THEATER
Mother Love
The Weekend Theater in Little Rock is showcasing “How Black Mothers Say I Love You” by Trey Anthony. It tells the story of a dedicated mother, played by Michelle Young Hobbs, who left her daughters in Jamaica for six years to build a future for them in America. Now, 30 years later, she faces a health challenge with the support of her church and her daughter. The show runs from January 31 to February 2, with performances at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are priced at $20, with discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel. For more details, visit centralarkansastickets.com/organizations/the-weekend-theater.
MUSIC
Vivaldi by Candlelight
The Listeso String Quartet will enchant audiences with “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by Candlelight,” on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Albert Pike Masonic Center. The program will feature Vivaldi’s famous violin concertos along with works from other composers like Jules Massenet and Astor Piazzolla. Please note, attendees must be 8 years or older, and those under 16 should come with an adult. Tickets range from $29 to $53. More information can be found at feverup.com/m/269628.
Sympatico Percussion Group
The Sympatico Percussion Group brings its vibrant performance to the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The ensemble will showcase various styles including rudimental drumming, ragtime, and original pieces. Admission is free! For more details, call (501) 916-3291 or email cdcolbert@ualr.edu.
Metropolitan Opera Competition
On Saturday, the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall will host the Metropolitan Opera Arkansas District Laffont Competition at 1 p.m. Nearly 30 talented singers will compete for a chance to advance to regionals in St. Louis. The judges include distinguished opera professionals such as mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala. This event is free for all attendees. For more information, visit facebook.com/armetoperaauditions or email arklaffont@gmail.com.
‘Aida’ in HD
Catch the stunning performance of “Aida” by the Metropolitan Opera, live in HD at the Movie Tavern on January 25 at 11:30 a.m. Soprano Angel Blue stars in this classic alongside a talented cast. Tickets and details are available at metopera.org/season/in-cinemas/theater-finder.
ART
A-State Exhibitions
Join us at the Bradbury Art Museum on Thursday for an artist talk at 4 p.m. and a reception at 5 p.m., featuring three exciting exhibitions:
- The annual Delta National Small Prints Exhibition.
- “SunSoilSkin&Bone,” showcasing cyanotype photographs by artist Jillian Marie Browning.
- “Informing the Present,” an exhibit of prints and installations by A-State faculty member M. Robyn Wall.
The exhibitions will be on display until February 26. Admission and events are free. For info, call (870) 972-3434 or email mmcmahan@AState.edu.
ETC.
Black Futures Deadline
Young artists in grades 9-12 have until February 1 to submit their work for the Central Arkansas Library System’s Imagining Black Futures project. This initiative encourages exploration of Black culture and could result in cash prizes and an exhibition at the CALS Roberts Library. Submissions can be made at cals.org/imagining-black-futures. Questions? Email jbutler@cals.org.
NEA Grants
The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded $185,000 to seven Arkansas organizations. Here are some highlights:
- $15,000 to Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation for Indian classical music concerts.
- $50,000 to TheatreSquared for new works development.
- $40,000 to Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute for the documentary film festival.
Deadlines for upcoming applications are February 13 and July 10. Visit arts.gov for details.
AUDITIONS
‘Three Musketeers’ at UCA
The University of Central Arkansas holds auditions for “The Three Musketeers” on February 8 from 1-5 p.m. Auditioners should prepare a one-minute contemporary monologue and come dressed for movement. A callback will be held on February 9. For more information, fill out the audition form at uca.edu/theatre/uca-summer-theatre and email Joshua Gibby at gibbyj@uca.edu.
