Central Arkansas a buzz in March

The Montana Repertory Theatre takes center stage in Conway again as they present “Doubt” at Reynolds Performance Hall, March 1. The initial off-Broadway sold-out production has “enthralled and stunned audiences while garnering critical acclaim.” Winner of both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, “Doubt” is described by Newsday as …” a lean, potent drama…passionate, exquisite, important and engrossing.” The hall is located on the University of Central Arkansas campus. Tickets range in price from $10 to $40. Visit www.uca.edu/reynolds or phone 501-450-3406 for more details.

Get the family together, lace up your favorite pair of athletic shoes and take to the streets of Little Rock for the annual Little Rock Marathon and Kids Marathon, March 3-4.

Saturday is when those ages 7-12 hit the pavement for the Little Rockers Kids Marathon, a modified marathon completed over an extended period of time. Kids complete 25.2 miles prior to race day using the Little Rockers Kids Marathon Training Program. Participants have several months to complete the miles by running, jogging or walking on their own or through their school, if the school is officially participating in the program. On March 3, all participants finish their marathon as they run the last mile of the actual course and cross the marathon finish line.

March 4 brings the 10th anniversary of the Little Rock Marathon, which boasts the world’s largest medal given to finishers. The course starts in the River Market at the junction of President Clinton Avenue and Sherman Street. Events taking place include the marathon, a half-marathon, and the new 10K, a running and walking tour through the scenic streets of Arkansas' capital city. Walkers are encouraged to enter. Over $20,000 in prize money is awarded. Visit www.littlerockmarathon.com or phone 501-371-4639 or 501-371-4770 for additional information.

Start the month off with laughs when the New Mel Brooks Musical "Young Frankenstein” comes to Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock. This touring Broadway production delivers favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers for the stage, including "Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend," and "Puttin' on the Ritz." This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster -- but not without scary and hilarious complications. Dates are March 6-8; ticket prices vary by seat location. Robinson Center is located downtown at 426 W Markham. Visit www.celebrityattractions.com or phone 501-244-8800 for more information.

Come be entertained, enjoy a great meal, and watch the taping of a live radio show by taking part in Tales from the South. Held every Tuesday evening during the month, March’s segments take place on the 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th at the Starving Artist Café. Southern stories told by the people who experienced them begin at 7 p.m. following the meal. Doors open at 5 p.m. at 411 Main Street in downtown North Little Rock. Admission is $5 plus cost of dinner. Visit www.TalesFromTheSouth.com to purchase tickets or phone 501-372-7976 for additional details.

The Arkansas Chamber Singers Spring Concert -- Masters of Masters in the Hall – is March 9 at St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock. The performance is dedicated to B. Lecil Gibson, whose career as a master musician has given central Arkansas a lifetime of inspired shows. Accompanied by full orchestra, the Chamber Singers present the Little Rock premiere of the ethereal “Berliner Mass” by Estonian master Arvo Part. The program continues with excerpts from the “Te Deum” of Charpentier and concludes with the uplifting “Magnificat” by J. S. Bach, with soloists Mary Ann Robinson, Suzanne Banister, Suzanne Loerch, Matt Newman, and Tim Bartlett. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children. The church is located at 321 Pleasant Valley Drive. Visit http://ar-chambersingers.org or phone 501-377-1121 for more information.

The Arkansas Arboretum at Pinnacle Mountain State Park holds a Night Hike on March 10. Learn about the new world that emerges in the forest as the sun goes down. A park interpreter leads participants in exploring how both human and animal senses adapt to low light levels. Sturdy shoes are a must – no sandals. Admission is free. The park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in west Little Rock. More information is available by calling 501-868-5806. Meet at the Arkansas Arboretum Trailhead.

Stroll through North Little Rock’s downtown historic and entertainment district during Argenta's 3rd Friday ArtWalk. Held monthly, the March event takes place on the 16th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Main Street from Broadway to 7th Street and along Maple to 4th Street. Grab a ride on the River Rail Trolley to access the art displayed both inside and outside of the shops and galleries. Visit www.ArgentaArtWalk.com or phone 501-758-1424 for additional information.

Kids can get down and dirty over Spring Break by attending the Little Planters Retreat, March 19-23. Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park in Scott is hosting the event for ages 7-12. Attendees will experience a week of pioneer adventures with numerous themes to choose from: old-time games, gardening, outdoor cooking, hands-on learning, and crafts. Space is limited and reservations are required. Children can attend one day or the whole week. Admission is $5. Additional information is available by phoning 501-961-1409.

Star gaze to your heart’s content at Woolly Hollow State Park during the Spring Star Party, March 24. The rural location of Woolly Hollow near Greenbrier makes it a good place to stargaze because it is far from urban light pollution. Volunteers from the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society will be on hand with several telescopes set-up at the beach area. Opportunities include being able to see a planet on one telescope then go to another and see a distant galaxy. Admission is free. Contact the park by phoning 501-679-2098 for additional information.

The 2012 Arkansas Pen and Watch Show allows collectors the opportunity to shop for that perfect item. Vendors will buy, sell or trade fountain pens, pencils and ephemera March 30-April 1 at the Wyndham Riverfront in North Little Rock. A silent action takes place throughout the event. The $5 admission fee is good for all three days. Hours are noon-6 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon-5 p.m. on Sunday. Visit www.arkansaspenclub.com/ or call 501-240-4619 for more information.

Greenbrier is holding its Great Outdoors Expo, Saturday, March 31 at the City Event Center. The show highlights hunting, fishing and camping. Door prizes, demonstrations, events for kids, concessions, Dutch oven cooking, and information and products for all your outdoor needs make up the event. Representatives from Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and 4H will present programs and leading activities. Admission is $5 for adults, free for ages 12 and younger with a portion of proceeds benefitting Wounded Warriors of Arkansas. The City Event Center is located at 5 Lois Lane. For more information, visit http://cityofgreenbrierar.com/greenbrier-city-events-center.html or call 501-679-6362.

A touring company of “Stomp” brings Broadway to Conway March 27. The show is described as “explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages.” The eight-member troupe uses some of the most innovative percussion instruments around -- matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The production, which USA Today says “,,,finds beautiful noises in the strangest places,” is at the UCA Reynolds Performance Hall. Tickets prices are $10 to $40 and can be purchased online by going to www.uca.edu/reynolds. Phone 501-450-3406 for more details.