You don’t have to go to New York City to see a Broadway show. Walton Arts Center brings the best touring Broadway shows to Northwest Arkansas. What could be a better gift than a Broadway theater experience?  

Gifting an experience is guaranteed to please even the pickiest of family members. According to Consumer Reports, “66% of people between the ages of 25 and 34 would rather receive an experience gift than a tangible item.” The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology also found that people derive a greater level of happiness from experiences than they do from material possessions, both when anticipating receiving them and after they have received them.  

Science Daily also reports that experiential gifts are more effective than material gifts at improving relationships from the recipient's perspective. Cindy Chan, an assistant professor in U of T Scarborough's Department of Management and the Rotman School of Management says, “the reason experiential gifts are more socially connecting is that they tend to be more emotionally evocative. An experiential gift elicits a strong emotional response when a recipient consumes it – like the excitement of a rock concert. 

If you are looking for the perfect shows to give as gifts this year, we have a few recommendations. 

Les Misérables is still the world’s most popular musical, and during the holiday season it can also be the most popular gift. Make a fan’s dreams come true or introduce someone on your list to Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award®-winning musical, Les Misérables, at Walton Arts Center January 2-7.   

Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Les Misérables is the perfect opportunity to gift your loved one’s a once in a lifetime theater experience.  

Want to make sure they have an elevated theater experience? Add on a Walton Arts Center VIP Upgrade for $49 per person and step past the velvet rope into a private VIP room open pre-show and at intermission. Price includes two drinks, a dedicated bar, appetizers and a themed photo booth.  

Looking for a new Broadway musical? Jagged Little Pill is coming to Walton Arts Center Jan. 23 – 28 with eight performances and is guaranteed to make you feel what it’s like to be human again. It is inspired by the seminal rock album of seven-time Grammy® Award winner Alanis Morissette. 

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE – everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show – is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical. Ignited by Morissette’s groundbreaking lyrics and music – from beloved hits such as “You Oughta Know,” “Head Over Feet,” “Hand In My Pocket” and “Ironic”, to brand new songs written for the show. 

Jagged Little Pill is recommended for ages 14 and up. Please note: This production contains strong language, adult themes, drug use, and moments of sexual violence that some may find upsetting. 

Add a little extra holiday magic to someone’s holidays and add on a cocktail class before Jagged Little Pill. Mix things up before your show, our master mixologist will lead you through the steps to create two themed drinks, paired with light appetizers. Must be 21 or older to participate. 

With two amazing Broadway performances and add-ons to choose from, the ability to gift an experience is easier than ever at Walton Arts Center. Spice up your holiday gifting this year and find the perfect tickets for anyone on your list at www.waltonartscenter.org.