The Ritz Review
The "Ritz Review" is the monthly newsletter of
The Arts Council of Mississippi County in Blytheville, AR.
5th Edition – Volume 4 – October, 2007
Director's Corner
The “October Express” has left the station! From the radio show on Oct. 6th to closing night of “Return to the Haunted Theater”, we hardly had time to catch our breath around here. One thing that is really exciting is the level of participation by volunteers. We had over 25 people involved in the “War of the Worlds” program and over 65 involved in the construction and operation of the “Haunted Theater” and many of those folks had not participated in anything at The Ritz before. Special thanks to Director Ken Jackson for all of his effort with the “War of the Worlds” production. Extra special thanks to Sarah and Ken Jackson and J.D. Harris for their leadership and efforts with the “Haunted Theater.” The combined events raised over $2000.00 as Fund Raisers for The Arts Council.
Thanks to Jeff Sharp for his contribution of labor and skill to make ceiling repairs in the lobby area and to paint the lobby ceiling. He did a great job and had us looking good for “War Bonds”.
Speaking of “War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II”, we are still getting comments about what a great event that was. The Veterans really appreciated being honored and enjoyed the program completely. The comments many of them made to the performers during our “Meet the Artists” reception were quite poignant and moving as they shared some of their own memories of that time in our history. In spite of the rain and threatening weather that evening, we had a great audience and they were treated to a truly professional performance by some wonderful entertainers.
I participated in the ArtLinks 2007 conference in Rogers, AR on the 21st and 22nd. The theme was “Connecting Commerce and the Creative Community”. It presented some thought provoking ideas as to how the Arts can be a business and a part of local commerce, as well as be a catalyst in attracting businesses to an area by offering enrichment to the lives of residents. It reinforces our approach of working in concert with local organizations such as The Chamber, Main Street, The United Way, ANC, etc. as a viable use of our energies since the synergy created in these ways provides an important intangible resource for our area. When one of us has a “good day”, we are all the better for it.
Thanks for all you do! David
2007-2008 Series Update—
The Series for 2007-2008 continues to expand. In addition to the two events we have already had, (“Hannah Blaylock” and “War Bonds”) we have five additional 2007-2008 Series offerings contracted. All of these are part of our Patron package, making it an even better value.
On Thursday evening, December 6th at 7:00 PM we will present “Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra” of Krakow, Poland. Many of you will remember the fantastic program this group presented here in 2005, and we are fortunate to have the same talented young musicians returning for this event. The program is entitled “Christmas from Around the World” and will be a great opportunity for families and friends to begin their Holiday Celebration. We will also be sharing this group with children of The Blytheville Boys and Girls Club that afternoon.
For February, 2008, we will have a professional national touring company presentation of “The Taffetas, A Musical Journey Through the Fabulous Fifties” which will be a delightful, fun-filled evening featuring over 40 hits of the ‘50”s.
In March, we will see the return of John Two-Hawks, Native American flautist, in a concert performance entitled “Cedar Dreams”. For April, the return of the Wildwood Young Artist Theater troupe to Mississippi County will offer multiple performances of “Pinocchio” for our 1st through 3rd graders across the county. May features a concert of classical and popular string music presented by a string ensemble called “Quintessence”. Their program will be part of our spring Gala Event evening.
From The Other Corner
WOW! What happened to October?
“The Return to the Haunted Theater” was a success. I would like to, on behalf of The Arts Council of Mississippi County and the committee members who organized this fundraiser, thank all of the volunteers who were part of this fantastic Halloween event. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the businesses who helped sponsor this event with their donations of materials and refreshments. Thanks to Lowe’s, Wal-Mart, FASCO, Fondren’s Hardware, Ridout Lumber, Sherman-Williams, Hoods, Jeri-Lin Donuts, Kroger and Hay’s Grocery.
We would like to take a moment to thank all of our board members and to the volunteers who put in numerous hours and energy in helping with our events at The Ritz. Also, to thank our sponsors and patrons, the media and our community for keeping the Arts alive at The Ritz.
If you would like to become a sponsor, patron or volunteer, call us at 870-762-1744.
See you in the lobby… Ken
November Arts Council Events –
November 12, Monday at 6:00 PM –- Monthly meeting of The Arts Council of Mississippi County Board. Visitors welcome.
November Rentals --
November 19, Monday at 5:30 PM—2007 Lights of the Delta “Flip the Switch Celebration”. Sponsor Appreciation event by invitation only.
If you would like information about booking The Ritz for an event, visit us at The Ritz Civic Center or call us @ (870)762-1744.
Our Affiliate, ACT2! –
ACT 2! will be holding auditions for “The Legend of Sleeping Beauty” on Tuesday through Thursday, November 6th-8th at The Ritz from 6:00-8:00 PM nightly. Roles are available for children and adults, and include both singing and non-singing roles.
A special “Thanks” to the cast and crew of “The War of the Worlds”. Howard Koch based this radio play on the book of the same title by H. G. Wells. Most remember this from the radio broadcast that scared a nation on October 30, 1938. It starred Orson Wells and “The Mercury Theater on the Air”.
ACT2! welcomed the many new faces/voices that helped make the October 6 performance a delightful success. For those who missed their on stage performance, I hope you had the chance to enjoy it as it was broadcast on 910 Talk Radio or CABELTEL Television that evening or when they aired the encore presentation on the 69th anniversary date of October 30. An additional “thanks” to the audience who participated by supplying the background crowd scene noises. You were great.
ACT 2! will be holding their regular monthly meeting on September 11 at 4:00pm in the boardroom of The Ritz. Everyone is welcomed to attend and become a part of bringing live stage plays to the community and it’s neighbors.
If you have any questions, please call The Ritz at 870-762-1744.
Special Thanks to 2007-2008 Sponsors—
As you visit or see the following 43 businesses or individuals, be sure to thank them for their support for our programming for the new Series year: (listed in order received)
Glenda’s Hallmark Shop--Eileen O’Neal—Proweld Custom Welding and Fabrication—Snyder Wholesale, Inc.—Bugmobile of Arkansas, Inc.—NIBCO—Entergy—Nucor Yamato Steel—Mr. & Mrs. Billy Holifield—Charlotte Wagner—Hays Store, Inc.—Thomas, Speight & Noble, CPA’s—Tenaris Hickman—Nucor Steel Arkansas—Arkham Comics—Lee Wilson & Co.—Russell’s Rents and Sales, LLC—Dave Simmons, CPA, PA—Dr. & Mrs. James A. Hess—The General Insurance Agency—American Greetings Corporation—The Depot—Pollard-Geeslin Insurance—First National Bank—ACT2! Community Theater—Dr. & Mrs. Van O. Parker—Dr. Michael Williams, DDS—Farmers Bank and Trust—Bistro Eleven 21—Scott Johnson Vision Care, PA—Kiwanis Club of Blytheville—Terry Abstract Company—Gene and Barbara Cox—That Bookstore In Blytheville—Crosskno Farms—Westminster Village—An Anonymous Donor—RE/MAX—L.H. Smith—Holiday Inn—Wal-Mart—Temps Plus—Jeri-Lin Donuts.
Remember, our goal for Corporate Sponsors for the 2007-2008 Series is fifty (50). If you do not see your company or organization listed above, we would be glad to provide them with information on how to become a sponsor.
Special Thanks—Part 2
If you see Ben Rutherford anytime soon, be sure to thank him for all of the hours he and students from his FFA Chapter donated toward the success and fun of this years “Haunted Theater”. Don’t forget “Papaw” Jim Bogle, or all the students from BHS, BMS, GHS and BKC. Also, be sure to thank anyone you run into from “the Jackson clan” for his or her efforts. Finally, thanks to TAC Board members JD and Tonya Harris, Ramona Clower and Sarah Jackson and the ever-present Ken Jackson for all they did.
The Arts Council of Mississippi County
The Ritz Civic Center (Theater)
306 W. Main St.
Blytheville, Ar 72315
Phone: 870-762-1744 (Work)
870-763-1950 (Fax)
*REMINDER: December 6, Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra will be performing at The Ritz. Tickets are $20 (adults) $15 (students)