Community Events Spark Cultural Enrichment and Local Engagement in arkansas
Table of Contents
- Community Events Spark Cultural Enrichment and Local Engagement in arkansas
- Fun for the Whole Family
- Theater Highlights Enrich Arts and Culture
- Opportunities for Aspiring Performers
- Community Initiatives and Author Nominations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the dates, times, and location for the Used Book Sale?
- Where and when is the Vintage Military Gear Show taking place?
- What are the performance details for “A year with Frog & Toad”?
- What are the showtimes and venue for “School of Rock the Musical”?
- When and where is “Stuck on a Train to nowhere” performed?
- how do I participate in the “Sound of Music” auditions?
- How can I take part in the Community Initiatives and Author Nominations?
Date: February 13, 2025
Fun for the Whole Family
Used Book Sale Inspires Literacy and Fundraising
In an effort to promote reading and support community library programs, the central Arkansas Library System has launched its first used book sale of 2025. Taking place at the Port Industrial Hub (7773 Sloane Drive, Little Rock), the sale runs from 2–5 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Paperbacks are priced at $1 and hardbacks at $2, while sealed “Bargain boxes
”—collections of books organized by subject or genre—are available for just $2.
Proceeds from this event will bolster the CALS Foundation,which funds an array of initiatives such as the Six Bridges Book Festival,Summer @ CALS,book club kits,and grants for additional library programming. The event not only encourages book donations across all branches (excluding the Main and Roberts libraries due to ongoing renovations) but also highlights community involvement in nurturing a love for literature.
Vintage Military Gear Show Revives History
History enthusiasts are invited to explore the legendary past of Arkansas military contributions at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Hosted at 503 E.Ninth St. in Little Rock, the museum presents its second Vintage Military Gear Show in the upstairs Arsenal room this Sunday from 1–4 p.m. The exhibit showcases an extraordinary collection of military uniforms, helmets, weapons, and other musical artifacts curated by friends of the museum, Arthur Eschenburg and Hayden lang. Admission is free, offering visitors a unique glimpse into past artifacts that resonate with both veterans and local history buffs.
Theater Highlights Enrich Arts and Culture
‘A Year with Frog & Toad’ Charms Family Theatergoers
The Actors Theater of Little Rock is captivating audiences with a production of “A Year With Frog & Toad” at the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church (1601 Louisiana St., Little Rock) through March 1. The show, featuring music by Robert Reale and book and lyrics by Willie Reale (based on works by Arnold Lobel), runs at 7:30 p.m. from wednesday to Friday and at both 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. In this delightful adaptation, Dakota “Koty” Mansfield brings the cheerful, popular Frog to life while Anthony McBride portrays the more grumpy Toad, alongside an ensemble cast of eight adults and eight children.
With tickets priced at $25 in advance (or $20 for students, senior citizens, and military personnel) and a slight increase at the door, this production has become a must-see for families across the region. The performance reflects successful community-based theater that connects audiences with warm, relatable characters.
‘School of Rock the Musical’ Empowers Future Rock Stars
At Argenta Contemporary Theatre, located at 405 Main St. in North Little Rock, the hit musical “School of Rock the Musical” is captivating audiences with its energetic performances. Stage performances are set for 7 p.m.on Thursday–Saturday and Tuesday (through February 22) along with additional afternoon shows on Sunday (February 23).The production tells the story of dewey Finn (portrayed by Jonathan Fili), a washed-up rock enthusiast who seizes an opportunity to inspire a class of academically inclined students into forming a dynamic band.
Despite being fully sold out, the theater offers ticket turnbacks through a waiting list, ensuring that fans have an opportunity to experience a live on-stage band and a 28-member cast in a production that channels the spirit of American rock culture and underdog triumphs.
‘Seussical Jr.’ Transforms Local Theater into a Whimsical Jungle
The Royal theatre Young Players at 111 S. Market St. in Benton have reimagined their stage as the Jungle of Nool for the quirky production of “Seussical Jr.” Featuring music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, and a book crafted by the creative team that includes Eric Idle, this production borrows the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. The show is offered at 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday,with additional sessions on Saturday–Sunday across February 20–23.
sponsored by Everett Chevrolet, ticket prices vary by age and status—$20 for general admission, $15 for senior citizens (60-plus), military personnel, and college students with valid ID, and $10 for school children in grades K–12. The production serves as an excellent example of how youth theater can merge educational content with creative storytelling.
‘Stuck on a Train to Nowhere’ Explores Mysterious Journeys
Arkansas State University’s theater department is pushing the boundaries of improvisation and storytelling with “Stuck on a Train to Nowhere.” Performed at the Simpson Theatre in the Fowler Center (201 Olympic Ave., Jonesboro), the show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday–Saturday (and February 21–22) and for an afternoon slot at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday (february 23). This innovative performance, born out of a devised theater class, places characters on a mysterious train that never stops—a journey filled with unexpected memories and unresolved paths.
“unable to remember how they got there or where they are going,”
—Assistant Professor DayDay Robinson
Robinson adds,The characters are guided by an enigmatic conductor who pulls them into fragments of their pasts.
The mature themes of the play include strong language, instances of emotional and physical abuse, substance abuse, grief, and loss. Priced at $15 for general admission (with discounted rates for senior citizens, university faculty, and staff, and free for students with valid ID), the production invites audiences to reflect on the transient nature of time and the intricate layers of memory.
Opportunities for Aspiring Performers
‘Sound of Music’ Auditions Offer a Stage to New Talent
The Royal Theater is holding auditions for Rodgers & Hammerstein’s iconic “The Sound of Music” at the choir room of First United Methodist Church (200 N. Market St., Benton). The auditions are scheduled for february 22, with morning sessions from 10 a.m.–1 p.m.and evening sessions from 5–9:30 p.m. (entrance is via Conway Street). Participants must prepare 32 bars (or one minute) of a song in the style of the show, using an instrumental or accompaniment track—live accompaniment will not be provided. Callbacks are set for 6:30 p.m. on february 23, with production dates confirmed from June 12–22.
prospective performers should fill out the audition form available online and afterward register for a time slot. This casting call exemplifies the opportunities available for emerging artists to gain valuable stage experience in a production that continues to inspire generations in American theater.
Along with live events, the Central Arkansas Library system is welcoming nominations for authors who have published works in 2025. These nominations are under consideration for inclusion in the upcoming 22nd Annual Six Bridges Book Festival, which is set to take place from September 28 to October 5. The festival will feature a variety of enriching events, including free panel discussions, readings, and book signings—all aimed at fostering an habitat of literary engagement and dialog. Nominations can be submitted online until March 7, ensuring a broad representation of local and national literary talent.
This initiative, along with the used book sale, underscores the community’s commitment to educational and cultural growth, further highlighting how local events can make a meaningful impact on the fabric of American society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates, times, and location for the Used Book Sale?
The used book sale is hosted by the Central Arkansas Library System at the Port Industrial Hub (7773 Sloane Drive, Little Rock). It runs from 2–5 p.m. on Thursday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Where and when is the Vintage Military Gear Show taking place?
The Vintage Military Gear Show is held at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History at 503 E. Ninth St. in Little Rock. The exhibit is scheduled for this Sunday from 1–4 p.m.
What are the performance details for “A year with Frog & Toad”?
”A Year with Frog & Toad” is being performed at the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church (1601 Louisiana St., Little Rock) through March 1. The show runs at 7:30 p.m. from Wednesday too Friday and offers additional showtimes at both 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday.Tickets are priced at $25 in advance (or $20 for students, senior citizens, and military personnel), with a slight increase at the door.
What are the showtimes and venue for “School of Rock the Musical”?
“School of Rock the Musical” is staged at Argenta Contemporary Theater, located at 405 Main St. in North Little Rock. Performances are set for 7 p.m. on Thursday–Saturday and on Tuesday (through February 22), with additional afternoon shows on Sunday (February 23). Despite being sold out, ticket turnbacks are available through a waiting list.
When and where is “Stuck on a Train to nowhere” performed?
“Stuck on a Train to Nowhere” is performed at the Simpson Theatre in the Fowler Center (201 Olympic Ave.,Jonesboro). The show is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on friday and Saturday (with performances also on February 21–22) plus an afternoon slot at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday (February 23).
how do I participate in the “Sound of Music” auditions?
Auditions for “The Sound of Music” are held at the choir room of First United Methodist Church (200 N. Market St., Benton) on February 22. there are morning sessions from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and evening sessions from 5–9:30 p.m. participants must prepare 32 bars (or one minute) of a song in the style of the show. Callbacks are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on February 23, and production dates are confirmed from June 12–22.Prospective performers should fill out the audition form available online and then register for a time slot.
In addition to live events, the Central Arkansas Library System is accepting nominations for authors who have published works in 2025. These nominations are considered for inclusion in the upcoming 22nd Annual Six Bridges Book Festival, scheduled from September 28 to October 5.Nominations can be submitted online until March 7.
