You’re driving down Colonel Glenn Road, past the strip malls and the typical suburban sprawl of West Little Rock, and there it is. Murry's Dinner Theater Little Rock AR doesn't look like a high-glitz Broadway house from the outside. Honestly, that’s part of the charm. It’s a low-slung, unassuming building that has been the heartbeat of Central Arkansas entertainment since 1967.
Think about that for a second.
In an era where streaming services kill off movie theaters and "dinner and a show" usually just means scrolling TikTok while eating lukewarm takeout, Murry’s is still swinging. It’s a survivor. It’s the kind of place where the silver-haired couple celebrating their 50th anniversary sits right next to a group of college kids who realized that live farce is actually way funnier than another Netflix sitcom.
The Buffet: Let’s Get Real About the Food
Most people show up for the play, but they stay for the catfish. Or the prime rib. It depends on the night.
Let's be clear: this isn't "fine dining" in the sense of tiny portions and tweezers-placed microgreens. This is classic, Southern-style, buffet-line goodness. You’ve got a massive spread that usually includes a rotating selection of meats, seasonal vegetables, and a salad bar that feels wonderfully nostalgic.
The star of the show? The Murry’s Prime Rib. People talk about it like it’s a local legend, and frankly, it kind of is. It’s seasoned properly, slow-cooked, and carved right there. If you aren't into red meat, the fried catfish is the sleeper hit. It’s Arkansas, after all. If the catfish isn't crispy and salty, there’d be a riot.
One thing that surprises newcomers is the dessert. It’s not part of the initial buffet. You order it separately during intermission. It’s a smart move. It gives you something to look forward to while you’re buzzing from the first act. Pro tip: get the bread pudding. Or the pie. Just get something. You didn't come here to count calories; you came here to live a little.
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Why the "Murry’s Style" of Acting Works
The stage at Murry’s is a "thrust" stage. This basically means the audience is wrapped around three sides of the performance area.
It changes everything.
You aren't watching a distant screen. You are so close to the actors that you can see the sweat on their brows during a high-energy musical number or the precise comedic timing of a double-take in a British farce. The intimacy is the whole point. It’s immersive without being annoying.
The talent pool is a mix of local stalwarts and national professionals. Many actors who grace the Murry’s stage are members of the Actors' Equity Association, the labor union representing American actors and stage managers. This isn't community theater where your neighbor's cousin is forgetting lines. These are pros.
They specialize in a few specific genres:
- Farce: Think slamming doors, mistaken identities, and frantic pacing.
- Musicals: Classic Broadway hits that feel massive even in a smaller space.
- Comedies: The kind of stuff that makes you actually laugh out loud, not just blow air out of your nose.
The Legacy of Ike Murry and the Family Business
You can’t talk about Murry's Dinner Theater Little Rock AR without mentioning the history. It was founded by Ike Murry, a former Arkansas Attorney General. He had this vision of bringing professional theater to the masses in a way that wasn't stuffy or elitist.
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He succeeded.
After Ike passed away, the torch stayed in the family. It’s currently run by folks like Lori Isner and a dedicated staff who have been there for decades. That’s the secret sauce. When you walk in, the people checking your tickets or clearing your plates often recognize the regulars. It feels like a club, but one where everyone is invited.
In the late 80s and early 90s, when dinner theaters across the United States were closing their doors at an alarming rate, Murry's stayed open. They leaned into what they did best: consistent quality and a refusal to be anything other than what they are. They didn't try to become a high-concept art house. They stayed a dinner theater.
What a Typical Night Looks Like
You’ll want to arrive when the doors open, usually around 6:00 PM for evening shows. You get your table—which, by the way, is your home base for the entire night. You eat at your table, you watch the show from your table, and you have your drinks at your table.
It’s efficient.
The lights dim, the buffet closes, and the show starts. Usually, there’s an intermission where the servers (who are often also the performers or technicians) hustle to get coffee and dessert to everyone. It’s a well-oiled machine. By the time the curtain calls happen, you’ve had a full three-course experience and a two-hour show, usually wrapping up by 10:00 PM.
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Addressing the "Dated" Myth
Is Murry's "dated"?
Some people say that because the decor isn't minimalist gray or industrial chic. But they’re missing the point. The "vintage" feel of Murry’s is an asset. It’s a time capsule of a certain kind of Americana that is disappearing.
The sound system is modern. The lighting is professional. The acting is sharp. The environment just happens to be cozy and familiar. In a world that feels increasingly digital and cold, the warmth of the carpeted dining room and the dim gold lights is actually a relief.
Logistics: Tickets, Parking, and Dress Code
Parking is free and plentiful, which is a blessing compared to trying to see a show downtown. As for the dress code, it’s "Little Rock Casual." You’ll see people in suits and dresses, and you’ll see people in nice jeans and a button-down. As long as you look presentable, you’re fine.
Ticket Pricing and Reservations:
You generally need to call or book online in advance. Murry’s often sells out, especially for big musicals or during the holiday season. The price of the ticket includes the dinner and the show, which makes it one of the better values in the city. When you break down the cost of a high-quality meal and a professional play separately, Murry’s usually wins on the math.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
To get the most out of your experience at Murry's Dinner Theater Little Rock AR, keep these specific tips in mind:
- Request a Table Near the Center: While there isn't a "bad" seat in the house because of the thrust stage, the center-aligned tables give you the best perspective for the big choreography in musicals.
- Arrive Early for the Prime Rib: The buffet is replenished, but getting there in the first wave ensures you get the exact cut you want.
- Check the Season Schedule: They rotate shows every 6–8 weeks. If you aren't a fan of musicals, wait for the next farce. They almost always alternate genres to keep the audience fresh.
- Group Rates are Gold: If you have a group of 20 or more, the price drops significantly. It’s a go-to move for local office parties or family reunions.
- Listen to the Pre-Show Announcements: They often mention upcoming auditions or special events that aren't always blasted on social media.
Murry's isn't just a place to eat; it's a cornerstone of the Arkansas arts community. It provides jobs for actors, a stage for local talent, and a reliable night of escapism for everyone else. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, it's worth the trip to Colonel Glenn.
Support local theater. Eat the catfish. Enjoy the show.