If You Love Pop Music, Check Out These Upcoming Musicals!

If you think musicals are all jazz hands, old standards and stories from another era, two of Broadway’s biggest hits are here to change your mind. Moulin Rouge! The Musical and & Juliet both take familiar pop songs and use them to tell stories set far outside the modern world — creating an exciting, approachable gateway for audiences who may be new to musical theater.

These shows share one major ingredient: a soundtrack packed with songs audiences already know and love.

That familiarity can make all the difference for first-time theatergoers. The result? Audiences don’t have to “learn” how to enjoy the music. They’re already in on the fun.

& Juliet

Travel back to 16th-century Verona and pick up right where Shakespeare left off, however this story has a twist.

The Music

& Juliet flips the script on Shakespeare using the chart-topping catalog of legendary songwriter Max Martin, whose songs helped define modern pop music. Hits made famous by Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry become the emotional engine of Juliet’s journey toward independence and self-discovery.

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 the Feeling!"- all from Max Martin, the genius behind more No. 1 hits than another artist this century. Songs like “Teenage Dream,” “Love Me Like You Do” and “Stronger” help guide the narrative as Anne Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife, reads and dislikes his original plot, proposing her idea for a new ending.

The Story

In Anne's version, Juliet decides not to end it all when she finds Romeo dead. Instead, she gathers her friends — including the Nurse from the original Romeo & Juliet play and some new characters added for & Juliet — and escapes Verona. Her new friends and experiences show her that she's not alone in feeling stifled, but that there's a bigger world out there for her. Ultimately, & Juliet is a triumphant coming-of-age story about a young woman finding her independence.

Prepare for the show with this playlist! How many songs can you already sing along to?

The music puts a modern twist on a timeless classic, the same way Juliet’s new story does! 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. 

Show Dates & Times

Tuesday, May 26 at 7 pm

Wednesday, May 27 at 7 pm

Thursday, May 28 at 1:30 and 7 m

Friday, May 29 at 8 pm

Saturday, May 30 at 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, May 31 at 2 pm

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Hey sista, go sista, soul sista, flow sista - ready to visit Paris for the turn of the 20th century? Welcome to the Moulin Rouge! Adapted from the 2001 film, Moulin Rouge!, the iconic night club takes form on stage, transforming it into a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur and glory!

The Story

The story follows a lovesick American writer, Christian, and Satine, the dazzling star of the Moulin Rouge nightclub. When their lives collide at the Moulin Rouge, they fall hopelessly in love, only to be thwarted by the nightclub’s host and impresario, Harold Zidler, and the Duke of Monroth, the wealthy and entitled patron of the club who thinks he can buy anything he wants ... including Satine.

The Music

Moulin Rouge! The Musical blends more than 70 pop songs into its story, weaving together music from artists like Lady Gaga, Adele, Katy Perry and Elton John. Even though the story unfolds in turn-of-the-century Paris, the emotional beats are powered by songs audiences already carry with them.

The music drives the story, starting with an explosive mash-up of “Burning Down the House,” “Ride wit Me” and “Lady Marmalade.” It’s impossible not to be in the Moulin Rouge mindset after seeing burlesque and can-can dancers perform in this spectacular opening number, but the excitement does not end there! Mashups of Lorde’s “Royals” and Fun’s “We Are Young” are used to proclaim the bohemian ideals of truth, beauty, freedom and love. Satine makes her grand entrance to the tunes of the James Bond theme "Diamonds Are Forever," Rihanna's "Diamonds," Beyonce's "Single Ladies," En Vogue's "My Lovin'" and Commodores' "Brick House." Classics like Elton John’s “Your Song” and White Stripe’s “Seven Nation Army” are peppered throughout, making it a spectacle any music taste will know and love.

Prepare for the show with this playlist! How many are in your all-time-favorites playlist?

The music reimagines the songs you know and love, creating a story you won’t forget. Pop the champagne and join us as Moulin Rouge! The Musical takes audiences on a journey of ambition and weaves a tapestry of love, sacrifice and a whole lot of sequins.

Show Dates & Times

Wednesday, July 8 at 7 pm

Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 and 7 pm

Friday, July 10 at 8 pm

Saturday, July 11 at 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, July 12 at 2 and 7:30 pm

The Start of Something Great

Today’s musical theater landscape is incredibly diverse. Some productions reinterpret classic stories through a contemporary lens. Others blur the line between concert, theater and pop culture event. These two productions are perfect examples of how Broadway continues to evolve for new generations of audiences.

Get TICKETS TO these shows NOW!

These musicals and others create a bridge between pop culture and Broadway. And once you experience the energy of a live orchestra, powerhouse vocals, dazzling choreography and a packed theater reacting together in real time, you’ll discover there’s nothing quite like it.

Celebrate Artosphere in Rogers!

Artosphere Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy throughout May. You can join the Artosphere fun in Rogers at these events.

First up is Railyard Live with Covington Creek and Gone Country performing on the Butterfield Stage in downtown Rogers on Saturday, May 2 at noon.

Russellville-based southern-rock band Covington Creek and ‘90s country experience, Gone Country will take the stage for an afternoon of music.

Tickets to this event are free and it is open to the public!

More for music lovers is the Chapel Series Concert: Chamber Music at Hunt Chapel on Wednesday, May 6 at 6 pm. This fan-favorite series brings music to architectural marvels.

Experience an inspiring evening of music that brings together the vibrant talent of Northwest Arkansas. Curated by Tomoko Kashiwagi, artistic director of the Chamber Music of the Ozarks, this special concert unites students from the University of Arkansas, outstanding regional musicians and distinguished professional artists in a collaborative celebration of artistry and community.

The program features repertoire that will make your heart dance, highlighted by the delightful Suite Antique for solo flute and string ensemble by John Rutter, featuring flutist Cristina Ballatori. Audiences will also enjoy an array of chamber works showcasing the richness and intimacy of small ensemble performance. Featured performers include the professional cello duo DJ Celli, alongside a dynamic string quartet and other ensembles. From lyrical elegance to vibrant interplay, each performance invites listeners into a shared musical experience where sound resonates across generations of musicians. This concert celebrates not only artistic excellence but also the power of connection through music.

Tickets to this event are $10!

Purchase a ticket here!

With over 30 events in communities across Northwest Arkansas, Artosphere has something for everyone. Check out our website for a full listing of events including yoga sessions, shows and workshops for kids, music in the outdoors and so much more.  

View full schedule here

Show Spotlight: Just In Time

“One of the most wondrous musicals of the season and a wallop of joy!”
— New York Post

There’s something electric about a musical that doesn’t just tell a story—it swings, pulses and sings with life. That’s exactly what audiences can expect from the touring production of Just in Time, a vibrant new Broadway musical celebrating the life and legacy of Bobby Darin.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or only vaguely familiar with classics like “Mack the Knife” and “Beyond the Sea,” this show delivers an experience that feels both nostalgic and completely fresh.

Just In Time brings showcases the story of Bobby Darin, the legendary singer whose short but remarkable journey took him from teen idol to global sensation, inspiring generations of performers who followed. The acclaimed “runway hit” (Variety) that is taking Broadway by storm, will make a splash in Fayetteville on July 6-11, 2027.

Darin’s story is tailor-made for the stage. Rising from humble beginnings in the Bronx, he became one of the most versatile entertainers of his time—effortlessly crossing genres from rock ‘n’ roll to jazz, pop and even folk. His career was meteoric, his charisma undeniable, and his life, tragically, far too short.

Just in Time leans into that complexity. It’s not just a highlight reel of hits—it’s a deeply human portrait of ambition, identity and the cost of chasing greatness. The musical explores Darin’s relationships, his health struggles and the relentless drive that pushed him to reinvent himself again and again.

The show doesn’t dwell on tragedy, but rather celebrates a performer who carried an infectious energy and frames the musical as a love letter to the audience.

Catch up on Bobby Darin’s greatest hits by checking out this playlist!

In the show, these aren’t just performed—they’re reimagined with dynamic staging and arrangements that make them feel brand new. Even if you’ve heard these songs a hundred times, experiencing them live in a theatrical setting adds a new layer of energy and emotion.

Visually, the show is a feast. From smoky nightclub scenes to high-energy concert moments, the production design transports audiences straight into the mid-20th-century entertainment world. Costumes sparkle, the band swings and the choreography keeps the momentum moving at a brisk, exhilarating pace.

But what sets Just in Time apart is its balance. It’s not just glitz and glamour—it has real emotional weight. The quieter moments land just as powerfully as the showstoppers, giving the story room to breathe.

In a Broadway landscape filled with revivals and adaptations, Just in Time stands out as something special: a jukebox musical with soul. Most of all, it captures something universal: the desire to leave a mark, to be heard and to live fully—even when time is limited.

Subscribe for first access!

Six-show Broadway subscriptions are available for a limited time. Six-show Broadway subscription packages are $351 - $531 for Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday matinee, and $405 - $585 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Package prices vary depending on seat location and include all fees. Dates, programs and prices are subject to change. 

Subscribers to the 2026-27 season will also be the first in line to guarantee their seats for the Northwest Arkansas debut of Wicked when renewing their subscription 2027-28!

Art of Wine Goes West

Each year, Northwest Arkansas raises a glass for one of its most anticipated social events of the season: Art of Wine, a signature benefit for Walton Arts Center. Now in its 24th year, this beloved evening has evolved into far more than a wine tasting—it’s a celebration of community, creativity and the power of the arts to transform lives.

Early Bird and Reserve Room tickets are now on sale for this year’s night full of wine and food sampling, 7-9:30 pm on Friday, July 24. 

Indulge in hundreds of wines, sample the flavors of area restaurants, and enjoy local entertainment as you toast to arts education!  

This year’s event brings a fresh twist to the tradition with a bold Western-inspired theme that invites guests to “ride west” for an evening of delicious discovery. The setting will channel frontier charm, blending rustic elegance with a sense of adventure. Think sun-soaked vineyards meets wide-open hospitality, where guests are encouraged to lean into the theme with their own western flair while they swirl, sip and savor selections from more than 100 vendors and bites from over 20 local restaurants surrounded by frontier charm. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or an eager enthusiast, you’ll be swept away by the finest pours this side of the Rockies and the spirit of the untamed West.  

“I’ve been eyeing a Western-inspired theme since 2024, but the timing finally felt right this year,” said Whitlee Douthitt, special events manager. “I’m always looking at the intersection of fashion, pop culture and interior design to see what is resonating. The best themes are the ones people can truly play with. I want them to resonate cross-generationally and for guests to feel like they can make them their own! Much like the theater, we’re creating a space where personal expression is very much encouraged.”

New this year, guests will be able to accent their western wear at the shops on our Old Main Street. Grab a hat from Moon Ridge, merch from our very own collection or some jewelry from Underwoods Fine Jewelers. Or get a pernanent (and artistic) keepsake from the evenning when you reserve a time slot for a flash tattoo. Just add on a $50 non-refundable deposit when you purchase your event ticket. The remaining balance will be paid to the artist at the event. 

“We want to make sure we’re offering experiences everyone can enjoy. For the second time at Art of Wine, we’re leaning into experiential fundraising—having partners like Underwoods, Holliday Tin Types and Moon Ridge Hats and Heritage on-site so guests have something to actually do rather than just something to drink. It’s a total win-win: our guests get to discover incredible local craftsmanship, and the proceeds go directly toward supporting our kids and arts programming here in NWA,” Douthitt said.

 Proceeds from the Art of Wine Festival support Walton Arts Center, a nonprofit arts presenting organization serving the region for three decades. As a non-profit. donations ensure over 25,000 students and educators experience live performing arts annually, many for the first time, at no cost. This includes Classroom Series performances specifically designed for students, educator professional development and community outreach initiatives throughout the region.  

A limited number of Early Bird general admission tickets are available now at a discounted price of $98. Once those are sold out, general admission ticket prices will increase to $110.  Add the Express Pass for $25 per person to your general admission tickets and get early entry to the event at 6:30 pm and be the first to taste your favorites.

Step beyond the saloon doors with a Reserve Room ticket for $260, that includes everything in general admission plus additional premium wines and food offerings. This “all-access” pass includes an Express Pass, a dedicated entrance and exclusive lounge spaces and activations.

Purchase tickets here!

Show Spotlight: Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical

“It’s not just the best musical I’ve seen; it’s the most rewarding theatrical experience I’ve ever had.”

- Taffy Brodesser-Akner, New York Times

How did a dead body, a fake love letter and - of all people - Ian Fleming turn the tide of WWII? It’s 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to game all our futures on a stolen corpse. Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, it’s the fast-paced, hilarious true story of the secret mssion that won WWII.

The best reviewed show in West End history with 113 five-star reviews and named the No. 1 Broadway Show of 2025 (Entertainment Weekly), Operation Mincemeat is heading out on its first world tour, including eight performances at Walton Arts Center May 25-30, 2027!

Have you heard about the successful British deception operation of the Second World War to disguise the 1943 Allied invasion of Sicily? Here’s a quick run-down: Two members of British intelligence obtained the body of Glyndwr Michael, a homeless man who died from eating rat poison, dressed him as an officer of the Royal Marines and places personal items on him identifying him as the fictitious Caption (Acting Major) William Martin.

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical takes this historic victory and transforms it into a high-energy, satirical comedy that has become the best-reviewed show in West End history!

Whether you’re a history buff, a comedy connoisseur, a theater enthusiast or a nerd for newts, Operation Mincemeat is the show for you!

Subscribe for first access!

Six-show Broadway subscriptions are available for a limited time. Six-show Broadway subscription packages are $351 - $531 for Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday matinee, and $405 - $585 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Package prices vary depending on seat location and include all fees. Dates, programs and prices are subject to change. 

Subscribers to the 2026-27 season will also be the first in line to guarantee their seats for the Northwest Arkansas debut of Wicked when renewing their subscription 2027-28!

Learn More About the Wild Wolves of Yellowstone

Doug Smith (left) & Mike Phillips waiting to transport a wolf in a shipping container. (Photo Barry O’Neill/NPS.)

The wolf is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most important predators. They once roamed the landscape and influenced the ecosystem for thousands of years. In an effort to tame the wilderness, the U.S. government eradicated wolves, along with other carnivores like cougars and bears, from Yellowstone in the 1920s. This action had a profound effect on the park; elks boomed in the absence of carnivores and there were significant changes in vegetation. Other factors of the food web were significantly altered, including beavers becoming increasingly rare.

Doug Smith (left) & Mike Phillips preparing to release wolf #3 at the Fishing Bridge service road. (Photo Jim Peaco/NPS.)

Starting with the watershed Endangered Species Act in the 1970s, and finally in 1995 with all the pieces in place, a collection of scientists successfully relocated fourteen gray wolves to Yellowstone's Lamar Valley, triggering the Yellowstone Wolf Project.

Learn all about this story at Walton Arts Center at National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone on Tuesday, May 12 at 7 pm. Join wildlife biologist Doug 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.

Smith studied wildlife from beavers to birds in Yellowstone National Park for nearly 30 years. Before arriving in Yellowstone, Smith earned his Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno, and worked for more than a decade at Isle National Park in Michigan.

He has written numerous scientific publications and has been featured in four National Geographic television specials, as well as interviewed by the likes of “60 Minutes” and the BBC. He has also written and edited several books about the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including the 2023 book Yellowstone’s Birds: Diversity and Abundance in the World’s First National Park. Expanding on his outdoor explorations, Smith is an avid canoeist, having paddled many remote rivers in Alaska and northern Canada.

This show is part of our 10x10 Arts Series, a collection of $10 shows curated to allow audiences to explore something new, and our annual Artosphere Arts + Nature Festival, which hosts dozens of free or low cost events and performances inspired by nature.

get $10 Tickets here

Q&A with Dinosaur World Live writer & director

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this Olivier award-winning interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor  and Segnosaurus! Join us for a free meet and greet after the show, where all our brave explorers can make a new dinosaur friend. This show is recommended for ages 3 and up. 

Before Dinosaur World Live stops at Walton Arts Center for one performance only on Tuesday April 28 at 6 pm, asked the writer and director Derek Bond a few questions.  

How would you describe Dinosaur World Live?  

Miranda has grown up around dinosaurs on a far-off island, she’s brought some of her friends, and she’d love you to meet them. It’s an inspirational 50-minute interactive show with giant dinosaurs. Our biggest is nearly 32 feet long, and takes four people to puppeteer it.  

What has excited you most about working on the show?  

Watching the dinosaurs come to life – there’s a moment in rehearsals when the puppeteers get it right, and this collection of metal, plastic and paint is suddenly alive in front of you. That, and seeing children’s reactions when they see the show!  

What does the typical dino rehearsal day look like?  

We always start with a physical warm up – puppeteering the dinosaurs is hard physical work, and the team have to warm up like dancers or athletes do. Then we’ll look at a scene “unadorned” – that’s where the puppeteers moving around the space without the puppet, but using their hands and legs in the same way they will when they are operating the puppet. We do this because the dinosaurs are heavy, and you can’t keep stopping and thinking about what to do when someone is holding 55 pounds on their shoulders! When we have a shape for the scene that we’re happy with, the puppeteers will get inside the dinosaur, and we’ll test the shape out. Laura Cubitt (our brilliant puppet director) will spot the details that will help the puppeteers to make the dinosaur really “live” – it might be a breath, or a look or a blink. After running it couple of times, we swap puppeteers – all our puppeteers can operate all the parts of each puppet, though they all have their favorites.  

Tell us about the audience reaction to the giant T-Rex?  

It’s amazing. When Titus (our T-Rex) emerges, the audiences either jump out of their seats or hide under them! But when Miranda needs help to drive Titus back off the stage, everybody joins in. It’s a great to see children overcoming their fear and fiercely roaring at a 32 foot long T-Rex!  

Why should people come and see Dinosaur World Live and what do you hope audiences will take away?  

It’s an inspirational show – it fires the imagination and teaches you things you might not know about famous dinosaurs like T-rex and triceratops, but also introduces you to dinosaurs you might not have heard of like microraptor and segnosaurus. My hope is that audiences will come out desperate to know more about dinosaurs, and with their imaginations working on all cylinders. It’s also interactive, encouraging the whole audience to get involved.  

Who do you think are easier to direct? Humans or dinosaurs?  

You can tempt them with food, but if they don’t want to do something they can be really stubborn. And the dinosaurs can be hard work too. 

Hurry before tickets go extinct!

Learn more about Theater Unspeakable's The American Revolution

Here’s what you need to know:

7 actors positioned

2 feet off the ground share

21 square feet of space

Recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown using only their bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons in

50 minutes

It’s the ultimate American origin story!

Combining tongue-in-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do, The American Revolution displays Theater Unspeakable’s rowdy brand of bare-boned and imaginative physical theater. This show is recommended for ages 9 and up.

Honoring 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this show makes one stop at Walton Arts Center on Sunday, May 3 at 4 pm. All tickets are only $10.

We sat down with the show’s director Marc Frost and American Stage Chicago intern Cristabel Donker to learn more.

Why did Theater Unspeakable choose to make this play?

The American Revolution is definitely a big story - with all its important political and historical moments not to mention eight years of battles - but it’s also a story that we don’t hear very much today. Maybe this is because Civil War-era films are popular right now, or maybe its because our nation’s founding story seems too academic, too stale, too far removed from the way we live today. That’s where movement-based narrative, or what may also be called physical theater, can help us make a story fresh and alive for a contemporary audience.

It is important to tell both sides of any story, but when you are trying to condense a big story into a small space (and time!) you have to paint the action with a thicker brush while also maintaining some of the finer details. In this case, I think most U.S. audiences can sympathize with the American side and that is where we have tried to show the most complexity. That George Washington was not born a hero, that John Adams had major ego programs and that the Founding Fathers and Mothers were real people trying to deal with real situations long before they became mythologized into marble portraits.

How did you approach the obvious presence of slavery in this time period without making it central to the story?

We did not want to shy away from the fact that slavery was an everyday fact of life during the American Revolution. Washington, Jefferson and many other famous revolutionaries spoke about “unshackling themselves from the chains of England’s tyranny” while at the same time keeping thousands of enslaved people in their own households.

What message or feeling are you hoping audiences walk away with?

Billy Lee once said of Washington, “When I think about George, I think of our country. Not a perfect one, but a good one.” This is the same message I would like people to take with them when they leave the theater. The country’s founding had an imperfect beginning, build upon the sacrifice, slaughter and subjugation of many individuals and peoples, but I want them to leave feeling proud of their country’s founding, because it truly was the dawning of a new era for personal freedom. Even in its most beautified heroes, we see the flaws, the human shortcomings, which to me, make the achievements all the more inspiring. We also hope they laugh.

$10 tickets here

Show Spotlight: The Sound of Music

“This show is fresh, alive and actually feels like a brand new musical.” - Chicago Theater Reviews 

For 65 years, The Sound of Music has been one of our “favorite things.” With its timeless story and irresistibly charming score, this Rodgers & Hammerstein classic isn’t just meant to be enjoyed - it’s meant to be shared. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to stages across the country to teach a new generation to sing.   

Let’s start at the very beginning …  

The Von Trapp family at the center of the musical by Lindsay & Crouse, Rodgers & Hammerstein was a real singing group that had an extraordinary origin and an impressive professional career in Europe and in America, with a various recording contracts and a dedicated fan base. Maria Von Trapp’s memoir, The Trapp Family Singers, had seen some success upon its release in 1947, but it wasn’t until the late 1950s that Broadway star Mary Martin teamed up with her husband, Richard Halliday, and Rogers & Hammerstein, that the story began to sing.  

Though the musically-inclined family had considerable recognition in the states, preparing the story for stage was no easy feat. “Either you do it authentically—all actual Trapp music—or you get a complete new score for it,” said Hammerstein. Fresh off their success with South Pacific, Rogers & Hammerstein set out to write an original score.  

Lindsay & Crouse referenced Maria’s memoir for the plot, while Rogers & Hammerstein connected with several parties to give the musical authenticity and depth: 

  • Hammerstein started a correspondence with Sister Gregory, a friend of the Hallidays and a nun who served as head of the drama department at Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois. She became the expert on matters related to the nuns, but also inspired the lyrics to become more spiritually rich.

  • Maria Von Trapp, who at this time was in Papau New Guinea for missionary work, had read an early script, and according to the Rogers & Hammerstein archives, had several concerns: she felt that the character of Maria was not enough of a tomboy and therefore did not undergo enough of a change; second, the Captain was far too Prussian and humorless than her real-life husband.  

Kevin Earley (Captain Georg von Trapp) and Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) with the von Trapp Children (l to r) Ariana Ferch (Liesl), Eli Vander Griend (Friedrich), AvaDavis (Louisa), Benjamin Stasiek (Kurt), Haddie Mac (Brigitta), Ruby Caramore (Marta), Luciana Van Dette (Gretl) in The Sound of Music. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

Refreshed for new generations and directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this vibrant and romantic tale of Maria and the Von Trapp family will captivate audiences with its universal themes of love, resilience and the power of music. Featuring beloved songs you know and love like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Edelweiss,” this is the iconic tale of a spirited nun who chooses not to live behind closed doors - and, by following her heart, learns to climb every mountain.  

Enjoy the heartwarming story all over again at one of eight performances at Walton Arts Center April 13-18, 2027. 

Subscribe now for first access

Six-show Broadway subscriptions are available for a limited time. Six-show Broadway subscription packages are $351 - $531 for Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday matinee, and $405 - $585 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Package prices vary depending on seat location and include all fees. Dates, programs and prices are subject to change. 

Subscribers to the 2026-27 season will also be the first in line to guarantee their seats for the Northwest Arkansas debut of Wicked when renewing their subscription 2027-28!

Learn more

Bringing the Stage to Students

How Walton Arts Center is Expanding Access Through Theater for Young Audiences

Treasure Island at Leesa Academy, a new school to participate in the Classroom Series.

For decades, the Classroom Series has welcomed thousands of students into the theater each year, offering many their very first experience with live performances. But for some schools, attending a field trip isn’t always possible. Transportation costs, time constraints and staffing challenges can turn even a short performance into an all-day commitment.

That’s where a new chapter begins.

Taking Theater Beyond the Stage

Walton Arts Center is expanding its reach as a producer of theater for young audiences. This shift represents a significant evolution: while the organization has co-produced theater for young audiences in the past, it is now stepping into the role of sole producer for the first time. This production is designed to tour local schools, bringing a high-quality, curriculum-based performance directly to students.

At the center of this effort is Treasure Island, a production created with students—and their classrooms—in mind. Timed to align with curriculum for those fourth-grade students who are studying the classic novel this spring. By experiencing the story live, students can connect more deeply with the material in a way that textbooks alone can’t provide.

“Treasure Island is a classic story that is woven deep into the fabric of human stories: pirates, buried treasure, etc.,” said director Kassie Misiewicz. “However, not many young people actually read the book. After the play, we hope to inspire people to pick up Robert Lewis Stevenson’s novel or watch a movie adaptation. I highly recommend the 1996 Muppet Treasure Island film!”

Designed for Access and Impact

Building a touring production from the ground up required a new level of creativity and collaboration. Every detail—from set design to staging—was crafted with flexibility in mind, ensuring the show could travel easily and perform in spaces like a school cafetorium without losing its artistic impact.

“In order to transform the stage from an Inn to a ship and then to a jungle and a fort, we rely on the audience’s imagination,” Misiewicz says. “As the story moves from one place to another, actors move barrels, masts and crates to create a new setting and the audience uses their imagination to fill in the blanks.”

The result is a production that meets students where they are—literally.

This approach not only removes logistical barriers but also creates more equitable access to the arts, reaching students who may never have the opportunity to visit the theater in person.

Investing in the Local Creative Community

The impact extends beyond the classroom. Producing Treasure Island has created jobs for 12 professional theater artists, from director and designers to performers and stage management. Rehearsals at Mount Sequoyah and partnerships with local organizations further strengthen the region’s creative ecosystem.

It’s a model that supports both education and the arts—growing opportunities on both sides of the stage.

A Vision for the Future

This production is just the beginning. Walton Arts Center envisions building a repertoire of touring shows that can reach students year after year, both locally and beyond. Treasure Island itself will continue its journey with additional performances, including a run of classroom and public shows in South Bend, Indiana later this spring.

The long-term goal is clear: expand access, deepen engagement and ensure every student has the chance to experience the transformative power of live theater.

Creating Moments That Matter

At its heart, this work is about creating those unforgettable moments—the ones where learning clicks, curiosity ignites and students see new possibilities for themselves.

By producing theater for young audiences and bringing it directly into schools, Walton Arts Center isn’t just removing barriers. It’s opening doors, inspiring imaginations and helping the next generation discover the magic of the arts—one performance at a time.

The production is touring Northwest Arkansas schools March through April. Then it will travel to Notre Dame in South Bend where it will be presented on their children’s series.

You can support the continuing work that Walton Arts Center does to bring arts and artists to our community by becoming a Friend of Walton Arts Center.

Learn more

$10 Orchestra Tickets – Australia Chamber Orchestra and Curtis Chamber Orchestra 

Whether you love the sweeping emotion of strings, the thrill of world-class soloists or simply the energy of exceptional musicians performing together in the same room, these concerts deliver all of that and more. Don't miss the Australian Chamber Orchestra on Saturday, April 18 and the Curtis Chamber Orchestra on Tuesday, May 19. Pick your favorite or join us for both. Both performances promise to be unforgettable nights of music at a price that's hard to beat. 

Australian Chamber Orchestra 

Saturday, April 18, 8 pm 

“The Australian Chamber Orchestra is uniformly high-octane, arresting and never ordinary.”  

-The Australian 

The Australian Chamber Orchestra lives and breathes music, making waves around the world for its explosive performances that redefine orchestral music. With their fearless leader of 35 years, artistic director Richard Tognetti, in 2026 the Orchestra celebrates 50 years of invention, disruption and unforgettable music-making.  

The ACO performs more than 100 concerts each year, with programs that embrace celebrated classics alongside new commissions and ground-breaking collaborations. Audiences at their performance in Fayetteville can expect to hear an exquisite selection of classical music: Henry Purcells’ Fantazia upon One Note; George Frideric Handel’s Concerto Grosso in A major, Op.6, No 11; John Luther Adams’ Horizon, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending (arranged by Adam Johnson) and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel’s String Quartet in E-flat major.  

The ACO has its own streaming platform, ACO On Demand, which hosts the Orchestra’s award-winning cinematic concert films, ACO StudioCasts, alongside live concert streams. The Orchestra also has an active recording program. Their recordings of Bach’s violin works won three consecutive ARIA Awards, alonside their albums River and Indies & Idols. Their recent release, Water | Night Music, is the first Australian-produced classical vinyl in two decades.  

I want to see Australian chamber orchestra!

Curtis Chamber Orchestra 

Tuesday, May 19, 7 pm

“With their handling of the shifts between determined attacks and tender, blossoming notes, the musicians bring a sprawling score to life!” - South Florida Classical Review 

Performing alongside celebrated alumni and faculty, The Curtis Chamber Orchestra is infused with the energy and passion of extraordinary emerging artists – the students at the Curtis School of Music. This ensemble performs over 30 concerts annually, both in the top concert halls in the U.S. and internationally.  

The Curtis Chamber Orchestra is a conductor-less group led from the first chair by Minnesota Orchestra concertmaster and Curtis violin faculty Erin Keefe. Their program includes Mozart’s masterful Sinfonia Concertante for violin, viola and orchestra performed by Erin Keefe and Curtis president and renowned violist Roberto Díaz, as well as beloved works by Barber and Beethoven.   

At the Curtis Institute of Music, the world’s most talented young musicians develop into exceptional artists, creators and innovators, and are motivated by a learn-by-doing philosophy. This performance with the Curtis Chamber Orchestra is part of their education and offers audiences a unique opportunity to participate in pivotal moments in these young musicians’ careers.  

book my $10 ticket here

Volunteers Power the Arts – On stage and Off 

We often say at Walton Arts Center that “the show cannot go on without our volunteers,” and even down to our administrative tasks, our volunteers help nearly every aspect of our daily operations. Eight volunteers, on top of their patron-facing responsibilities at shows like scanning tickets, passing out programs and helping you find your seat, donate their time and skills at the front desk of our administrative offices. 

Duties include accepting and directing packages, filing paperwork and assisting staff in projects and show-related tasks. “To me the main focus of shows is making sure the patrons and school kids have a great experience,” says volunteer Rene Cheek. “A shift in administration means assisting the staff any way we can help save them time. And when we get to see a show, it adds to the experience.” 

For several volunteers who are retired, this opportunity allows them to continue the work they did in their career. “I missed working in an office setting and thought it would be fun to come help. Also I wanted to meet the people in the background that make the Walton Arts Center run,” says Amanda Zoellick. Another volunteer, Vicki Thompson, agreed saying “I enjoyed volunteering for shows and I thought I might like to see the people that work behind the scenes. I get to see all the activity the shows bring in and it really is enjoyable.” 

Regardless of where our volunteers donate their time within the organization, many say that the people they meet and friendships they make are the best part. “I moved to NWA in 2018 and have made many friends through volunteering here,” said Dennis Dinkel.  “There’s a lot of camaraderie and I have appreciated the opportunity to meet new people.” Rachel Wolverton added “Regardless how you feel when you walk in the door you leave smiling. I also moved here in 2018 and only knew two people. Through volunteering I met new people and made lifelong friends.” 

This talented and dedicated group of individuals is a vital part of our team. To learn more, visit waltonartscenter.org/volunteer.