What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1318249
BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette B efore covid-19 changed everything, Chad Burris had just finished a run playing Olaf in the Broadway hit "Frozen," and he was "two days into my new role as Damian in 'Mean Girls' on Broadway." You read that right: On Broadway. But Burris is a native of the Arkansas River Valley and, as a kid, was trained as a member of Missy Gipson's Young Actors Guild. So when Gipson was trying to put together a Christmas show for her Fayetteville company, Pilot Arts, Burris — back home to ride out the pandemic with his family — immediately came to mind. "We wanted to give people an opportunity to gather for the holidays, even if it's virtually," Gipson says with her trademark enthusiasm. "I love holiday variety shows, and Chad and I had discussed working together while he was home, so we thought this would be a fun way to collaborate. Our hope is that families and friends across state/ ocean lines will watch the show at the same time, maybe FaceTime each other while watching, and still get to share a holiday experience together, despite covid." Chad suggested his friend Katie Ladner join in the fun from her hometown, Jackson, Miss. She had been workshopping a new Broadway- bound musical before covid. "I am teaching voice lessons and trying to stay busy and creative," she says of sheltering at home. "I knew I would be stir crazy in New York, so I figured if I was going to be confined to my apartment and small space, I would rather be with my family and dog. "I loved getting to work in such an intimate environment and with Chad, someone who is not only a close friend of mine, but such a talented performer," she enthuses. "It almost feels like a normal thing." "Holidays At Home: A Virtual Variety Show" won't be just holiday music, however. Gipson says there's a chef segment with Case Dighero, a craft segment with Ladner, and "a ton of extra features we won't spoil! Watch to see!" "All ticket buyers will receive a pdf of song lyrics and a supplies list so they can mix drinks — cocktails for adults, mocktails for kids — and make a yummy holiday appetizer, and craft alongside us," Gipson says. "The mocktail even gets a sprinkle of 'snow!' This show is family friendly and is entertaining for adults and kids alike." Burris and Ladner will be backed by a quartet of local musicians — Gini Law, Don Bailey, Benjamin Baker and Brian Bailey — that Pilot Arts playgoers are accustomed to seeing in the orchestra pit, plus Cameron Law and Aspen Knight on background vocals. "Our lighting designer is Steven Sellers, and our videographer/editor is Christopher Smith," Gipson adds. "So, besides Katie, we harnessed the tremendous power of our local artists! There are so many talented people DECEMBER 13-19, 2020 WHAT'S UP! 3 FAQ 'Holidays At Home: A Virtual Variety Show' WHEN — Dec. 17-20; the perfor- mance will be available to view as many times as you'd like between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. on the day you select WHERE — Pilot Arts online COST — $12-$20 INFO — pilotarts.org COVER STORY Broadway Comes Home NYC stars host Pilot Arts' holiday spectacular Chad Burris, from Alma, and Katie Ladner, from Jackson, Miss., will co-host a virtual holiday variety show for Pilot Arts. Burris had just finished a run playing Olaf in the Broadway hit "Frozen," and he was two days into a new role as Damian in "Mean Girls" when covid-19 hit. Ladner was workshopping a play bound for Broadway. Both ended up sheltering with their families during the hiatus. (Courtesy Photos/Patti Webb for Pilot Arts) See Broadway Page 41