Press Room:
The Red Badge of Courage launches the Arkansas Arts Center's Studio Series

For more information contact:
Lyndsay Hansen
501-396-0308
lhansen@arkarts.com

September 14, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Red Badge of Courage launches the Arkansas Arts Center's Studio Series

(LITTLE ROCK, AR) -

Beginning the 2005-2006 Studio Series, the Civil War classic The Red Badge of Courage opens at the Arkansas Arts Center on October 11, 2005, and runs through October 15, 2005. Performance times are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Based on the novel by Stephen Crane, The Red Badge of Courage was first commissioned by the Children's Theatre in 1990 and later produced by the Kennedy Center for their Main Stage and touring seasons. The Red Badge of Courage will visit the Arkansas Arts Center once again with the harrowing tale of how a young soldier set aside his cowardly fears and became a hero.

Transcending through time, The Red Badge of Courage brings a compelling story to life as young soldier Henry Fleming enlists in the army to fight for the Union late in the Civil War. Leaving his family behind on an Illinois farm, Henry engages in a bloody and grueling journey that will change his life forever.

Under the direction of Bradley Anderson, The Red Badge of Courage has scene design by Keith Smith and stage management by Ashley Wright. Adaptation for the stage is by Tom Olson.

The cast for The Red Badge of Courage includes: Kristy Barrington as Mama; Brett Ihler as the tattered soldier, the Colonel's voice and a rebel; John Isner as Conklin; Josh Rice as Henry Fleming; Don Rush as Wilson; and A.J. Spiridigliozzi as a rebel, a corpse and a fleeing soldier.

Author Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was deemed one of the finest writers of his time. He rose to fame with The Red Badge of Courage, his second novel, shortly before he died of tuberculosis at age 28. Even though Crane was born after the Civil War, he wrote his novel with the same realism as if he had actually been on the battle field, leaving behind a literary treasure that marks a monumental event in American history.

The Red Badge of Courage is recommended for audiences 12-years-old and older. Tickets for the production are $14 for adults, $11 for children and $10 for groups of ten or more. To purchase tickets, call the Arkansas Arts Center at 501-372-4000 or online at www.arkarts.com.