An Inside Scoop on Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s newest production, Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, presents a fresh and engaging reimagining of three cherished children's stories—Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs and Billy Goats Gruff.  Designed for children ages 3 to 7, this production offers a captivating performance, laughter and wonder for young audiences and will be on our stage Tuesday, March 31 at 6 pm. 

Filled with adventure, humor and heroism, the story follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears and pigs, preventing disaster—without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain.

This imaginative retelling seamlessly interweaves three classic tales into a heartwarming adventure that celebrates friendship and courage. 

the stories you love, translated for the stage!

The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is North America’s leading theatre company producing works for families, located in the small, rural town of Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada. Each year, Mermaid Theatre presents more than 400 performances for over 200,000 spectators in venues of all sizes. Since 1972, Mermaid Theatre has been creating realistic stage adaptations of iconic children’s storybooks that integrate puppetry, moving objects, original music and memorable visual effects, touring their shows for children throughout the world.

“The Three Little Pigs,” “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” and “The Billy Goats Gruff” are all examples of well-known fables.

A fable is a type of short story that typically involves animals who behave like humans and conveys a lesson or a moral. The moral is the most important part of a fable and is often clearly stated at the end of the story. Fables have been passed down for generations and while they usually include animals, they can also involve other objects in nature, like plants or the wind, that have human characteristics.

In Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, puppets are used to bring the stories’ characters to life.

Puppetry is a theatrical art form. Puppets represent characters in the performance and are controlled by people known as puppeteers. While some shows have only puppet characters, others mix puppet characters with human actors or characters portrayed by people. A puppet is an inanimate object that is created to look like a person, animal or imaginary creature for use in theatrical storytelling.

The puppets in this production feature soft-sculpture fabric bodies and cheesecloth-mâché heads, loosely inspired by the 400-year-old Japanese Bunraku (boon-rah-koo) tradition. In Bunraku, there are usually several puppeteers who manipulate the puppet directly and are visible throughout the play rather than being hidden.

In Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales, there are two puppeteers who control all the puppets that you will see.


Tickets are only $10!

Don’t miss this chance to bring your littles and explore these fables on stage, brought to life by the work of imaginative puppeteers!

It’s never too early to introduce kids to live theater.

BTS: 2026-27 P&G Broadway Backstory

Arkansas has three Tony voters in the state. Two of those three are on staff at Walton Arts Center: Jennifer Ross, vice president of programming and Curt Owens, director of programming. In their role as Tony voters they spend a lot of time in New York City seeing shows, which helps tremendously with their day job - programming the Broadway series (and most of the other series) at Walton Arts Center.

They just introduced their newest season to the world, and we wanted to get their thoughts on a few of the shows and how they select shows for the season.

When you are seeing shows in New York for your Tony voiting, what makes you know that a show is the right one for Northwest Arkanas?

The Outsiders North American Tour Company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

(Curt) We immediately knew all of these shows would resonate with our audiences.  The utter theatricality of The Outsiders, the stunning music in Buena Vista Social Club, the pure emotion of The Notebook, the fast-paced fun of Operation Mincemeat and the incredible nostalgia and production value of Just In Time. 

(Jennifer) The Outsiders was a given almost from the first scene, and Buena Vista Social Club was an absolute joy to experience. And then when we heard that The Sound of Music was going to tour again, we knew we had to have it.

Matt Magnusson as Bobby Darin in Just In Time. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

What do you look at when you are considering bringing a completely new Title to NWA?

(Curt) Our goal in programming a season is variety. We try to balance well-known titles like The Sound of Music and The Outsiders with some that might be a little more unfamiliar, like Operation Mincemeat and Just In Time.  We always hope for a diverse mix of comfort food and fine dining - and sometimes when we get it right, the comfort food is fine dining! We want to present some shows that will make our audience sit forward in their seats and really lean in and listen. 

Operation Mincemeat will definitely be a delightful surprise to our audiences. The story has been adapted into books, films, TV episodes, but is still unknown to most people. It’s equal parts farce and thriller … hysterically funny but also sneakily touching, never letting the audience forget the true stakes for both the mission and people involved. 

On the flip side of that question, are you ever concerned about bringing a classic like The Sound of Music back? Is there always an audience for an older show?

(Curt) We are excited for people to see the show with a fresh eye. One reason it’s a classic is that it continues to resonate and continues to be timely 67 years after it premiered on Broadway. Who would have thought that the lessons The Sound of Music brings to the forefront would still be relevant today? And yet it does so with beauty and grace and a wonderful score.

(Jennifer) One of the things I love about seeing shows like The Sound of Music over and over again is that, while the nostalgia is lovely, some of the meaning can shift slightly based on our own experiences and the changing of the world in the years between seeing it. The Sound of Music is the first show I saw at Walton Arts Center - several years before I started working here - and I saw it with my mother and sister. It was a fun night and I always think about that first visit to Walton Arts Center when we bring in this show.

Lightning Round: 6 Questions, 6 Shows

Describe this Broadway series in three words, what would they be?

(Jennifer) Story, Music and History

(Curt) Diverse, Dynamic, Captivating

Was there one show that felt like the “anchor” for the season as you were building it?

(Jennifer) Not really. There are so many strong new shows on the season that I don't really see any of them as an "anchor."

(Curt) The Outsiders – It’s the most recent Best Musical Tony winner with plenty of name recognition.

Which show was a struggle to bring here and why?

(Jennifer) Just in Time was a tough one because we really wanted the show, but the only time that worked was in the summertime, when we don't usually run our Broadway shows. So the decision was a hard one to make. That being said, it's so much fun that it will be a great reason for people to come to the theater.

How does this season reflect where Broadway is right now?

(Jennifer) I think this season reflects current Broadway trends in that many of the shows are strongly based on a movie or a piece of literature or both.  

(Curt) Four shows on our season that are still playing to packed houses on Broadway feature music and/or tell stories that are both timeless and timely. They’re all compelling stories and dynamic on stage.

Claire-Marie Hall, David Cumming, Zoë Roberts, Natasha Hodgson and Jak Malone of Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical.

Is there a show in the season that surprised you — either in tone, scale or impact?

(Jennifer) Operation Mincemeat surprised me. I don't do any research before seeing a show, and I had no idea what to expect. I knew the show was getting a lot of attention. The show is fun, poignant, a history lesson and a farce all at once. This is one NOT to miss!

(Curt) Operation Mincemeat and Just In Time.  I went in with no expectations and was blown away by both.

Which shows do you think will generate the most first-time Broadway attendees?

(Jennifer) I think The Outsiders will draw lots of first time Broadway attendees because it's required reading in many high school programs.

(Curt)  I also think Buena Vista Social Club will bring in an audience that may not be regular theater-goers, and The Sound of Music will draw families, many bringing kids to their first show.

Now you know the backstory to the new Broadway SeasonI

Learn more

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Imagination Takes Center Stage

Do you have a little one who loves music and adventure? Upcoming shows in the Pringles Family Fun Series were created specifically to spark imagination and creative thinking for our youngest theater fans. Learn more about each show and discover one (or many!) that will entertain the young minds in your life.

Cahoots NI’s Secret of Space

Tuesday, March 10 at 6 pm

Launch into the wonders of the galaxy! This story follows young girls, Suni and Mae, who dream of journeying far beyond our solar system, singing among the stars and discovering all that was unknown to them. This creative and interactive show takes audiences on a journey to space, exploring the galaxy in dazzling detail while unpacking key ideas in science, technology, engineering and math through special effects, live vocals, magical illusions and art digital media. This is the perfect performance for curious minds ready for lift-off! Tickets to this show are only $10 and it is suitable for ages 7 and up. 

 

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia: Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales

Tuesday, March 31 at 6 pm

Travel to fairy tale lands as this fresh and engaging show reimagines three cherished children’s stories – Goldilocks and the Three Bears, The Three Little Pigs, and The Billy Goats Gruff. The production follows a brave raccoon and clever mouse who are on a journey to collect treasure. Along the way, they unknowingly help the goats, bears and pigs, preventing disaster – without any of the animals ever encountering a true villain. This epic voyage seamlessly interweaves three classic tales while celebrating friendship and courage along the way. This show is perfect for all little adventurers age 3 and up who are ready to experience humor and heroism. Plus, tickets are only $10!

 

Dinosaur World Live!

Tuesday, April 28 at 6 pm

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of this Olivier Award-winning interactive show. Using stunning puppetry to bring these majestic beings to life on stage, the show introduces Miranda, the daughter of paleontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a far-away island off the coast of South America. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a prehistoric world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite carnivorous giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Giraffa titan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus. Bring your brave explorers to meet Miranda's pre-historic pals following the show for a free meet and greet! Tickets start at $28.75 and this show is recommended ages 3 and up.

 

Theater Unspeakable: The American Revolution

Sunday, May 3 at 4 pm

Seven actors gather to recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown in 50 minutes. Seems like a normal show, right? Wrong! These actors are performing this while positioned two feet off the ground on a 21 square foot platform. Using only the actors’ bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons, the show evokes an epic time period in American history. Combining tongue-in-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do, The American Revolution showcases Theater Unspeakable incorporates a rowdy brand of bare-boned and imaginative physical theater. Grab your learners of all ages, tickets are only $10!

 

National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone

Tuesday, May 12 at 7 pm

Witness the beauty and wonder of the Wolves of Yellowstone National Park with wildlife biologist and National Geographic Explorer Doug Smith who led the project to reintroduce gray wolves to the park in the 1990s. Join Smith on assignment in the park to see how the landscape has changed since the wolves arrived, including never-before-seen photos and videos of the quest to bring back this apex predator. Serving at Yellowstone for nearly three decades, Smith has studied everything from beavers to birds. He brings the natural landscape of Montana to Northwest Arkansas for outdoor explorers to discover and experience interesting animals, dramatic canyons and gushing geysers. Tickets are only $10!

Discover the perfect show? purchase tickets here!

Water For Elephants Brings Arkansan Home

Name: Grant Huneycutt

Role: Wade

Hometown: Greenwood, AR

Degree: bachelors in musical theater from Oklahoma City University

Grant Huneycutt is returning to Arkansas on his first national tour with Water For Elephants. We were able to ask Huneycutt a few questions about his love of musical theater and bringing the tour to The Natural State.

When did you become interested in musical theater? 

When I was in first grade, I moved to Los Angeles with my dad to pursue acting, and I had a few jobs here and there, but nothing major. We moved back to Arkansas and were looking for some way for me to continue acting. My parents found a local children’s theater at University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. They were doing Seussical the Musical, and I ended up getting the lead. I’m 23 now, and I haven’t looked back since.

You play Wade who is a complicated character. Is it a difficult role to play?

He is faced with very difficult decisions throughout his time at the circus, but specifically during the events of the show. Some of these are literally life and death. My job as an actor is to convey that with truth and believability, and sometimes with dark characters that can be difficult and very easily seep into your real life.

But one reason Wade makes these bad choices is because he doesn’t have the community that he needs, and that’s where we differ. The people on this show with me are some of the best people out there. We’re all one big family, and I like to think that that comes across on stage. 

Do you have any People who have supported you as you’ve pursued a career on stage?

Yes! My biggest supporters have been my friends and family. They have always believed and supported me. They have come to every show they can no matter where it is.

 Will you have any of those friends and family in the crowd when you come to Walton Arts Center? 

Oh absolutely! Everyone I’ve ever met has told me they’ve got their tickets, and I love it. I am ecstatic to come home and to show everyone who’s ever seen one of my shows or believed in me in any way that it was all for something. I want every single one of them to know they had a part to play in me getting to where I am now. I am truly blessed in so many ways, but to bring my first big show home for all the people who care about me is something I’ll never forget.

What do you want people to know about this show?

Well, this show is my favorite show I’ve seen on Broadway. I was lucky enough to see it in March 2024. When I saw the show, I left saying two things: this show is going to tour well and I want to play Wade one day. so honestly, my favorite part of being on the road with this show is being able to bring it around the country.

Even if you’ve seen the movie or read the book, our show is a bit different. Not only are some of the plot points and characters shifted slightly, but we are able to use incredible storytelling techniques like acrobatics and puppets, to name a few, to bring the story to life and really draw audiences in.

What would you tell someone, growing up in Arkansas or anywhere, who wants to follow their dream like you did?

It is OK for people to have dreams to follow. I love Arkansas, but my dream has taken me to other places and that’s OK. Let your life take you where you want to go. You’re never too big to continue growing in your own life.

Step Right Up & Get Your Tickets Now!

Meet Grammy-Nominated Michael Mayo

Hot off the heels of his first-ever Grammy® nominations, Michael Mayo is headed to Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 pm. Mayo was nominated for best jazz vocal album for his 2024 album Fly and best jazz performance for the track “Four.” Don’t miss your chance to see him live in the intimate Starr Theater.

Mayo leans on his intuition as a vocalist, composer, songwriter and arranger. He stretches his voice through layers of heavenly harmonizing, hard-hitting beatboxing and heartfelt crooning without filter or pretense. This allows his voice to transmit raw emotion above an ever-evolving backdrop of jazz, neo-soul and R&B. He unveiled his full-length debut, Bones, in 2021 and cumulatively generated millions of streams. JAZZIZ raves, “Mayo has developed his own lush, neo-soul sound that adroitly showcases his clear tenor, which glides over luxuriant clouds of his multi-tracked vocals.” 

“As improvisers, we sometimes talk about leaving space and following your second or third instinct,” Mayo notes when speaking about his latest album, Fly. “Lately, I’ve been trying to challenge myself by going with my first instinct and seeing what sticks. Fly has been a fun experiment in that. There were different emotional zones I wanted to occupy, but I started a lot of those sounds with improv and followed that thread. I have a tendency to overthink. I decided to stop that before it began. I didn’t rush, but I treated everything with an immediacy—which goes against my nature as an overthinker. To me, this album feels very, ‘Let’s go’.”   

“Every once in a while, I hear a musician whose voice is so compelling that from the first few notes I am completely captivated, and I know they are designed for stardom,” Robert Ginsburg, local KUAF host of Shades of Jazz, comments on Mayo. “The last time this happened was with singer, Samara Joy, and we brought her to Walton Arts Center the year before she won multiple Grammy awards. Since first hearing Michael, I have experienced the same ‘awe struck’ feeling as I did with Samara.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, music has quite literally surrounded Mayo. His mother was a sought-after background vocalist, working alongside Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross and Whitney Houston. His father not only sang, but he performed saxophone for Earth, Wind & Fire and horns for Sérgio Mendes.  

In October 2023, he relocated from Brooklyn back to L.A. Getting into a groove, he wrote the majority of what would become Fly at home. During January 2024, he retreated to Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, recording the album in just two days with pianist Shai Maestro as well as Linda May Han Oh on upright and electric bass and in-demand drummer extraordinaire Nate Smith. Together, the musicians collectively harnessed their incredible chemistry during the sessions, giving the music gravity, muscle and soul anchored by their performances.   

The nominated single of Fly, “Four” delivers a lively arrangement of the original Miles Davis melody of the same name. Mayo alternates between fluttering vocals and a buoyant bebop-style harmony bouncing and surging with flare and finesse. A loose bassline propels the bridge, and his words strike a deep chord.  

Ginsburg continues in his review of Mayo, “At the tender age of 23, Mayo has attended the New England Conservatory of Music, become the third vocalist to be accepted to the Thelonius Monk Institute of Jazz, toured with Herbie Hancock and released two highly regarded CD’s. Witness his rising star at Walton Arts Center!”

secure your ticket now!

Give Your Valentine Something They Will Love!

Searching for the perfect gift for your Valentine? Walton Arts Center is making shopping easy with special offers for two Broadway shows.

Now through Friday, Feb. 20 at 11:59 pm, buy one get on half-off tickets to Water for Elephants Feb. 23-March 1 or Some Like it Hot March 17-22. Give your Valentine something they will love – a night out that’s full of romance and Broadway glitz and glamor.  

Use promo code WILD for Water for Elephants or HOT for Some Like it Hot, then cart two tickets to get the discount. Offer good for select performances and seats only and while supplies last.  

Find the perfect match for your Valentine! Learn more about each show.

Make it a full evening of celebration by adding a cocktail class for $45 before the show and enjoy light appetizers from Fire and Lightning catering while you learn how to mix two specialty cocktails crafted by our in-house team of mixologists. You'll leave with recipes, great memories and new friends! Classes are available Feb. 26-28 and March 19-21. Your Valentine will love it!

Step Right Up and Prepare to be Amazed at Water For Elephants

Water For Elephants brings the critically acclaimed bestselling novel to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in this 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 the road 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.   

This unique and authentic musical experience is fueled by the collective artistry of world-class acrobats, innovative puppeteers and the very best of Broadway talent. Water For Elephants is a big production where you will see all the magic right in front of your eyes as circus tents are raised onstage, and the troupe travels across the country from town to town by train.

Variety call it, “A dynamic tale! It elevates the musical to new and literal heights.”

Tony Award® -nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling" production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony Award® -nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.     

The score blends contemporary musical theater sound with flavors of folk, indie, pop, bluegrass and jazz. PigPen Theatre Co.’s signature folk group sound and enchanting melodies and harmonies transform into a soaring Broadway score with a contemporary twist.

Step right up to Walton Arts Center and experience the magic of escapism, enchantment, and passion in Water For Elephants with eight shows from Feb. 24-March 1. All-in tickets start at $48.30.

Show Dates and Times

Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 8 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 pm

Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 and 7 pm

Friday, Feb. 27 at 8 pm

Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm 

“Many wonders await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.”

– The New York Times, Critic’s Pick  

Step Right Up! Get Your Tickets Now.

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Live Music to Satisfy Any Musical Taste

Do you find yourself tapping your toes or humming along to the beat of songs? Do you find the energy of an intimate setting filled with live music absolutely captivating? Walton Arts Center has the ultimate round-up of live music opportunities this season. From artists of all genres, backgrounds and styles, there is a live performance for everybody. Who knows, you might even find your new favorite artist or musical style!  

Keep reading to learn more about some of our upcoming live artists: 

Sunny Sweeney 

Friday, March 6 at 7:30 pm in Starr Theater 

Cabaret Seating is $66.70 

Theater Seating is $43.70 

The mastery of holes in the wall, major label stint and serious songwriting chops make Sunny Sweeney something of a rarity: an artist with barroom cred, mainstream validation and songs meaty enough for listening rooms. Just as comfortable commanding a stadium stage on tour with Bob Seger as she is pouring her heart out from a listening room stool, this humble East Texas kid sings her own songs made up of equal parts wit, soul and hard truth.  

African Rhythms Alumni Quintet: A Tribute to Randy Weston 

Friday, March 13 at 7:30 pm in Starr Theater  

Cabaret Seating is $63.25 

Theater Seating is $40.25 

NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston transformed the music’s global impact. From Brooklyn, New York to Rabat, Morocco, the pianist, compose and community ambassador integrated popular sounds and folkloric traditions from across the African continent into his own legendary performances with fellow artists from across the world. Saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist T.K. Blue leads his acclaimed African Rhythms Alumni Quintet in celebration of the late artists who created new and international pathways for artistic collaboration and communion.  

Solas 

Wednesday, April 8 at 7 pm in Baum Walker Hall 

Tickets start at $34.50 

Hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” Solas has captivated audiences with their spellbinding musicianship and genre-defying creativity since 1995. Formed in New York City, the band quickly became a revolutionary force in Irish-American music, weaving traditional Irish tunes with elements of folk, bluegrass, Americana and contemporary songwriting. With driving rhythms and heartfelt vocals, Solas redefines the Celtic sound for a new generation.  

Get TICKETS TO these shows here!

Alexander Gallery's Newest Exhibition Features Work by UAFS Educator and Artist Harold Keller

The first Visual Arts Signature Series exhibition in the newly renovated Alexander Gallery at the Porter Art Warehouse showcases the works of artist and educator Harold Keller until March 8. Harold Keller: Portals is curated by Matthew Bailey.

The Portals exhibition celebrates the distinct art of Harold Keller (1928-2017) from the collection of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Gallery of Art and Design, the largest repository of the artist’s work and where he taught from 1956-1962. The university’s collection is based on an extensive donation made by the artist’s family in 2024, including paintings, drawings, ceramics and artist books along with three hundred working drawings and studies the artist used to produce his finished works. 

Keller had a prodigious artistic career of over 70 years and a teaching career of 35 years. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928, he came to the University of Arkansas in 1946 to pursue a degree in medicine. With greater interests in the arts and humanities, he instead concentrated on studio art and philosophy, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1949. After teaching for several Arkansas high schools, he became professor of art at Fort Smith Junior College (now University of Arkansas – Fort Smith) from 1956 to 1962, when he and his family returned to New York. Earning a Master of Arts in art education from New York University during his time in Fort Smith, he continued to teach in higher education until 1985. 

Situating his uniquely playful and humorous yet thoughtful, earnest work in its art historical context and examining the artist's influences, this exhibition also explores his development through several phases of his prodigious and multifaceted career as represented in the UAFS Gallery of Art and Design’s permanent collection—his years in Arkansas, his distinct paintings of the 1970s through the 1980s, his working processes, his turn to drawings on mylar in the 1990s, and his artists books made in his later years in collaboration with his wife, June Keller. 

Harold Keller: Portals explores the artist’s unique fusion of the fantastic with the everyday, a style known as magic realism. His magical realms, however, were also critical reflections and explorations of reality, with imaginative configurations and reinterpretations of art, religion, culture, personal memories and immediate experiences—all a part of the continuum of everyday existence, his paintings suggest. They also demonstrate how his experiences in Arkansas had a lasting impact on his art. 

Click here to view the artist's website

Visit this free exhibition at Alexander Gallery at the Porter Art Warehouse located at 212 N. West Ave. Monday through Saturday 11 am-2 pm and Thursday through Saturday evenings 5-8 pm.

No ticket is required for entry.  

Try These Staff Recommendations for Your Next Night Out 

With so many great shows left in our season — music, theater, dance, shows for families and more — choosing your show lineup isn't easy. To help you pick, we’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff (the people in the know) the performances on their must-see list!

Riverdance 30: The Next Generation

Riverdance 30: The New Generation

“I remember seeing Riverdance as a young girl and it was so mesmerizing! The music alone is beautiful and the diversity and the energy from the dancing is awesome. It's not the same upbeat Irish dance music you might think of, it's so much more. I am so looking forward to the performances June 9-11.”

- Esther Cabrera, social media manager

Chris Thile

“Chris Thile is a master musician and a world leader as an artist on his instrument. I heard him at Walton Arts Center several years ago and witnessed his rapport with our audience – it's something you do not want to miss on April 12.”

- Dr. Pat Relph, arts learning specialist

Water for Elephants

“I have read the book, seen the movie and I am so excited about seeing Water for Elephants on stage Feb. 24-March 1. I am not looking forward to ugly crying in Baum Walker Hall with over 1,000 people but I will be ready with tissues!”

- Toni Douglas, employee experience manager

The Comedy Zone

“I’d recommend any upcoming show in The Comedy Zone because it’s always a great time and there is so much energy and laughter in the audience. It’s a fun, easygoing experience that appeals to a wide range of people and creates a lively atmosphere. Coming up next are Brad Upton on Thursday, March 5 and Andy Woodhull on Saturday, April 18. It’s definitely my highlight of the season!”

- Lorinda Smith, operations & executive support manager

Some Like it Hot

“Some Like it Hot, March 17-22, is everything you want in a big, beautiful Broadway musical. The music is classic Broadway at its best, supported by fun costumes and tap dance (what every great musical needs). The humor is quick and sharp, and the chase scene through doors is not to be missed. It’s a fantastic night out at the theater!”

- Jennifer Wilson, senior director of public relations


Voctave

“I’m so excited to see Voctave sing live on Friday, April 10! I've listened to their music for years, and I just know it'll be even more powerful and impressive to hear live – particularly that high soprano, Kate!”

- Sara Jones, learning programs and festivals manager

Solas

“If you love Irish music, then you must see Solas on April 8, one of the finest Celtic ensembles the U.S. has produced. This traditional Irish band hails from NYC and is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. Their music — whether a traditional ballad or one of their own compositions — is absolutely astounding.”

- Jennifer Ross, vice president of programming

Grab Tickets to These Shows & More!

Arkansas Towns As Broadway Musicals: Bentonville - Discover What Makes You Happy at Some Like It Hot

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!

Bentonville and Some Like It Hot both know how to mix sophistication with a dash of mischief — and look fabulous doing it.

Just like Some Like It Hot’s jazzy, fast-paced energy, Bentonville buzzes with creativity, innovation and a love of rediscovery. The town’s trendy downtown scene could easily double as a glamorous backdrop for a chase scene involving two musicians in disguise – straight out of the musical.

Beneath all the polish, though, both share a deeper message about belonging and finding your true self in unexpected places.

Bentonville proves, much like this musical, that life’s a lot more fun when you mix a little chaos with charm and let the good times swing.

Fast-paced energy, big-time charm

We're coming in HOT, Northwest Arkansas! Set in Prohibition era, this hilarious musical follows two down-on-their-luck musicians who, after witnessing a mob hit, go on the run to escape the gangsters hot on their trail.

And what a trip it is! With its irresistible combination of heart and laughs, song and dance, Some Like It Hot won more theater awards than any show in its season, and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League, and the Outer Critics Circle. No wonder Deadline calls it “a tap-dancing, razzle-dazzling embrace of everything you love about musical theater.”

In early scenes in the musical set in Chicago, Barnes was able to pay homage to the amazing textile patterns of the 1930s: off-center geometrics, wacky florals and anything argyle to complement Scott Pask’s industrial Deco surround.

This production was the most awarded musical in the 2022-23 Broadway season including four Tony Awards including best choreography and best costumes and a Grammy Award for best musical theater album so you know it looks beautiful and sounds amazing!

“Some Like It Hot is the kind of project I love to design. It has everything!,” said award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. “The costume demands include so many walks of life: Chicago gangsters, speakeasy patrons, jazz bands, an eccentric millionaire and even a quick trip south of the border—these are folks with a dream, running away from (or towards) a new destiny.

With a book by Tony-winner Matthew López (The Inheritance) and Amber Ruffin, vibrant musical score crafted by the Hairspray team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and Tony-winning choreography from director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, Aladdin), Some Like It Hot is a fresh adaptation that is “a super-sized all out song-and-dance spectacular” (The New York Times)!

What an assignment!” Nicholaw said. “To take a beloved film and give it a modern twist while staying true to the spirit of the original; to craft a piece that feels classic yet modern, funny yet moving. In the process of working with a great quartet of writers—Matthew, Amber, Marc & Scott—we discovered that we could go deeper into the characters and their feelings because now they could sing. And dance!”

“I wanted the choreography to serve the story. In that regard, I was lucky that it was a story about a band. So in staging numbers such as “A Darker Shade of Blue,” “Ride Out the Storm,” “Take It Up A Step,” and “He Lied When He Said Hello,” I could blend the world of our characters with the performances of Sweet Sue’s Society Syncopators. One other thing stands out as a huge joy: the creation of “Tip Tap Trouble,” the climactic dance in Act 2….I was able to take all the puzzle pieces of the story and instead of having a long dialogue scene, convey it all through choreography.“

Some Like It Hot “is a booze-soaked, boisterous good time from start to finish” (Entertainment Weekly) - a safe bet if you are looking for a fun, fabulous night out at the theater.

“A glorious, big, high-kicking musical that flips the original film on its head. Nobody’s perfect? This show is!”

–Associated Press

Don't Miss This Show!

Performance Dates and Times

Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm

Wednesday, March 18, 7 pm

Thursday March 19, 1:30 and 8 pm

Friday, March 20, 8 pm

Saturday, March 21, 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, March 22, 2 pm

Still looking for adventure? Check out Bentonville - the capital of Cool - with Quaint community events and speakeasy-style bars where you can hideaway - at least for the night!

Visit Bentonville

What is The Choir of Man, and why Should I see it?

As told by Nic Doodson - creator, producer and director

“I’ve got an idea for a show…”

It’s 2016 and Andrew Kay and I are celebrating the success of a sold-out performance of our latest collaboration when he turned to me and said these fateful words. It was at this moment that The Choir of Man began, and perhaps fittingly, it was over a pint in a beer garden.

Andrew described the genesis of the idea; it’s 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. “…And,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “We should call it The Choir of Man.”

And so, an idea was born.

In the time before this conversation, I had worked for the previous 20 or so years of my career as a professional singer, so I knew a bit about singing. Also, having spent a fair amount of time in pubs during the same period, it seemed to me the simplest of ideas to combine the two experiences.

It was the perfect fit– both choirs and pubs are environments where you can raise your voices in joy or in sorrow. And they’re both places where it’s more important to listen than it is to shout. So, we set out to look for normal guys. 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.

“As a male voice choir, we wanted to make a show that brings joy to people - a show that is fun and frivolous and silly, but also one that speaks to some of those difficulties we face and gently questions what masculinity might look like today. It is an invitation to either forget your troubles for the evening, or to reach out to a loved one and share them.

Above all, we wanted to make a show that puts an arm around people, of all genders, and takes them on a bloody good night out. Sometimes it’s literally lifesaving.”
— Ben Norris, monologues writer

After three strenuous weeks devising and rehearsing, we presented our show at a venue in Tottenham, North London performing for an audience of friends and family for the first time. We could barely fit in the room we’d hired and ended up having to perform almost on top of the audience, but they loved every minute of it. From the free beer (of course) to the traditional choral arrangement of “Chandelier” by Sia, everything was lapped up by the crowd.

The energy was electric– I’d never experienced anything like it.

At the end of the first performance Andrew turned to me and said, “I think you may have something here…”. And we did, and here we are today. After Edinburgh, Coventry and Adelaide Fringes, three previous US national tours, three sold out seasons at the Sydney Opera House, two Cruise ships, European and Australian tours, and an Olivier Award nomination for our West End run we find ourselves here in Fayetteville for one night only, Tuesday, Jan. 27; and it can all be traced back to a pint in a beer garden.

Fitting indeed.

Grab your mates & get tickets NOW

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.

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

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

Get Your Tickets Now!

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

Discover Fort Smith

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.

Here's how

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.

Learn more

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.

Donate now

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.

Upcoming shows

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.