Theatrical performances coming to Mena High School, Ouachita Little Theatre, and Grand Illusion Theatre

Mena High School

The Mena High School Theatre Department is now preparing their fall musical, “Disney’s Newsies.” The show will be performed for the public at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, and 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Mena High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is $5 and donations will be accepted.

“Newsies” is directed by MHS drama teacher Jessica Kropp with the help of some capable adult volunteers: strike against Joe Pulitzer and William Hearst in the1890s. Pulitzer and Hearst decided to raise the price of the papers for the “Newsies,” as they were commonly known, from 50 cents to 60 cents per 100 papers to purchase, but their customer prices were to remain the same. The Newsies famously fought back, despite their young age and low esteem in the business world. This is the inspiring underdog story that you will be watching unfold. (“Kids on Strike” by Susan Campbell Bartoletti p. 54).

Abi Tilley and Zeke McPherson are the choreographers of this energetic show featuring exuberant dance numbers.

Judy Kropp is once again lending her expertise as the music director.

“Newsies” features a Tony Award-winning score by Alan Menken (“Aladdin,” “Little Mermaid,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Sister Act”) and Jack Feldman.

The book is by triple Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein.

Featuring the now classic songs “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” and “Santa Fe,” “Newsies” is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family and every audience.

Ouachita Little Theatre las Baker; Mrs. Boyd, Sharon Hose; Madame Sophronie, Jeanie Bunyard; Felice, Deborah Schump; Mr. Hartman, Rudi Timmerman; and Narrator, Mike Rohland.

Ouachita Little Theatre is offering not one, but two Christmas themed shows this holiday season.

Wainwright, Deborah Schump; Ghost of Christmas Future, Katherine Hart; and Translator, Tara Cornelius.

Tickets for this special holiday show are $10 for students and seniors aged 60-plus, and $15 for adults. Advance reserved seating is available at oltmena. com.

Grand Illusion Theatre

Mena Mountain Resort announces a party and a performance at the Grand Illusion Theatre.

Montgomery County native Dewayne Montgomery will perform, 9 p.m. to midnight on New Year’s Eve for your dancing and listening pleasure. Hodges plays keyboards and performs country, country rock, and golden oldies. He’s well-known to Mena audiences.

Heavy hors d’ouevres will be served and mixers will be available. Admission is $25 per person. Reservations are recommended.

Scottie Jenkins and Michael Rohland have constructed the beautiful set.

Ruby K. Manis has collaborated with the directorial staff on designing and building the costumes that reflect the correct era and mood of this show.

MHS art teacher, Jenny Robertson, along with her art students, have completed painting the elaborate set.

Leading roles are being played by Eric Decker as Jack and Holiday Neufeld as Katherine. David Williams and Aaron Burt portray brothers Davey and Les, and Anna Burt plays Crutchie. Mr. Joe Pulitzer is being played by Hayden Copelin. For the first time ever, a faculty member is cast in a role; Deedra Hooker is portraying Wiesel.

“Disney’s Newsies” is based on the true events surrounding the Newspaper Boys

Showcasing first is the Lyric Players Readers Theatre production of “The Gift of the Magi.” OLT is experimenting with a different format for this show. Two performances will be held at The Ouachitas (821 Mena St.) at 7 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 9. The Ouachitas will be serving their delicious menu items and patrons are encouraged to enjoy this dinner theatre experience.

If you prefer a more traditional venue, you can purchase your tickets for the Dec. 10 show at 2:30 p.m. at the Ouachita Little Theatre, 610 Mena St. This matinee will also include a Christmas Carol sing-a-long led by Judy Kropp. Advance tickets for all three performances are on sale now for $10 for (all ages) at oltmena. com.

Ann Glenn has chosen the cast of characters: Della, Taz Haggard; Jim, Si-

The second seasonal offering is the Christmas courtroom comedy set in 1844, “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge.” Shows will run consecutively from Thursday, Dec. 14 through Monday, Dec. 18. All shows will be at the OLT at 7:30 p.m. except the Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

“The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” takes a different look at the character of Scrooge as he decides to sue the spirits of Christmas’ past, present and future for their roles in the disruption that occurred in his life exactly one year before the trial. The results are as humorous as they are heartwarming. The whole family will enjoy this production, never before seen on the OLT stage.

Seasoned director Brad Storey announces the following cast of characters:

Rothschild, Mike Moe; Judge, Jered Biard; Bailiff, Drew Philpot; Scrooge, Michael Rohland; Cratchit, Austin Zarella; Mrs. Cratchit, Linda G. Johnson; Fred, Silas Baker; Ghost of Christmas Past, Stefani Moore; Marley, Tom McClanahan; Belle, Angel Moe; Fan, Alayna Chaney; Mrs. Dilber, Taz Haggard; Miss

For the weekend prior to Valentine’s Day, Feb. 9 and 10, they will be performing either “Cahoots-What’s a Little Murder Among Friends?” a funny and farcical comedy written by Rick Johnston, or “Love Among the Ruins,” a romantic comedy written by James G. Hirsch and Robert A. Papazian. Dinner will be served.

Auditions will be held in late December. Contact Mena Mountain Resort at 479-394-3110 for more information or to make event reservations.