Arts Council would like to offer you/your business an opportunity to sponsor our summer musical, Mary Poppins!

The levels of sponsorship are below, and of course we are also open to giving discounts for Lyric tickets with a receipt from one of your businesses and vice versa.

If you’re interested, need more information, have questions or perhaps you have an even better idea, please email us at in**@**************il.org. If you know anyone who might be interested, please feel free to let them know, too!

Levels of sponsorship:

$100-499: 2 free tickets to any performance of Mary Poppins, playbill recognition, social media recognition
$500-999: 2 free tickets to any performance of Mary Poppins, $50 concessions credit, playbill recognition, social medial recognition
$1000-1,999: 2 free tickets to any performance of Mary Poppins, $50 concessions credit, $50 bar credit, playbill recognition, social media recognition
$2000-4,999: 4 free tickets to any performance of Mary Poppins, name or business name on-screen before the performance, name or business name in playbill, social media, newspaper, and electronic billboard shoutouts in weeks leading up to the play, $100 concessions credit, $100 bar credit
$5000-9,999: 12 free tickets to any performance of Mary Poppins, open bar for you and guests, name or business name on-screen before the performance, name or business name in playbill, social media, newspaper, and electronic billboard shoutouts in weeks leading up to the play
$10,000 and up: private preview performance of Mary Poppins for you and any guests, open bar for you and guest, name or business name on-screen before the performance, name or business name in playbill, social media, newspaper, and electronic billboard shoutouts in weeks leading up to the play

Continue reading Sponsorship Opportunity – Mary Poppins!

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

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!