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Arkansas TheatreWorks, Hot Springs’ newest professional theater, presents Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson at the Central Theatre, 1008 Central Avenue in Hot Springs. The play opens June 24 and runs through July 3.

Moonlight and Magnolias is a behind-the-scenes look at what might have happened when legendary Hollywood producer David O. Selznick shut down production of the biggest and most expensive movie of his career, Gone With the Wind.

Selznick has fired the film’s director, pulls high-powered director Victor Fleming off the nearly complete Wizard of Oz, and calls in “script doctor” Ben Hecht to help rewrite the entire screenplay. Unfortunately, Hecht has never read the novel. The three men are locked in Selznick’s office for five days with nothing to eat but peanuts and bananas. Selznick and Fleming act out every chapter of the book while Hecht feverishly rewrites the script. The result is a fast-paced, slapstick farce that will keep the audience entertained and laughing.

For an evening of outrageous fun, reserve tickets online at www.arktwks.org or call 501-922-6899.

SHOW DATES: June 24 through July 3

CURTAIN TIMES:
Friday, June 24th 8:00pm
Saturday, June 25th 8:00pm
Sunday, June 26th 2:00pm
Wednesday, June 29th 7:30pm
Thursday, June 30th 7:30pm
Friday, July 1st 8:00pm
Saturday, July 2nd 8:00pm
Sunday, July 3rd 2:00pm

TICKET PRICES: $17.50-$25

WEBSITE: www.arktwks.org

PUBLIC-CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: Sheldon Kleinman (501) 922-6899

Moonlight and Magnolias Cast:

Thomas Cooper (Royal, AR) – Producer, David O. Selznick
Thomas is working toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater Arts at Henderson State University. He has performed at the Pocket Theatre and Ray-Lynn Theatre in Hot Springs, as well as at Henderson State University.

“In the play David O Selznick describes the magic that occurs ‘when the lights go down and the theatre disappears and the magic starts to happen,’ as he was keenly aware of the escape his work provided for the ‘Joe Blows and Jane Does’ he was determined to satisfy. I hope our production succeeds in recreating some of this magic for our audiences as well.”

Jack Iafrate (Hot Springs Village, AR) – Ben Hecht
Jack has appeared in many stage productions in Hot Springs Village, as well as one with the Pocket Theatre. Last year he appeared with Jerry Van Dyke in the Sunshine Boys in Hot Springs and Branson, Mo. Jack finds Moonlight and Magnolias to be one of the funniest plays he has read. He says he laughed out loud at the script and has continued laughing since. Fun play and fun cast!

Kassie Johnsen (Hot Springs, AR) – Miss Poppenghul
Kassie Johnsen will be entering her sophomore year as a Vocal Music Education major at Ouachita Baptist University after completing her freshman year at Oklahoma City University. She has performed in numerous musicals and plays, including Children of Eden (Eve), South Pacific (Ensign Nellie Forbush), and Once Upon a Mattress (Lady Larken) at Lakeside High School. As a voice major, Kassie has enjoyed performing in various choirs and competitions, including Arkansas All-State and All-Region. She also plays piano and has participated in local competitions and events. Kassie is thrilled to be learning from and working with such a talented cast and crew this summer!

Brian Williams (Benton, AR) – Victor Fleming
Brian Williams has been performing since 2004 in comedies and musical comedies at the Royal Theater in Benton and with the Community Theater of Little Rock. He portrayed Jack in We All Hear Voices at the Royal Theater in Benton and at the Malco in Hot springs.. He directed and starred in Southern Fried Murder.