playbill vip

Frank is thrilled to be directing this 'bucket list' show with the Royal Players. Since 2001, he has directed or acted in several productions with local theaters, including the Royal Players (where he is a two-time 'Ben-Tony' Award winner for Best Director), the Weekend Theater, and Community Theater of Little Rock, where he also serves as Vice-President of the board. His recent activities with the Royal Players include directing 'Love from a Stranger' and 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' and playing Marcellus Washburn in 'The Music Man'. "Thank you to the board for your continued trust, Susan for her patience, the cast and crew for their amazing talents, Liz for Liz, and you, the audience, for supporting live local theater. You Can't Take It with You, so enjoy every moment now!"

   I was in this play back in 1985ish at the University of Central Arkansas. It was my first experience with 'anything for a part.' I would commute back and forth that summer from Jacksonville, sleep on couches in Conway, and do whatever I could to play that one small role in the second act (I'll let you guess which one).   Since then, I have always had a soft spot for this show. I saw the 2015 revival on Broadway, with James Earl Jones as Grandpa. Even though the show is set in 1938, it's still just as funny and touching and 'timeless' today. It presents a positive example of accepting people regardless of race, social status, culture or interests; and its themes of love, understanding, and getting more enjoyment out of life still ring true to this day. In a world where life can suddenly end for no apparent reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time, it's important to embrace those moments that you can control - say what you need to say, do more of the things you want to instead of have to, and love like there's no tomorrow, because you never know if it will come again.   You Can't Take it With You...even Pokemon. But you sure can have fun catching them all, right?

Officers and Board: 

President-Susan Dill 

Vice President-Justin Pike

Secretary-Lynda Hollenbeck   

Treasurer-Greg Blacklaw

Assistant Treasurer-Lou Ann Cameron   

Building Manager-Shannon Moss 

Young Players Representative-Melissa Glover   

Past President-Selena Ellis

Board members: Paul Johnston, Starla McCallister, Mark Burbank, Hillary Bell,

Sam Stueart, Erin Marchese, Becky Townsend