April Approval: Our 4 Favorite Finds

As spring blooms all around, there’s much to see and do. Here are some of our faves.

Support

1. Ballet Arkansas’ Spring Gala honoring Chelsea Clinton

Supporters of the Little Rock arts community will get a rare treat on Friday, April 26: an intimate performance by the professional dancers of Ballet Arkansas and an appearance by guest of honor Chelsea Clinton. Clinton, who is on the board of the School of American Ballet, performed with Ballet Arkansas as a young girl and appeared in several of productions of “The Nutcracker.” She’ll be the recipient of the “Above the Barre” award for her contributions to the performing arts during the organization’s Spring Gala.

In addition to remarks from Clinton, the program includes cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions and a one-night-only performance by the professional dance company. For ticket info, visit BalletArkansas.org or call 223-5150.

Read/Listen/Learn

2. Arkansas Literary Festival

Year after year, the Arkansas Literary Festival is one of our favorite cultural events. Taking place April 18-21 in locations on both sides of the river, this year’s Lit Fest will feature more than 90 authors and presenters participating in special events, workshops, lectures, readings and more. We’re most excited to see David Abrams, short story writer and author of “Fobbit,” and Karen Russell, author of “Swamplandia!” and “Vampires in the Lemon Grove.”

Read more about the Arkansas Literary Festival’s lineup at ArkansasLiteraryFestival.org.

Experience

3. “Death of a Salesman” at The Rep

We can’t wait to see how the creative team at The Rep brings down-and-out salesman Willy Loman and his world to life. Often called “the greatest American play” by critics, Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama takes the stage April 24–May 12.

Those wishing to explore the parallels between this 50-year-old drama and present day should make note of the following dates: On April 8 at 6 p.m., Laman Library will host a discussion of the play led by Producing Artistic Director and “Death of a Salesman” director Bob Hupp. A screening of the film will follow the discussion. Then, on April 24 and 25, Hupp will host pre-show discussions on the set from 6:15–6:45 p.m.

For ticket information, visit TheRep.org.

Beautify

4. LCB Nail Lacquer’s Spring Collection

We love supporting local businesses, especially when those businesses make a product we can’t get enough of. We’re talking about LCB Nail Lacquer, a Little Rock-based company founded by the late LaKhiva Blann and her sister Kim Blann.

The nail color line recently launched its spring collection, which includes fresh, fun colors like Queen B, a pearly yellow; Lulu, a pastel pinkish-purple; and our personal favorite, Social Buttafly, a cool aqua. You can place an order online or purchase the polishes at Box Turtle, Drug Emporium and several local salons.

Visit LCBNailLacquer.com for more details.