Why Just See a Show When You Can BE the Show!?

CHOIR! Choir! Choir!

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CHOIR! Choir! Choir! ~

Get ready to laugh, dance and sing your hearts out with hundreds of other music-lovers just like you. Choir! Choir! Choir! presents Landslide: An EPIC Fleetwood Mac Sing-Along at Walton Arts Center on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 7 pm. Channel your inner Stevie Nicks, grab your best friends and create harmonies that you won’t believe. 

Since 2011, Choir! Choir! Choir! directors Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman have blurred the lines between performer and audience, traveling the world to create harmony with strangers and friends alike. They’ve collaborated with renowned artists including Patti Smith, David Byrne, Brandi Carlile, Rick Astley, Rufus Wainwright and even Kermit The Frog at New York’s Lincoln Center, creating memorable videos that have garnered views in the millions. Now it’s your turn. #NeverStopSinging 

Adilman and Goldman created Choir! Choir! Choir! to celebrate music, push the boundaries between practice and performance, artist and audience and to offer therapeutic benefits with the ultimate side effect – a powerful community. The group takes a non-traditional approach; there are no audiences; the audience is the choir.  

Choir! Choir! Choir! is the fully interactive, participatory show that turns audience members into performers. No experience is necessary, and all voices are welcome; they teach, and you sing! Nothing feels better than belting out songs like these with a room full of Fleetwood Mac fans. It’s like a big birthday party for the greatest songs of all time and you’re invited.  

Get tickets now at waltonartscenter.org or by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays from 10 am – 5 pm.

Landslide: An EPIC Fleetwood mac singalong!

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Landslide: An EPIC Fleetwood mac singalong! ~

Kassie Misiewicz Honored with Dr. Patricia C. Relph Arts Education Award

Walton Arts Center hosted the third annual AMP Up the Arts fundraising event and benefit concert on Wednesday, Oct. 7, to support the organization’s arts education programming. The event also honored the work and dedication of a local arts educator. Kassie Misiewicz received the Dr. Patricia C. Relph Award. 

Each year, AMP Up the Arts brings together supporters who believe creativity belongs in every classroom. Their generosity helps Walton Arts Center provide transformative arts experiences and inspire learning, build confidence and expand opportunities for thousands of students throughout Northwest Arkansas. The event is more than just a fundraiser; it’s an investment in future generations of creative thinkers, compassionate leaders and engaged citizens. 

Few people have demonstrated the lasting power of that investment more than Misiewicz. For more than two decades, Misiewicz has dedicated her career to helping children learn through drama – not simply learning about theater but using theater as a powerful tool to understand literature, history, science and one another. 

“Whether I am leading a kindergarten class on an imagination trip to the moon or guiding a group of sixth graders to visualize and physicalize a moment in history,” Misiewicz says, “my main goals are to increase literacy, strengthen the classroom community, build empathy and problem-solving skills and make learning fun through drama.” 

As a teaching artist, curriculum developer and nationally recognized arts integration consultant, Misiewicz has collaborated with administrators, classroom teachers and librarians to move learning beyond desks and worksheets. Her work invites students to actively engage with ideas, ask questions and discover new ways to express what they know. 

Misiewicz has become a trusted mentor for educators across the region, coaching teachers to integrate drama into everyday instruction. Her calm presence, joyful teaching style and student-centered approach have helped educators gain confidence in using the arts to make curriculum more memorable and meaningful. 

“Kassie is an arts education influencer of the highest order,” says Dr. Patricia C. Relph, whose lifelong advocacy for arts education inspired the award that bears her name. “She brings the power of the arts to schools and communities. Using the arts teaches others how to learn and share what we know. When we know how to learn, we grow to be more successful and productive in our schools and lives.”

From Behind our Curtain to Fraggle Rock: Local Theater Professional Returns on New Tour

University of Central Arkansas theater alum and Bentonville native Sara Sharos is currently the production manager for Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE touring across the U.S.. Sharos previously volunteered and worked at Walton Arts Center in a variety of backstage roles and is excited to bring the show to her hometown roots on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 3 pm.  

“I think that Walton Arts Center did a lot to get me ready for tour in general,” Sharos said, “I really loved working on props, but there weren’t always enough people that could do wardrobe or be a dresser, so it was nice to be able to get another perspective of behind the scenes.”  

With a heavy theater background, Sharos has multiple skills that come in handy when working on a tour. “I technically did my final senior paper in theater history on puppets, so when they asked me to come on for Fraggle Rock, I was ecstatic,” she said, “I had built puppets before for Trike Theater in Bentonville, so it felt familiar to me.”  

Sharos’s career took off after she was working as a local stagehand here at Walton Arts Center when Les Misérables was touring, “I remember I was folding Jean Valjean’s socks,” she says, “next thing I know, I’m being asked to be a props assistant for another tour by the stage manager.” 

One thing many people do not know about touring is that a lot of the times when positions need to be filled, tours will ask certain crew to hop on the tour with them for the duration of the show’s run. “Work at Walton Arts Center or work at another venue because that’s the best way to get picked up,” she advised, “I’ve picked up a handful of people from places; if a spot is needing to be filled and a local crewmember is doing well, we just ask them to hop on the tour.” 

Her first official tour was Summer: The Donna Summers Musical in 2019. It was only a few months into touring before COVID hit, and everything closed. She returned to the U.S. just mere days before they closed the Canadian border, as the show was in Toronto at the time. 

During the pandemic, Sharos returned to Rogers, worked at a health food store and lived with her mom. Once things loosened back up post-COVID, she was approached for her first and biggest tour yet, Fiddler on the Roof to work as head of props. Following that tour, she also worked on Hairspray, Funny Girl and Once Upon a Mattress. She was then approached by her current company, Catalyst Theatricals, to work on The Hungry Caterpillar, which led to her being asked to be the production manager for Fraggle Rock. 

In Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE, Gobo, Red, Monkey, Wembley and Boober Fraggle embark on a quest to find the lost Celebration Stone – an ancient treasure with the power to unite everyone for the ultimate party. Along the way, they discover magic, adventure and something more memorable and heartfelt than they ever imagined. 

“Jim Henson is iconic and ‘Fraggle Rock’ has its own following, so it’s super exciting to step into that,” Sharos said, “The music is really catchy and it has that nostalgia factor that makes it for kids, yes ... but it’s really for the inner kid in everyone.”  

So grab your radish hat and hold on to your baloobious, because it is time to Fraggle Rock! Standard all-in ticket prices are $28.75-$63.25.

Saddle Up for a Night of Southern Vibes

The tapestry of Southern music in America is rich, vivid and diverse, and Adam Hood is an artist who embodies this substantial musical lineage each time he straps on his Telecaster or picks up his pen. Rooted in his Alabama upbringing, Hood’s musicality and soul-stirring lyrics are guided by the wisdom earned from thousands of miles spent on the road chasing musical adventures from coast to coast. He brings his unique songwriting to Walton Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 pm for a night of incredible live music. 

Hood's deep yearning to share his take on country music has led him to craft a sound uniquely his own, what he calls “Southern songs.” It’s a soulful and profound version of the genre that blends elements of assorted styles, reflecting the authenticity of Southern culture and the way he grew up. “It’s Southern music,” Hood relates. “The soulful side of Southern music, the country side of Southern music, the genuineness of Southern culture, it’s what I’ve always done.” 

Though Hood initially made waves as a performer, it’s his songwriting that has truly set him apart over the past decade. An impressive roster of artists – including Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Travis Tritt and Riley Green – have recorded Hood’s songs, adding a new layer to his formidable career. Yet his own recorded and touring output remains a vital part of the broader country music landscape. 

Hood’s 2022 album Bad Days Better was recorded at the famed Capricorn Studios in Macon, Georgia, with Brent Cobb at the helm. Released independently by Hood, the album weaves his present day among the echoes of his heroes and biggest influences, creating a sound, style and moment that is all his own. It features an exceptional cast of collaborators, including Brit Turner, Richard Turner and Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, with background vocals singularly provided by Miranda Lambert. 

This deeply personal collection of songs reflects Hood’s journey through life’s hills and valleys, with lyrics that are raw, honest and vulnerable. “I speak more than I want to sometimes,” he admits. “It makes me nervous to play it because I know it’s a vulnerable moment.” But it’s this vulnerability that adds another layer to the Southern musical story Hood continues to write. 

Following the Bad Days Better album, Hood released his most recent album, Different Groove, produced by Gordy Quist at The Finishing School in Austin, Texas. This album further solidified his reputation as a versatile artist who can seamlessly blend various Southern sounds into a cohesive and compelling narrative. 

Adding to his list of accomplishments, Hood celebrated his first No. 1 in Texas with “Can’t Stand Leavin’,” and in October 2022, he made his Grand Ole Opry debut, a milestone that underscores his growing influence in the country music world. He has also recently recorded songs with Ella Langley and Miranda Lambert, showcasing his ability to collaborate with some of the industry’s top talents. 

Adam Hood will always be found where there’s a stage, sharing his version of country music. The essence, emotion, spirit and institution of Southern music reside in Hood’s soul. “Music should get under your skin and make you think and make you feel,” he exclaims. “Some people get what I’m saying, some don’t. I want to say what I feel, and hope others feel the same way.” 

Celebrate the Legacy of The Carpenters

Christina Hélène Braa. Photo by Chelsea Foster

Few voices in pop history are instantly recognizable, or as deeply loved, as Karen Carpenter’s. The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration is a heartfelt concert experience that celebrates the unforgettable songs, remarkable story and enduring legacy, letting us relive it all for one performance only at Walton Arts Center on Thursday, Nov. 5 at 7 pm. 

This show brings the brother-sister duo’s unforgettable music back to the stage in a beautifully crafted all-new production from the creative team behind The Simon & Garfunkel Story. With a full band and heartfelt narration, this concert captures the warmth, emotion and musical brilliance of The Carpenters. It’s a touching tribute that invites audiences to sing-along, reminisce and fall in love all over again. Expect to hear all your favorite songs including “We’ve Only Just Begun,” “Close to You” and “Rainy Days and Mondays,” starring acclaimed vocalist and actress Christina Hélène Braa (she also shares a birthday and birth state with Karen Carpenter).  

With more than 100 million records sold worldwide, The Carpenters became one of the most successful and beloved recording acts of the 1970s. Their unmistakable sound, defined by Karen’s warm contralto vocals and Richard’s sophisticated arrangements, produced a remarkable string of chart-topping hits that continue to resonate with audiences generations later.  

Christina Hélène Braa and Kevin Lausche. Photo by Chelsea Foster

“The music of The Carpenters has a unique ability to transport people back to some of life’s most meaningful moments,” says Dean Elliott, creator and director of the production. “These songs are woven into the soundtrack of so many lives. Our goal was to create an evening that honors Karen and Richard’s extraordinary artistry while giving audiences the chance to experience that music together in a truly special way.” 

Time for Strings with Time for Three

Standing at the intersection of classical music, Americana and singer-songwriter is string trio Time for Three. Comprised of violinists Charles Yang and Nick Kendall, and Ranaan Meyer on double bass, the trio’s charismatic and energetic performances have earned praise from NPR, NBC and The Wall Street Journal. The group returns to Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 pm as part of the 10x10 Arts Series.  

Time for Three’s solo shows have been praised for their “joy, mastery, creativity and supreme artistry” (The Strad), featuring original songs with imaginative arrangements of beloved classical and mainstream works. As described by National Public Radio, “In person, the members of Time for Three come off just as three dudes in a band. But with their staggering technique and freewheeling genre-crossing, it’s hard not to be swept up in the force of their contagious energy.” 

The trio’s history of groundbreaking commissions has entered a new chapter with Silicon Hymnal, a genre-blending concerto by the highly sought after composer Mason Bates that integrates electronica into the orchestral fabric. Their collaborations with major orchestras and conductors continue to flourish, including appearances with Philadelphia Orchestra and Marin Alsop, Louisville Orchestra and Teddy Abrams, St. Louis Symphony and Stéphane Denève, New Jersey Symphony, Vancouver Symphony and Nashville Symphony. 

The group’s affinity for new experiences led them to collaborate with cellist and composer Ben Sollee to create the soundtrack for Focus Features’ film Land, which was directed by Robin Wright and premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. For the past two seasons, they have worked with choreographer Lauren Lovette for special performances with the Paul Taylor Dance Company at Lincoln Center. 

Both on and off stage, Time for Three is committed to encouraging the next generation of musicians. In conjunction with their performances, they host masterclasses, workshops and musical conversations. They have been invited for multi-day residences by universities and youth orchestras. As part of their performances, Time for Three regularly welcomes local student musicians to share the stage with them, creating collaborative moments that are both empowering and inspiring. 

For the trio’s performance in Fayetteville, they invited 15-20 students from Rogers High School to join them on stage. Teacher Karol Rulli is a huge Time for Three fan and is so excited to share this opportunity with her students. 

“This is a high energy trio that bends the classical genre with tremendous virtuosity, each performance is programmed with pieces that sound new and timeless,” says Walton Arts Center president and CEO Peter Lane. “Few ensembles display the depth of programming, excitement and talent, they connect with audiences in ways that leave everyone with a sense of joy and wonder.”

As part of our 10x10 Arts Series, tickets to this show are just $10, so don’t miss this incredible night of live music!

Discover the Story that the Music Didn't Tell

The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

It’s been 20 years since Jersey Boys first hit the Broadway stage, so what is it about the show that continues to pull people in two decades later? For some, it’s the crowd-pleasing, timeless songs while for others, it’s the story of four blue-collar kids who formed the iconic, red-suited group that went on to become one of the most successful boy bands in the history of pop music. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons when the Tony Award®-winning Jersey Boys comes to Walton Arts Center for five performances Nov. 27-29. 

They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard ... and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What a Night,” “Walk Like a Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Beggin’” and “Working My Way Back To You.” 

For co-writer Rick Elice, part of the show’s success is the fact that the story of The Four Seasons was largely unknown before the show hit the stage. He and his fellow co-writer Marshall Brickman ended up meeting with Valli and fellow member Bob Gaudio to find out more about the group’s story.  

The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

“Frankie and Bob were talking about how their lives were spent navigating between the shark-infested waters of the Jersey Mafia, which I thought was something that only existed on television until I met them,” Elice explains. “What appealed to me instantly about these guys was that the four of them and everything they went through was being handed to us as the basis of not just a true story, but a good story. And not just a good story, but an untold story.” 

The writers decided that Jersey Boys wouldn’t be just one person’s story but rather told from four different perspectives representing each of the four members and their individual experiences. The show itself would be divided into ‘four seasons’, matching the name of the band. 

The 20th Anniversary Tour of Jersey Boys. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.

In late 2003, when director Des McAnuff was looking for a show to plug in the gap of the 2004 schedule, he reached out to Elice. While most musicals can take years to develop and get to the stage, the writers found themselves creating Jersey Boys in just mere months. The show had its official opening night in October of 2004. 

Elice says that while Jersey Boys tells the story of a particular band, “it’s hard not to be touched by those eternal issues of wanting to belong and wanting to find home. I’m nothing like the guys, but I recognize what happens to them and what they go through,” he says. “And I think that’s because I’ve gone through my version of that. And I think a lot of people feel that way.” 

Listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Jersey Boys here!

Show Dates and Times: 

Friday, Nov. 27 at 7:30 pm 

Saturday, Nov. 28 at 2 and 7:30 pm 

Sunday, Nov. 29 at 2 and 7 pm 

From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s “too good to be true” (New York Post). Don’t miss the chance to make your night in Jersey one to remember by adding a hands-on cocktail class. For just $51.75, you’ll learn to make two specialty cocktails from our mixologists before one of the shows! 

Cocktail Classes: 

Friday, Nov. 27 at 6 pm 

Saturday, Nov. 28 at 6 pm

10 questions with Good Co - The First Live Electro Swing Band

Bringing the Roaring ‘20s into the 2020s is the first live electro swing band from the United States, Good Co. A genre that mixes the music of the swing era with the dance music of today, electro swing combines the era of jitterbug flappers and underground speakeasies with the funky beats and electric sounds of today’s dance music. 

Since 2013, the group has performed concerts, music festivals and outreach programs all over the world and their music can be heard on radio, label compilations, independent films and on television. Whether it’s performing their music 10,000 feet up in the Australian Alps, underwater at the Bad Sulza Spa, at a community theater, neighborhood performance center or local school, Good Co is thrilled to play anywhere there’s a crowd ready for a good time. 

Good Co’s performance on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm is part of our 10x10 Arts Series, an innovative and intriguing showcase of art forms curated specifically for the Northwest Arkansas community. We asked the bandleader Corey Rayburn to answer 10 questions to help audiences better understand who Good Co is and what to expect with an electro swing show. 

What can audiences expect when they come see this performance? 

Simply put, audiences will see a whole lot of fun happening on stage. We bring a lot of energy to our performances because we really love getting to share our unique sound with audiences. We get our inspiration from the music of the 1920s and that music was all about having a roaring good time. 

What drew you to this performance field? Why electro-swing? 

Originally, Good Co was my solo project, created after a friend introduced me to the new sound of electro swing coming from Europe. I’ve always been a big fan of early jazz and since college have been a fan of electronic dance music as well. This new genre combined them both together. It was irresistible to me and I couldn’t wait to start writing songs of my own. Both genres work surprisingly well together because they are both centered around dancing, having a good time and personal expression. I decided to name the band Good Co because so many of my friends were involved in the first album. After the album came out, there were a lot of folks asking, “When can we see the band perform?” so I realized I’d better actually put together a band and start performing live. 

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

A couple memorable experiences in Europe include performing in a German spa where they pumped our performance through the water and the audience listened by lying in the water and submerging their ears, performing on the roof of a ski lodge in the Australian alps for a festival and performing for thousands of inebriated Italians at the Wine and Love festival in Rome (they loudly sang along and several joyfully joined us on stage to dance with us at different points before being encouraged to depart by security). Here in the states, some of our most memorable experiences have been getting to do outreach at local schools and working with music students to teach them jazz history, how to improvise and how to swing dance. We once had a teenage boy in Montana launch another through the air when we taught the class an aerial. Luckily kids are made of rubber and after a hard landing the second kid bounced up laughing and ready to go again. 

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

Honestly, not really. The members of the band have all been full-time musicians since college and we’ve all played in a million different groups over the years (salsa, pop, metal, funk, classical). Because of this we really don’t have anything we need to do to get in the zone, we’re really ready to go at the drop of the hat. Our singer Katrina does do vocal warm ups though! 

What have been your favorite musical collaborations or projects to work on? 

During the pandemic we were going a bit crazy and recorded a new song, “Quarantine”, and then invited other musicians to collaborate and make their own versions. Some people sent in remixes, some recorded new parts or solos and some did new covers. We called it The Quarantine Challenge, made a choose-your-own-adventure style music video out of it and raised $5,000+ for Sweet Relief, a charity for musicians. You can see the music video here. There’s even a secret salsa ending you can find! 

Pick 5 words that best describe your work. 

Fun, energetic, unique, dapper, party. 

What are some ways you incorporate traditional jazz music into performances? 

Traditional jazz and blues music is the foundation for a lot of genres of music that exist today. Funk, disco, EDM, pop, country, all of the genres build off the groundwork laid by traditional jazz and blues. Our music specifically samples vintage songs, frequently uses traditional jazz forms and puts a big emphasis on improvisational soloing. When not playing our original electro swing, we also play a big selection of traditional jazz songs and we even have an unreleased album, “From The Top” which is only available at live shows. 

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

One great thing about the musicians in our band is we all have a huge amount of artists we listen to and we’re all interested in finding new good music. On band trips we’ll listen to everything from The Yellowjackets to Bjork, to Boz Scaggs, to Rage Against The Machine. We’ve all found there is great music in every genre (as well as bad music), you just have to be open to finding the good stuff that’s out there. That being said, we do listen to a lot of jazz and Steely Dan when we’re on the road. 

Whom do you define as a visionary; and why? 

For us, we see visionary musicians all around us. Anyone who is creating something new, something that hasn’t been heard before and something that is connecting emotionally with their audience is visionary to us. We see this in artists like David Bowie, Dolly Parton, Prince, The Clash, Ella Fitzgerald and other past heroes, but also folks that are in our community and creating new music that is exciting and fresh! Every time someone plays they have a chance to connect with another person and that’s what’s so amazing about being an artist. 

What is the best advice you have been given? 

Don’t play music for a living unless it’s something you HAVE to do. None of the people in this band really have a choice, we wouldn’t be happy if music wasn’t our full-time job. Now, this does not mean not to do music. There are lots of ways to make music for yourself, for your community, for the world and we fully believe everyone should have the chance to make music and enjoy being a musician – because there’s nothing like it! There’s way too much emphasis on being ‘good’ at something; forget that! Music is for everyone and if it makes you happy, go for it. Whether that’s playing at home, in a group, or even just singing along in the shower, music is fun and a great thing to do. When you make it your sole source of income though ... well, that can complicate things. It takes a certain crazy type of person to want to do the things we do to make it work because being a musician can be tough both mentally and financially. But, if you find yourself antsy when on vacation because you haven’t had a chance to play music in a week, if you aren’t able to focus because you’ve just got to get out your instrument to play, if you can drive for 12 hours in a day to play a gig and still be beaming at the end of the night, well you just might be as crazy as we are! 

“Capture the excitement of the jazz age and rocket launch it a century into the future.” -Eugene Weekly

Mariachi Herencia de México Makes History with Star-Spangled Banner Performance

The Ensemble Brings Their Holiday Tour to Fayetteville on Dec. 3 

Chicago-based Mariachi Herencia de México made history Monday night, delivering an inspiring rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the Bears’ Monday Night Football victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Fresh off this viral performance, the band brings their expert mix of mariachi traditions and holiday magic to Walton Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7 pm. 

Listen to music from their most recent album here:

The two-time Grammy®-nominated ensemble performed before a sold-out crowd at historic Soldier Field. It marked the first time a mariachi band had been invited to perform the national anthem in the Chicago Bears’ 107-year history. 

The historic performance was part of the Chicago Bears’ Hispanic Heritage celebration, which featured special programming and activities throughout the evening. For the occasion, the Bears turned to one of Chicago’s own: Mariachi Herencia de México. The ensemble is redefining mariachi for a new bicultural generation with six chart-topping albums and acclaimed performances across North America and beyond. The band is composed of 14 musicians representing a new bicultural generation in the U.S. 

From Chicago to the world, Mariachi Herencia de México brings the sound of Mexico to international stages, including a performance in Fayetteville to celebrate the holidays. In this special Christmas edition of their world tour La Nueva Generación, the ensemble delivers a seasonal concert that honors both the magic of Christmas and the cultural vibrancy of Mexico.  

Experience an unforgettable night as they blend beloved holiday classics with mariachi traditions, creating an electrifying and unforgettable night of Mexican music and culture. 

As part of the 10x10 Arts Series, standard all-in ticket prices are $10. Tickets can be purchased online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600. 

Feel the Rhythm. Find Your Groove.

The Broadway company of Buena Vista Social Club. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Join En Fuego Dance and Fitness at Walton Arts Center for Sunset Latino, an evening of Latin dance on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 7-11 pm. Inspired by the next musical in the Procter & Gamble Broadway series, Buena Vista Social Club™, this night of musical celebration starts with an hour of dance lessons followed by an open social dance. 

No previous dance experience is necessary. En Fuego frequently hosts dance classes and events across Northwest Arkansas for all skill and fitness levels. Come ready to move, meet new people and discover the rhythms that make Buena Vista Social Club™ such a beloved celebration of Cuban music. 

Tickets are $15 in advance at waltonartscenter.org by phone at 479.443.5600 or $20 at the door. Dress to match the Sunset Latino theme: terracotta, orange, golden yellow, coral and burgundy – the colors of a Latin sunset. 

Dance the night away – then get tickets to the Tony Award®-winning musical Buena Vista Social Club™, a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana, here Dec. 15-20. Music like this moves you! 

Natalie Venetia Belcon and David Oquendo in Buena Vista Social Club. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

“In Buena Vista Social Club, the music itself is the story,” writes Buffalo Theatre Guide, “It is the heart, the soul and the driving force of the entire work, and the score is not simply vital to the production – it is its very reason for being.” The Grammy Award® -winning cast recording of the album is the foundation of the story featuring the soul-stirring music of Cuba’s golden age. 

The story follows legendary singer Omara Portuondo years since she last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba – until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past. 

“The highlight of the show is the music. The cast performs with the entire band on stage, often switching roles and witnessing the events unfold,” writes Triangle Review, “The music is stellar, and the presence of the band makes the experience truly special.” 

The Broadway company of Buena Vista Social Club. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Buena Vista Social Club™ Show Dates and Times 

Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 pm 

Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7 pm  

Thursday, Dec. 17 at 1:30 and 7 pm 

Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm 

Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2 and 7:30 pm 

Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 pm 

Vinyl Nights at Alexander Gallery: Where Creativity Blossoms

Lourdes Valverde, “Through the Window;” We are not criminals

Mark your calendars the first Thursdays of October, November and December 6-8 pm for a vinyl night hosted by Odeon Collective. This event is free and open to the public. 

Vinyl nights are October 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3, all during the Our Art, Our Region, Our Time exhibition at the gallery on display through Sunday, Dec. 20. The sixth annual exhibition showcases 102 works by 86 artists. Visitors to the gallery can expect to see paintings, photography, sculpture, digital works and more, all created by artists with deep connections to Arkansas or our region.  

This exhibition continues to grow in popularity among local artists with 371 artists submitting 659 pieces of art this year; both are record responses to the annual call for submissions, making this one of the largest exhibitions to date. Walton Arts Center’s visual arts committee, alongside guest curator Kathy P. Thompson, select the works and seek to celebrate the talented artists who call Northwest Arkansas home.

Alice Newman, The Groaning

Jenny Dowd, The Old Mushroom Swing

Tram Colwin, She is Resilient; Majidi & Rehema's Kawa - Democratic Republic of the Congo and Kenya

Kyle Blair, Holy War

Natalia Franco, Happy to Be Here - As The World Slips Through My Fingers

David Mudrinich, Bottomland Pergola

Isaac Cummings, Within

Zeek Taylor, Lunabella Over the Moon

Cheryl McBride-Morrison, The Principal

Alan Simmons, Forgotten

Michelle Bazis, Winter Cowboy

Ben Buonaiuto, Octopus

DeQuan Whitley, From LR with Love

A new record, a new perspective and a new way to experience the Alexander Gallery, where art and music meet. Bring your own vinyl to play or enjoy a curated selection from the gold standard of vinyl DJing, Odeon Collective.

Fill your night with more music and see a show at Walton Arts Center after your stop at the gallery. On Oct. 1 at 7:30 pm, catch country music royalty Carlene Carter when she brings the legacy of The Carter Family to NWA. Hear the iconic sounds of Karen Carpenter in The Carpenters Songbook: A Live Celebration on Nov. 5 at 7 pm. Finally, Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas on Dec. 3 at 7 pm will give audiences all the holiday joy they’ve been waiting for. Tickets for these shows are available at waltonartscenter.org.

To learn more about the Alexander Gallery, visit alexandergallery.org.

Discover Your New Favorite Artist

Every handful of years, Neko Case resurfaces with a new album and reminds listeners that she is one of our greatest living songwriters – perpetually becoming more fearless and adventurous. This has been true throughout her more than 25-year career, where her indie-rock and country-noir sound has swelled and shrunk to fit the mood, but the impact she creates has never wavered. She brings a new run of the Neon Grey Midnight Green Tour to Northwest Arkansas on Monday, Nov. 2 at 7 pm with musical guest Destroyer. 

Listening to Case’s music will teach you about this world – human nature’s cruelty, perseverance and terrifying beauty, but the natural world as well. “She has cultivated one of the most distinctive voices in American song,” Stereogum declared. “Her albums unravel like musical picaresque; restlessly digressive, bluntly funny, strange – but never in ways you’d anticipate.” 

Initially entering the music scene as a drummer, she harnessed her songwriting prowess and figurative and literal voice in 1997 with her breakout debut album The Virginian followed by her first live album The Tigers Have Spoken.  

The Grammy® -nominated iconoclast’s ninth LP, Neon Grey Midnight Green, is her biggest-sounding and most intimate-feeling album yet. Released last fall to immediate critical acclaim and declared an essential album in her catalog, the album was laid down live with a full band. 

Her latest music is no less urgent but carries a deep blue streak of sentimentality. The album pays tribute to the musicians, producers and activists who have passed away in recent years – all artists Case was lucky enough to call not just influences but close friends. She rises on the shoulders of her musical heroes, using their tools to create her most inspired work. 

“There are so few producers who are women, nonbinary or trans,” says Case, who identifies as gender fluid and uses she/her pronouns. “People don’t think of us as an option. I’m proud to say I produced this record.” 

Her memoir, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You was released last January and reached No. 5 on The New York Times nonfiction best sellers list. Raised “by two dogs and a space heater” in Washington state, the book’s vibrant wordplay and unflinching humor were familiar to fans. Case has also been hard at work on original music for the forthcoming Thelma & Louise Broadway musical after being personally selected by the original screenwriter.

Nobody's Putting Baby in a Corner with this Tour

The reviews are in and Dirty Dancing: The Musical had a dazzling opening at St. Paul’s Ordway Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Minnesota Star Tribune writes that “every familiar moment drew a roar, as if Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey had somehow materialized in the room.” 

Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle) and the Dirty Dancing: The Musical Company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Set against the unforgettable summer of 1963, Dirty Dancing: The Musical follows Frances “Baby” Houseman as she discovers love, passion and independence through her relationship with charismatic dance instructor Johnny Castle. With live music from the original film, Dirty Dancing: The Musical is the feel-good escape audiences have been craving, alive with the pulse of electrified dancing, the thrill of secret encounters and the allure of forbidden romance.  

Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle) and Olivia Cece (Penny Johnson). Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Featuring Blake Zelesnikar as iconic bad-boy dance instructor Johnny Castle and Annalese Starzec as the awkward, determined Baby, “[They] generate actual chemistry and when the moment comes for the movie’s famous dance lift, they nail it” (Minnesota Star Tribune).  

For over two decades, producers have attempted to turn the beloved 1987 film into a musical built for the stage. This latest adaptation features direction from Lonny Price, who originated the role of Neil Kellermann in the movie, as well as choreography from Darrell Grand Moultrie and writing from original screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein. 

Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle) and Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman). Photo by Matthew Murphy.

The show includes many of the iconic moments from the movie that fans will be thrilled to see while still remembering to include the storytelling of it all. Once the final dance comes, the theater knows what to expect and the cast delivers as Johnny and Baby take the stage, the familiar music plays, and the moment everyone has been waiting for arrives. 

Aside from the iconic lift, the musical has received raving reviews for both the choreography as well as the production design. “This latest incarnation comes armed with wall-to-wall music, grab-you-by-the-loins dancing and cinematic transitions that whisk us through the 80-plus scenes without inducing whiplash” the Minnesota Star Tribune writes. 

Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman) and Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle). Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Show Dates and Times: 

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 pm 

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1:30 and 7 pm 

Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 pm 

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 and 7:30 pm 

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 and 7 pm 

Want to make your night at Kellermann’s one to remember? Join us for a hands-on cocktail class before one of the shows where you’ll learn to make two specialty cocktails from our mixologists. Reserve your shaker now for just $51.75! 

Cocktail Classes Dates and Times:

Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30 pm 

Friday, Oct. 23, 6 pm 

Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 pm

$10 Ticket Alert: Good Co

Seattle-based electro swing band Good Co mixes the music of the swing era with the dance music of today and brings it all center stage for one performance only Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm. Combining 1920s and ‘30s jazz with electronic dance sounds of today, the six-person ensemble features Carey Rayburn, Katrina Kope, Jake Sele, Peter Daniel, Joseph Eck and Tim Carey.  

They use live instruments, vintage samples and funky beats to create a whole new type of dance party. Since 2013, Good Co has performed for music festivals, conventions and burlesque performances throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. 

“You’ll hear and dance to the musical influences of Louie Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Bennie Goodman with a twist,” says Our Coast Magazine. Pounding dance beats mix with jazz guitar riffs, samples from the past turned upside down and a live horn section blow the house down when the group takes stage.  

For many, jazz has faded from mainstream and is often thought of as an eclectic or intellectual type of music, but this was not always the case. When jazz was first invented, it was the music of the clubs. It was for dancing and for breaking away from the constraints and formalities of the time. Electro swing takes those old sounds embedded in the American identity and brings them into the 21st century. 

“Capture the excitement of the jazz age and rocket launch it a century into the future.” (Eugene Weekly). Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 

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Good Co is a part of our 10x10 Arts Series, a collection of 10 shows that invites everyone to discover and explore new artistic experiences. The series helps fulfill Walton Arts Center’s mission to make the arts more accessible to the broader NWA community with $10 tickets for each show!

Upcoming 10x10 Arts Series Shows: 

Time for Three | Tuesday, Nov. 10, 7 pm 

Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas | Thursday, Dec. 3, 7 pm 

Dover Quartet | Thursday, Jan. 7, 7 pm 

Aquila Theatre’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Wednesday, Feb. 17, 7 pm

The War And Treaty Kick-off National Tour at Walton Arts Center

Soul duo returns after a sold-out 2025 west street live performance

Fresh off their “America’s Got Talent” appearance at the end of August, Grammy®-nominated soul duo The War And Treaty will kick off their U.S. tour when they return to Walton Arts Center on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7 pm. 

The show will feature music from their new album The Story of Michael and Tanya. They shared a sneak peek of what Northwest Arkansas audiences can expect on “ATG,” performing the title track from their EP Country Baptism, as well as the previously released “It’ll Hurt Me More Than It’ll Hurt You.” 

Collaborators on the new album include a variety of artists and friends, mentors and trusted confidants as well as legends in their own industries: Emmy®, Grammy, Oscar® and Tony Award® winner Whoopi Goldberg, songwriter's hall of famer Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, country music hall of famer Wynonna Judd and Grammy-nominated performer Valerie June.

Their latest work also seeks to expand Ray Charles’ idea that the best music exists in the tension between sacred sounds and secular desires. “For Michael and me, it’s important to show the combination of rawness and sweetness that underlies our soulful sound,” said Tonya Trotter.  

The War And Treaty are industry favorites and are known for breaking boundaries and crossing genres to create exceptional music. They are the first black duo to be nominated for a Country Music Award and to perform at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The two-time Grammy nominees also performed a tribute to Lauryn Hill at the 2026 BET Award.

Twelve years after their founding, Michael and Tanya Trotter’s combined musical and emotional intelligence allows their new songs to gently but firmly address the world’s complexities. 

“The power of language is that it can peacefully balance emotions,” says Tanya Trotter. “However, for many generations, even when the conversations don’t use words, it’s always been important, first and foremost, not to question where an emotion is coming from, but instead understand the context that created them,” adds Michael Trotter. 

Don't miss the kickoff to the duo’s fall concert tour. Standard all-in ticket prices are $40.25-$86.25. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600

10 Questions with 10x10 Arts Series Opener Jake Shimabakuro

Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit and deeply expressive performances that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk and traditional Hawaiian music. 

Beyond the stage, Shimabukuro is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach, frequently performing at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians.  

His performance on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 pm kicks off the 10x10 Art Series, an intriguing and innovative showcase of art forms, meticulously curated to satisfy the artistic curiosity of the Northwest Arkansas Community. We asked him to answer 10 questions to help audiences better understand who he is and what to expect at a Shimabakuro show. 

What can audiences expect when they come see this performance? 

I sometimes say that the best part about being a touring ukulele player is that audiences all over the world generally have lower expectations. The main thing for me is to help spread peace and love through the arts and live music. And it’s a family-friendly show. 

What drew you to the ukulele or this performance field? 

I was born and raised in Hawaii where the ukulele is a big part of the culture. My mom played, and when I was four years old, she taught me my first chord; and I was hooked. 

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

We played a version of “Bohemian Rhapsody” at a music festival a few years ago, and the entire audience spontaneously began singing along. It’s now become a regular singalong in our show. 

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

I usually just play through a few songs to get my fingers warmed up prior to the show. 

What have been your favorite musical collaborations or projects to work on? 

Recently, I got to record and entire blues record with Mick Fleetwood called Blues Experience. That was such a memorable experience for me. 

Pick 5 words that best describe your work. 

Fun, fun, fun, fun and joyous. 

What inspired you to become such an advocate for music education and the arts in schools? 

When I was in school, I remember artists coming to our classroom and sharing the importance of art and music. It really stuck with me. 

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

I’ve been really getting into visual art recently. Especially abstract painting. It’s been opening up new creative portals for me. 

Whom do you define as a visionary; and why? 

Back in 1885, there was a musician in Hawaii named Joseph Kekuku. He invented the Hawaiian lap steel guitar. An instrument that truly shaped modern music. It also became the first electric guitar. 

What is the best advice that you have been given? 

Be a good person first, a good musician second. 

West Street Live Boasts Musical Icons and Tunes

Inspired by hometown heroes and historic musicians, performances by the highly awarded singer-songwriters of West Street Live are a lyric lover’s dream. These star-studded showcases are presented cabaret style with tiered seating and a limited number of tables to create the ultimate listening experience. 

Opening the series on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 pm is the Henhouse Prowlers. The bond between Ben Wright (banjo, vocals), Chris Dollar (guitar, vocals), Jon Foldfine (bass, vocals) and Jake Howard (mandolin, vocals) is unmistakable after 20 years of playing music. The Chicago-based quartet continues to push forward with curiosity, purpose and a sense that the best chapters may still be ahead. 

At the heart of every Henhouse Prowlers performance is a genuine passion for music and human connection. As accomplished storytellers, songwriters and instrumentalists, the four musicians bring distinct strengths to the stage. Their reverence for the bluegrass tradition is matched by a willingness to explore beyond it, creating a sound that is rooted, adventurous and uniquely their own. 

The band is perhaps best understood live from the stage, blending original material, compelling storytelling and bluegrass interpretations of songs collected during their travels around the world. Audiences will step into a world of explorative bluegrass delivered with the same authenticity and intention as the traditional genre. Their travels have reinforced a simple belief: when people approach one another with curiosity and respect, meaningful connections follow.  Listen to their most recent album: Unravel.

Just a few weeks later, country-music royalty Carlene Carter takes the stage in Starr Theater on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:30 pm. As the daughter of June Carter Cash and Carl Smith and stepdaughter of Johnny Cash, “music is at the core of her DNA,” says Rolling Stone.   

Carter began her career singing with the Carter Family while still a young teen. When her grandmother passed away in 1978 following the release of her self-titled debut album, Rolling Stone wrote, “[Maybelle Carter] lived to see her granddaughter Carlene merge Nashville with contemporary rock and roll.” 

Her album Carter Girl is a critically-lauded collection of Carter Family songs and originals, inspired by successive generations of her family. The album led to her feature on John Mellencamp’s Plain Spoken Tour, both as a support act and as his duet partner. She went on to record Sad Clowns and Hillbillies with Mellencamp. 

Her third album, Musical Shapes is often cited as being ahead of its time for its blend of country and rock. The album was recorded with her then-husband and producer Nick Lowe and his group Rockpile in 1980. They settled into their London home, where Carlene spent a year on the West End stage in the musical Pump Boys and Dinettes. 

“Long before the Taylor Swifts, Miranda Lamberts and Brandi Carliles, Carlene Carter set the standard for today’s independent, self-empowered and irrepressible female country artists — and she did so when country music, as Barbara Mandrell sang in her 1981 single, 'wasn’t cool,'” says SPIN Magazine. Watch her light up ACL 1994 below:

Don’t miss her electrifying performance! Tickets to these and more shows are available at waltonartscenter.org or by calling 479.443.5600

Other West Street Live Shows:

Adam Hood | Friday, Nov. 6, 7:30 pm

The Wooten Brothers | Thursday, Nov. 19, 7:30 pm

Davina & the Vagabonds | Saturday, Apr. 3, 7:30 pm

Nashville Songwriters | Saturday, Apr. 24, 7:30 pm

Meet the Simon Moullier Trio

Simon moullier, vibes

Grammy Award® winner, vibraphonist, composer and arranger Simon Moullier has distinguished himself as one of the leading voices of his generation and has become recognized for his entirely new approach and sound on his instrument. Moullier performs at Walton Arts Center alongside Alex Claffy and Steven Pruitt on Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 pm. 

Moullier grew up in the Northwest of France and is now based in New York City. Mentored by Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock and more at the Thelonious Monk Institute, he has since been recognized for his work as an arranger on Terri Lyne Carrington’s Grammy Award-winning New Standards Vol. 1 and another Grammy recognition for his participation in Laufey’s Bewitched in 2023.  

Earlier this year, he was awarded a Chamber Music America New Jazz Works grant in recognition of his work as a composer and his continued contributions in contemporary jazz. “As an improvisor,” critic Joshua Redman says, “Simon has that holy trinity: melody, feel and flow. And what a sound!” 

As an active touring musician, Moullier has performed worldwide at many of the most respected jazz clubs and festivals, including the Village Vanguard, Blue Note Tokyo and Beijing, the Chiapas Marimba Festival and International Jazz Day in Cuba and Russia. He is also an educator and has given masterclasses around the world, teaching at institutions such as Berklee College of Music, the University of Southern California and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. 

Alex Claffy, Bass

Following the release of his debut album, Alexander Claffy joins Moullier on bass for the tour. From birth, Claffy was raised in a musical household (his father, a pianist and his mother, a vocalist) and had many of his earliest lessons on bandstands in the heart of Philadelphia. As a teenager, Claffy was fortunate enough to continue his study of the double bass with musicians including Ron carter, Dwayne Burno and Orin O’Brien. 

Since moving to New York City in 2011, he has had the honor of working with many of his living heroes, including Jimmy Cobb, Louis Hayes, Harold Mabern and many more. In the past 3 years he has recorded for the Verve, HighNote, Positone, RopeADope and LaReserve record labels. Get a sneak peek of the bass player’s talents here: HOPE-Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Steven Pruitt, Drums

Rounding out the trio on drums is Steven Pruitt. With a career marked by exceptional talent and versatility, Pruitt brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the drums. Music became the central focus of his life at an early age when his dad bought him his first drum set. His musical endeavors have led him to share the stage and studio with some of the finest artists in the world including Bobby Sparks, Edie Gomez, Champian Fulton, Mike Moreno, Bruce Forman, Mark Lettieri and many more. 

Pruitt attended the University of North Texas and studied under the tutelage of Ed Soph and began to play heavily in the Dallas/Fort Worth scene. He was an artist-in-residence at Utah State University and a professor of jazz drum set at the University of North Texas. Check out one of his drum solo sessions here: Steve Pruitt-Connections.

You won’t want to miss the “unchallenged new star of jazz vibraphone” (DownBeat).

Share the Message of The Outsiders with a Halloween Costume Drive

As part of Welcoming Week NWA Walton Arts Center is hosting a Halloween costume donation drive during the Arkansas debut of the Tony Award®-winning musical The Outsiders Sept. 1-6. 

Bring a new or gently used, clean costume when you come see one of the eight performances of The Outsiders, or drop off your costume donation at the Alexander Gallery, 212 N. West Ave, Monday through Saturday 11 am–2 pm or Thursday through Saturday 5-8 pm during the last week of This Wheel's Still on Fire: The Legacy of Levon Helm exhibit. Donations will be accepted Tuesday, Sept. 1 through Sunday, Sept. 6.   

Adapted from S.E. Hinton's seminal novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, this thrilling new musical features a book by Adam Rapp with Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Tony Award winner Justin Levine, music supervision, orchestration, and arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman, and direction by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor. Entertainment Weekly says, "The Outsiders has the power to inspire an entire generation."  

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

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The Outsiders navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. With a dynamic original score, The Outsiders is a story of friendship, family, belonging … and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.” 

Walton Arts Center's teaching artists noticed that many students missed out on Halloween festivities last year because they didn’t have costumes. But just like Ponyboy and his friends, we believe that every kid deserves the chance to dream about who they want to become without a world of "haves and have-nots." This September, we're asking our community to help make sure there's still "lots of good in the world" for the kids here in Northwest Arkansas. 

Donations will go directly to students in Washington, Leverett, Happy Hollow and Asbell elementary schools, so every child has the chance to dress up for Halloween this fall. 

Tickets can be purchased online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling 479.443.5600. 

Show Dates and Times: 

Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7 pm 

Wednesday, Sept. 2, 7 pm 

Thursday, Sept. 3, 1:30 & 7 pm 

Friday, Sept. 4, 7:30 pm 

Saturday, Sept. 5, 2 & 7:30 pm 

Sunday, Sept. 6, 2 pm 

Almost 40 Years Later and We're Still Having the Time of our Life

Based on Lionsgate's beloved film, the story that awakened a generation is back in a new stage production. Dirty Dancing: The Musical is the feel-good escape you’ve been craving, alive with the pulse of electrified dancing, the thrill of secret encounters and the allure of forbidden romance. Set to live music from the original film you love, Baby and Johnny bring to life the summer that changed everything.  

Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman) and Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle). Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman") and Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle). Photo by Matthew Murphy.

This new stage production features direction by Lonny Price who played Neil Kellerman in the original film, choreography by Darrell Grand Moultrie (Beyonce’s Mrs. Carter Show World Tour) and a book by original screenwriter, Eleanor Bergstein.  

Price sat down with Minnesota Monthly to discuss the lasting impact of the film. “I assumed it might find a quiet second life on cable,” he said, “I was completely gob smacked by the overwhelming response and its continued longevity.” 

This new adaptation offers deeper scenes and explores other facets of characters. “It honors the original film while giving the storytelling room to breathe on stage,” he said. “It is a delicate balance; you want to give the audience what they came for, but you also have to theatricalize it so they are not just watching a movie recreated on stage.” 

Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle) and Annalese Starzec (Frances “Baby” Houseman). Photo by Matthew Murphy

This isn’t the first time Price is stepping into the director’s chair, he has also worked on a production of Company (starring Neil Patrick Harris and Stephen Colbert), the 2017 revival of Sunset Boulevard (starring Glenn Close) and the special event “Sondheim: The Birthday Concert”.  

“Directing has been my primary home for a long time now, so it feels like the natural chair for me to sit in,” he says, “It is wonderful to approach this material from a holistic, directorial perspective rather than through the singular lens of an actor focused strictly on their own track.” 

Don’t miss when it comes to Northwest Arkansas for eight performances from Oct. 21-25. Your reservation at Kellerman’s awaits! 

"A pop-culture landmark that continues to define the nostalgia of an era"

- The Guardian -

"A pop-culture landmark that continues to define the nostalgia of an era" - The Guardian -

Blake Zelesnikar (Johnny Castle) and the Dirty Dancing: The Musical Company. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Show Dates and Times: 

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 pm 

Thursday, Oct. 22, 1:30 & 7 pm

Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 pm 

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 & 7:30 pm

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2 & 7 pm

Want to make your night at Kellerman’s a full experience? Join us for a cocktail class before one of the shows and learn how to make two specialty drinks from our mixologists. Reserve your shaker now for just $51.75! 

Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30 pm 

Friday, Oct. 23, 6 pm 

Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 pm