_{The Ritz Review}

The Ritz Review

The "Ritz Review" is the monthly newsletter of
The Arts Council of Mississippi County

The Ritz Review
The monthly newsletter of
The Arts Council of Mississippi County.
7th Edition – Volume 5 – November, 2009

The Ritz Civic Center

306 W. Main Street, Blytheville , AR 72315 (Phone) 870-762-1744 (Fax) 870-763-1950

Website: www.artsmissco.com E-mail: www.artsmissco@yahoo.com

Director's Corner

On Nov. 3^rd, Ken presented the program for the Blytheville Lions Club and discussed our programming for this Series year as well as our educational programming over the past year and our plans through next June.

On Nov. 14^th, we enjoyed an evening of down home music presented by Gage Country, Charles Moody and Chuck Wilder. This was the third event of our Series for 2009-2010. I plugged the show the day before on KAIT-TV Midday Show.

We welcomed over 100 people to the opening reception for the gallery exhibit entitled “ Main Street in Black and White.” The event was co-hosted by The Arts Council of Mississippi County and Main Street Blytheville . Catering was provided by Party Belles. Several representatives from Main Street Arkansas attended this special event, and were very impressed. We are seeing 2 to 3 visitors daily for this exhibit, which is higher then usual for us, so it has generated quite a bit of interest.

At our November Board meeting we decided to add another program to our 2009-2010 Series. Some of you will remember Jason Thompson, who played the role of the principal of Little Rock Central High School in last season’s production of “One Ninth” presented by the Arkansas Repertory Theater. Although we saw Jason as a fine serious actor in that production, what you may not know is that one of the other hats he wears is that of stand-up comedian.

Jason recently returned from a tour entertaining our troops in Iraq , and he will be bringing his comedy to the stage of The Ritz on Friday, February 12, 2010 , at 7:00 pm . Jason’s humor deals with his experiences as a child growing up as well as his more recent experiences as a parent. He will be joined in the show by fellow comedian Eric Counts. We will send tickets out for our Patrons and Sponsors prior to the show, but this will be the one program in our 2009-2010 Series which will not be free for children twelve and under.

2009-2010 Patrons

We still have sixty-five 2009-2010 Series Patrons. Candie Groves , Sally and Henry Brune, William and Betty Koval, David Lyttle, Donna Dunkin, J.D. and Tonya Harris, Jack and Nancy Goodman, LaGene and Harrell Hampton, Eileen O’Neal, Sallye Russell, Jerry and Betty Brown, Bob and Eleanor Royer, Bill and Clorita Hardy, Ann M. Moore, Frances Jackson, Kathryn and Donald Musholt, Tibor and Jill Mazar, Kenneth and Louise Gipson, Douglas and Shelly Bush, Mary A. Caldwell, Shirley Overman, Elizabeth Cato, Tommie Jackson, Jonathan and Margaret Abbott, Dr. Anes Abraham, Mary Ann Rose, Judge and Mrs. Steve McGuire, Katherine Wildy, Ruth Hale, Tate Williams, Charles Moody, Rae Glidewell, Doug and Lawana Jellison, Patsy and Witt Smith, Jr., Mary C. Stevenson, Faye Ford, Andrew and Cathy Jensen, Carole Ann Hinson, Mike and Robin Terry, Jack D. Simers, George Klee, Elizabeth Smith, Donna Mosley, Tracey Ritchey, Gregg Groves and Sharyn and Steve Stevenson are all on board. We are five over of our goal of 60 for the year, but please continue to encourage your friends to join us.

December Ritz Events--Arts Council—ACT2!–Rentals

December 4^th—6^th--Friday at 8:00 pm , Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm—Act2! Production of “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” directed by Greg Groves and Carol Walls. Community Theater Group. Admission $5.00.

December 8^th, Tuesday at 6:15 pm —The Arts Council of Mississippi County meets to evaluate all financial reporting forms and processes currently in use.

December 10^th, Thursday at 6:30 pm —ANC Nursing Students in Pinning Ceremony. Open to the public, no admission.

December 13^th, Sunday at 3:00 pm —The Fable Factory presents their production of “Annie.”

Tickets are $5.00 each.

December 15^th, Tuesday at 6:15 pm—The Arts Council of Mississippi County Monthly Meeting in the Boardroom of The Ritz. Open to the public, visitors welcome.

December 24^th and 25th—The Ritz will be closed for Christmas Holidays.

December 31^st—The Ritz will be closed for New Year’s Eve.

Our Affiliate, ACT2! –After a successful year, ACT2! Is preparing to announce their series of plays for 2010. Watch for full details soon.

2008-2009 Sponsors

We currently have 50 Corporate Sponsors on board for our 2009-2010 Series Year. At the Gold Level we have Southern Bankcorp , formerly First National Bank. At the Silver Level we have Farmers Bank and Trust, Nucor Steel Arkansas, Westminster Village , Palace Ayres Cakes, Nucor-Yamato Steel and American Legion Post #24. At the Bronze Level we have Dr. Michael Williams, DDS, Lee Wilson and Company, Cullom Clinic, Thomas, Speight and Noble, That Bookstore In Blytheville, Bistro Eleven21, Comfort Inn and Suites, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn of Blytheville, Perkins Family Restaurant, Quality Inn, American Greetings, ACT2! Community Theater, Wal-Mart Supercenter and Temps Plus Staffing. At the Copper Level is Cobb Funeral Home, Klassi Kopies, Inc., State Representative Charlotte Wagner, Dr. James A. Hess, DDS, Hays Store, Omnium, Glenda’s Hallmark Shop, Liz N’ Company, Dr. Scott Johnson Vision Care, Russell’s Rents and Sales, LLC, Dave Simmons, DPA, PA, Allen and Ann Bush, Bugmobile of Arkansas, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Blytheville, Snyder Wholesale, Connealy Rentals, NIBCO, Blytheville Primary School Parent Teacher Organization, Dr. Van O. Parker, DDS, Sisters’ At The Crossing, C.A. Glidewell, Dr. T.E. Westbrook, Jr., PA, Langston Enterprises, East Ash Animal Hospital, Dr. C.E. Campbell, Jr., MD, United Agencies Insurance, Northeast Arkansas Area Federal Credit Union and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

Our newest sponsors are Wal-Mart Supercenter , Lowe’s Home Improvement and Temps Plus Staffing. Our goal for the year is 60, so we still need 10. If you do not see your company listed here, let me know where to send information so they can become a Corporate Sponsor.

SEE YOU AT THE RITZ!

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)

Website: http://www.artsmissco.com

Named Blytheville "Small Business of the Year" 2009.
Become a Patron for 2009-2010 for only $100.00 per person.