By Rebecca Worthington | Photo Editor

The Link Theatre Company hosted their first A Night of Stars gala celebration on Oct. 5. From star studded performances with Broadway stars and locals, to an auction and a packed bacon bar, it was a night to remember.

I had the pleasure of attending this gorgeous event. I was blown away by the hospitality from the food staff to the hosts. From the music to the food, the event got it right. 

Held in The Glass Factory, a local rentable venue, each table was adorned with fancy silverware, placemats and an elaborate centerpiece. Along the back wall was the buffet and bacon bar. 

Personally, I have never seen a bacon bar or considered one to exist but I am glad it does. Whoever made the executive decision to have a bacon bar needs a promotion.

Aside from the ten different bacon concoctions and flavors, the talent was just as impressive. It is not everyday you get to experience a trained, Broadway performer singing before you. 

As an avid musical theater performer and lover, I was in heaven. Hearing Jenny Powers belt about life and Matt Cavenaugh grace us with his high notes on “Maria” from West Side Story was breathtaking. 

More stellar performances were from the Elevate program students. Elevate is a program set up by Link Theatre Company and is a theater training program for students grades second through 12th. These students get to elevate their artistry with seasoned professionals. I wish I had this opportunity when I was their age.

The former Director of Opera at Arkansas State University, Bethania Baray-Harrison and A-State alumnus, Perry Davis Harper took the stage as well. Harper took me away with his beautiful tone and Baray-Harrison shook the venue with her dramatic opera piece. 

Baray-Harrison, who is now a TV host at KJNB-TV said, “It was exhilarating, it was really nice to sing again, I loved it so much. I thought the night was really successful. I think Matt and Jenny do an excellent job with this organization and I can’t wait to see what they do next.”

I am so grateful to have a theater company like The Link, here in Northeast Arkansas. No one is doing it like they are. For every production they produce, Broadway and national touring actors and actresses perform alongside A-State students, faculty, alumni and local talent. 

Link Theatre was founded by Jonesboro native and Broadway alumni Matt Cavenaugh and his wife, Jenny Powers. Following their success in New York City, the couple decided to bring the arts back to Cavenaugh’s home town. 

Cavenaugh believes Jonesboro is a great city to support a small professional theater company. He said, “It was always a dream to start a professional theater,” and that is exactly what they are doing. 

Their message is to “further enrich a vibrant local arts community by creating compelling musicals, plays, concerts, and other cultural experiences through innovative design and imaginative storytelling while engaging Broadway, university, local and regional talent.” 

This is an excellent opportunity for local and A-State talent to get involved with. If you are looking for a way to get involved in theater check out The Link Theatre Company. 

I cannot wait to see how The Link Theatre Company elevates the arts going forward. 

Photos by Rebecca Worthington | Photo Editor

Categories: Arts & Entertainment