Now in Previews: "The Cake" at Argenta Contemporary Theatre
- ACT News
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Opening Night is Friday, July 10, at ACT II The Sharon Heflin Performing Arts Center; preview photos by Corbin Pitts are available for publication.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2026
Media Contact:
Coburn Goss, Artistic Director
501-353-1443
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR — Argenta Contemporary Theatre’s production of The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter, writer and producer of NBC’s This Is Us, is now in previews ahead of Opening Night on Friday, July 10. Directed by Heather Dupree, the production runs through Sunday, July 26, at ACT II The Sharon Heflin Performing Arts Center, 315 N Main St Suite A, North Little Rock, AR 72114, in the Argenta Arts District.
Funny, heartfelt, and deeply human, The Cake follows Della, a beloved North Carolina baker whose world is turned upside down when the daughter of her late best friend returns home and asks her to make a cake for her wedding. What begins as a familiar request becomes a personal reckoning with faith, family, identity, and love.
For director Heather Dupree, who makes her ACT directorial debut with this production, the play’s power is in its balance of humor and humanity.
“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to tell THIS story with THIS cast in THIS place and time,” Dupree said. “The Cake is exactly the kind of story I love. It touches our heart and soul and it makes us laugh out loud. It makes us feel AND think.”
Dupree says she was first drawn to the play because of “the story,” calling it “beautifully written and very relevant to today.” She adds, “It brings awareness to two sides of an issue that so many can relate to. It doesn’t admonish or mock but shines a light on what is possible through love.”
The production features Natalie Canerday as Della, Jeff Bailey as Tim, LeAnne Roberson as Jen, and Melody Small as Macy, with voiceover by Brandon Paul Eells. The creative team includes Heather Dupree as Director, Jazmine Denney as Stage Manager, Emily Inman as Costume Designer, Danny Grace as Scenic & Lighting Designer, Thomas Drake as Sound Designer. Produced by Coburn Goss, Artistic Director, and Jeremy Williams, Executive Director.
Photos from the first preview, taken by Cobrin Pitts, are available for publication. Please credit: Photo by Corbin Pitts, courtesy of Argenta Contemporary Theatre.
Content Advisory: The Cake includes adult themes and language and is recommended for mature audiences.
Performances will take place at ACT II – The Sharon Heflin Performing Arts Center, located at 315B Main Street in North Little Rock.
Preview performances will be held July 8 and 9, with VIP Opening Night on Friday, July 10. The production runs through Sunday, July 26.
Tickets range from $25 to $60 and are available at argentacontemporarytheatre.org.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Preview Performances
Wednesday, July 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 9 at 7:00 p.m.
VIP Opening Night: Community & Press Night
Friday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Additional Performances
Saturday, July 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
*Sunday, July 19 at 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 24 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 25 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
*Sunday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m.
*Following the performance, ACT will host a community conversation featuring local leaders and members of the artistic team.
About Argenta Contemporary Theatre
ACT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing and advancing the performing arts through performance, education, and community collaboration. We recognize that today’s artists operate in a culturally diverse and technologically evolving environment, and ACT is committed to promoting and presenting work that reflects these dynamic conditions at both our mainstage theater and education center.
Coburn Goss, Artistic Director
Jeremy Williams, Executive Director
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