“Boy Hero: The Story of David O. Dodd” to Play at the Royal Theatre Oct 6-9

In honor of the 170th anniversary of the birth of David O. Dodd in 1846, the Royal Players of the historic Royal Theatre in Benton will produce a new fact-based play about Dodd.

The full-length play, Boy Hero: The Story of David O. Dodd, was written by Dr. Nancy Hendricks and is being directed by Randall Earnest. Sponsored by the Bryant Historical Society, it includes the backstory involving the women in Dodd’s life, including his mother, sister, and a young lady he meets at a fateful party in Little Rock.

Boy Hero: The Story of David O. Dodd will be presented from Thursday, October 6 through Sunday, October 9. The Thursday through Saturday performances will begin at 7 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on October 9 at 2 p.m.

The Dodd family had – and has – many family members in Saline County and other locations in central Arkansas, adding to the poignancy of David’s story. The Royal Theatre is located at 111 South Market St. in Benton, Arkansas.

For ticket information and to reserve, call the Royal Theatre at (501) 315-5483. Tickets will be available online at www.theroyalplayers.com. Prices are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors and active military, $5 for students.

Here are some photos from the rehearsals. These are in-production shots, meaning no costumes or props, just hard-working actors trying to memorize lines and blocking. Below: the Dodd family at home. Mother Lydia Dodd (left, Amber Threkeld), Sister Senhora Dodd (middle, Lily Matney) and David O. Dodd (right, Jacan Earnest). (Pictures courtesy of Randall Earnest)