Fort Smith, Ark. — "The Western District" is back. Opening weekend for the one-act historical drama begins April 9 at Prima Italia, with additional performances at Digs and Pridgin Family Brewery. Written and produced by Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith, the production brings to life a largely forgotten and deeply controversial chapter of Fort Smith’s history.
“It’s been a rewarding experience to get to know and work with Brandon and the cast of The Western District,” says Stage Manager Alyxandria Banning. “I look forward to the next couple months and the magic we will be creating together across the River Valley.”
Opening weekend tickets are now on sale, with additional performances at attractions and venues across Fort Smith to be announced soon. Tickets can be purchased at ozarkstix.com.
THE STORY
On May 8, 1871, the Western District Court of Arkansas was relocated from Van Buren to a notorious saloon known as Fort Smith’s “Hole in the Wall,” located on the site of present-day 21 West End. In just fourteen months and twenty days, it became one of the most corrupt court systems in the United States.
Congressional investigations later revealed widespread corruption, including criminal charges dismissed for cash, a U.S. Marshal founding a bank, known today as First National Bank of Fort Smith, to conceal the equivalent of $1 million, the Secret Service being driven out of town under threat of assassination, and a manipulated Grand Jury designed to block prosecutions.
Dr. Goldsmith spent over a year reconceptualizing the original two-hour, two-act script into a fast-paced, one-hour melodrama.
“It is always an adventure revisiting and rewriting a previous project,” says Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith, writer, producer, and actor. “You have a judge, U.S. Marshal, and deputies running multiple scams on the federal government. The challenge was to distill the story down to its core: crime, corruption, and justice. As people say, history likes to repeat itself.”
The streamlined production reduces the cast from twelve to six while introducing two new historically based characters. Among them is Helen Corwin Pierce, a New York novelist turned Arkansas journalist whose work in the Arkansas Patriot exposed the court’s corruption. Alongside her is Secret Service Agent L.B. Whitney, operating undercover as book canvasser A.H. Pettibone, whose investigation ultimately forces him to flee under threat of assassination.
OPENING WEEKEND PERFORMANCES
April 9 (7:00 PM)
Prima Italia Dinner & Show Experience
Starter: Garden salad
Entrée (choice): Lasagna, Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, or Pasta Gardinera
Dessert: Pistachio fluff
April 11 (5:00 PM)
The Western District at Digs
April 12 (Doors 5:30 PM | Showtime 6:00 PM)
Pridgin Family Brewery: Beer Release & Show
Featuring WESTERN DISTRICT 1872, a Belgian-style wheat beer (5% ABV) with a smooth, refreshing profile, pale straw color, and notes of citrus and spice.
ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
THE WESTERN DISTRICT is a one-act historical melodrama designed to bring Fort Smith’s past to life in an accessible and engaging format. With a focus on immersive storytelling and regional history, the production travels to unique venues across the River Valley, blending theater, history, and community experience.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Alyx Banning
479.322.0012
Alyx_andi@outlook.com
Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith
858.405.3278
Fwrbrandon@hotmail.com