With sports and so many other things taking over our lives early in 2014, a little bit of art and theater might be just what you need to expand your horizons a bit.
Lucky for you, places around Little Rock are offering a chance to explore new exhibits, music, theater and films this week.
Here is a look at what you can do:
- “Clybourne Park” at the Arkansas Repertory Theater, 601 Main St., Little Rock: In case you haven’t heard, The Rep’s latest production that brings together issues of race and real estate is getting underway today (Jan. 22) with “Pay What You Can Night” and Pre-Show Director Talks from 6:15-6:45 p.m. both today and tomorrow (Jan. 22-23). From noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday (Jan. 23), The Rep Producing Artistic Director Bob Hupp will host the cast from the play for a panel discussion on the production and opening night of the show will be Friday (Jan. 24), where there will be champagne and hors d’oeuvres following the show. Get more information about the production and special programs here.
- Feed Your Mind Friday: Gallery Talk with Brad Cushman at Arkansas Arts Center, 501 E. 9th St., Little Rock: Stop by the Townsend Wolfe Gallery at the downtown arts center from 12-1 p.m. Friday (Jan. 24) for a gallery talk in “Face to Face: Artists’ Self-Portraits” from the Collection of Jackye and Curtis Finch, Jr. Admission is free. Space is limited, so sign up at the Stephens Inc. Visitors Center. Call (501) 372-4000 to get more information.
- Opening of “The Evolving Universe” at William F. Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock: Starting Saturday (Jan. 25), travel through time and find out how Smithsonian scientists study the far reaches of space and the astronomical beginning of time at the library’s newest temporary exhibit. Explore how stars and galaxies and even the universe change from birth to maturity to death through a series of rare photographs. The exhibit will run through April 6. Get more information here.
- Closing of “Blu” at The Weekend Theater, 1001 W. 7th St., Little Rock: The theater’s latest production will be closing this weekend (Jan. 24-25). In “Blu,” memory, history and culture collide with the dreams of a myth-inspired character as Soledad and her partner, Hailstorm, as they redefine family on their own terms after the death of their eldest son in Iraq. Set in the town of Barrio, Grise’s powerful, one-act play traces the explosive after-effects of prison and hunger, desire and war following a family as they try to envision a world and sky without police and their helicopters. There will be a talk back with the cast and creative team following the performance each night, as well as a special drawing for a gift from the cast and TWT. Reserve your tickets here.
- Grand Opening festivities at Ron Robinson Theater, 1 Count Pulaski Way, Little Rock: To celebrate the grand opening of the Ron Robinson Theater at the Arcade Building– the Little Rock Film Festival’s new flagship theater– the LRFF and Central Arkansas Library System have teamed up for a full week of free film screenings, live music and lectures. Coming up this week is a screening of “Rectify: A Sundance Series” with writer Graham Gordy (created by former Little Rock resident Ray McKinnon) on Thursday (Jan. 23) and the screening of “Ladder 49” with director Jay Russell with a grand opening party in the lobby of the Ron Robinson Theater immediately following on Saturday (Jan. 25). Click here to check out a full schedule and get more details.
- Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: Bohemian Rhapsody at Robinson Center Music Hall, 414 W. Markham, Little Rock: Many refer to Dvorak as the greatest Bohemian composer, and he headlines the symphony’s festive occasion with a selection of his most entertaining and enchanting works this weekend (Jan. 25-26). Pianist sensation and Brahms champion Norman Krieger makes his ASO return following his triumphant Brahms Concerto No. 1, with the 2nd. Tickets range from $14-$53. Purchase tickets and check out a sample of some of the work here.
If art is your thing, here are some current exhibits to check out:
- “Chasing the Light: The Photography of Brian Chilson” at Historic Arkansas Museum
- “Arkansas Women to Watch 2013” at Butler Center for Arkansas Studies
- “Finishing Touches: Recent Works by Erin Lorenzen” at Gallery 26