Razzle Dazzle Presents 'Simply The Best' Tunes in Robinson Tribute

Sold-Out Fundraiser Performances Set for Oct. 25-26

Adam B. Robinson, Jr.

The Arts & Science Center will present its 2019 Razzle Dazzle production on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m. 

Tickets for the both performances are already sold out.

The biennial variety show fundraiser benefits ASC’s youth theatre program while shining a light on talent from Southeast Arkansas. This year’s Razzle Dazzle features a selection of popular and beloved songs for the theme of “Simply The Best.”

Simmons Bank is the show’s 2019 sponsor.

This year’s show is dedicated in memory of longtime ASC supporter and board member Adam B. Robinson, Jr., who died in August. 

Adam B. Robinson, Jr. (center) was a ASC longtime advocate, board member, and occasional performer, seen here in a performance from the 1997 Razzle Dazzle. Also pictured: Hardy Peacock (left) and Charlotte Wilson.

“Adam was one of ASC’s most outspoken advocates,” said ASC Executive Director Dr. Rachel Miller. “He loved the Bellamy Theatre, but he also understood the multi-faceted mission of the Arts & Science Center and its place of purpose within the community. There will never be anyone else like Adam. He is dearly missed.”

Robinson made a huge impact on many of the people involved in ASC’s theatre productions over the years, including returning Razzle Dazzle director Matt Soto.

“Among many other things Adam taught me is why a volunteer theater is so very important to the welfare of a community and why we must always make sure we keep it alive,” Soto said. “He had passion for this building and everything it stands for.”

Matt Soto

This production marks Soto’s sixth Razzle Dazzle to lead, and his 13th to participate in overall.

“This time-honored production has a way of bringing the community together, like no other,” he said. 

Accompanying Soto are musical director Faron Wilson, choreographer Tana Soto Cook and stage manager Cindy Coleman England.

Wilson has as served as musical director for many of ASC productions over the past 25 years, including several Razzle Dazzle shows and this summer’s Legally Blonde the Musical.

Cook has choreographed and performed in numerous productions at ASC over the years. She just completed her 32nd year of teaching dance and owns Mrs. Tana’s Dance Factory in White Hall.

England is another ASC production veteran. 

Performers in this year’s Razzle Dazzle include singers Celeste Alexander, Ryan Allen, Joel Anderson, Shae Carson, Lindsey Collins, Janet Ford, Angelica Glass, Elizabeth Hardin, Jonathan Hoover, Blakely Huitt, Duane Jackson, Kelsey Kearney, Tonya Lane, James Andrew Mincy, Taylor Oates, Tim Ray, Glenda Reeves, KC Rowland, Matt Soto, Ben Trevino, Darby Wall and Charlotte Wilson; and dancers Kerri Akines, Whitney Dutton, Sandra Fisher, Kristen Newton, Jenna Pierce Smart and Jestin Thomas.