"We are here tonight to celebrate stories. ... There was no greater pursuer of stories than [Shakespeare]. There was no greater teller of stories."
Thus spoke master of ceremonies Don Matisa at the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre's Bard Ball, which was themed "My AST Story" and which took place Jan. 21 in Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway.
Guests first gathered in the lobby for wine, cheese and crackers before entering the theater for remarks by nine-season company member Matisa -- who proclaimed the 2016 season to be "the biggest and best ever" -- and a retrospective video about the theater and its performances. Then it was on to the backstage area, where a buffet of heavy hors d'oeuvres, additional libations and silent-auction items awaited. The theater house band provided entertainment.
The agenda included talks by Rebekah Scallet, the theater's producing artistic director, as well as executive director Mary Ruth Marotte. Moriah Patterson, Jacob Keith Watson and Matisa spoke of their involvement with the theater. Houston Davis, the new UCA president, also spoke.
The highlight of a six-item live auction was a Florida beach house vacation, which went for $2,600.
Featured performer Watson serenaded the audience with "Mr. Cellophane" from the Broadway musical Chicago. He wrapped up the program with the tear-jerking "Bring Him Home" from Les Miserables, then the peppy "Sit Down, You're Rocking the Boat" from Guys and Dolls.
General manager Geneva Galloway said the ball generated $35,000 for the 2017 production season. The company, which produces Shakespeare plays and other performances during its summer festival in Conway, will open its 11th season (June 9-July 9) with Shakespeare's Love's Labour's Lost.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 01/29/2017