Hempstead Hall announces ice show, Oak Ridge Boys for 2022

By Lori Dunn

Texarkana Gazette

HOPE, ARK. –Hempstead Hall has recently announced two big events planned for early 2022.

Fairy tales on Ice: Pirates and Mermaids will be produced at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas Hope – Texarkana campus on Saturday, February 26. Tickets are on sale now at Hempstead Hall.com or through the Hempstead Hall front desk by calling 870-722-8565 during regular business hours. The event will be co-sponsored by the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council (SWAAC) as part of the annual performance Series partnership with Hempstead Hall.

"It is always a exciting time when the ice skaters come to Hope," said Amanda Lance, Director of Hempstead Hall & Workforce Development for the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana. "This year's storyline will be feature pirates, mermaids, and many other fairytale characters. As always, there will be magic, comedy, stunts, and acrobatics...all on ice on the Hempstead Hall stage."

The story begins with lots of familiar faces from your favorite fairy tales: from Rapunzel and Pinocchio to Aladdin and Tinker Bell -- and of course, the star of this season's spinning tales, the Little Mermaid. The adventure then begins with the most energetic pirate crew you'll ever meet. Featuring comedy, intense stunts and so much more. Once a storm hits the pirates' land, the Little Mermaid saves the day, leading the audience on a memorable underwater adventure.

Tickets are currently on sale through Hempstead Hall's website (https://www.hempsteadhall.com/events/fairy tales-on- ice-pirates-the-little-mermaid) ; they range from $25 to $45, with student tickets at $15 in the mid-level section. Doors will open at 5:30 pm and the show will start at 6:30 pm. Guests will be treated to a full 90 minutes of ice skating magic.

Ice Creative Entertainment was founded in 2011 by Olympic-level choreographer Alex Wilfand. Since 2011, I.C.E. has partnered with, and created live entertainment productions, for the Walt Disney Company, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Alessia Cara, Tokyo Disneyland, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Marriott Hotels, Dolly Parton Entertainment, and more. I.C.E. prides itself on being one of the world leaders in performances where theatrics meet professional athletic feats. Starting as a boutique ice show company, I.C.E. has grown to an international entertainment brand. I.C.E. was found with one goal in mind: to create once-in-a-lifetime performances and memories for audiences worldwide.

n The Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform big band music at 7:30 p.m. on Feb.10.

n Then in April, popular country music group the Oak Ridge Boys will return to Hempstead Hall.

The award-winning Oak Ridge Boys will perform at 7 p.m. on April 29, Tickets are on sale now at HempsteadHall.com or by calling the front desk at 870-722-8565 during regular business hours.

"Hempstead Hall is meant to bring people together from all over Southwest Arkansas and the Oak Ridge Boys will do that in a way that is sure to be thrilling," said Lance.

"The last time the Oak Ridge Boys were in town for the Watermelon Festival in 2016, they sold out; and I know the community will support them in that way again this year."

The Oak Ridge Boys are one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits and a number one pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring four decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.

"When I go on stage, I get the same feeling I had the first time I sang with The Oak Ridge Boys," said lead singer Duane Allen in a news release."This is the only job I've ever wanted to have."

The Oak Ridge Boys string of hits includes the country-pop chart-topper Elvira, as well as Bobbie Sue, Dream On, Thank God For Kids, American Made, I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes, Fancy Free, Gonna Take A Lot Of River and many others. In 2009, they covered a White Stripes song, receiving accolades from rock reviewers. In 2011, they rerecorded a thirtieth anniversary version of Elvira for a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store project.

The group has scored 12 gold, three platinum, and one double platinum album--plus one double platinum single--and had more than a dozen national number one singles and over 30 Top Ten hits.

Lance said it exciting to have large events at Hempstead Hall again.

"We are excited that large events are returning safely to Hempstead Hall, but more than that we are thrilled about bringing these specific events to our community. The Glenn Miller Orchestra will be a night filled with big band nostalgia, Fairytales on Ice is sure to delight kids and kids-at-heart, and of course The Oak Ridge Boys are going to be a classic country crowd favorite. There truly is something for everyone and I'm happy we're able to continue the tradition of serving our community through so many options. Any, or all, of these performances would make excellent holidays gifts so I'm glad we were able to announce all three before the shopping season gets started."

For any questions about Hempstead Hall, or this event, please contact Lance at [email protected] or 870.722.8565, or follow Hempstead Hall social sites for the most up-to-date announcements at https://www.hempsteadhall.com.

Hempstead Hall is located on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Hope located at 2500 S. Main Street in Hope.

Upcoming Events