Photo by Joan Marcus
With a season full of music, theater, dance, kids shows and more, it can be hard to decide which shows you should see. To help you pick, we’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff (the people in the know) to recommend the performances they are most excited about in the first half of the season!
Single tickets to all of our shows are available now at waltonartscenter.org, in person at the box office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm or by calling 479.443.5600.
Musical Theater
SIX
Sept. 12-17
“What isn't to love about SIX? It is such a fun way to look at history, not to mention the songs, costumes and the all-female orchestra. It’s a season standout.”
Jessica T. / Volunteer Programs Coordinator
The Cher Show
Nov. 19 & 21
“Got to see it in New York with four lifelong girlfriends – it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The performance was fantastic and portrayed Cher in several stages of her career, and there were some very clever moments portrayed on stage to tell her story.”
Ranny K. / Patron Services Manager
Jagged Little Pill
Jan. 23-28
“This show has the most appeal to me for pop’s sake - Alanis Morissette is a rock icon and lyricist legend. Jagged Little Pill is going to be raw and energetic.”
Derek W. / Lead Audio Technician
Music AND CONCERTS
JOHNNY CASH - The Official Concert Experience
Oct. 14-15
“I'm really excited to see this show about the life and music of Johnny Cash, one of Arkansas' own. Using performance footage of Cash along with a live band on stage will give those of us who didn't get a chance to see him live a very special performance experience. We all know these songs, and Johnny's story thanks to some recent movies about him. But this experience will be part concert, part documentary - and we will be the first audience to see this production.”
Jenn W. / Public Relations Director
The Music of Sam Cooke
Thursday, Sept. 7
“We actually had this show on the schedule last year, but it was cancelled at the last minute due to a snowstorm. This decision was made after the band had already set and begun sound check, so I know how good they will be!”
Alex N. / Technical Director
Jeff Lorber Trio
Friday, Oct. 13
“Covering the breadth and diversity of jazz styles can be a challenge with only a six-concert series, but the Starrlight Jazz season makes a formidable stab at it this year with fusion jazz super-star, Jeff Lorber making his debut appearance at Walton Arts Center. Over the course of 42 years and 24 albums, Lorber is an acknowledged pioneer of what would later become known as ‘smooth jazz’ and ‘urban jazz’, weaving together elements of funk, R&B, rock and electric jazz into an appealing hybrid that has consistently won over listeners from coast to coast and resulted in several No. 1 radio hits.”
Robert G. / Jazz Curator
Dance
Ailey II
Tuesday, Feb. 27
“Ailey II is a fine American dance company. They have performed at Walton Arts Center previously and they were inspiring. Our community will love seeing a company that dances the work developed by the great American choreographer, Alvin Ailey.”
Dr. Patricia R. / Arts Learning Specialist
From comedy, the best of Broadway, blues and jazz, annual events, festivals and more, there is a something for everyone to enjoy this season at Walton Arts Center.
Photo by Matthew Murphy, Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade