December 6, 2023 Theater and Arts 19 Pulse OLT auditions being held for ‘Luv Among the Ruins’ auditions at ‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Grand Illusion Theatre THE POLK COUNTY
Submitted by Julie Ulmer
Ouachita Little Theatre announces the first play of 2024 to be “Arsenic and Old Lace” directed by Amanda Baker. This popular classic comedy written by Joseph Kesselring in 1939 is still performed on modern stages all over the country. The humor is timeless and the plot hilariously dark. This show has been on the OLT stage in the past and has been highly successful. Patrons have been asking for encore performances, and they are scheduled for Feb. 1618 and 23-25. Auditions for “Arsenic and Old Lace” will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 16, and from 6-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 at the OLT. Director Amanda Baker says if you are interested and can’t make these dates, you can text her at 479-469-3741 to schedule an audition time before the evening of Dec. 17.
The director is looking for adults or older teens of any gender and varying ages. There are only three female roles, including two spinster sisters, which are major roles to be played by actresses who can play 5070 years old. There is another good role for a woman who can play age 25-40. There are several male roles that can be cast for characters who can play the parts ranging in age from 20-80 years old. The leading role of Mortimer Brewster involves a lot of physical action, as do a few other roles, but there are several characters that are less active. OLT auditions, as always, are open to anyone who has an interest in performing. This would be a great one to try out your acting chops. Check out oltmena.com and the OLT Facebook or Instagram pages for detailed character analysis and more information on Ouachita Little Theatre. As our motto says, “Come Play With Us!”
The cast of the OLT Lyric Players Readers Theatre Production “The Gift of the Magi” invite you to attend their performances at The Ouachitas, 7 p.m., Dec. 8 or 9 (limited seating, reserved $10 tickets at oltmena.com recommended), or at the Ouachita Little Theatre, 2:30 p.m., Dec. 10. The Sunday performance at OLT contains a bonus of an old-fashioned Christmas sing-a-long led by Judy Kropp. (Submitted photo)
Submitted by Tim Hesse Open auditions for the February performance of the play “Luv Among the Ruins” will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 at Mena Mountain Resort in the Grand Illusion Theatre. The following parts will be cast: - Three actors (one male and two females) able to play characters 65-75. - One male actor to play 25-35. - Five actors (male or female) to
play characters ranging from 35-60. In addition to actors, anyone interested in working with lighting, sound, props, costuming or backstage are welcome to attend the auditions. Rehearsals will start Jan. 2 with a flexible schedule. The show will be performed in a dinner theatre setting on Feb. 9 and 10. Please call the resort at 479-3943110 with any questions.
Extended holiday hours at Mena Art Gallery Submitted by Lauren Pursell
Mena Art Gallery is pleased to announce additional open days leading up to Christmas! Fun and beauty await your viewing and shopping pleasure at the Christmas Show and Gift Sale! You won’t want to miss this wonderful array of handmade crafts and art by local artists. In addition to regular hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday, the gallery will be open addi-
tional days and hours leading up to Christmas: Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, open late until 7 p.m. Sunday matinee and Thursday evening Ouachita Little Theatre goers please note, if you arrive early to the plays you will have time to take a turn around the gallery before the show.
