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!

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.

Auditions Saturday November 18 at 10:00am and Sunday November 19 at 2:00pm

Auditions!

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks will have auditions for Radium Girls at the Lyric Theater on Saturday November 18 at 2pm and November 19 at 2pm. Ages 9 and up only. For more questions, please click to email us or call 870-391-3504.

The Requirements

Only those auditioning may be present. Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director.

Ages 15 and up.

The Story

Auditions will consist of cold reads only with scripts provided by the directing team. Performances for Radium Girls will be January 25-28, 2024.

There are approximately 37 characters in Radium Girls, about half male and half female. There will be several people who are cast in multiple roles. Characters range in age from stage age 9 (one female child) to 60+. For a full character break down, please visit https://stageagent.com/…/13953/radium-girls/characters.

Show Synopsis:
Radium Girls is D.W. Gregory’s gripping drama based on the true story of female laborers who were poisoned and killed by their factory’s radium-based paint. Though Radium Girls ranges from 1918 through the 1940’s, the bulk of the narrative is centered on events in New Jersey in the mid 1920’s.

The play highlights Grace, Irene, and Kathryn who paint dials in the U.S. Radium Plant and are instructed to finely point their brushes by molding the bristles with their mouths while painting. The factory’s new owner, Arthur Roeder, is excited by radium’s promising future and believes in the company’s potential for growth. Roder’s mindset is supported by Marie Curie, the internationally famous scientist, who believes radium provides many health benefits and could even cure cancer.
But soon many of the the girls begin to notice disturbing health issues, and one of their co-workers dies, but her death is brushed aside. The plant tries to keep the girls who are getting sicker from talking to the press, push back their court dates, and deflect any negativity toward the company. Some of the surviving girls finally get settlements and medical coverage for the rest of their shortened lives.

Radium Girls fiercely examines the commercialization of science, the pursuit of both health and wealth, the power of the underdog, and the fierce injustice laborers in America have faced, and may even continue to face in the present.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Drama: A Wrinkle in Time, at HHS PAC November 9-11, 2023 at 7:00pm and November 12, 2023 at 2:00pm

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!

Auditions Wednesday August 30 at 6:00pm and Thursday August 31 at 6:30pm

Auditions!

NorthArk Drama will have auditions for The Silver Whistle, by Patrick B. Mace, at NorthArk College, rooms M134 and M138 on Wednesday August 30 at 6pm and Thursday August 31, 2023 at 6pm. Ages 15 and up only. For more questions, please click to email us or call 870-391-3504.

The Requirements

Only those auditioning may be present. Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director.

Ages 15 and up.

The Story

Show dates: November 29, 30, December 1, 2023 at 7:00pm and December 2, 2023 at 2:00pm at the 1929 Historic Lyric Theater, with children’s productions during the day.

This tale has been a prize-winning play and a favored production throughout the world. 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.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Auditions Sunday August 27 at 4:00pm and Monday August 28 at 6:30pm

Auditions!

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks will have auditions for Misery, by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King on Sunday August 27 at 4pm and Monday August 28, 2023 at 6:30pm at the Lyric Theater. For more questions, please click to email us or call 870-391-3504.

The Requirements

Doors will open at 3:30pm on Sunday and 6:00pm on Monday. Only those auditioning may be present.

Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director.

Ages 18 and up.

The Story

Misery is by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King. Cast is 2 men, 1 woman.

Show dates: October 5-7, 2023 at 7:00pm and October 8, 2023 at 2:00pm at the 1929 Historic Lyric Theater.

Misery follows successful romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who is rescued from a car crash by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes, 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. The irate Annie has Paul writing as if his life depends on it, and it does.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Auditions Saturday April 15 at 6:00pm and Sunday April 16, 2022 at 2:00pm

Auditions!

The Theatre Co. of the Ozarks will have auditions for lower case, by Stephen Enersen on Saturday April 15 at 6pm and Sunday April 16, 2023 at 2:00pm at the Lyric Theater. For more questions, please click to email us or call 870-391-3504.

The Requirements

Doors will open at 5:30pm on Saturday and 1:30pm on Sunday. Only those auditioning may be present.

Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director.

Ages 18 and up.

The Story

lower case is by Stephen Enersen. Cast is 2 men, 2 women.

Show dates: June 22-24, 2023 at 7:00pm and June 25, 2023 at 2:00pm at the 1929 Historic Lyric Theater.

This smart romantic comedy wrestles with the miseries of the mid-life, recycled dating scene. Having recently decided that he is through with romantic relationships (though not through with women), George has made an impulsive bet with his meddling sister that he will solve all his dating problems by “hiring” a mistress. Now, just two days before the “show and tell” dinner where he must produce said mistress to avoid losing the high-stakes bet, a mistress-less (and clueless) George tries to engage a 30-something theatre student to play his paramour for the dinner. A contentious though talented Meredith finds the assignment disgusting but needs the money and, truth be told, is excited by the acting challenge of a full evening of improvisation. While the antagonistic couple is attempting to fashion a convincing backstory for the dinner charade, sister Betsy suddenly appears, throwing Meredith and George into a frantic, ill-prepared improv a full day early. Amidst the chaos, Meredith and George gradually come to appreciate each other’s odd yet strangely sensible takes on life and relationships.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Auditions Saturday January 14 and Sunday January 15, 2022 at 5:00pm

Auditions!

NorthArk Drama will have auditions for Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, on Saturday January 14 and Sunday January 15, 2023 at 5:00pm at the Lyric Theater. For more questions, please click to email us or call 870-391-3504.

The Requirements

Doors will open at 4:30pm. Only those auditioning may be present.

Auditions will consist of sides from the script, chosen by the director.

NorthArk Drama will have auditions for Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, on Saturday January 14 and Sunday January 15, 2023 at 5:00pm for ages 17 and up ONLY. For more questions, please click to email us or call 870-391-3504.

The Story

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress is by Alan Ball. Cast is 6 women, 1 man.

Show dates: May 3-6, 2023 at 7:00pm and May 7, 2023 at 2:00pm at the 1929 Historic Lyric Theater.

During an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, TN estate, five reluctant, identically-clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reasons to avoid the proceedings below. They are Frances, a painfully sweet but sheltered fundamentalist; Mindy, the cheerful, wise-cracking lesbian sister of the groom; Georgeanne, whose heartbreak over her own failed marriage triggers outrageous behavior; Meredith, the bride’s younger sister, whose precocious rebelliousness masks a dark secret; and Trisha, a jaded beauty whose die-hard cynicism about men is called into question when she meets Tripp, a charming bad-boy usher to whom there is more than meets the eye. As the afternoon wears on, in this cramped bedroom above the wedding, these five identically dressed women talk, laugh, argue, cry, console one another, and slowly become friends and joyously discover a common bond in this wickedly funny, irreverent, and touching celebration of the women’s spirit.

Thank you for supporting the Arts and good luck!

Become a Patron of the Arts!

It’s OAC Membership Time!

It’s time to renew your membership in the Ozark Arts Council (or to become an OAC member for the first time)! See below for the perks. Click HERE to join online.

History has taught us that the most vibrant societies are produced by giving, not by taking—and the most vibrant are those that have a thriving and active Arts community! Having such a thriving Arts community has always been a matter of patronage, and it is no different today.

In a time when many are still struggling, some may think the Arts a luxury, something only of which those with ‘extra’ time and money on their hands may partake. Often, people feel that it’s too lofty a pursuit for communities that are rooted in farms and factories and retirees. But both history and statistics tell us that these contentions are untrue: the Arts are what help such communities survive!

The very nature of the Arts is to be both welcoming and challenging, to bring you in and to lift you up…and in a time of upheaval and widespread dissatisfaction, isn’t that exactly what you want to encourage and support? The Lyric and the OAC’s Member Organizations provide a place full of experiences that put all of the noise of this world’s discontent aside, a place that welcomes you into a moment where you neither have to be consumed with the woes of the world, real and imagined—or even what you’re going to make for supper, or find on your next day at work. For all of the ‘escapism’ that television promised, it is no match for joining with the rest of your community in a place where all that divides us is set aside and a team of volunteers seeks to be their best selves and to help us, at least for a few hours, to be ours.

This is what membership in the OAC promotes, so please consider becoming part of a community that truly builds community…that welcomes, educates, enjoys, and feasts on those things in our culture that build better people, stronger communities, and the general promotion of love and joy: please join the Ozark Arts Council today!

Click here to go to the join page

The Ozark Arts Council is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to enrich lives by promoting the arts in Harrison and North Arkansas through exhibitions, performances, and education. Memberships and donations allow the OAC and its six Member Organizations to provide quality cultural programming and maintain the historic Lyric Theater for performances and community events.

Some OAC Membership Perks

Early Bird Ticket Sales: For most events, we are able to offer tickets to our members between a few hours and a few days before they go on sale to the general public, so you have a better chance of getting your favorite seat.
No Ticketing or Card Fees: We consider your investment in the OAC as what provides us the ability to have ticketing and card processing in the first place, so we give you a code to eliminate fees when you purchase online (and enter the code for you if you purchase them in advance in person or over the phone).
Special Merchandise Offers and Discounts: Promotional and event mugs, shirts, window clings (and who knows what else?!) are being developed to help you help the Lyric to thrive and to allow you to remember and celebrate fun times at the Lyric once you return home.
Season Passes (and Discounts): Members who join at the $129 level or above get discounts on season passes, with discounts growing along with membership donations.
The Arts Investor Appreciation Pass: Take the lead in providing plays, concerts, or both by making a Membership donation that helps us keep booking artists and paying rights and royalties, and we will provide you free passes that allow you to come and check on your investment.
- A Theatre Investor ($500) receives a code for two free tickets to every play in our season!
- A Concert Investor ($750) receives a code for two seats at every concert we produce.
- An All the Arts Investor ($1,200) receives two tickets for every concert and every play we put on!

Please Note: There may be some events that we do not produce, those that are via a rental arrangement by an outside organization or that are a fundraiser for another nonprofit. We keep these to a bare minimum…and if we can work out a contract with them to get you seated for free, we will do so, and we will let you know in advance.