Victory Theater in Rogers to reopen after 2024 tornado

The city of Rogers will soon reopen the Victory Theater after investing about $2 million to restore the venue, which was damaged by the May 2024 tornado. Arkansas Public Theatre (APT) will return to the Victory Theater this year for its 40th season.

Peter Masonis, public relations manager for the city of Rogers, said before the tornado, the city had completed about $2 million in renovations to the downtown Rogers venue. The storm recovery restoration is largely covered by insurance and reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

According to a news release, APT’s 40th season will include six productions, four musicals and two plays, spanning contemporary Broadway, classics and family-friendly shows. The first is “Come From Away,” showing June 19-21 and June 25-28.

This season, APT will expand its operations with the addition of a new rehearsal and storage facility, providing dedicated space for rehearsals, set construction, costumes and production storage. The new space will allow APT to better support its growing number of productions, volunteers and artists while preserving and organizing the theatre’s collection of sets, props and costumes.

“Season 40 is incredibly meaningful for Arkansas Public Theatre,” said Amy Johnson, chair of the Arkansas Public Theatre Board of Directors. “After everything our community and our theater have been through, we are excited to once again gather in the Victory Theater to share stories, music and live performances with our audiences. The addition of our new rehearsal and storage space also gives us the ability to grow and support even more artists and productions in the years ahead.”