The Royal Players and Young Players invite the public to come to these 8 shows in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. These shows will all take place at the historic Royal Theatre downtown Benton, Arkansas.
First, let’s talk about the Young Players (YP)… They are a talented and vibrant group of rising theater stars. The YP kids are set to dazzle audiences at the esteemed Historic Royal Theatre. According to the word from the promoter, this lineup “promises to inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression on theater enthusiasts of all ages.”
September 2023… Launching the season with boundless imagination and magical storytelling, the Young Players will present “Peter and the Starcatcher” from September 7th to September 17th, 2023. This play delves into the enchanting origins of Peter Pan, exploring the thrilling escapades that ultimately lead to the whimsical world of Neverland. Filled with swashbuckling pirates, mystical starstuff, and the wonder of youth, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.
January 2024… In January 2024, the Young Players Second Stage, a group of older youth, will present a show. The group will perform in a title yet to be announced. Theater enthusiasts can expect a memorable and heartwarming performance from the stars of tomorrow.
March 2024… From March 7th to March 17th, 2024, the Young Players will bring the beloved Disney classic to life with “Mary Poppins, Jr.” This junior version of the show follows the magical journey of the enigmatic nanny, Mary Poppins. She spreads joy and love to the Banks family while teaching invaluable life lessons. Expect a delightful performance filled with cherished melodies and heartwarming themes.
July 2024… Closing the season with a soulful burst of energy and infectious joy, the Young Players will showcase “Sister Act, Jr.” from July 11th to July 21st, 2024. Inspired by the hit film, this junior version of the musical tells the uplifting tale of Deloris Van Cartier, a disco diva who finds herself in an unexpected situation when placed in protective custody at a convent. Bursting with show-stopping numbers and memorable characters, “Sister Act, Jr.” is an exhilarating celebration of music, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
For more information about the Young Players or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, or tickets, contact [email protected].
October 2023… And now for The Royal Players lineup… The Royal Haunted House will be back for the fourth year. Come for scares and suspense. This new favorite will open in October on Friday the 13th and runs until Halloween night.
December 2023… The Christmas season will kick off with “A Christmas Story,” running December 7-17, 2023. The story is based on humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s and follows 9-year-old Ralphie in his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. Ralphie’s desire is rejected by his mother, his teacher, and even Santa Claus, all giving him the same warning: “You’ll shoot your eye out.”
February 2024… Kicking off 2024 for the Royal Players is She Loves Me. In this scented case of mistaken identity and letter writing, two feuding perfume clerks have no idea that they are in love. Join Amalia and Georg to discover the identity of their true loves and all the twists along the way. She Loves Me will run February 2-15, 2024.
April 2024… Bonnie and Clyde will premiere on April 18 and run through April 28, 2024. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow went from two small-town nobodies in West Texas to America’s most renowned folk heroes and Texas law enforcement’s worst nightmares. Fearless, shameless, and alluring, the Tony-nominated Bonnie & Clyde, from the legendary Frank Wildhorn, is the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire country.
June 2024… Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? You guessed it, SpongeBob SquarePants! And he’s ready to ride the wave to the Royal Theatre June 13- 23, 2024, to entertain and delight audiences in this brilliant, bright, hilarious musical – SpongeBob The Musical.
August 2024… Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame will be our final show of the 2023-24 season. This is a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero, running August 8-18, 2024.
The Royal Players are currently seeking sponsors, partnerships, and advertising for our new season. If you are interested in any of these please email us at [email protected].
The current show list includes the musical, “Little Women,” running August 3-13. Read details of that show at this link. See the summary list below. Always find tickets at theroyalplayers.ticketleap.com.
- The Young Players – “Peter and the Starcatcher” September 7-17
- The Royal Haunted House returns October 13-31
- The Royal Players – “A Christmas Story” December 7-17
- The Royal Players – “She Loves Me” from February 2-15
- The Young Players – “Mary Poppins, Jr.” from March 7-17
- The Royal Players – “Bonnie and Clyde” April 18-28
- The Royal Players – “SpongeBob SquarePants” June 13- 23
- The Young Players – “Sister Act, Jr.” from July 11-21
- The Royal Players – “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” August 8-18
The historic Royal Theater is located at 111 S. Market St., Benton, AR 72015.