Starting Wednesday, Oct. 23 and opening Friday, Oct. 25, the Tony-Award winning production “Red” will take center stage at the downtown Little Rock theater.
In partnership with the Arkansas Arts Center’s exhibit “Mark Rothko in the 1940’s: The Decisive Decade,” The Rep will be staging the revealing Rothko drama “Red.” Rep Producing Artistic Director Robert Hupp will direct the production, which will star Rep favorite Joe Graves of “Othello,” “The Tempest,” “Of Mice and Men,” “Moonlight and Magnolias” as the abstract artist Mark Rothko.
Written by John Logan, whose Hollywood screenplays include “Hugo,” “Gladiator” and “Skyfall,” and set in Rothko’s studio on the Bowery, “Red” drops you inside the world of the painter, chronicling the tormented artist’s two-year struggle to complete a lucrative set of murals for Manhattan’s exclusive Four Seasons restaurant.
There are a few special programs going on this month for the production, which will be running from Oct. 23-Nov. 10:
- Between Stage and Screen, Laman Library, 2801 Orange St., North Little Rock: In association with The Rep’s production of the Rothko drama “Red,” a member of the creative team will host a brief discussion on Rothko and the art world he helped to create, followed by an exclusive screening of the PBS documentary “Andy Warhol: A Documentary Film.” The screening starts at 6 p.m. tonight (Oct. 17). This event is free to the public.
- Pay What You Can Night, The Rep, 601 Main St., Little Rock: Take advantage of The Rep’s “Pay What You Can Night” on Wednesday (Oct. 23). Patrons can pay any amount they wish for their ticket. Tickets must be purchased in person at the Box Office at 601 Main Street the day of the performance. The Box Office will be open from 9 a.m. until the curtain time. Tickets are limited to (2) two per person. The show starts at 7 p.m. The offer is based on seating availability.
- Preshow Director Talks, The Rep: A preshow talk will take place on the set with director of “Red” and Producing Artistic Director Hupp, as well as members of the creative team before both shows 6:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday (Oct. 23-24).
- Preview Night Hosted by AY Magazine, The Rep: Take in a preshow discussion with Producing Artistic Director Hupp and special guests from the Arkansas Arts Center as they discuss John Logan’s drama “Red” and the art exhibit “Mark Rothko in the 1940’s: The Decisive Decade.” Then, check out the play at 7 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 24).
- Distinguished Lecture Series, Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock: From noon to 1 p.m. on Friday (Oct. 25), Hupp will host the cast from the play for a panel discussion on the production. Admission is free. Call the Clinton School at (501) 683-5239 for reservations.
- Opening Night, The Rep: Opening night for “Red” on Friday (Oct. 25) will include a post-show reception with the cast immediately following the show. Complimentary champagne and light hors d’oeuvres will be provided. The show starts at 8 p.m.
- Arkansas Arts Center Night, The Rep: Get half-price tickets to the play at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29. To get the special deal, use the code “ART” when purchasing tickets.
- Post-Show Salons, The Rep: Want to learn more about Mark Rothko? On Wednesday, Oct. 30, and Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1-2, head over to Foster’s in the theater after the play “Red” to hear an in-depth discussion about Mark Rothko and his legacy with Hupp and Arkansas Arts Center Executive Director Todd Herman.
- Craft Beer Night at The Rep, The Rep: No tricks, all treats! The Rep will be serving $2-$4 craft beers on Halloween night on Thursday, Oct. 31, in Foster’s lounge before the performance. Enjoy Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, New Belgium’s Fat Tire and Pumpkick or Blue Moon’s Belgian White Ale, while supplies last. Must be 21 or up. Plus, wear red on Halloween Night and receive a special treat.
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening performances are at 7 p.m., while Friday and Saturday evening performances are at 8 p.m. Sunday Matinees performances are at 2 p.m.
Purchase tickets online here, call (501) 378-0405 or visit the theatre Box Office, 601 Main St., Little Rock.
For more information about the play, click here.