Hellooooo, Northwest Arkansas! Mrs. Doubtfire is Coming to Town

The movie you know and love comes to the stage in this internationally acclaimed hit musical critics call “wonderful, heart-warming and laugh-out-loud funny” (Manchester Evening News) and “a feel-good, family-friendly comedy that delivers” (The Hollywood Reporter). Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks, Mrs. Doubtfire tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.  

Director Steve Edlund answered a few of our questions before everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny heads to Fayetteville, Dec. 19-21. 

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For those who may not know, what does a tour director do?  

A tour director is responsible for overseeing all the elements of putting a show together in the spirit of the show's original direction. From how it looks to how it moves ... my job is to honor the amazing work of the brilliant director Jerry Zaks by recreating his meticulously thought-out production as faithfully as possible. 

How do you go about recreating a movie that was so popular like this one for the stage?  

By loving it! Every bit of this show is rooted in our deep love for the 1993 movie. We've taken what you know and built upon it in a way only a musical can. 

What does Mrs. Doubtfire provide to its audiences?  

Mrs. Doubtfire is all about love and family. The lengths one would go for them and how we define what a "family" can look like. 

Why should audiences come see Mrs. Doubtfire in Fayetteville?  

You know, I've watched this show so many times ... and I'm always surprised how it affects me. You laugh and laugh and just when you go to laugh again, you're moved. Anyone can relate to it and everyone will be entertained. 

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Show Dates & Times

Friday, Dec. 19 at 7:30 pm

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

Sunday, Dec. 21 at 2 pm

Find Your Fall Jazz Soundtrack with Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet

A great fall bucket list includes a trip to the pumpkin patch, seasonal cooking, cozying up for your favorite movies and listening to amazing jazz music! You’re in luck this October because Walton Arts Center is hosting the talented Camille Thurman with the Darrell Green Quartet in the Starrlight Jazz Club on Friday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 pm.  

As an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, vocalist and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition, Thurman is quickly becoming one of the leading standard bearers of the art form. Fluid and powerful on the tenor saxophone, her rich sound has been compared to Joe Henderson and Dexter Gordon, while her vocal approach—including an impressive scatting ability—has been classified alongside those of Ella Fitzgerald and Betty Carter. 

"Camille actually had the audacity (and courage!) to play her tenor sax with Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, stepping into John Coltrane’s shoes to perform his transcendent A Love Supreme,” said Robert Ginsburg, jazz curator at Walton Arts Center and host of KUAF’s Shades of Jazz. “A daunting achievement for any saxophonist. The other side of her talent is as a vocalist. She first caught the jazz world’s attention in 2013 as a finalist in the Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. She could have become a major force on the strength of either her voice or her tenor saxophone, however both will be on full display.” 

““You’re hard-pressed to find rising talents more exciting than Camille Thurman.” ”

—   The New York Times  

A respected bandleader, she has headlined numerous notable concert venues and jazz festivals worldwide, including the Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress and the Rose Theater. Her international recognition is a testament to the universal appeal of her music and the profound impact she has made on the global jazz community. 

Thurman was chosen by the U.S. State Department under the Fulbright Scholarship grant to tour and perform in Paraguay and Nicaragua as a bandleader. She was recently selected by American Music Abroad and the U.S. State Department to tour and perform in Africa as a U.S. Cultural Ambassador in Cameroon, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania. In May 2020, she founded “The Haven Hang,” which serves as a virtual and in-person mentorship series for young women musicians, with an initiative to mentor, aid and support young women pursuing music careers in the performing arts. Currently, she is an assistant professor of jazz performance at McGill University.  

The New York City-native has amassed several distinctive honors for her musicianship:  NAACP Image Award Nominee for outstanding jazz album, recipient of the SOUTH Arts Creative Jazz Road artistic residency, Downbeat Magazine’s critics poll nominee for rising star tenor saxophonist and vocalist and rising new artist (2023, 2022, 2021 and 2020),  two-time winner of the ASCAP Herb Alpert young jazz composers award, a recipient of the Fulbright Scholars cultural ambassador grant and Chamber Music of America performance plus grant (Sponsored by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation) among others. Thurman also has five full-length recordings as a leader to her credit. Her most recent project, Confluence: Vol 1, is a collaboration with master drummer Darrell Green and his quartet. 

Find your new soundtrack to the season with Camille Thurman. All-in ticket prices start at $40.25.  

Keep the Seasonal Music Going! 

Thurman made history as the first woman in 30 years to tour internationally, record and perform full-time with the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra as a saxophonist/woodwind doubler (2018-2020 season). You can see this powerhouse performer in October, then in November experience first-hand the brilliance of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Big Band Holiday Tour to get you in the holiday spirit.  

Shake Off Your Workweek with Big Laughs at The Comedy Zone

The Comedy Zone delivers the energy and talent of big-city comedy clubs in the intimate setting of Starr Theater. Get ready for non-stop laughs with big-name talent and fresh comedic voices. Whether you’re out with friends, on a date or just in need of a good laugh, The Comedy Zone is just the ticket. Try it out on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 7:30 pm with viral comedian Myles Weber.  

Seeing Weber live is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s not just about jokes; It’s about positive interactions that will have you looking on the bright side of things. Weber has racked up over 80 million views across all platforms, was featured on MTV’s Greatest Party Story Ever Told, has a Top 10 Dry Bar comedy specials (When You’re A White Dude From the Hood) and two specials on Amazon Prime (A 90s Kinda Love and Mr. Brightside). He has been featured on “Uncensored with Mario Adrion” podcast, “Unlearned” podcast, “Build With Rob Dyrdek” podcast, and the “Vulnerable Podcast” with Christy Carlson Romano.  

Weber has also been a part of some of the biggest comedy competitions and festivals across the country. He took first place in the San Francisco International Comedy Competition and was among the "Best of The Fest" groups at the Burbank Comedy Festival, San Luis Obispo Comedy Festival (2x) and Big Pine Comedy Festival. 

Want your vibe raised? Your funny bone tickled? This show is full of refreshing material and relatable stories to uplift generations of all ages. All-in tickets start at just $28.75.  

Classroom Series: Making Arts Accessible for Northwest Arkansas Students

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With school now back in session Walton Arts Center is already welcoming students through its doors to see transformative arts experiences - for free! Studies show that when students learn through the arts they develop the critical thinking, collaborative and creative skills necessary to succeed. And, when students explore their community’s cultural amenities, like Walton Arts Center, they build cultural capital to help them reach the dreams of adulthood. 

Dinasaur World Live

Walton Arts Center envisions a community where every child participates in high quality arts experiences, both in school and beyond its walls. It takes all of us working together to realize this vision of a well-rounded education for every child in Northwest Arkansas, no matter where they go to school. All children deserve this.

With the generous support of our sponsors, students and teachers from our region can attend a matinee show, during the school day, at Walton Arts Center for free. Many of these students are seeling a live theater production for the first time!

These days at the theater include shows for all ages and abilities covering everything from dance to music to plays. All shows connect and support grade-level learning standards. Variety and accessibility are key to the Classroom Series because Walton Arts Center’s goal is to build a community where every child participates in high-quality arts experience in and out of school. 

Voctave

Arts field trips are about more than seeing a performance, an exhibition or leaving campus, they are a chance to participate in hands-on, experiential learning. When students have the opportunity to learn through the lens of the arts, they develop different frameworks and skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. Theatrical performances give children the opportunity to understand the experiences of people and characters from different places and time periods – without leaving their hometown. Through art field trips, students build social capital and community connections by exploring institutions like ours.   

Students this year will get to experience dance, theater, puppetry, a cappella, live orchestras, choirs and more, expanding their access to and bolstering their education through arts experiences.  

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As a nonprofit, our arts education and community access programs are made possible by the generosity of individual donors called Friends. This annual giving program helps share the transformative experience of the arts with tens of thousands of students and teachers every single year. You can learn more and support critical mission-based programming like the Classroom Series by becoming a Friend of Walton Arts Center at waltonartscenter.org/friends.  

If you are a teacher, school administrator or a parent and would like more information about Classroom Series performances and how you can participate, email schools@waltonartscenter.org. Registration requests are now open! 

10 Questions with 10X10 Arts Series Performers: Reduced Shakespeare Company

Confused by Confucius? Thoroughly thrown by Thoreau? Wish Swift was swifter? Then buckle up and hop aboard as the three cultural guerrillas of the Reduced Shakespeare Company zip through everything you didn’t get around to reading in school in All The Great Books (Abridged). This troupe takes you on a 98-minute roller-coaster ride through its compact compendium of the world’s great books. The literary canon explodes as the bad boys of abridgement unleash a brand-new comic outrage on an unsuspecting public.  

Since its pass-the-hat origins in 1981, the Reduced Shakespeare Company has created 10 world-renowned stage shows, two television specials, several failed television pilots and numerous radio pieces, all of which have been performed, seen and heard the world over. You can witness their newest performance at Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 pm.

The Reduced Shakespeare Company are presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community.  

To prepare for their performance, we asked troupe member Doug Harvey to answer 10 questions.

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What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?   

They can expect to laugh. Hopefully at the jokes, not us. But hey, a laugh's a laugh.

What makes a Reduced Shakespeare performance special or unique?  

It's a mocktail of highbrow and lowbrow humor. There's something for every type of audience: young, old, happy, grumpy. Haters and pun-lovers alike. You need not be a fan of books or Shakespeare to enjoy it. 

What drew you to this performance field? 

A need for attention…and a chance to talk to girls. I've since fallen in love with it for so many other reasons, namely that I think theater (and laughter) can disarm people, change hearts and minds, and bring us together. 

What are some memorable experiences you’ve had while sharing this performance with others?  

I once mispronounced an audience member's last name during the performance and what came out was a rather Freudian slip. The audience member was an extremely good sport (though my cast mates are making sure to rib me about it forever.) We even ran into the same audience member at a local fair the next day and took a photo! 

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

I have quite a few. I like to do a Michael Jordan and "walk the court" before each show if I can. In other words, I envision myself saying or receiving a line in a particular spot, sort of like imagining taking the game-winning shot. 

Do you have a favorite part of the show? 

There's a particularly chaotic bit where the Professor and I are just a revolving door of costumes that Coach throws back in our faces. It's so fast we don't really have time to think about anything but throwing on a wig/mask/toga. Luckily, Grace, our costume runner, is extremely on top of everything.

Pick 5 words that best describe your work.   
 Zippy. Rocket. Earnest. Curious. Jamboree. I just picked that last one cuz it's a great word.

What is the best advice that you have been given?   

Try to embarrass yourself once a day. Something akin to: Take risks and challenge yourself. It's the only way to grow. 

To prepare for this show, did you read all these great books? 

 I can definitively say that I have read the title page to War and Peace.

What songs, podcasts, artists or comedians are you currently listening to?  

Songs: Always coming back to Tom Petty, RIP. Podcast: The Rewatchables. Artist: David Alfaro Siqueiros. Comedian: George Carlin 

A Duo with a Unique Sound and Story - Tuck & Patti Will Warm your Heart and Enrich your Soul

Experience the magic of Tuck & Patti on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 pm!

For over 45 years, this unique, genre-crossing vocal and guitar duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers. Their recording career took off with 1988’s groundbreaking Tears of Joy. Now, 13 albums later, they have toured the world incessantly as a duo, appearing at times alongside Miles Davis, Count Basie, George Benson, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and many others. They have long been regarded by musicians and critics as the standard for improvisation, melding classics and original music. Their repertoire spans rock, pop, jazz, gospel, blues, folk, world and classical, but inevitably finally just sounds like Tuck & Patti. Transcending categorization, Tuck & Patti are known for individual virtuosity in service of the greater goal of expressing love, hope and gratitude through their musical collaboration.

To understand Tuck & Patti, start with the wellspring of love within them, then their music begins to make perfect sense. Married 42 years, Tuck Andress and Patti Cathcart continue to stoke the fires, not only of their own love, but also of their love of life and their passion for making music together. They have a long-standing tradition: Minimalist arrangements featuring Andress’ extraordinary virtuosity and Cathcart’s rich mezzo-soprano. Renowned for her remarkable ability to touch hearts directly with her voice, Cathcart is also the writer, arranger and producer. Without even blinking, Tuck-the-problem-solver brags, “Patti writes and arranges; I am just the orchestra.”

“Not only are they among the finest interpreters of The Great American Songbook, but they have also recorded wonderful original music and have made more recent classics like Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” Jimi Hendrix’s “Castles Made of Sand” and “Little Wing” and The Beatles’ “In My Life” their own,” says Robert Ginsberg, host of KUAF’s Shades of Jazz and Walton Arts Center jazz curator. It is worth mentioning that Tuck’s guitar virtuosity is legendary among musicians, with a technique that enables him to sound like three guitars being played simultaneously!”

Tuck & Patti have achieved a rare symbiotic musical relationship that sends critics scrambling for a reference point. They have been compared to every legendary duo you can imagine—from Fred and Ginger to the late Leonard Feather’s ringing “Not since Ella Fitzgerald met Joe Pass on stage has there been so felicitous a mating as Tuck & Patti.”

When they’re not touring or recording, they teach as well as produce, record and mix other artists in their studio near San Francisco as part of their mission to use their expertise to help others realize their own dreams.

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A Beautiful Noise, the Humanity of a Superstar

By Annie Mallamaci

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The music of Neil Diamond has cemented its place as an icon of popular culture. At sporting events, weddings and parties around the world, when a crowd of people hears the familiar, “Hands touchin’ hands, reachin’ out, touching me, touchin’ you,'' excitement builds until it’s irresistible– “Sweet Caroline,” is followed by a spirited “Bum, bum, bum!” from the crowd. In a moment like this, it’s hard not to believe in the magic of music and its ability to lift the spirits of entire communities. In a moment like this, being human feels, “So good, so good, so good.” 

With a catalog of music so popular–earning him an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis–it seems as though everyone has heard a Neil Diamond song, whether they realize he’s the artist or not. After such an expansive career, it’s no surprise that Neil’s story has made its way to the Broadway stage, where the lives of the biggest stars are turned into musical memoirs. 

This energy-filled production is more than just your typical “jukebox musical.” Ken Davenport, the Tony Award®-winning producer behind A Beautiful Noise, said in an interview with Broadway Direct, “We always knew the music would get people excited and would draw people in. Neil’s music has a lasting appeal. But, what’s exciting to us is how much the story has gotten to people.” 

The audience is not only wowed by a larger-than-life Neil Diamond concert experience and taken on a trip down memory lane with nostalgic music, costumes and sets. They are pleasantly surprised by the profound nature of the show. Michael Mayer, the director of the Broadway production, said in an interview with Eye For Film, “I think people don’t expect that it will be as moving as it is.” 

Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten, who is known for writing biographical films (Bohemian Rhapsody, The Theory of Everything, I Wanna Dance With Somebody), was chosen to write the script. Though this was his first time writing for the stage, his connection to Neil made him the perfect fit. “My mother, my whole childhood, had two pictures on the mantelpiece: one was of the Pope and one was of Neil Diamond,” said McCarten in an interview with Broadway.com. 

The musical, which takes place after his retirement from touring due to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, is framed around conversations with his therapist. As Neil looks back on pivotal moments throughout his life, the audience travels through the decades as they witness Neil’s humble beginning playing gigs in New York City, to his rise to superstardom and status as a world-renowned songwriter. Upon reflecting on his extraordinary career, Neil is faced with the poignant question: as his health deteriorates, can he find meaning and contentment in his life without performing? 

In an episode of Sunday Morning on CBS, Neil himself explained that he wanted his truth to be represented in the show, in good times and in bad. “I didn’t necessarily love it, warts and all, but I wanted it. This is how I wanted my story to be told,” he said, after watching flashbacks of his life retold onstage, for thousands of eyes to witness.  

Bob Gaudio (whose career with the Four Seasons was turned into the Broadway hit Jersey Boys) is also a producer on A Beautiful Noise. “How come we can get a show and [Neil] hasn't yet?” joked Gaudio about the creation of the Neil Diamond musical. “He was very happy about getting that going and he was a big part of it. It’s about his story. It’s a powerful show and I’m proud of it.” 

A Beautiful Noise not only celebrates the prodigious career of a musical icon but also reaffirms the timeless bond between artist and audience. In the melodies of Neil Diamond, we find not only a soundtrack to our lives, but also a beautiful reminder of community. With smiles on their faces (and tears in their eyes!), the audience just can’t help but sing along. Just as "Sweet Caroline" has a special, universal way of bringing people together, this musical retelling of Neil's story resonates deeply with audiences, bringing fans, old and new, an understanding of the man behind the music.  

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prepare to rock & roll with this playlist!

8 SHOWS ONLY!!!

Tuesday, Oct 14 at 7 pm

Wednesday, Oct 15 at 7 pm

Thursday, Oct 16 at 1:30 & 7 pm

Friday, Oct 17 at 8 pm

Saturday, Oct 18 at 2 & 8 pm

Sunday, Oct 19 at 2 pm

Dog Man Leaps Off the Page and Onto our Stage

“Dog Man: The Musical keeps young audiences giggling for nearly 90 minutes. You have to love a family show that makes adults laugh, too.”

— New York Times 

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Walton Arts Center will present TheaterWorksUSA’s NY Times Critic’s Pick, Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented Nov. 22-23.  

Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it's time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man and ALL HERO! How hard could it be? 

With the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, Dog Man loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of Dav Pilkey’s beloved characters. 

Recommended for ages 6-10, TheaterWorksUSA's Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious production based on the worldwide bestselling series from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants and Cat Kid Comic Club. The show is written by Kevin Del Aguila and Brad Alexander, who collaborated on the Emmy®-winning series Peg + Cat on PBS, TheaterWorksUSA’s Click, Clack, Moo and Clifford The Big Red Dog on PBS and Amazon. Jen Wineman directs and choreographs. 

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“Dog Man: The Musical surpasses my highest expectations. It is the ‘Perfect Mash-up’ of memorable music, humor, and love.” Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey 

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Prepare for the show! Grab your favorite Dog Man books and think about how seeing the production and reading the novel are different – and how they are similar!  

• Take a closer look at the heroes and villains in Dog Man. How are these characters drawn: their expressions, their clothing and the colors used in each illustration? Can you tell if they are a hero or villain just by visual clues? 

• Every creator has their own style. Look at Dave Pilkey’s illustrations – is the art realistic? Cartoony? What can you tell from the expressions on faces? The gestures and movement of characters? The background and its details? How does the use of color change over the course of a page or a chapter? 

• Sounds set the scene and signal that something is happening, adding layers to the story. Motion lines indicate how characters or object are moving. What sounds do you see? How is each of the sounds written – does the way its written reflect what it actually sounds like? What gestures and motions do you see? 

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You have three chances to see Dog Man: The Musical at 11 am and 3 pm on Saturday, Nov. 22 and at 2 pm on Sunday, Nov. 23.  

Spend an Evening with a Piano Wizard

This solo piano concert will be like none you’ve ever heard, exploring the rich history of the Great Brazilian Songbook as interpreted by a modern-day piano genius.

Robert Ginsburg, jazz curator

To music lovers and critics in Brazil, André Mehmari is a musical wonder and a source of national pride. Imagine a meeting of Mozart and Keith Jarrett in Brazil: Mozart for the intensity of his creation, Jarrett for his relationship to improvisation at the modern piano.

“For nearly 20 years it’s been my ambition to bring this piano phenom to Walton Arts Center, but he has been an illusive targe,” said Ginsburg. “He rarely tours in the U.S. and keeps a busy schedule in his home country of Brazil. We finally landed a date, and this solo piano concert will be like none you’ve ever heard, exploring the rich history of the Great Brazilian Songbook as interpreted by a modern day piano genius.”

Mehmari’s standards are the compositions that comprise what he calls “The Great Brazilian Songbook,” works written at the same time that the Great American Songbook was created, and equally rich in lyricism and sublimity. All of the world’s songbooks and literature are his realm, a borderless inspiration expressed in his compositions and improvisations.

He proves his skill and prowess in this area during his solo piano performances where he invites the audience to give him suggestions which, in the moment, he spins into an improvised suite. He invites you to come to the concert with the music you love and offer it for the creation of these one-time-only but forever memorable creations. Come hear one of the greatest musical minds of our time when Mehmari take the stage at 8 pm on Saturday, Sept. 20. All-in ticket prices are are $40.25-$63.25.

Sharing Memories, Sharing Stories

The Remember Balloons is a heartwarming dance-theater production that brings families together through storytelling. Inspired by the award-winning children’s book by the same name, The Remember Balloons uses music, movement and storytelling telling to explore memory, family and connection.

“I found the book in the library under ‘Books About Difficult Topics,’ took it home, read it with my kids – and knew I had to make it into movement,” said Dominic Moore-Dunson, the show’s co-producer, director and choreographer. “It’s a story about love, remembrance and what happens when memories start to fade.”

The work equips children and families with the language and resources necessary to communicate about and hold on to memories when someone we love begins to forget.

“So many families have been impacted by memory loss, whether through aging, Alzheimer’s or dementia,” said co-producer Ashley Moore-Dunson. “Watching a loved one forget can be heartbreaking, but it also reminds us to cherish the moments we still have.”

Studies continually show that music has a unique way of bringing memories back to life. A familiar song, a melody from the past can unlock feelings and stories that we thought were lost.

“My compositions for this piece are meant to hold those emotions – like a musical scrapbook of love and remembrance,” said composer and jazz great Theron Brown.

“This piece is full of heart. We made it for young people and their grown-ups – to open the door for conversations we often avoid but deeply need,” Dominic said. “It’s tender. It’s joyful. It’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever made.”Through dance in this piece, the actors can express what words often can’t. The weight of holding on to memories. The fear of losing them and the beauty of passing them on.

“This show holds a special place in my heart, as it was born out of my own family's journey with Alzheimer's disease,” Dominic said. “I often wish that a show like this had been present for my family, as it would have provided a tool to initiate some of the more difficult conversations and emotions everyone faced.”

“This piece is full of heart. It’s joyful. It’s one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever made.”

— Dominic Moore-Dunson

This dance theater piece was created not only to introduce families and young people to positive and appropriate ways to engage in those difficult conversations but also to immerse them in the whimsical and joyful world of storytelling.

The show is filled with moments that encourage the audience to dance, move and laugh, offering a sense of playfulness and wonder because it’s essential to balance the more challenging themes with extreme moments of joy and fun, so the audience will experience a full range of emotions—just as life itself offers.

The Remember Balloons isn’t just a performance. It’s an opportunity to reflect on your own remember balloons and to celebrate the people and moments that have shaped your life. 

To fully experience this beautiful piece, you might consider reading the book with your family, then seeing the show. You can even read the book along with Dominic and learn more about his approach to this story here.

Below are some questions that you can talk about together after the show.

• What are the “balloons” in this story?

• How are they like memories?

• Why does Grandpa have so many balloons at the beginning?

• What memories would make up your own balloons?

• How does James feel when Grandpa’s balloons start to drift away?

• What does it mean when James realizes he’s now holding his own and Grandpa’s balloons at the end?

• What are some ways to remember and share stories with family members, especially those who may have fading memories?

• Think of a happy memory with a family member. Draw a balloon with a picture of that memory in it.

Celebrate Celtic Culture with Your Lads and Lasses

This season you don’t even have to leave the country to celebrate some of the best parts of Celtic culture. We are bringing you a mix of Scottish rock, the world’s best pub experience, the finest Irish-American ensemble and a celebration of 30 years of Irish dance.  

Pick one show for a cultural escape, or get tickets to them all for a full-scale cultural exchange. Sláinte 

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Skerryvore, Sept. 23, 7 pm

Series: 10x10 Arts Series 

What to expect: Scottish rock band 

With a mix of bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, bass, drums and whistles, Skerryvore represents the best in contemporary Scottish traditional music. Both epic in melody and intimate in feeling, this group plugs into the roots of Scotland and blasts it out to the world. Inspired by a wide range of influences, this high-energy, immersive experience is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. 

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Choir of Man, Jan 27, 7 pm

Series: Off-Dickson 

What to expect: A celebration of pub culture and great music 

The Olivier Award-nominated, worldwide smash hit The Choir of Man is coming to Northwest Arkansas. Set in the world’s best pub (in England or Ireland), this uplifting production serves up 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment featuring a cast of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians and a charming poet. Enjoy everything from the anthems of Queen and Guns N’ Roses to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross and Adele to the chart-toppers of Sia, Paul Simon, Avicii, Katy Perry and more. This show has something for everyone, including a real working bar on stage. Come ready to drink in the excitement and raise a glass with The Choir of Man. Cheers! 

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Solas, April 8, 7 pm 

Series: Land O’Lakes Concert Series  

What to expect: Celtic music ensemble 

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. 

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Riverdance, June 9-11  

Series: Coca-Cola Night Out 

What to expect: Irish dance that you have to see to believe 

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy Award®-winning music and infectiously energetic choreography established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation. Celebrating an incredible 30-year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. With new innovative choreography, costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projections and graphics, this unique and memorable performance showcases the skill and passion of these world-class dancers, musicians and singers. 

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10 Questions with 10X10 Arts Series Performers: Skerryvore

Skerryvore has established themselves as the best representation of contemporary Scottish traditional music with their epic melodies, intimate feelings and Scottish roots. Known for their unique fusion of folk, trad, pop and rock through a mix of bagpipes, fiddles, accordions, whistles, vocals, bass and keys, Skerryore is like no one other group.  

The show’s wide range of influence and talent produces a musically expansive, immersive yet intimate set that excites and captivates audiences. You can experience their show at Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 7pm.  

Skerryvore are presented as part of the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas community.  

To prepare for their performance, we asked the group to answer a few questions that will gice us more insight into this talented group.  

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What can audiences expect when they come see this performance?  

“What are Skerryvore? They’re like no one else. Epic of melody, intimate of feeling and plugged into the roots of Scotland but blasting out to the world. “ Expect to want to dance, expect to want to sing. We like to get everyone involved with the show and create a party atmosphere. The music is a unique fusion of our Scottish traditional roots, with elements of rock, pop and Americana, which will take you on a journey from energetic bagpipe melodies to intimate ballads and back again.  

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 What makes a Skerryvore performance special or unique? 

Our blend of traditional Scottish music with contemporary rhythms and melodies creates a unique fusion which has played a large part in reigniting a traditional Scottish scene for a modern, multicultural audience.  

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 What is significant about 2025 for Skerryvore - are you celebrating anything special this year? 

This year we are celebrating our 20th anniversary as a band. In May we welcomed over 7,000 fans from across the world to celebrate with us at a concert in front of the stunning Floors Castle in the Scottish borders. We are now taking the show on the road in the UK, Europe and North America with the 20th anniversary tour.  

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 How did Skerryvore start as a group? 

Skerryvore started on the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides in 2005, when Alec Dalgish and Fraser West went on holiday and met locals Daniel and Martin Gillespie. The four founding members began playing some tunes together for fun (and some beer money), with no real plans to become anything more than a small Ceilidh band. From those humble beginnings, Skerryvore have evolved to become one of the most successful live acts in Scotland, picking up the Scottish Trad Music Awards live act of the year award 3 times, and having No.1 albums in both the Scottish album chart, and UK Folk Charts.  

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What are some memorable experiences you’ve had while sharing this performance with others? 

We always love seeing the reaction of crowds to our music, and when people know our songs and sing along with us it can be quite magical. It is always so nice to speak to people and discover how much the music means to them. Our song “Take My Hand” has been used as the first dance for hundreds of weddings and has been the catalyst for a good few on-stage proposals.  

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

We don’t really have any rituals as such. Occasionally we will have a small whisky before we start the show!  

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Pick 5 words that best describe your work.  

Energetic, Scottish, Foot-stomping, Intimate, Fusion 

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What is the best advice that you have been given?  

Be confident in yourself and your own abilities. It can be easy to develop imposter syndrome or to look at the music that other artists are playing and wish that you could be as ‘good’ as them. It’s easy to forget that even though someone might be able to do something that you can’t nobody will be able to do what you do as well as you can.  

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What do you want people to know about your culture? 

We like to think of ourselves as ambassadors for Scotland whenever we travel the world. We’d like people to leave a show with an appreciation for the musical culture and heritage that we are so proud of, and hope that they get the same sense of joy from listening as we do from playing. Scottish people are extremely proud as a nation, and we feel very blessed to be in a position that we can help to promote our culture. 

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

Our musical tastes are very wide ranging. When we’re on the road, generally the driver for each leg of the journey will control the playlist. This could be anything from Scottish/Irish trad music, to pop, rock, country, bluegrass, dance… Recent artists over the past week of journeys have been Dire Straits, Ocean Colour Scene, Kasey Musgraves, The Strike, Fleetwood Mac and Trail West. 

A Concert for a Cause at AMP Up the Arts!

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If you love a great show that supprts an even greater cause, we have just the ticket for you. Walton Art’s Center AMP Up the Arts fundraiser is back on Thursday, Sept. 11, presented by General Mills! This year, the iconic R&B group, Boyz II Men, will take the stage for an intimate, unforgettable performance that benefits arts education programming at Walton Arts Center. 

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This trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group of all time, with an astounding 64 million albums sold. For more than two decades, Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalog of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. Throughout their astounding career, Boyz II Men have won four Grammy Awards®, nine American Music Awards®, nine Soul Train Awards®, a 2011 MOBO Award® for outstanding contribution to music and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Boyz II Men’s reputation is as timeless as their many top tracks. Their soulful multi-octave sounds and incredible vocals in past chart-toppers like, “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day” and “Motownphilly” continue to win fans over the world. Boyz II Men redefined popular R&B and continues to create timeless hits that appeal to listeners across all generations.  

In 2011, the group marked their 20th anniversary by releasing a landmark album, Twenty. The album debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart and contained the group’s first original material in nearly a decade as well as a dozen remastered classic, career-defining hits.  

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Get ready for a night of lush, soulful arrangements with this playlist honoring Boyz II Men’s anthems.  

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It’s about more than the music

AMP Up the Arts directly supports Walton Art’s Center’s education programming that allows more than 26,000 students and educators in Northwest Arkansas to experience free, live theater performances annually.  

Last year, the inaugural AMP Up the Arts fundraiser raised $300,000 to support existing arts education programming including teacher training and the Classroom Series, but it also supported exciting new programs that were launched this year.  

• Diamond Awards, a showcase competition that recognizes achievement and excellence in musical theater among local high school students.  

• Broadway Bridges, an initiative that gives high school student groups in Northwest Arkansas access to discounted tickets for select Broadway shows. 

• Hip-Hop 101, a free, afterschool program that introduces young creatives to the most popular genre of American music.  

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In response to last year’s event, this year, we have exciting new on-site opportunities that will get AMP Up the Arts attendees involved in the fundraising efforts with special surprise giveaways throughout the night! We'll showcase the story of Walton Arts Center's education work through videos and special guests and honor an outstanding arts educator with the Dr. Patricia C. Relph Arts Education Award. 

Support the arts education mission and reserve your seat now when you donate to Walton Arts Center. Donations starting at $71.60 get you a seat for the intimate performance. To celebrate 33 years of Walton Arts Center, an additional donation of $33 gets you reserved parking in the Blue, Gold and White lots. Space is limited for this performance, so act fast! 

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As a nonprofit organization, Walton Arts Center relies on generous support from the community, along with the revenue generated by shows and events like this, to provide enriching arts education and accessible, affordable programming for the Northwest Arkansas region. 

A Show “So Good, So Good, So Good!” You Won’t Want to Miss It!

Finish these lyrics:

“Hands touchin’ hands, reaching out, touching me, touchin’ you.”

It’s a song that almost everyone knows. Whether the last time you sang the iconic “Bum, bum, bum!” from “Sweet Caroline” was at a college sporting event, your cousin’s wedding or a New Year's Eve party, it’s a melody that’s become part of our cultural zeitgeist. Now you can learn about the man behind the music you love when A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical comes to Walton Arts Center.

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Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy® Lifetime Achievement Award and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway- and head out on the road across America.  

Like Jersey Boys and Beautiful: The Carol King Musical before it, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.  

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“This biographical drama is a heartwarming celebration of Mr. Diamond’s uplifting music and inspirational life.”

— The Washington Times

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Eight performances of the untold true story of a Brooklyn kid who became an American icon are headed to Walton Arts Center Oct. 14-19! 

Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 pm 

Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 pm 

Thursday, Oct. 16 at 1:30 and 7 pm 

Friday, Oct. 17 at 8 pm 

Saturday, Oct. 18 at 2 and 8 pm 

Sunday, Oct. 19 at 2 pm 

Single Tickets for A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical are available now!  

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But wait, there's more! Join us for show themed cocktail classes and fully immerse yourself into a night at the theater. Purchase a cocktail class for $45 or save with three or more classes for a discounted price of $39. Our experts will teach you to make two specialty drinks while you enjoy light appetizers and learn about each delicious cocktail and its ingredients. Your mixologist will provide everything you need to create eye-catching craft cocktails. It’s a night of great memories and new friends!   

A Beautiful Noise Themed Cocktail Classes 

Thursday, Oct. 16 at 5:30 pm 

Friday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 pm 

Saturday, Oct. 18 at 6:30 pm

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Interested in more than one show this season? Three package options are on sale now:  

P&G Broadway Series  

This subscription includes six larger than life titles, including one global smash hit and five Arkansas premieres direct from Broadway! You’ll also get spectacular subscriber benefits including the same seats at every show and priority purchasing for five Broadway Bonus shows!  

Broadway Sample Package  

Build your perfect stack by selecting at least three performances from any of the week-long Broadway shows this season. Included in your sampler package is 5% off tickets, one free exchange and early access to all Broadway shows during the season.     

Create Your Own Package 

Choose shows from any series, except Starrlight Jazz Club and West Street Live, to make your three, five or seven show subscription package. The more shows you add in a Create Your Own package, the more you save. Three-show packages get $2 off each ticket, five-show packages get $3 off each ticket and seven-show packages get $5 off each ticket! 

This Classic Board Game Comes to Life in a Hilarious Whodunit, Clue!

We all know and love the iconic pieces of this timeless board game:  

Six wooden characters. Six miniature weapons. Nine rooms. One killer.  

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Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget! Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.  

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“It’s funny and frothy and light, the kind of breezy night at the theater that most audiences would kill for right now.”

— Entertainment Weekly

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These characters, weapons and this beloved mystery come to life at Walton Arts Center as part of the Off-Dickson Series Nov. 7-9.  

Friday, Nov. 7 at 8 pm 

Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2 and 8 pm 

Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 pm

A mansion, a murder and a mystery...what could go wrong? 

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Complete the perfect night out by adding on a Clue themed cocktail class! Purchase a cocktail class for $45 or save with three or more classes for a discounted price of $39. Our experts will teach you to make two specialty drinks while you enjoy light appetizers and learn about each mouthwatering cocktail and its ingredients. Your mixologist will provide everything you need to create eye-catching craft cocktails. It’s a deliciously good time!    

Clue Themed Cocktail Classes: 

Friday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm 

Saturday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 pm 

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Interested in more than one show this season? Three package options are on sale now:  

P&G Broadway Series  

This subscription includes six larger than life titles, including one global smash hit and five Arkansas premieres direct from Broadway! You’ll also get spectacular subscriber benefits including the same seats at every show and priority purchasing for five Broadway Bonus shows!  

Broadway Sample Package  

Build your perfect stack by selecting at least three performances from any of the week-long Broadway shows this season. Included in your sampler package is 5% off tickets, one free exchange and early access to all Broadway shows during the season.     

Create Your Own Package 

Choose shows from any series, except Starrlight Jazz Club and West Street Live, to make your three, five or seven show subscription package. The more shows you add in a Create Your Own package, the more you save. Three-show packages get $2 off each ticket, five-show packages get $3 off each ticket and seven-show packages get $5 off each ticket! 

Art of Wine: A Toast to Legacy, Community and the Arts

By Kent Starr 

Kent Starr - Photo courtesy of Market Watch Magazine

There was an event many years ago at Walton Arts Center called the Garden Party. As almost an afterthought, a single table was set up with eight to 10 wines, and patrons were offered a sample or two at this table – and from here, Art of Wine was born! From this humble beginning, Art of Wine has grown into an amazing event for Walton Arts Center and Northwest Arkansas, raising tens of thousands of dollars to support arts studies for school-aged children.  

Liquor World has been involved with Art of Wine from the beginning, and proudly supports our suppliers, distributors, the hundreds of volunteers involved, the media and the many school districts that provide access via school buses for the thousands of children that get to experience arts programs at Walton Arts Center each year, due in part to funds raised by Art of Wine.  

Billie Jo Starr and Helen Walton at the opening of Walton Arts Center in 1992.

In the 1980s, Billie Jo Starr and Helen Walton got together and set out to change the landscape of Dickson Street in Fayetteville and the entire Arkansas four-state region with a novel idea: to build a world-class arts center. With tremendous support from the Walton family, Billie Jo, the Starr family and the amazing outpouring from thousands of donors, the center became a reality and thrives today with hundreds of Broadway productions and concerts, in addition to the arts programs for children who arrive on bright yellow busses.   

My mom, Billie Jo, had a passion for seeing Walton Arts Center become a reality and believed that our community could support such an amazing entity. She also loved wine and watched Art of Wine grow from its humble beginnings to an upscale event, including the Reserve Room, that provides thousands of needed funds for arts programs. It was Billie Jo’s vision to present the arts to everyone. We are proud to be a part of that continued legacy. 

Billie Jo Starr

She had a deep passion for the enrichment of children through the arts.  It would always bring a smile to her face to see the big yellow school buses pull up to Walton Arts Center.  When she would see all those excited, smiling faces it brought her so much joy.  It gave her immense gratification to know that Art of Wine was a catalyst for exposing children to the arts and inspiring so many of them to pursue their dreams.  

Liquor World, with the great support of our distributors, has helped to keep Billie Jo’s passion and dreams alive each year at Art of Wine and it is certainly an honor to her legacy that Starr Theater was named accordingly. Our family is very proud of the drive that Billie Jo had for the arts and her legacy will live on forever.

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Come one, come all! Art of Wine fundraiser returns for its 23rd year on Friday, July 11, and you are invited to sip, savor and step into something spectacular. This year, expect a circus of flavor, featuring bites from your favorite Northwest Arkansas restaurants, hundreds of curated wine samplings and innovative non-alcoholic options from local vendors. Raise your glass to a good cause – as always, all proceeds go to support arts education and programming for local students. Step right up and get your tickets now.

A Super-Sized Spectacular, Some Like it Hot Brings the Heat to Walton Arts Center!

This musical is coming in HOT! Winner of four Tony Awards®, including best choreography and best costumes, and the Grammy Award® for best musical theater album, Some Like it Hot is “A Super-Sized, All-Out Song-And-Dance Spectacular!” - The New York Times. 

Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like it Hot is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime. 

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“A boisterous good time from start to finish!”

— Entertainment Weekly

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Their cross-country journey brings them face to face with a dazzling singer with dreams of stardom, who captures one of their hearts, while the other catches the eye of a wealthy suitor set on finding true love. Still under disguise, they must find a way to untangle their messes and stay alive from the gangsters hot on their tail!   

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.” 

Some Like it Hot features a book by Matthew López (The Inheritance) and Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show”), music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman (Hairspray). The musical is based on the classic MGM film Some Like It Hot, which has been named the “Funniest American Movie of All Time” by the American Film Institute.    

With Tony-winning choreography from director Casey Nicholaw (Disney’s Aladdin, Mean Girls, The Book of Mormon), and a “a door-slamming chase sequence that brings Scooby-Doo to the stage” (New York Magazine), Some Like It Hot brings the heat.  

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Experience the extravagance and rebellion of Some Like it Hot with eight shows March 17-22! 

Tues-Thurs 7pm 

Thurs 1:30 pm

Fri-Sat 8pm

Sat-Sun 2pm

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Two Broadway subscription options are on sale now: 

P&G Broadway Series 

This subscription includes six larger than life titles, including one global smash hit and five Arkansas premieres direct from Broadway! You’ll also get spectacular subscriber benefits including the same seats at every show and priority purchasing for five Broadway Bonus shows! 

Broadway Sample Package 

Build your perfect stack by selecting at least three performances from any of the week-long Broadway shows this season. Included in your sampler package is 5% off tickets, one free exchange and early access to all Broadway shows during the season.    

But wait, there's more! Join us for show themed cocktail classes and fully immerse yourself into a night at the theater. Purchase a cocktail class for $45 or save with three or more classes for a discounted price of $39. Our experts will teach you to make two specialty drinks while you enjoy light appetizers and learn about each delicious cocktail and its ingredients. Your mixologist will provide everything you need to create eye-catching craft cocktails. It’s a night of great memories and new friends! 

Single tickets go on sale later this summer!

A New Chance at Love in the Hit Musical & JULIET!

Is parting actually such sweet sorrow? Juliet might beg to differ. Broadway's most fun hit musical, & JULIET asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo?  

Created by the Emmy®-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” this audience favorite flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way.   

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That’s The Way It Is“ and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more No. 1 hits than any other artist this century, Max Martin. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.    

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Don’t miss this exciting twist to a timeless classic with eight shows of & JULIET May 26-31! 

Tues-Thurs 7pm 

Thurs 1:30 pm 

Fri-Sat 8pm 

Sat-Sun 2pm 

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“Clever & rousing & show-stopping! & JULIET brings the audience to its feet.”

— The New York Times

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Two Broadway subscription options are on sale now: 

P&G Broadway Series 

This subscription includes six larger than life titles, including one global smash hit and five Arkansas premieres direct from Broadway! You’ll also get spectacular subscriber benefits including the same seats at every show and priority purchasing for five Broadway Bonus shows! 

Broadway Sample Package 

Build your perfect stack by selecting at least three performances from any of the week-long Broadway shows this season. Included in your sampler package is 5% off tickets, one free exchange and early access to all Broadway shows during the season.    

But wait, there's more! Join us for show themed cocktail classes and fully immerse yourself into a night at the theater. Purchase a cocktail class for $45 or save with three or more classes for a discounted price of $39. Our experts will teach you to make two specialty drinks while you enjoy light appetizers and learn about each delicious cocktail and its ingredients. Your mixologist will provide everything you need to create eye-catching craft cocktails. It’s a night of great memories and new friends! 

Single tickets go on sale later this summer!

Live Music Subscriptions that Stir the Soul

In an atmosphere reminiscent of neighborhood listening rooms and nightclubs, West Street Live and Starrlight Jazz Club cater to true live music enthusiasts, bringing artists from a variety of genres to Walton Arts Center’s Starr Theater for intimate, relaxed concerts.  

The music and the artists are the focus of these series. The cabaret style setting allows patrons to connect with the musicians in performances like no other. Get access to all these amazing concerts with a West Street Live or Starrlight Jazz Club subscription package. Experience the exhilaration of live music, up close, the way it should be!  

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 West Street Live

Celebrating its 10th anniversary season West Street Live, presented by Neal Pendergraft, hosts renowned bands, musicians and singer-songwriters performing a variety of genres from traditional roots music to immigrant folk songs.

The 1 Oz. Jig & Friends: A Tribute to The Last Waltz 

Friday, Sept. 19 

An all-star group of local and regional musicians, led by The 1 Oz. Jig, performs a tribute to The Band’s legendary 1976 farewell concert The Last Waltz. Just as in the original, this show will feature improvisations and appearances by guest musicians Rochelle Bradshaw, Candy Lee and Earl Cate among others. Take a load off and join the celebration of a transcendent era of American rock. 

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Nashville Songwriters 

Thursday, Oct. 2 

• Keesy Timmer Notable contributions

  Yeah Boy (Kelsea Ballerini) 

  Cheap (Chris Janson) 

  Smoke on My Jacket (Zach John King) 

  Love and a Heartbreak (Hayden Coffman) 

• Adam craig notable contributions

  Close Your Eyes (Parmalee) 

  Take it Like a Man (Cody Johnson) 

  MIA in MIA (George Strait) 

  Whiskey Sour (Kane Brown) 

• adam james notable contributions

  Knowing You (Kenny Chesney) 

  Whiskey Bent (Cody Johnson/Jelly Roll) 

  Double Down (Cody Johnson) 

  Take Me out To The Ballgame (Luke Combs) 

Professional singer/songwriters Keesy Timmer, Adam Craig and Adam James have written songs for some of the biggest artists in Music City including Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Janson, George Strait, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney and Jelly Roll, just to name a few. Spend an evening with these hitmakers as they sing your favorite hits and describe the backstories and personal experiences that shaped them.

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The War and Treaty 

Wednesday, Nov. 5 

Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War and Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. Along with nominations for Grammy® and CMA Awards, they won two Americana Music Awards and have received additional nominations and recognition from CMT Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, People’s Choice Country Awards, Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. 

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Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives 

Thursday, Dec. 4 

While he’s too gracious to admit it himself, Marty Stuart is a living, breathing country-music legend. A Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, Stuart has played alongside the masters, from Johnny Cash to Lester Flatt. Most importantly, Stuart continues to record and release keenly relevant music – songs that honor country’s rich legacy while advancing it into the future. Don’t miss this opportunity to see him in an “up close and personal” experience. 

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Sunny Sweeney  

Friday, March 6 

The mastery of hole-in-the-wall venues, a 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 to connect with any listener. 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.  

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Mary Gauthier 

Saturday, May 16 

Grammy-nominated Mary Gauthier is one of the best songwriters of her generation, having written songs for Jimmy Buffett, Dolly Parton, Boy George, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and more. Since the release of her groundbreaking album Drag Queens in Limousines 25 years ago, Gauthier has brought together all kinds of folks from all walks of life with her deeply personal, yet paradoxically universal work.  

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Starrlight Jazz Club 

With multiple Grammy® nominations between them, this season’s Starrlight Jazz club lineup includes some of the most influential jazz musicians on the scene today. 

André Mehmari 

Saturday, Sept. 20 

To music lovers and critics in Brazil, André Mehmari is a musical wonder and a source of national pride. All the world’s songbooks and literature are his realm – a borderless inspiration expressed in his compositions and improvisations. The latter takes special form in his solo piano performances where he invites audience suggestions, which he spins into an improvised suite. Mehmari invites you to come to the concert with the music you love and offers it for the creation of these one-time-only but forever-memorable creations.  

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Tuck and Patti 

Friday, Oct. 3 

For over 45 years, this unique vocal and guitar duo has cast its passionate musical spell worldwide, capturing the hearts of lovers, the respect of jazz buffs and the jaw-dropping awe of guitarists and singers. They have appearing at times alongside Miles Davis, Count Basie, George Benson, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and many others and have long been regarded by musicians and critics as the standard for a genre-defying, improvising musical duo.  

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Camille ThurmaN quartet

Friday, Oct. 24 

Camille Thurman is an accomplished composer, esteemed saxophonist, exquisite vocalist and unique interpreter of the jazz tradition. Her distinct musical approach to classic and original repertoire highlights her craft as a powerhouse singer and instrumentalist. She has headlined notable concert venues and jazz festivals worldwide – including the Kennedy Center, The Library of Congress and the Rose Theater – and has amassed several distinctive honors, including an NAACP Image Award nomination, a Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll nomination and two ASCAP Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composers Awards.  

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Mike Stern Band with Leni Stern, Bob Franceschini, Jimmy Haslip & Steve Pruit 

Saturday, Nov. 15

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

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Michael Mayo 

Saturday, Feb. 21 

Michael 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.”  

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African Rhythms Alumni Quartet: A Tribute to Randy Weston 

Friday, March 13 

From Brooklyn to Rabat and Morocco, the late pianist, composer and community ambassador Randy Weston 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 Quartet in celebration of the late artist who created new and international pathways for artistic collaboration and communion. 

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Subscriptions are now available for West Street Live and Starrlight Jazz Club. All performances begin at 7:30 pm. Come for the live music, stay for the cozy atmosphere and leave with a once-in-a-lifetime story! 

Subscriptions for West Street Live and Starrlight Jazz Club can be purchased by calling 479.443.5600, by visiting waltonartscenter.org or in-person at the box office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.