Arkansas Towns As Broadway Musicals: Fort Smith Feels Like Water For Elephants

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both!

Come one. Come all!

Fort Smith and Water for Elephants share a bold, adventurous spirit rooted in grit, showmanship and a flair for drama.

Once a frontier town brimming with lawmen, legends and traveling entertainers, Fort Smith feels like the perfect backdrop for a circus train rumbling through the night loaded with colorful characters, high-stakes dreams and a touch of old-fashioned romance.

The city’s rich history and Wild West heritage echo the musical’s themes of resilience and reinvention, while its modern revival through murals, music and a thriving arts scene mirrors the magic and spectacle of the big top coming to life on stage.

Both Fort Smith and Water for Elephants remind you that behind every dazzling performance lies real courage, compassion and a community that refuses to give up on wonder.

Step Right Up for Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth!

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where theroad will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Welcome to the Circus! Meet the Characters

JACOB JANKOWSKI: A young man of strong values with a deep love and understanding for animals, Jacob’s pre-determined life is suddenly shattered by loss. He hops a random train out of sheer desperation, hoping to find a new reason for being somewhere, anywhere. When the train turns out to be home to a traveling circus, he becomes part of a new family, the bonds quickly become like iron, and the trajectory of his life changes forever.

MARLENA: Supremely gutsy and wildly talented, young Marlena runs away with the circus and marries the mercurial Ringmaster. In no time at all, she becomes the star attraction—a fabled equestrienne and horse whisperer. What’s more, she has the gift of “getting” people the same way she “gets” animals. Her life isn’t what she dreamed, but when Jacob Jankowski suddenly shows up at Benzini, her whole world changes again.

AUGUST: The owner and ringmaster of Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth, August is charming, bright and seductive, doling out favors and dazzling the crowd. His word is law, both inside and outside the ring. When he likes you, the sun shines on you and life is glorious. But when he darkens, the sun is gone and the world grows cold.

MR. JANKOWSKI: Slipping out of the nursing home, Mr. Jankowski attends a traveling circus show, and his story comes tumbling out of him—the story of young Jacob Jankowski, whose whole world exploded when he jumped a circus train 50 years ago.

WALTER: Master Knife-Thrower and World Famous Clown at Benzini Brothers, Walter is wary of strangers and fiercely protective of his friends. He may be slow to warm up to Jacob, but when his dog, Queenie, takes a liking to him, Walter soon follows suit.

CAMEL: A veteran roustabout, Camel is the first to show Jacob the ropes and his first friend at Benzini. He’s well-read, keenly interested in language, and a lifelong student of human behavior. Only one problem: where camels can survive long stretches with very little to drink, this Camel can barely go five minutes without a slug of his bootleg moonshine.

BARBARA: A cooch dancer by trade, Barbara is the brassy mother hen of the circus. She knows who she is and where she comes from, and if anyone’s got a problem with that, too bad. She may be loose in the hip, but she’s tight in the lip—and knows every secret in every single car on the Benzini train.

WADE: A roustabout at Benzini Brothers, Wade is August’s right-hand man and his muscle when it comes to August’s dirty work. Whenever the boss tells him to do something, his only response is “Sir, yes sir!” He’s entirely at home with violence, but sadly devoid of any sense of humor, irony, or metaphor.

NETworks Presentations announced the cast for the North American Tour of the hit Broadway musical this summer, and it includes a cast member with local ties. Grant Huneycutt from Greenwood is a 2025 graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in musical theater. Huneycutt will portray Wade on his first national tour. Additional cast include Zachary Keller as Jacob, Helen Krushinski as Marlena, Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski, Connor Sullivan as August, Javier Garcia as Camel, Ruby Gibbs as Barbara and Tyler West as Walter.

Water For Elephants is based on the critically acclaimed, New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen. The Broadway musical has a book by four-time Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux), with tour direction by Ryan Emmons, recreating the original direction by Tony Award-nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo).

“The score by the collective PigPen Theatre Co. ranges across styles capably, from the country-flavored ‘The Road Don’t Make You Young,’ to a jubilant boogie-woogie tune, ‘The Lion Has Got No Teeth,’ describing how illusion is at the heart of any circus’s appeal, and a more traditional, moody love-cementing duet for Jacob and Marlena. The songs are flavorful and well-wrought, and perhaps the show’s most accomplished achievement,” said Charles Isherwood of the Wall Street Journal.

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Critics and Audiences Agree!

“A Dynamic tale! It elevates the musical to new and literal heights.”

-Variety

"Many wonder await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.”

-The New York Times

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Get your tickets now and see this the musical that Variety calls, “Spellbinding entertainment!

Performance Dates and Times

Tuesday, February 24, 7 pm

Wednesday, February 25, 7 pm

Thursday February 26, 1:30 and 8 pm

Friday, February 27, 8 pm

Saturday, February 28, 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, March 1, 2 pm

You can jump a train and explore the past, the present and all that Fort Smith has to offer!

New Year, New Ways to Love the Arts: Resolve to Support Walton Arts Center in 2026

A new year is the perfect time to set intentions, not just for ourselves, but for the things and places that bring our community together. In 2026, consider making a few resolutions that support the arts, and help keep world-class performances thriving right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Whether you’re a lifelong arts lover or just starting to explore what Walton Arts Center has to offer, there are plenty of meaningful and fun ways to get involved.

Resolution #1: Become a Friend of Walton Arts Center

One of the easiest ways to make a lasting impact is by becoming a Friend of Walton Arts Center. Friends provide vital support that help us bring Broadway tours, dance companies, musicians, comedians and family-friendly shows to our stages. As a Friend, you’ll enjoy benefits like early access to tickets, special events and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping make the arts accessible for our community. It’s a resolution that gives back all year long.

Resolution #2: Volunteer Your Time and Talent

We often say, “The show cannot go on without our volunteers,” and it’s true. Walton Arts Center volunteers are the smiling faces who welcome patrons, scan tickets, share programs and help create a warm, memorable experience for every guest. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, see behind the scenes and play an active role in supporting the arts you love.

Resolution #3: Make a One-Time Donation

Sometimes the simplest resolutions can have the biggest impact. A one-time donation to Walton Arts Center helps support education programs, community initiatives and the day-to-day operations that keep our nonprofit organization thriving. Every gift — large or small — helps ensure that performances, exhibitions and events remain accessible and inspiring for audiences of all ages.

Resolution #4: Come See a Show (or Three!)

It may sound simple, but one of the best ways to support Walton Arts Center is to attend performances and events. From Broadway or dance to music, comedy, visual art and family programming, there’s always something happening at our venues. Make it a goal to try a new genre, invite a friend or turn a night at the theater into a new tradition. Your presence in the audience helps fuel the creative energy that makes live performance so special.

In 2026, your resolutions can do more than check a box — they can help sustain the arts, strengthen our community and create moments of joy and connection. For details on how our organization positively impacted our community in 2025, view our new Community Impact Report.

However you choose to support Walton Arts Center this year, know that you’re playing an important role in keeping creativity shining bright in Northwest Arkansas. Here’s to a year filled with inspiration, applause and unforgettable experiences.

10x10 Arts Series: More Than Just a Great Deal

Walton Arts Center’s 10×10 Arts Series offers a curated selection of 10 performances each season across a variety of genres including music, dance, comedy and theater, and all are priced at just $10 per ticket.

In any give season, if you’d try to see one of the artists performing on the 10x10 Arts Series at any other venue, you’d easily have to pay two to three times as much for the tickets. Past performers include Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, the Gilbert and Sullivan Players, Ailey II, just to name a few. But it’s about more than just a good deal.

Those $10 ticket prices dramatically lower the financial barrier to become a performing arts patron. This series helps fulfill the organization’s mission of making the arts accessible to the broader Northwest Arkansas community and aligns with a commitment toward inclusion and outreach.

Not only do these shows offer accessible ticket prices, but the series also promotes engagement between artists and audience. After each show, audiences are encouraged to share feedback via handwritten Post- It® notes, which are passed along to the artists. There are also post-show conversations with artists, giving patrons a chance to directly interact, ask questions and deepen their understanding. All of this fosters curiosity about and shared ownership of the arts.

The 10x10 Arts Series serves as a bridge to community members who might not typically be able to afford tickets and allows them to experience artistically ambitious and globally-minded performances. It’s a practical embodiment of the idea that excellence in the arts can be inclusive rather than exclusive.

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Don’t miss your chance to catch a 10x10 Arts Series performance.

BODYTRAFFIC, March 5

Voctave, April 10

Australian Chamber Orchestra, April 18

National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone, May 12

Curtis Chamber Orchestra, May 19

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love the mission behind the 10x10 Arts Series and want to support the work that we are doing? become a Friend of Walton Arts Center.

West Street Live Series Celebrates 10th Anniversary

For a decade, West Street Live presented by Neal Pendergraft has been a lyric-lovers dream, bringing some of the best singer-songwriters to Northwest Arkansas. Hometown heroes, historic musicians and an intimate seating set this series apart, creating the ultimate listening room experience. To commemorate its 10-year anniversary, we interviewed a few folks who helped launch the series.  

“I had booked several folk acts in Starr Theater over the years, but once Brian Crowne and I put our heads together and proposed a singer-songwriter series to Neal Pendergraft, things started moving in the right direction,” says Jennifer Ross, vice president of programming.  

“When I decided to make a donation to Walton Arts Center, I wanted a portion of that donation to go to a music series,” says Pendergraft. “Mark Blackwood and I discussed the options and finally settled on a small hall series where great singer-songwriters performed in an intimate setting not available to audiences at that time. To me, songwriting starts with a poem, adds some instruments and grows into a song.  When the poet, musician and singer are all together (or the same person) a magical thing might happen.” 

Brian Crowne, Gina & Neal Pendergraft, Jennifer Ross, Marty Stuart and Becky Brink at the West St. Live 10th Anniversary Party.

Nearly 60 artists have headlined the West Street Live series, including memorable concerts by Peter Yarrow, Rodney Crowell, Jimmy Webb, A.J. Croce, Tinsley Ellis, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart and Paul Thorn.

“What has stayed the same is the passion of a core group of subscribers that want to be in a space with folks that you don't know but feel a kinship with as music fans,” says Brian Crowne; local promoter, owner of George’s Majestic Lounge and vice president of the Walmart AMP and strategic initiatives.  

Pendergraft agreed, saying, “when I sit in that close and comfortable atmosphere, all I think about is the music – I believe most of the other folks in Starr Theater feel the same way. When we funded West Street Live, we knew we could get three years. All the great patrons and ticket buyers thought it should go a lot longer. Most of our shows have sold out because of the great acts and our patrons' love of great music.”  

This season has been unforgettable with sold-out performances by the 1 Oz. Jig and Friends, Nashville Songwriters and The War and Treaty. And in early December, we hosted a party for longtime subscribers to commemorate 10 years of standout performances before the highly anticipated return performance of Marty Stuart. Pendergraft, Crowne and Ross shared stories about the series, and Stuart even made an appearance.

Thank you to our West Street Live subscribers and to Pendergraft for all of their support and excitement for the series throughout the years.

Limited tickets are available for the remaining shows in the series this season: Sunny Sweeney on Friday, March 6 at 7:30pm and Mary Gauthier on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30pm.

Next Up in The Comedy Zone: Aida Rodriguez

Lauded by Esquire Magazine as “raucously funny,” comedian and actor Aida Rodriguez has become a favorite with fans and critics alike. With her hour-long standup special, Fighting Words, streaming and her own TV series in development, she is bound for the comedy stratosphere.  

I’ve Seen Her, Right? 

Rodriguez headlined the HBO LatinX standup special Entrenos in 2020 and was one of only four women to appear in Showtime’s “Shaquille O’Neal Presents: All Star Comedy Jam,” in its 15 seasons.  

A longtime favorite on the standup circuit, she was a finalist on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and has been featured on several TV series including Comedy Central’s “This Week at the Comedy Cellar,” HBO’s “Pause with Sam Jay,” TBS’ “Tournament of Laughs,” and she was handpicked by director Taylor Hackford for his feature film The Comedian starring Robert De Niro. She is a guest writer for Buzzfeed as well as a regular Commentator on the popular online progressive political talk show “The Young Turks.”  

Fighting Words premiered on HBOMax in 2021. In the special, the comedian takes to the stage to address today’s audiences about cancel-culture and the social issues of the day, not just because they’re ripped from the headlines, but because they are in the pages torn out of her personal life.  

In an interview with afrotaino.com, Rodriguez said, “I always knew that I would be a performer. I loved watching the monologues on Late Night television when I was a kid. I knew that I wanted to do that, (although) perhaps, at that time I didn't know that was ‘Stand Up.’ It manifested by way of my friends who worked in comedy. They were bold enough to tell me to switch lanes and then bothered to show me the way.” She also credits the women in her family for her brand of humor. “I am absolutely not the funniest person in my family. That would be my mother who makes everyone who encounters her laugh. She is hysterical. She would definitely get cancelled,” Rodriguez continued. “Some of the funniest people I have ever known are the mothers, grandmothers and aunties, giving us perspectives on our situations with humor.” 

But Wait, There’s More! 

Rodriguez is developing her own half-hour comedy series with HBOMax based on her incredible life story, which includes surviving two kidnappings, sexual abuse and a period of homelessness. Co-written and executive produced by Rodriguez, Chris Case (Showtime’s “Flatbush Misdemeanors”) and Nastaran Dibai (Netflix’s “Dear White People”), the project examines the struggle of a comedian (Rodriguez) who is trying to kick start a career while raising two very different teenagers on her own over multiple time zones. It is an uplifting story of survival and triumph in the face of a darkly funny Miami inner-city upbringing, where she learned skills that allowed her to thrive and endure.  

Esquire Magazine declared “This is Rodriguez’s genius – using comedy to turn pain into progress, to give voice to the voiceless and to laugh instead of cry.”  

Don’t miss her insightful and uproarious show in The Comedy Zone at Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Jan. 31 at 8 pm. Standard all-in ticket prices are $28.75! 

Fall in Love with the Tango

If you’ve ever found yourself glued to the screen during “Dancing with the Stars,” holding your breath through a dramatic lift or a perfectly timed pause, German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark is the live experience you’ve been waiting for.

Coming to Walton Arts Center Wednesday, Jan. 21 for one night only, Tango After Dark brings the passion, precision and pure athleticism of tango from the streets of Buenos Aires to the stage in a way that feels both classic and contemporary. Led by world-renowned dancer and choreographer German Cornejo, the show features an ensemble of exceptional dancers whose chemistry and storytelling rival the most memorable routines you’ve seen on television—only now, it’s happening right in front of you.

“I hope audiences feel tango as a language that communicates what words cannot, and that they take with them a sense of our culture, the beauty of Argentine tango, and the unique connection that only comes through the embrace of tango,” Cornejo said.

Fans of “Dancing with the Stars” will recognize that same mix of technical mastery and emotional connection that makes ballroom dance so captivating. Every step is intentional. Every movement tells a story. From lightning-fast footwork to intimate, breath-catching moments between partners, Tango After Dark showcases the kind of artistry that judges praise and audiences can’t stop talking about.

But what truly sets this performance apart is the power of seeing the dance and the music performed live.

“Live music transforms the space and creates intimacy. A soundtrack may be technically perfect, but live music allows dancers to react instantly, letting the energy rise or fall with the real-time pulse,” Cornejo said. “That authentic vibrancy creates a magic that is impossible to replicate with recorded music.”

The music surrounds you. The rhythm pulses through the theater. You can feel the intensity of each glance, each embrace and each dramatic finish in real time. It’s an immersive experience that reminds us why dance has the ability to move us—literally and emotionally.

“The coordination between musicians and dancers is a constant dialogue,” Cornejo said. “Yes, there is room for improvisation, because tango allows it, but the choreographic pieces are carefully structured to achieve a level of complexity that wouldn’t be possible if we were improvising, especially in group numbers where synchronization and collective creation are key. These open moments of surprise generate unique experiences in every performance.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan of ballroom dance or simply love the excitement and glamour of shows like “Dancing with the Stars,” German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark is a night at the theater that promises passion, elegance and unforgettable moments.

Join us at Walton Arts Center and experience tango the way it was meant to be seen—up close, alive and full of fire. Tickets are $28.75-$63.25

Get Into the Groove in 2026

As you turn the page to a fresh year and start thinking about ways to embrace movement, either through fitness, creativity, or by simply shaking up our routines, several upcoming shows can inspire you. If you’re craving inspiration that gets your heart racing and your feet tapping, Walton Arts Center’s 2026 lineup of acrobat and dance performances is your perfect motivator! From fiery tango to modern contemporary dance, eloquent stage musicals and Irish step dance, there’s something to get your heart racing and your feet tapping in 2026.

💃 German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark  

Wednesday, Jan. 21 | Standard all-in tickets are $28.75 - $63.25

Start the year with both heat and rhythm! Tango After Dark brings the dramatic passion of Argentine tango to life with world-class dancers, live music and electrifying choreography.

Led by World Tango Champion German Cornejo, the performance blends sensuality, elegance and storytelling through movement, inspiring audiences to add more movement and rhythm to their own life.

What to watch for: Tango’s intimate steps and expressive style are a reminder that even subtle movement can be powerful. Seeing professional dancers in action can be just the spark you need to sign up for dance lessons or simply hit the floor with a new playlist.

🎪 Water for Elephants

8 Performances!
Feb. 24-March 1 | Standard all-in tickets are $48.30 - $120.75

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Blending circus spectacle and theatrical storytelling, Water for Elephants features puppetry, acrobatics and imaginative choreography set against a backdrop of romance and adventure.

The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

You’ll be inspired: Acrobatics and circus arts push the limits of physicality and can motivate you to try new activities that challenge your body and mind – think yoga, climbing or balletic stretch sessions.

💃 BODYTRAFFIC

Thursday, March 5 | All tickets are $10

If contemporary dance is more your style, don’t miss BODYTRAFFIC. This Los Angeles-based company is known for its innovative, boundary-pushing performances that blend ballet, modern, afro-Caribbean and hip-hop elements into a high-energy celebration of movement.

What to watch for: BODYTRAFFIC showcases how diverse and dynamic movement can be. Their performances remind us that dance isn’t just a set of steps; It’s a way to express emotion and connect with others through physical art. Resolve to explore your own way of moving, whether through dance classes or simply letting loose at home.

🎷Some Like It Hot

8 Performances!
March 17-22 | Standard all-in tickets are $48.30 - $120.75

This Broadway musical adaptation of the classic film isn’t strictly a dance show, but it’s filled with lively numbers, swing and choreography that celebrates rhythm and motion. With its irresistible combination of heart and laughs, song and dance, Some Like It Hot was the most awarded musical in the 2022-23 Broadway season with four Tony Awards® including best choreography and best costumes and a Grammy Award® for best musical theater album. It looks beautiful and sounds amazing!

Deadline calls it “a tap-dancing, razzle-dazzling embrace of everything you love about musical theater.”

Why it inspires movement: The show’s upbeat energy and musicality remind you how joyful movement can be whether dancing socially or just embracing a little swing in your step.

🍀 Riverdance 30: The New Generation

3 Performances!
June 9-11 | $46 - $205.85

A world phenomenon for three decades, Riverdance blends traditional Irish step-dance with powerful live music and rapid-fire footwork that has audiences on the edge of their seats. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “the new generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.

Why it inspires movement: The precision and energy of Irish step dance are incredible ... and contagious. Watching dancers pound out rhythms with athletic flair might just inspire you to try your own footwork challenge or take up a beginner class (Irish dance, anyone?).

New Year’s Resolutions? Let These Shows Inspire You!
Here are a few creative resolutions inspired by the season’s lineup:

🎯 Don’t just watch a show, take a show-themed cocktail class. It’s the ultimate theater “experience” and available for most of our Broadway shows in the new year.
🎯 Try a new physical activity each month
🎯 Attend more live performances to fuel your creativity
🎯 Host regular dance nights with friends or family
🎯 Explore movement as self-expression, not just exercise

Whatever show or class you pick Walton Arts Center provides inspiration and a reminder that movement can be beautiful, emotional and deeply human.

Ready to get moving into 2026? These shows are calling your name.

Shows With Music You Know and Love! Take this Quiz to see the Right Fit for You!

Music holds a special place in each of our hearts. No matter what your jam is, there’s a show that will allow you to experience your favorite tunes in new ways! Answer the questions below to see which hit show (with amazing music) you should see at Walton Arts Center this season.  

What type of music is always on rotation? 

1. A little bit of everything! 

2. Give me all the 2000’s classics 

3. Pop music over everything 

Which three artists can be found in your go-to playlists? 

1. Adele, Queen and Guns N Roses 

2. Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and P!nk 

3. Madonna, Lady Gaga and Outkast 

What is your pump-up anthem?  

1. “Somebody to Love” – Queen 

2. “Roar” - Katy Perry 

3. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" — Beyoncé 

How would you describe your music taste? 

1. High-energy hits 

2. Youthful and uplifting 

3. Timeless classics  

What are you looking for in a show? 

1. An exuberant atmosphere full of good ol’ fun 

2. A witty and modern take on a classic 

3. An elegant and sometimes dazzling adventure  

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Time for the results! 

If you got mostly 1’s: 

You would love The Choir of Man  

Tuesday, Jan 27 at 7 pm 

Set in the world’s best pub, this uplifting production serves up 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment featuring a cast of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians and a charming poet.

Enjoy everything from the anthems of Queen and Guns N’ Roses to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross and Adele to the chart-toppers of Sia, Paul Simon, Avicii, Katy Perry and more. This show has something for everyone, including a real working bar on stage. Come ready to drink in the excitement and raise a glass with The Choir of Man. Cheers! 

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If you got mostly 2’s: 

& JULIET is more your vibe  

Eight shows May 26-31 

& JULIET flips the script on the greatest love story ever told by asking what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love – her way.

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is” and “Can’t Stop This Feeling!” Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.  

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If you got mostly 3’s: 

Moulin Rouge The Musical! Is right up your alley 

Eight shows July 8-12 

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza featuring artists like Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, No Doubt and many more. The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love.  Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.   

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No matter what your score any music fan would love the opportunity to see their favorite songs come to life on stage! Don’t miss your chance to see these amazing shows. Secure your seat and live out your music dreams in a whole new way! 

Jay Armstrong Johnson, Arianna Rosario, Robert Petkoff and the company of the 2025 touring production of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade . Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

CJ Eldred, Fabiola Carballo Quijada and the national touring company of & JULIET. Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

The Choir of Man photos by Mark Senior.

Don’t Miss Broadways Leading Men in Fayetteville

You’ve seen the musicals. You’ve listened to the soundtracks and followed their careers through television and movies. Now you can enjoy performances at Walton Arts Center in January with two of the biggest Broadway stars and leading men. Join us for a unique theatrical production with Richard Thomas on Friday, Jan. 23 and for a night of great music and stories with Mandy Patinkin on Thursday. Jan. 29. 

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Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas leads a new production of Mark Twain Tonight!, as the first and only actor authorized to perform the play which was written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook. Millions have cheered for this legendary one-man show, bursting with Twain’s “uproariously funny” and “pungently wise” (Time Magazine) commentary.  

Thomas won an Emmy Award and received multiple Golden Globe Award® nominations for his starring role as John-Boy Walton in the television drama “The Waltons.” He is most recognizable to contemporary television audiences for his roles in the hit series “Ozark,” “The Americans,” “Billions” and the original Stephen King mini-series “It.” His feature film performances include The Unforgivable, Wonder Boys, Last Summer, Red Sky at Morning and Taking Woodstock.  

Photo of Richard Thomas by Julieta Cervantes. Photographed at the Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford, Connecticut.

He has been seen in acclaimed performances on stage including the revival of The Little Foxes, for which he received a Tony Award® nomination, Our Town, You Can’t Take it With You, The Great Society, Race, Democracy, Incident at Vichy (Drama Desk Award nomination), The Stendhal Syndrome (Lucille Lortel Award nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), A Naked Girl on the Appian Way, An Enemy of the People, Tiny Alice, The Front Page, The Fifth of July, innumerable Shakespeare productions and his professional debut at 8 years old in Sunrise at Campobello. Across the country he has starred in the national tours of The Humans (Elliot Norton Award), Twelve Angry Men and for three years as “Atticus Finch” in Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill a Mockingbird which stopped at Walton Arts Center in April 2023. Thomas previously served as the Honorary Chair of the National Corporate Theatre Fund, a position also held by his predecessor Hal Holbrook. He is a 2025 inductee to the Theater Hall of Fame. 

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Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Mandy Patinkin has carved out a varied career including theater, the concert stage, film, television and as a recording artist, and he shares stories and songs from his past at his new show, JUKEBOX with Adam Ben-David on Piano.  

The award-winning Broadway and TV legend – renowned for creating timeless characters in movies such as The Princess Bride, Yentl and Dick Tracy – hand-picks and performs a collection of classic musical numbers, expressed as only he can through a unique mastery of word and song. This will be an unparalleled body of work from one of North America’s preeminent entertainers.  

In his 1980 Broadway debut, Patinkin won a Tony Award for his role as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, directed by Hal Prince, and was nominated in 1984 for his starring role as George in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George. His other stage credits include Compulsion, Paradise Found, The Tempest, Enemy of the People, The Wild Party, Falsettos, The Secret Garden, The Winter's Tale, The Knife, Leave It to Beaver is Dead, Rebel Women, Hamlet, Trelawney of the ‘Wells,’ The Shadow Box, The Split, Savages and Henry IV, Part I.   

Patinkin’s feature films include Before You Know It, Life Itself, Wonder, Smurfs: The Lost Village, The Queen of Spain, Ali and Nino, Wish I Was Here, The Wind Rises, Everybody’s Hero, The Choking Man, Pinero, The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland, Lulu on the Bridge, Men with Guns, The Princess Bride, Yentl, The Music of Chance, Daniel, Ragtime, Impromptu, The Doctor, Alien Nation, Dick Tracy, The House on Carroll Street, True Colors and Maxie.  

In television, Patinkin was recently seen as Judge Wackner in the Paramount+ series “The Good Fight.” He won a 1995 Emmy Award for his performance in the CBS series “Chicago Hope.” He starred in the CBS series “Criminal Minds,” in the Showtime Original Series “Dead Like Me” and also in “Homeland” as CIA Agent Saul Berenson.  

During COVID Patinkin found an entirely new audience when his son, Gideon Grody-Patinkin, began filming his parents interactions. Patinkin and wife Kathryn Grody's candid videos of them arguing, snuggling and discussing politics went viral and turned them into unlikely social media stars. 

Why Walton Arts Center Tickets Make the Perfect Holiday Gift

When you’re searching for a holiday gift that feels personal, memorable and genuinely joyful, tickets to a Walton Arts Center performance check every box. Instead of adding more “stuff” to someone’s shelf, you’re giving an experience. It’s something to look forward to and something that can create lasting memories well into the new year. 

Live performance has a way of bringing people together, sparking imagination and offering a refreshing break from the everyday. Whether your loved ones are passionate theatergoers, music lovers, comedy fans or parents looking for fun outings with the kids, Walton Arts Center’s 2025–26 season offers a full lineup of gift-worthy shows to suit every taste. 

A Gift with A Personal Touch 

Tickets to shows and events let you tailor the experience to the recipient. Choose a show that reflects their interests, their personality or even a happy memory you share. It’s a way of saying, “I know you—and I know what will make you smile.” 

Plus, the anticipation becomes part of the gift. Instead of forgetting what they unwrapped last December, they’ll think of you every time they look forward to show night. 

Here are some ideas to get you started!

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Great Gifts for Music Fans 

If you have a music lover on your list, Walton Arts Center offers a robust mix of concerts and music-driven theatrical experiences that feel like a night out and a celebration all in one. 

• Voctave | Friday, April 10 – High-octane a cappella group  

• Solas | Wednesday, April 8 – Celtic ensemble 

• VoiceJam Competition Saturday, April 11– Head-to-head a cappella competition 

• Chris Thile | Sunday, April 12 – Grammy®-winning mandolinist 

• Mandy Patinkin in Concert | Friday, Jan. 23 - Tony®-winning Broadway legend and Emmy®-winning TV star  

• Australian Chamber Orchestra | Saturday, April 18 – 50 years of invention, disruption and unforgettable music-making 

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Perfect Picks for Theater Lovers 

For the drama enthusiasts, Broadway fans and story-seekers in your life, the season includes captivating productions that showcase the best of modern touring theater. 

• Mark Twain Tonight | Friday, Jan. 23 – one-man show by Richard Thomas 

• Meredith Willson’s The Music Man | Jan. 16-18 – Broadway classic 

• Disney’s Beauty and the Beast | Feb. 3-8 – 30th anniversary tour 

• Water for Elephants | Feb. 24-March 1 – See this beautiful book come to life on stage 

• & Juliet  | May 26-31 - Flips the script on the greatest love story ever told  

• Some Like it Hot | March 17-22 – Musicians go on the run after witnessing a mob hit. Hilarity (and some amazing musical numbers) ensues.

Magical Shows for Kids and Families 

Families with children—and kids at heart—will love a holiday gift that gives them something to look forward to together. These shows spark imagination and make for truly memorable outings. 

• Secrets of Space | Tuesday, March 10 – a show of intergalactic proportions 

• Blue Man Group | April 14-15 – Music, interactive art and audience engagement in one show 

• Dinosaur World Live | Tuesday, April 28 – Discover a pre-historic world of creatures 

• National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone | Tuesday, May 12 – Learn about one of the best wildlife conservation efforts 

Night Out for the Adults 

Everyone needs a night out with your girls, guys or your significant other. We have the ticket to perfect night-out experiences! 

• The Choir of Man | Tuesday, Jan. 27 – Spend the evening with your best mates in the world’s greatest pub 

• German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark | Wednesday, Jan. 21 – The ultimate theatrical tango experience 

• The Comedy Zone – Upcoming shows include Aida Rodriguez in January and Brad Upton in March

• Cocktail Classes – Learn to make two cocktails while you make new friends at this interactive evening. Several dates available 

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The Choir of Man

Gift Giving Made Easy 

Walton Arts Center makes the process simple, whether you want a single pair of tickets or a curated mix of shows. You can even pair tickets with: 

• a night out at a favorite Fayetteville restaurant, 

• a themed gift item that matches the show, or 

• a personalized note about why you chose that performance. 

A Gift That Lasts 

When the wrapping paper is tossed and the holiday season winds down, experiential gifts continue to shine. Every time your loved one replays a favorite song from a musical, quotes a line from a comedy show or recalls the awe on a child’s face during a family performance, your gift lives on. 

This year, give something unforgettable. Give live performance. Give laughter, music, imagination and connection. Give Walton Arts Center. 

Music, Mates and Good Times. Meet The Choir of Man

It’s a party. It’s a concert. It’s the best night at the pub you’ve ever had — and it’s happening right here in Northwest Arkansas. The Choir of Man direct from London’s West End is hitting Walton Arts Center’s stage for one performance only Tuesday, Jan. 27 at 7 pm. Come ready to raise a glass and sing along. 

The Olivier Award-nominated, worldwide smash hit returns to the U.S. for a highly-anticipated national tour. Set in the world’s best pub, this uplifting production serves up 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment featuring a cast of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians and a charming poet. Enjoy everything from the anthems of Guns N’ Roses to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross to the chart-toppers by Sia, Paul Simon, Avicii, Katy Perry and more. This show has something for everyone, including a real working bar on stage.

“The boys can’t wait to return to the U.S. We will be playing numerous return engagements as well as brand new markets. So, come thirsty for great music and great beer!” said Nic Doodson, a co-creator and producer or the show.  

The all-European cast features world-class tap dancers, singers and instrumentalists. In addition to being a sell-out in the West End for over three years, The Choir of Man has wowed audiences at the Edinburgh Festival, played three sold-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and toured extensively across Europe, including Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal. The Choir of Man is also the highest rated show on Norwegian Cruise Line (ranking higher than SIX, Legally Blonde, Rock of Ages, Beetlejuice, Priscilla and Jersey Boys!) 

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Meet the Men! 

“We set out to look for normal guys,” said Doodson. “Men who could sing, play instruments, maybe even move a bit, but most importantly, guys who seemed like they’d be at home in a pub with their mates. Our aim was to create a show about a group of friends who sang together, and we genuinely ended up with a group of friends creating a show together. It’s funny how these things work out.”

Co-creator Andrew Kay described the genesis of the show as: “A group of ordinary blokes who meet up to sing a few songs over a drink or two. It isn’t only about the drinking, nor is it only about the singing. It’s about the simple act of being together. It’s about laughing together, crying together, singing, shouting, talking together... whatever it is, it’s about the pleasure of being in the same place at the same time as the people you love.”

The Choir of Man entertains audiences of all ages because it celebrates music with wide appeal including songs by Adele, Queen, Paul Simon, Katy Perry, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more. Brush up on these radio hits before the show with the official cast album linked here.

Arkansas Towns as Broadway Musicals: A Musical as Wholesome as Siloam Springs

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both!

Siloam Springs and Meredith Willson’s The Music Man could easily be marching in the same parade because both are small-town gems bursting with charm, community spirit and a love for a good tune.

• Just like River City, Siloam Springs thrives on its picturesque downtown, where everyone seems to know everyone and a stroll by Sager Creek feels like the overture to a wholesome musical number.

• There’s that same sense of optimism and hustle — the kind that could make you believe a fast-talking dreamer like Harold Hill might just roll into town and sell a marching band.

Between its lively festivals, thriving arts scene and strong sense of togetherness, Siloam Springs hits all the right notes, just like The Music Man. Both are home to front-porch conversations and big-hearted dreams that create one joyful, toe-tapping melody.

A Classic Musical for the Whole Family

There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.

Meredith Willson's six-time, Tony Award®-winning musical comedy The Music Man follows traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef.

His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

Featuring favorite songs includuing "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Trouble," "'Til There Was You," "Pickalittle" and "Gary, Indiana," Willson’s iconic humor, wordplay, and optimism will shine in this inventive reimagination of a beloved classic.

Variety calls it, “Grand and Glorious! …Totally enchanting abso-tootin’-lutely smashing revival. It will give you new life!”

The Music Man is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. So take advantage of the holiday break and bring your grandparents, aunts, cousins, kids and your sweetie to see this classic Broadway production.

You have just 4 changes to see this show!

• Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 pm

• Saturday, Jan 17 at 2 pm and 7:39 pm

• Sunday, Jan 18 at 2 pm

After you fall in love with the musical all over again, explore all that Siloam Springs has to offer while you hum your favorite tunes from the show!

Inside Look: Our Friends Lounge Renovation

During the summer when our stages hosted fewer events and shows, we expanded and renovated the Friends lounge. This change was needed due to the popularity of the Friends program.  

Friends help Walton Arts Center share the transformative experience of the arts with our community through free school field trips, educator professional development, subsidized and free ticket programs and community outreach projects. Those who donate $1,000 or more annually receive access to the Friends Lounge all season. The space is open prior to shows in Baum Walker Hall and offers catered hors d’oeuvres, theater snacks and select complimentary drinks as well as exclusive offerings for purchase at the bar. 

Because of the popularity of the Friends program and our gratitude to these individual donors, the Sudduth Garden Room and former Joy Pratt Markham Gallery got a makeover in time for the 2025-26 season.  

The renovation expanded the lounge into the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery and included new finishes, furniture and lighting, and a dedicated entrance for Friends through the Bradberry Rose Garden and Amphitheater. Melissa Hall Simmons of Studio MH designed the new space.  

“I had spent many nights in the previous Friend’s Lounge at Walton Arts Center, and knew there was room for improvement," said Simmons, who is a donor and patron. “When Peter Lane reached out to me, I knew he was committed to elevating the experience for the patrons, and that we could deliver on that!” Studio MH typically focuses on full-scope residential design but were excited to take on this special project.  

MIXD Gallery helped curate a selection of regional artwork for the new space. The collection highlights the depth of talent in our region – artists whose practices span painting, photography, mixed media and beyond. By bringing these works into the lounge, the project bridges the performing and visual arts, offering our treasured Friends an immersive experience where creativity converges across disciplines. 

“The former gallery was an interior space, without windows so I wanted it to be dark and moody and feel celebratory and special as a night at the theater often is,” said Simmons. “The “lounge” space lacked any architectural features; it was really a white box. We decided to wrap the room in a color wash of a deep Barolo shade. My favorite feature besides the beautiful bar is the way we used fabric panels on the walls to create interest and soften sound. The Garden Room on the other hand has a connection to the outdoors with the patio and lots of glass, so we wanted to keep that feeling and go brighter and lean into the ‘garden’ name.” 

Visit the new entry and “look up!” Simmons says. In the dedicated entry vestibule, the best part is the mitered ceiling in Simmon’s opinion. Other standout moments of this new entry point are the dramatically tied-back drapery panels that offer a peak of each space when you walk in the door, the bold but classic stripe on the walls and drapery panels. 

Learn more about how you can enjoy this space all season long – and share the transformative experience of the arts with students, educators and community members – at waltonartscenter.org/friends. 

10 questions with The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra

All across America and around the world, audiences have fallen in love with two sophisticated Southern gentlemen and the high-energy shows with their group, The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Inspired by the classic holiday soundtracks of a big band, the group brings A Holiday Equinox to Walton Arts Center on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 pm. This joyful production brings to life beloved seasonal songs with a delightful mix of jovial humor and heartwarming nostalgia for kids from one to 92. You are invited to join us for this holly jolly soirée, which promises to be a memorable celebration of the season.  

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra is presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community. We asked lead singer Clay Johnson to answer 10 questions before their performance. 

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What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?  

You can expect to witness some of the best musicians and entertainers having an absolute blast on stage. And as always happens, you will wind up having a great time as well. Since this is a show built around the holiday season, it will be especially fun and nostalgic, full of story-telling and knee-slapping – all to the beat of a soulful Southern big band.   

 What message do you hope to send to the world or what do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?  

It is always our goal to inspire as well as entertain. We figured out a long time ago that we can't do much, but what gifts we do have, we try to put to use everyday to make the world just a little bit better. If we can convince one person in the audience to do the same–find out what they've put on this earth to do and go do it for the good of others–then, we will have accomplished our mission!   
From where do you draw inspiration for your art?  

I was raised in Louisiana in a family of preachers and gospel singers, and that upbringing paired with a music education in an excellent band program, gave me a rich musical foundation upon which to create my own art. My preferences are always toward songs that easily tell stories and elicit heartfelt emotions. 

What drew you to this performance field?  

As I mentioned earlier, we can't really do anything else very well. Performing was always a fun side hustle for Jeremy and me, but we never really considered it an option as life-long career. Now, we can't imagine doing anything else! 
Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?  

I'm the world's worst at taking care of my voice. I know I should be drinking hot tea and singing warm-ups before the show, but I'm usually cracking jokes and eating whatever sweets are on the dessert table! Singers, please, do not follow my example! 

Pick 5 words that best describe your work.  
Energizing. Inspired. Family-first. Adventurous. Uncharted. 
What is the best advice that you have been given?  

"The only constant is change" - I've heard that Heraclitus said this a few millennia ago, but as far as I'm concerned, my mom told me this over and over again.  
Who do you define as visionary and why?  

Even if we narrow it down to the field of music, there are still way too many to mention here, but for argument's sake, I'll mention Louis Armstrong. He didn't invent jazz, but he was one of the early pioneers who perfected it. The improvised solo was his major contribution, and he made such an impact that today songs in every genre–from jazz to country, rock to blues and Latin to bluegrass–utilize the instrumental solo. We rarely hear a song without a piano, guitar or sax taking a turn improvising on the melody. 

What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?  

We've played in remote Indian villages, Polish youth camps, Holocaust survivor groups in Israel and a struggling but joyful church in Turkey, and more, and each moment has its own unique memories. But perhaps the most meaningful experiences have been playing for those in nursing homes and memory care facilities here in the U.S. Seeing their faces light up and hearing their voices join in to the sound of a familiar tune from years gone by is absolutely unforgettable.   

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to? 

Although it changes constantly, I am now listening to Laufey (her new Christmas album is fantastic), and I'm also on a Rufus Wainwright journey. And then, of course, whatever musical moods my kids are in! My 23-year-old daughter puts together playlists of new music for my listening education of current artists so I can try to keep up. 

Arkansas Towns as Broadway Musicals: Eureka Springs, Find Yourself at Mrs. Doubtfire!

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both! 

If Eureka Springs were a musical, it would be Mrs. Doubtfire – unique and familiar – an old favorite that you want to visit again and again. 

Eureka Springs and the Broadway musical Mrs. Doubtfire are kindred spirits because they are both full of quick changes, fun times and a delightful amount of heart.  

• Much like Mrs. Doubtfire, Eureka Springs is there when you need it most. From a Victorian spa town to an artsy, inclusive haven tucked into the Ozarks, Eureka Springs has something for everyone and is unlike any other.

• The town’s colorful architecture and lively festivals echo the musical’s theatrical flair, and both celebrate the power of love, family and second chances (with a little chaos along the way).  

Whether it’s Daniel juggling wigs and cardigans or Eureka’s residents balancing creativity and community, both remind us that a touch of humor and a lot of heart can turn life’s toughest moments into something truly fabulous. 

Helllloooooo Poppets!

Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Northwest Arkansas in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming, and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter).

Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids.

When asked how the creative team went about recreating a move that was so popular like this one, tour director Steve Edlund says “by loving it! Every bit of this show is rooted in our deep love for the 1993 movie. We've taken what you know and built upon it in a way only a musical can.”

Mrs. Doubtfire has been created by a team of award-winning artists, with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, original music and lyrics by Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick, (the Tony Award®-nominated team behind Something Rotten!, along with O’Farrell), direction by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks (Hello, Dolly!), scenic design by David Korins (Hamilton), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress) and music supervision by Ethan Popp (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical). 

“You know, I've watched this show so many times and I'm always surprised how it affects me,” Edlund shared. “You laugh and laugh and just when you go to laugh again, you're moved. Anyone can relate to it and everyone will be entertained.” Mrs. Doubtfire is “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together. 

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Show dates and times

Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 and 7:30 pm

Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 pm

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It’s always a good idea to revisit the things that you love. After you see Mrs. Doubtfire, make plans to explore Eureka Springs!

Mrs. Doubtfire photo credit: Joan Marcus

Celebrating Community Support: How Your Generosity Transforms Lives Through the Arts

November is National Philanthropy Month—a time to honor the individuals, families, couples, corporations, small businesses and grantors who make our work possible. At Walton Arts Center, we are deeply grateful for the community supporters who help us fulfill our mission of bringing world-class performing arts to Northwest Arkansas. 

Beyond the Ticket: Why Your Support Matters 

As a patron of the arts, you might wonder why financial support beyond purchasing a ticket is so important. The answer is simple yet profound: your donations create lasting memories and life-changing opportunities for thousands of people in our community. 

Every gift helps us provide: 

Accessible Programming for All 

• Classroom Series – FREE tickets that introduce students to live performing arts 

• Broadway Bridges – $10 tickets enabling students to experience Broadway shows 

• 10x10 Arts Series – $10 tickets making world-class performances accessible 

• Take A Seat – FREE tickets removing financial barriers to the arts 

Through these programs alone, more than 30,000 people experience live performing arts each year. 

Educational Programs That Transform Lives 

• SmART Residency– Free, year-long in-school programs that help teachers integrate the arts into their curriculum, supporting students' academic, social and emotional growth 

• Hip-Hop 101 – Free after-school programs where students collaborate, create their own music and choreography and build confidence 

• Diamond Awards – An opportunity for local high school musical theater students to compete regionally and potentially advance to the Jimmy Awards in New York City, with an all-expenses-paid trip to work with Broadway's best and make their Broadway debut

The Reality Behind the Curtain 

These programs—and so many others like them—are made possible through the generosity of donors who understand that the true cost of bringing live performing arts to our community extends far beyond ticket sales. Ticket revenue helps cover some of the expense of presenting shows, but not all. Most shows cost us more than we can recoup at the box office alone. 

This is where our community makes all the difference. Through your support, we can continue offering accessible programming, transformative educational experiences, and world-class performances. Some of our Friends choose to take their support a step further through show underwriting—gaining community-wide recognition while helping cover the costs of productions. But underwriting is about more than just filling a budget gap—it's about keeping our work grounded in the community, its needs, and its passions. 

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Stories from Our Underwriters 

We asked some of our generous underwriters to share why they chose to support Walton Arts Center. Their words speak to the heart of what makes this work so meaningful. 

Tom Ward, Becky Brink, Brock & Natalie McKeel at 2024 Masquerade Ball

Brock & Natalie McKeel | Underwriting Billy Goats Gruff 

What show did you underwrite and why did you select it? 

We chose a show that helps open doors for kids to experience the arts. As parents of four—Brylee, Brayden, Brooklynn and Brentley—it's important to us that they, and other children in Northwest Arkansas, have opportunities to see live performances and feel inspired by creativity. Supporting access to the arts for kids felt like the perfect fit for our family.

What excites you about supporting Walton Arts Center? 

What excites us most is the chance to align giving with purpose. Everyone has their own passion—whether that's live music, comedy or theater—but for us, it's about investing in experiences that shape the next generation. Walton Arts Center gives us a platform to help make those moments possible for children across our community.

What would you say to encourage others to support Walton Arts Center? 

Start with what moves you. If you love live music, theater, dance or simply the idea of making art accessible to more people, Walton Arts Center team will help you find a way to make an impact. When you connect your passion with their mission, you don't just support the arts—you help create experiences that stay with people for life. 

2025 Diamond Award winners Audrey Redwine and Cardon Sullivan

Dick & Margaret Rutherford | Underwriting the Diamond Awards Ceremony 

What program did you choose to underwrite this season? 

We have had the pleasure of sponsoring shows at Walton Arts Center in the past, but this year we were presented with the opportunity of underwriting a new arts education-focused program—the Diamond Awards.  

Tell us about your experience watching the first Diamond Awards Ceremony. 

It was truly unique and inspiring to watch their performances. Their boundless talent, enthusiasm and mutual respect was so evident—a display of the special magic of theater and an example of the vast array of programs Walton Arts Center offers for our community.

Sandy Edwards | Underwriting Maebelle's Suitcase  

What Classroom Series show did you underwrite and why? 

I had the wonderful opportunity to underwrite Maebelle's Suitcase. Using real-life actors and puppets, the play focuses on the universal theme of letting go of possessions and valuing lasting friendships. The genius of the story is how it seamlessly moves between English and Spanish, reality and make-believe, laughter and seriousness.

You had the chance to attend a performance alongside students. What was that like? 

Quite simply, it was magical. From the excitement of the kids as they anticipated the performance to the way they were captivated by the story and quickly caught on to the sight gags and silliness, it was heartwarming to experience it through their young eyes.

What would you say to encourage others to support Walton Arts Center? 

Why not?! If you love the performing arts in any form, I promise the impact of sharing that love as a Friend will be soul-satisfying.

Candace Starling | Underwriting Beauty & the Beast 

Kyra Belle Johnson and Fergie L. Philippe. Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Matthew Murphy. (c) Disney

What excites you  about  supporting Walton Arts Center as an underwriter?   

I'm excited to support the performing arts because they bring energy, creativity and connection to our community. It is important to me to help talented artists share their work by attending their performances. Every performance—whether it's music, theater or dance—brings people together and reminds us how powerful the arts can be. It feels meaningful to play even a small part in keeping these experiences available to everyone of all ages.  

What would you say to encourage others to support Walton Arts Center? 

I'd encourage others to support because the arts help to strengthen our community and help to keep an important part of our culture alive. Even small contributions—attending a show, donating, spreading the word—help to keep creativity alive and accessible for all.  

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Join Us in Making a Difference 

This National Philanthropy Month, we celebrate the donors who make our work possible. But more than that, we celebrate the students who discover their voices, the families who share unforgettable experiences and the community that grows stronger through the arts. 

Whether you're passionate about Broadway, education, youth development or simply believe in the power of creativity, there's a way for you to make an impact at Walton Arts Center. 

You can help make these programs—and many others—possible by becoming a Friend of Walton Arts Center. Friends giving levels start at just $120 annually, and as a Friend you have access to great benefits all season long.  

Thank you for believing in the power of the performing arts and for investing in Northwest Arkansas. 

Arkansas Towns as Broadway Musicals: Fayetteville Meet Kimberly Akimbo

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both!

Fayetteville would be Kimberly Akimbo - A little funky, a little fun, a little sentimental - and you’ll ultimately fall in love with it. Fayetteville and the Broadway musical Kimberly Akimbo share a lot of heart and humor beneath the surface.

• Both are full of quirky charm. Fayetteville with its creative college-town energy and Kimberly Akimbo with its offbeat characters trying to make sense of life’s chaos.

• Each celebrates the beauty of imperfection: in Fayetteville, that means funky art installations, indie coffee shops and a community that thrives on individuality. In Kimberly Akimbo, it’s a teenage girl navigating life with a rare condition and a whole lot of hope.

• Both remind you that being “normal” is overrated — that what really matters is finding joy, kindness and connection in the middle of the mess.

Whether you’re walking down Dickson Street or watching Kimberly dream of her Great Adventure, you can feel the same small-town warmth and big-hearted optimism shining through.

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Kimberly Akimbo is the Tony Award-winning best Musical about growing up and growing old - in no particular order.

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Kimberly Akimbo Character Guide

“A MUSICAL TRIUMPH.
Funny, clever, quirky, very off-center and emotionally engaging”

— Robert Hofler, The Wrap

Kimberly Levaco

A whip-smart, deeply empathetic sixteen-year-old girl with a rare genetic condition that causes her to age four and a half times faster than normal. Despite her circumstances, Kimberly is sharp-witted and resilient, navigating adolescence with humor and insight. Filled with a desire to experience life fully, she dreams of escaping her dysfunctional home life and finding a sense of belonging and adventure.

Seth Weetis

A quirky, socially awkward high school boy who plays the tuba and works at Skater Planet. Seth has a fascination with puzzles and anagrams, which he uses to connect with Kimberly. Underneath his shy demeanor, he is kind-hearted and able to look beyond Kimberly's physical appearance to appreciate her intelligence and humor, forming a genuine bond as her biology partner and eventual partner in adventure.

Buddy Levaco

Kim's loving but severely flawed - and often inebriated - father. Buddy clearly loves his family and cares deeply for his daughter, even though he often falls short. While unreliable, irresponsible and rarely keeps his promises, he has poignant moments of earnestness and wants so badly to be a better husband and father.

Pattie Levaco

Kim's overbearing and self-absorbed mother - and the second adult to whom Kimberly parents. Pregnant with her second child, Pattie is a bundle of fear and frustration, often venting her anxieties through sharp words and neglecting Kim due to her own preoccupations. Despite her many shortcomings, she loves Kim and struggles to reconcile her daughter’s reality with her own dreams.

Aunt Debra

Kim’s loud, brash and eccentric aunt who always seems to find trouble, dragging others along with her. Unapologetically manipulative, Debra is a schemer with a wild sense of humor and a penchant for illegal get-rich-quick plans. Despite her questionable morality, she shares an unexpected camaraderie with Kim and is able to truly "see" her in a way that neither of her parents can.

Friends

As the new girl in school, Kimberly is quickly embraced by those on the lower end of the social ladder: the show choir kids. Martin Doaty, Delia McDaniels, Teresa Benton and Aaron Puckett provide some hilarious moments throughout the musical. This quartet is locked in a terrible pileup of wrong-way crushes: the soprano loves the tenor, who loves the bass, who loves the alto, who loves the soprano.

“Kimberly Akimbo is a TRIUMPH. A STUNNER with one showstopper after another. Humorous, heartbreaking and life-changing for all concerned.”

— Greg Evans, Deadline

Her Medical Condition

Kimberly has a rare genetic disorder that causes her to age four and a half times as fast as normal, thus trapping her inside the physical body of an elderly woman.  

While Kimberly's condition is completely fictional it mimics progeria, where the average life expectancy is only 16 years. David Lindsay-Abaire got the initial idea for Kimberly Akimbo after a friend said how his newborn was like “this little old woman trapped in a baby’s body.”

Kimberly Akimbo is here for just one week. Don’t miss your chance to see this funny, funky and upligting new musical!

Dec. 9-14

Tuesday-Thursday 7 pm

Thursday 1:30 pm

Friday-Saturday 8 pm

Saturday-Sunday 2 pm

If you love Kimberly Akimbo then Fayetteville is a perfect destination for your next Great Adventure!

10 Questions with Soweto Gospel Choir

With their concert entitled Peace, the multi-Grammy® and Emmy Award®-winning Soweto Gospel Choir return to Walton Arts Center to perform a joyful program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics. The inspirational concert will also feature the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more! Formed in 2002, the Choir was created to celebrate the unique power of African gospel music and quickly established itself as a group that is “undeniably synchronized, appears unshakable, and simultaneously expresses universality and individuality” (San Francisco Classical Voice).  

Heralded by Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, Soweto Gospel Choir excites audiences worldwide, uplifting the soul and spreading joy through its earthy rhythms, rich harmonies, brilliant costumes and infectious spirit. It’s perfect for the entire family and you have once chance to see them Sunday, Nov. 16 at 4 pm.  

Soweto Gospel Choir are presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community. We asked group member Bongani Ncube 10 questions to get to know their group before the performance.  

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What can audiences expect when they come to see this performance?  

Audiences should expect fireworks made of beautiful African harmonies, rhythm and movement. 

What message do you hope to send to the world, or what do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?  

The message we carry is one of Peace. Peace in the midst of storms of life.  

Where do you find inspiration?  

Our inspiration stems from many stories we extract from life and from the Bible. It also comes from knowing that others made it and so can we. It also comes from our rich heritage and culture.  

What drew you to this performance field?  

Coming from a family that appreciates and supports music, the inherent love for music and the willingness to learn new things drew me to the performance field. 

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?  

Yes! We do have pre-show practices we partake in. Singing praises to our Lord God Almighty, prayer and sharing a word of encouragement daily (word of the day) are just some of the pre-show rituals we take part in. 

Pick 5 words that best describe your work.  

Rhythm, song, movement, heritage, excellence. 

What is the best advice that you have been given?  

Staying in the lane of excellence and finding joy in it.  

Whom do you define as visionary, and why?  

I would say Nelson Mandela and Arch-bishop Desmond Tutu, who were both Nobel prize winners from the same street in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa.  

What are some unique or memorable experiences you’ve had while traveling around the world to share your music?  

The most unique was when the whole audience in Fiji of over five thousand people sang every song in our repertoire word for word. It was as if they learned that at school.  

What songs, artists, or genres of music are you currently listening to?   

Personally, I listen to Afro-Latin (Cuban, Brazilian, Caribbean and a lot of African music in general). However, I do listen to what most of the choir listens to as well, to be in sync with the style and approach to our music production. 

Be a Hero Like Dog Man

For nearly a decade, Dog Man has inspired kids and adults to become heroes, and now you can be a hero like Dog Man to Northwest Arkansas pets and their families in need.  

We have partnered with Ranger’s Pantry Pet Food Bank, a project of Fayetteville’s Department of Housing and Community Services, for a pet food donation drive. The drive will support their work to keep struggling families and their pets together during tough financial times by providing pet food to families in need. Learn more about Ranger’s Pantry here.  

Now through Friday, Nov. 14, drop off new, sealed dog or cat food at donation stations inside the Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center or Dad Suggests Book. Scan the QR code on the donation station, and you’ll receive a discount code for 35% off select seats to performances of Dog Man: The Musical while supplies last.   

• Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center, 21 S Block Ave. - Open weekdays 10 am - 5 pm and Saturdays 10 am - 1 pm  

• Dad Suggests Books, 2526 E Mission Blvd #110 - Open weekdays 10 – 6 pm (except Thursdays) and Sundays 10 – 4 pm

Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man who, with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. While trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Recommended for ages 6-10.   

All-in ticket prices are $33.35 - $67.85 and can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org or by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm.    

Show Dates and Times 

Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 am and 3 pm 

Sunday, Nov. 23 at 2 pm 

Inside Look: Mike Stern Band with Leni Stern, Bob Franceschini, Jimmy Haslip and Steve Pruit

If you have ever wished that you could hear musical legends like Miles Davis or Blood, Sweat & Tears live, then don’t miss acclaimed guitarist Mike Stern and his band. Northwest Arkansas audiences have one chance to hear “one of the 75 greatest guitar players of all time” (Downbeat Magazine) in an intimate setting on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7:30 pm as part of the Starrlight Jazz Club.  

One of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, Stern has the unique ability to play with the finesse and lyricism of Jim Hall, the driving swing of Wes Montgomery and the turbulent, overdriven attack of Jimi Hendrix. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, Stern revered all three of those guitar immortals, along with such potent blues guitarists as Albert and B.B. King. Aspects of those seminal influences can be heard all 18 recordings he has released as a leader or in his acclaimed sideman work for Miles Davis, Billy Cobham, the Brecker Brothers, Jaco Pastorius, Steps Ahead, David Sanborn; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Joe Henderson and the all-star Four Generations of Miles band. 

“Stern has a voluminous discography of classic recordings but the excitement and energy of his performances, his interplay with other musicians and his engaging stage presence, raises the bar for this concert to a higher level,” said Robert Ginsburg, Walton Arts Center’s jazz curator and host of KUAF’s Shades of Jazz. “Add to the evening the addition of Mike’s wife, Leni Stern, who is a celebrated guitarist as well, and a powerhouse rhythm section, and we have a monumental concert in the making.”

One of his more recent albums, Eleven, is an encounter with Grammy-winning keyboardist-composer-producer Jeff Lorber, who has also performed at Walton Arts Center. Co-produced by bassist Jimmy Haslip, who had previously worked with the guitarist on the Yellowjacket’s 2008 album, Lifecycle, this lively collaboration marked his triumphant return to recording after a freak accident that threatened to end his career.  

Stern was hailing a cab outside his apartment in Manhattan July 3, 2016 when he tripped over some hidden construction debris left in the street, fracturing both of his humerus bones (the long bones that run from the shoulder to the elbow) in the fall. Left with significant nerve damage in his right hand which prevented him from doing the simplest tasks, including holding a pick, Stern faced a series of surgeries and subsequent physical therapy before he could regain control of his nerve-damaged picking hand. 

Stern has solidified himself as one of the top guitarists in jazz, from his breakthrough days with Miles Davis' celebrated comeback band of the early 1980s to his two-year stint with Blood, Sweat & Tears. He has earned the respect of colleagues and critics alike while also exerting a towering influence on a generation of aspiring players. A guitarist of formidable technique, he continues to awe and inspire six-string aficionados with his seamless blend of bebop facility, scorching rock intensity and uncommon lyricism.