Theatre

This week, Mary Badham, of stage and screen "To Kill a Mockingbird" fame, came to the Carver Center for Public Radio to talk about the subtle changes in Aaron Sorkin’s script and the challenges of playing Mrs. Dubois. We wanted to share more of the conversation with you today, including Badham's recollection of another iconic performance, visiting botanical gardens and her joy of talking with students.

On today's show, observing Earth Day with environmental educator Heather Ellzey. Also, six performers with the Silk Road Ensemble bring a world of music to Rogers. Plus, we review a week of news with Michael Tilley from Talk Business and Politics, and Becca Martin Brown from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette gives us weekend options.

The 2022 Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fat Ham” possesses a familiar dramatic ingredient. The protagonist, Juicy, is visited by his dead father at a barbecue. The ghost asks for his murder to be avenged by his son. But this isn’t a reboot of Hamlet- Juicy is very aware of the Shakespearean tragedy and wants to break the cycle of violence and trauma. The Arkansas premiere of James Ijames ‘ “Fat Ham” is taking place through May 12 at TheatreSquared. This week, Monteze Freeland, the director, came to the Anthony and Susan Hui News Studio to talk about the production.

On today's show, the attempt to bring voter registration to the 21st century in Arkansas. Also, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Fat Ham” decides to be (and not be) Hamlet. Plus, one northwest Arkansas manufacturer’s evolution.

The national touring production of To Kill a Mockingbird is at Walton Arts Center this week. The Tony-winner features an adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer-prize-winning novel by Aaron Sorkin. Included in the cast is Mary Badham, the actor who, at 10 years old, received an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Scout. For this production, she is an entirely different kind of character, the aging, bitter racist Mrs. Dubois. She spoke with Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams about the role.

In the new play "Holy Waters," the goddess Lluvia searches through all four seasons to find her purpose. The play, which features both gods and humans as characters, includes original poetry, music, and storytelling from members of the LatinX Theater project. Jasper Logan, KUAF’s Community Engagement Manager, sat down with two of LatinX Theater Project’s leaders to discuss the play.

The national touring production of Disney’s "Aladdin" is on stage at Walton Arts Center through Sunday afternoon. This morning, Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams met the production’s Genie, Marcus M. Martin, in the Walton Arts Center. He said he's been readying himself for the role of the boisterous genie for a long time.

After their rehearsal yesterday afternoon, the cast of Cambodian Rock Band sat down on the T2 stage to discuss the play and the music.

For the first time, the Walton Arts Center will host 10 Broadway shows during the 2024-25 season-one each month from August through May. Curt Owens, director of programming at Walton Arts Center, and Jennifer Ross, vice-president of programming, came to the Anthony and Susan Hui News Studio to talk with Ozarks at Large's Kyle Kellams about those ten productions.

On today's show, touching base with the state now that we're a month out from the big eclipse. Also, Walton Arts Center readies ten big shows for the next Broadway season. Plus, music radio with personality.