What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1411289
LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette T heatreSquared's newest production has a pretty amazing pedigree: On Sept. 22, the company will open a stage version of the iconic television show "Designing Women," which debuted in 1986 and garnered 18 Emmy Award nominations during its seven-year run. Original creators Linda Bloodworth- Thomason and Harry Thomason are along for the ride, with Bloodworth- Thomason writing the script and Thomason directing. "We couldn't be more thrilled than to be collaborating with this storied Hollywood team, Linda and Harry, helping them usher their latest creation to the stage — and right here in Arkansas, where they have deep roots," says T2 Artistic Director Robert Ford. "And how completely fun to premiere a witty comedy that's loaded with spot-on observations about the current scene." The first episode of the series introduced four indomitable women to the world: Julia and Suzanne Sugarbaker, partners in an Atlanta design firm; Charlene Frazier, the firm's office manager; and Mary Jo Shively, its head designer. Immediately, the show asserted itself as one that would make social commentary the beating heart of its comedy. Toward the end of episode one, Julia unleashes a fiery tongue-lashing on a man in a restaurant who is trying to interrupt the women's conversation 8 WHAT'S UP! SEPTEMBER 19-25, 2021 FAQ 'Designing Women' WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sat- urday; 2 p.m. Saturday-Sun- day, Sept. 22-Oct. 24 WHERE — TheatreSquared, 477 W. Spring St. in Fayetteville COST — $10-$58 INFO — 777-7477 or theatre2.org COVER STORY Forward By Design Iconic Sugarbakers come to life again on T2 stage Audiences can view the new "Designing Women" in two ways: in person, at TheatreSquared, or streaming online. "It's a great joy for TheatreSquared to continue its legacy of developing new work with this iconic premiere from Linda Bloodworth- Thomason," says Dexter Singleton, T2 Director of New Play Development. "This one is particularly exciting because for the first time it gives us the opportunity to bring a well-known television show to the stage, satisfying old fans while creating new ones." (Courtesy Photo/ Wesley Hitt for T2)