Comedy/Drama: All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten! #LiveAtTheLyric March 1-2, 2024 at 7:00pm and March 3, 2024 at 2:00pm

The Ozark Arts Council Presents:
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
Friday–Saturday, March 1–2, 7:00PM
Sunday, March 3, 2:00PM

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten will be performed Live at the Lyric March 1–2, 2024 at 7:00PM, and Sunday March 3 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $8 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

PLEASE NOTE: Adult themes and language.

Based on Robert Fulghum’s best-selling books, Kindergarten takes a funny, insightful, heartwarming look at what is profound in everyday life. It’s an evening of theatrical storytelling in revue format, with monologues, dialogues, and multiple-voice narration, enhanced through the use of live piano underscoring, which provides fluidity and charm to the experience. While not a musical per se, the play also includes some well-placed songs to enhance the emotional texture of the storytelling.

Heartwarming, charming, funny and touching. The stories are about all of us.

– National Public Radio

The delightful stories feature colorful characters such as: a shy little boy who insists on playing the “pig” in his class production of Cinderella and steals the show; a man whose dream of flying carries him high over Los Angeles…in a lawn chair buoyed by surplus weather balloons; a “mother of the bride” who’s staged a perfect wedding—until the bowling ball of fate rolls down the aisle; and a modern-day Greek philosopher who finds the meaning of life in a piece of broken mirror from World War II.

These stories celebrate our very existence, from the whimsy of childhood to the wisdom of old age, giving performances of Kindergarten the sort of lasting relevance that is fitting for those who know Fulguhm’s book.

A refreshingly intimate combination of theatre and storytelling. Gentle…funny…joyous. Sparks of recognition ignited the audience.

– The Chicago Sun-Times

Our cast includes a wide range of ages and experience levels all brought together by new-to-us-but-highly-experienced director Leslie Austin (who taught Theatre and worked with several troupes in the DFW area for several decades). Actors include Lisa Johnson, Shelly Watson, Beth Lambeth, Rachel Hayes, Kelly Copeland, Susan Spradlin, Andrew Coble, Fred Lutz, Amy Sorenson, Alexis Poor, Ann Lemley, and Daniel Seay.

All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten will be performed Live at the Lyric March 1–2, 2024 at 7:00PM, and Sunday March 3 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $8 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door by standing in the cold wind and rain of early March in the Ozarks…

 

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Comedy & Dinner Theatre: Wild Women of Winedale! Twelve Oaks Estate, April 5-6, 2024 at 7:00pm and April 7, 2024 at 2:00pm

Wild Women of Winedale will be performed at Twelve Oaks Estate on April 5-6 at 6:00pm, and Sunday April 7 at 1:00pm as a dinner theatre. Tickets are $40 for dinner on Friday and Saturday and $30 on Sunday for chartcuterie, wine, and dessert. Tickets at TheLyric.org.

This joyful and exuberant, yet ultimately touching, comedy focuses on three women at crossroads in their lives—the Wild sisters of Winedale, Virginia—Fanny and Willa and their frustratingly quirky sister-in-law Johnnie Faye. This feisty and fun-loving trio has supported and cheered one another through life’s highs and lows through the years, including the early demise of two of their husbands. And they really need each other now, as Fanny experiences a hilariously inappropriate reaction to her 60th birthday, while Willa is so stressed out from her nursing job she resorts to vodka and speed-knitting to cope, and Johnnie Faye, determined to put her year of fraught widowhood behind her, desperately tries to find a man—preferably a man with a house, since hers is somewhere at the bottom of a Florida sinkhole. These women’s lives are further upended by the responsibility of caring for their free-spirited, ailing aunt and the realization that they are drowning under loads of family keepsakes and possessions nobody wants—especially them! With equal doses of hilarity and heart, these extraordinary women come up with delightful and surprisingly unorthodox ways to clear the clutter from their lives, their homes and their relationships so they can move their lives forward. Together they prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths for a grand new adventure. This Jones Hope Wooten comedy is guaranteed to drive you wild with laughter—and motivate you to keep hounding the kids to please take that stack of quilts and Granny’s Christmas china!

More information to come soon!

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Dramedy: Lone Star and Laundry & Bourbon, at the Lyric Theater May 2–4, 2024 at 7:00pm and May 5, 2024 at 2:00pm

Northark Drama and
The Ozark Arts Council Present:
Lone Star
and
Laundry & Bourbon
Thursday–Saturday, May 2–4, 7:00PM
Sunday, May 5, 2:00PM

Lone Star and Laundry and Bourbon, two one-act plays by James McClure that are meant to be performed together, will be performed Live at the Lyric May 2–4, 2024 at 7:00PM, and Sunday May 5 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $8 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door.

PLEASE NOTE: Adult themes and language.

In the first of our plays, Laundry and Bourbon, the setting is the front porch of Roy and Elizabeth’s home in Maynard, Texas, on a hot summer afternoon. Elizabeth and her friend Hattie are whiling away the time folding laundry, watching TV, sipping bourbon and Coke, and gossiping about the many open secrets that are so much a part of small-town life. They are joined by the self-righteous Amy Lee who, among other tidbits, can’t resist blurting out that Roy has been seen around town with another woman. While the ensuing conversation is increasingly edged with bitter humor, from it emerges a sense of Elizabeth’s inner strength and her quiet understanding of the turmoil that has beset her husband since his return from Vietnam. He is wild, and he is unfaithful, but he needs her, and she loves him. And she’ll be waiting for him when he comes home—no matter what others may say or think.

In Lonestar, we are brought to the cluttered backyard of a small-town Texas bar. Roy, a brawny, macho type who had once been a local high-school hero, is back in town after a hitch in Vietnam and trying to reestablish his position in the community. Joined by his younger brother, Ray (who worships him), Roy sets about consuming a case of beer while regaling Ray with tales of his military and amorous exploits. It’s quickly apparent that Roy cherishes three things above all: his country, his sexy young wife, and his 1959 pink Thunderbird…but with the arrival of Cletis, the fatuous, newlywed son of the local hardware store owner, the underpinnings of Roy’s world begin to collapse as it gradually comes out that Ray had slept with his brother’s wife during his absence and—horror of horrors!—has just demolished his cherished Thunderbird, as well! But, despite all, the high good humor of the play never lapses, and all ends as breezily and happily as it began.

More information coming soon!

Lone Star and Laundry and Bourbon, will be performed Live at the Lyric, May 2–4, 2024 at 7:00PM, and Sunday May 5 at 2:00PM. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (55 and up) and students, and $8 for children (under 12), when purchased in advance; prices are $3 higher if purchased at the door…maybe even more for the Sunday afternoon performance, depending on how blisteringly the May sun comes through the box office window, scorching the eyeballs of our poor volunteer. No, seriously: do yourself a favor and save that three (or more) bucks.

(Many thanks to Dan Zadorozny, the artist who runs Iconian Fonts, for graciously allowing us the free use of his Texas Ranger font for our graphics!)

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Drama: Radium Girls! #LiveAtTheLyric January 25-27, 2024 at 7:00pm and January 28, 2024 at 2:00pm

Radium Girls will be performed Live at the Lyric January 25-27 at 7:00pm, and Sunday January 28 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $8-12 and raise $3 at the door. Tickets at TheLyric.org.

In 1926, radium was a miracle cure, Madame Curie (Mattea Emerson) an international celebrity, and luminous watches the latest rage—until the girls who painted them began to fall ill with a mysterious disease. Inspired by a true story, Radium Girls traces the efforts of Grace Fryer (Emma Bock), a dial painter, as she and the other “Radium Girls – Irene (Liani Cash) and Kathryn (Ella Domino) fight for their day in court. Their chief adversary is former employer, Arthur Roeder (Isaiah Wallis), an idealistic man who cannot bring himself to believe that the same element that shrinks tumors could have anything to do with the terrifying rash of illnesses among his employees. As the case goes on, however, Grace finds herself battling not just with the U.S. Radium Corporation and their lackeys (Markley, played by Wyatt Villines; and Lee, played by Mark Green), but with her own family and friends (Tom, her fiancé, played by Laith Boswell, and Anna, her mother, played by Destiney Walker), who fear that her campaign for justice will backfire. Called a “powerful” and “engrossing” drama by critics, Radium Girls offers a wry, unflinching look at the peculiarly American obsessions with health, wealth, and the commercialization of science. For more information of this incredible story of strength, we recommend visiting Juris Magazine to be linked to a fascinating and informative article.

Other cast members include the allies, scientists, reporters, and witnesses that were part of the trial, played by: North Phifer, Angie Briggs, Natalie Sims, Nicole Olcott, Cordelia Kaeser, Fred Lutz, Emily Akins- Sexton, Hayleigh Rodery, Julie Davis, Caylee Arthur, Arrowyn Arthur, Joseph Cotton, Trinity White, Kathern Scott-White, Simone Ruff.

Radium Girls will be performed Live at the Lyric January 25-27 at 7:00pm, and Sunday January 28 at 2:00pm. Tickets are $8-12 and raise $3 at the door. Tickets at TheLyric.org.

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TCOTO Kidz Play: Reindeer Games, at the Lyric Theater December 17, 2023 at 2:00pm AND 7:00pm

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks presents Reindeer Games, a fun Christmas show just for kids! Come get in the mood for the holidays in this wonderful show about teamwork, trust, and faith in Christmas. Reindeer Games will be presented with 2 shows on Sunday December 17 at 2:00 AND 7:00pm! Tickets at TheLyric.org.

Pulling Santa’s sleigh is hard work. Even reindeer have to hang up the reins eventually. So, when team leader Dasher decides to retire, coaches Kris and Carol Kringle host the Reindeer Games to find the next member of Santa’s reindeer crew — known as the Nifty Nine.

Eager reindeer recruits showcase their talents in a series of easy-to-stage games. But these aren’t your typical winter events, nor are these your typical competitors. Alongside fast, strong and nimble jocks is a brainy tech geek, a lost chef looking for a cooking competition, a chipper cheerleader, and a lingo-slinging international snowboarder. The all-star quarterback has a tender secret talent, and one competitor looks curiously like a moose!

But before Coach Kris can announce the newest crewmember, the original Nifty Nine make a cameo appearance — with a surprise announcement! Turns out there are no “losers” when you’re on Santa’s nice list. And by lifting one another up, the New Nifty Nine all get a chance to fly with the Big Guy!

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks presents Reindeer Games, a fun Christmas show just for kids! Come get in the mood for the holidays in this wonderful show about teamwork, trust, and faith in Christmas. Reindeer Games will be presented with 2 shows on Sunday December 17 at 2:00 AND 7:00pm! Tickets at TheLyric.org.

OAC Ticketing Link

Comedy: The Silver Whistle, at the Lyric Theater December 1-2, 2023 at 7:00pm and December 3, 2023 at 2:00pm

In this fairy tale, a silver whistle possessing magic powers is lost by a princess, and great adventures are had in the search for it. The whistle may be used to summon the slave of the whistle, who obeys commands, grants wishes and occasionally issues warnings or reproof. Magic, trickery, theft and the intervention of a bird bring about changes in the whistle’s ownership. Its uses result in exciting and sometimes awkward situations. Finally, the policeman asks the audience for assistance in his search for the whistle. Their ready help may be accepted and used or skillfully rejected by the actors. The whistle is ultimately returned to the princess, who, along with the policeman, decides how best to deal with it.

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Drama: Stephen King’s Misery! #LiveAtTheLyric October 5–7, 2023 at 7:00pm and October 8, 2023 at 2:00pm

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks and the Ozark Arts Council present Stephen King’s Misery (adapted for the stage by William Goldman, this is the same version done by Bruce Willis on Broadway and the basis for the 1990 film with James Caan and Kathy Bates), October 5–7, 2023 at 7:00pm and October 8, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Historic 1929 Lyric Theater on the Harrison, Arkansas square.

Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon (Rick Turner Lucas), who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes (Toinette Madison), and wakes up captive in her secluded home. While Paul is convalescing, Annie reads his latest book and becomes enraged when she discovers the author has killed off her favorite character, Misery Chastain. Annie forces Paul to write a new Misery novel, and he quickly realizes Annie has no intention of letting him go anywhere, despite Officer Buster’s (Louie Keener) presence. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it—because it does!

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A Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd — Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7pm — #LiveAtTheLyric!

The Hedley Lamar Band
& Friends
Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd

Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 7:00PM

Join us on September 16 at 7:00, as Billy, Tim, and Will—The Hedley Lamar Band—have done it again: they’ve once again assembled a fantastic group of local musicians and vocalists to pay tribute to a band that survived great tragedy to influence so many. As with the Led Zeppelin tribute the band organized in 2019—the most successful concert of purely local musicians since Screamin’ Freeman’s 24-hour Guinness World Record concert in 1999—this promises to be an experience Harrison area music lovers will talk about for years, and one well worth coming from out of town to see!

Remainder of Post Still Under Construction!

local musicians.

include: .

Ticket prices: $10 in advance – $15 at the gate

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Get Ready for Some High Voltage Blues with Anthony Gomes! — Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 7:00 — #LiveAtTheLyric!

“A Blues Soul with a Rock ’n’ Roll Heart”

Join us on October 21 at 7:00PM, for an evening of high voltage blues!

What does that mean?

“When people ask me what I sound like, I say, ‘If B.B. King was in AC/DC, that’s what it would be’. That’s High Voltage Blues in a nutshell.”

With all the force of a hurricane in the Mississippi Delta and enough fret-burning fireworks to leave his strings in flames, Anthony Gomes electrifies blues and rock as only a songwriter who truly knows himself can do. Over the years, he’s toppled the Billboard Blues Chart at #1, earned the endorsement of legends such as B.B. King, tallied tens of millions of streams, and packed shows on multiple continents. With his 2022 Rat Pack Records release, High Voltage Blues, he says, “I’ve learned how to embrace my voice as a guitarist and as a singer…I understand who I am, and I use my strengths to my advantage. I have a blues soul and a rock ’n’ roll heart. I love to jump back and forth between both with a modern-day approach.

“I still believe in a world of guitar heroes.”

“When I play rock, it’s got a little more dust to it…As an artist, it was great to circle back to some of my past work and look at it from a different perspective. Billy [Sheehan, bassist for Steve Vai, Mr. Big, David Lee Roth, The Winery Dogs] and Ray [Luzier, of Korn] really pushed the way I play guitar, and they added a whole new element with a little insanity. When people ask me what I sound like, I say, ‘If B.B. King was in AC/DC, that’s what it would be’. That’s High Voltage Blues in a nutshell.”

“Gomes is another power player who is at his best when his gear is in the scorched earth between blues and rock. After all, it’s the electric guitar; sometimes tickling it is not enough.

Guitar World, 2019, when naming Anthony one of its Top 30

Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, he fell in love with music as a kid, listening to everyone from Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix to Jeff Beck and Eddie Van Halen. At 14 years old, Anthony gravitated to the guitar and his relationship with the instrument was born. After grinding it out, his chops caught the attention of B.B. King’s bus driver at a jam night. Blown away, the driver introduced him to B.B. who invited him to open up a string of tour dates in 2005. Gaining invaluable knowledge from “The King,” he went on to share the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy, Robert Plant, Joe Bonamassa, Heart, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and more. Along the way, his concert attendees have included Academy® Award winner Morgan Freeman, John Goodman, and Vince Vaughn as well as Eric Clapton, to name but a few.

2018’s Peace, Love & Loud Guitars vaulted to #1 on the iTunes Top Blues Albums Chart and #1 on Amazon Music’s New Release Blues Chart. Meanwhile, Guitar World readers voted him one of “The 30 Best Blues Guitarists in the World Today” in 2019, and the publication noted, “Gomes is another power player who is at his best when his gear is in the scorched earth between blues and rock.” After seven consecutive Top 10 debuts on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, Containment Blues marked his second #1 on the respective chart in 2020.

“If B.B. King was in AC/DC, that’s what it would be. That’s High Voltage Blues in a nutshell.”

In the end, Anthony Gomes is just the kind of guitar hero we need for today:

“I’m either the last of a dying breed or the start of a new revolution,” he smiles. “I still believe in a world of guitar heroes. I strive for a world where you don’t have to be 19 years old to sell a lot of records and tickets and to make a statement. I’m one of those people who doesn’t think rock—or the blues—is dead. I’m looking for fresh ways to bring them together. I’m at the table rolling the dice all in the name of blues and rock ’n’ roll. I know there’s never been a more exciting time for music, and I’m here for the journey.”

“Hendrix on crank guitar phrasing…all the soul of Otis Redding and the swagger of Steven Tyler. Anthony joyfully blends the distinction between blues and rock.”

– Blues Rock Review

Join us on October 21 at 7:00PM, as Anthony Gomes brings his High Voltage Blues tour to The Roots Music Palace of the Ozarks, Harrison’s own historic Lyric Theater; tickets are on sale now!

Tickets are available now for High Voltage Blues by Anthony Gomes, #LiveAtTheLyric, Saturday, October 21 and may be purchased online, or by calling (870) 391-3504.

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