Neither Lori Quinn nor Brad Lacy have a background in theater, but both appreciate and understand the value of having Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (AST) in their community. The friends are co-chairmen of the Feb. 9 Bard Ball, an annual fundraiser for the theater held onstage at the University of Central Arkansas' Reynolds Performance Hall in Conway.
Quinn, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker RPM Group and co-owner of Faulkner Lifestyle, says that she has always loved the theater, even as a child, and always makes a point to see a Broadway show when in New York.
"The arts are such a vital part of a healthy and growing community. We are fortunate in Conway to have Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre contributing in such a big way to the arts in our community."
Lacy, president and chief executive officer of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, says that while he has no theater background his job has given him a great respect for the role that AST plays in the quality of life in his community. "Conway's art community is a well-kept secret, but I hope that AST helps spread the word about who we are and what we value."
AST is Arkansas' only professional Shakespeare Festival, says Rebekah Scallet, the theater's producing artistic director. She agrees about the theater's importance.
"In today's world where we get much of our entertainment from devices we hold in our hands, with buds in our ears blocking out all other sound, I think it is important for Arkansans to have a place where they can go and sit in a room with their fellow citizens, laugh together and participate in a communal experience with each other and the artists on stage," Scallet says.
In addition, she says, "Shakespeare has so much to give. His plays offer great stories that are also incredibly relevant to our lives in America today."
Guests at the Bard Ball will enjoy a night of Broadway in Conway. They'll enter Reynolds Performance Hall on a red carpet, be offered a "Sky's Swig" -- a champagne cocktail in honor of the theater's 2019 production of Guys and Dolls -- and then ushered onstage where the gala will take place.
"Putting the Bard Ball on the stage gives our community an opportunity to get closer to the action," Scallet says. In addition to a buffet of heavy appetizers and desserts, guests will have a chance to bid on silent auction items and get drinks from areas backstage including the dressing rooms and green room.
Special guest and master of ceremonies for the evening is Fergie L. Philippe, who was part of the AST intern program and has appeared in several AST productions. He is currently in the national tour of the Broadway hit Hamilton, appearing as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. Philippe will also sing several songs during the evening. Guests who buy a $100 ticket can enjoy a pre-party meet and greet with Philippe, have a photo taken with him and receive a signed playbill from the tour.
A live auction will include tickets to Hamilton in Memphis with a backstage tour by Philippe. Other live auction items are a chance for a cameo roll in Guys and Dolls along with eight tickets to the production and artwork by Steve Griffin painting during the Bard Ball.
Money raised at the event will support AST's 2019 season and will be used in a variety of ways -- from paying actors to buying material for costumes. "Every dollar raised at the Bard Ball goes right on stage in the work that we are able to produce in the summer as well as our fall educational tour," Scallet says.
"Having a professional theater group based in Conway is a unique asset to our arts community and their statewide outreach is important. They become brand ambassadors for our city," Lacy says.
Quinn agrees, "I love our community and I am so thankful that our arts community continues to grow. Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre is definitely one of the shining stars in our arts community."
Tickets to the Bard Ball are $75, or $100 for a premium ticket that includes the meeting with Philippe. More information is available at the Arkansas Shakespeare Theater website arkshakes.com or by calling Mary Ruth Marotte at (501) 269-9428.
High Profile on 01/27/2019