It’s been 100 years of absurdity and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Marking a whole century, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre‘s biennial musical production spoofing Arkansas and national people and politics, is returning to the stage Aug. 2-6 with “Gridiron 2016: Bake America’s Cake Again.”
This is not your average spoof. “Gridiron” features 80 local attorneys and legal professionals whose names and faces audiences will recognize.
Its origins date back to 1916 when a few lawyers got together to write and perform a vaudevillian-style dinner show. In 1963, the late Griffin Smith took up the mantel and began a partnership with the Pulaski County Bar Association.
“We believe that our ‘Gridiron’ may be the longest running production of its kind in the nation,”
said Judge Mary Spencer McGowan, the show’s producer for 20 years. “’Gridiron’ has evolved
over the years from a male-only cast performing at luncheons at the Marion Hotel to a full-fledged professional production at The Rep with Director Jana Beard and Musical Director Lori Isner.”
You have five chances to catch the show. Opening night is Tuesday, Aug. 2, where you can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine and beer before the curtain at 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday’s shows begin at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday’s begin at 8 p.m.
For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit The Rep’s website. You can also call (501) 378-0405 or visit the theatre box office downtown at 601 Main St., Little Rock.