Q&A with Dinosaur World Live writer & director

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

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

---

How would you describe Dinosaur World Live?  

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

What has excited you most about working on the show?  

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

What does the typical dino rehearsal day look like?  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Learn more about Theater Unspeakable's The American Revolution

Here’s what you need to know:

7 actors positioned

2 feet off the ground share

21 square feet of space

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

50 minutes

It’s the ultimate American origin story!

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

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

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

---

Why did Theater Unspeakable choose to make this play?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young Professionals Give Back Through Volunteering

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and at Walton Arts Center, that means celebrating a dedicated troupe of over 200 volunteers who donate countless hours each year to bring the magic of the performing arts to our community.  

Volunteering can fit into any lifestyle, but don’t just take our word for it. Talk to Amelia Catanzaro, a young professional who works full time in corporate and still volunteers at Walton Arts Center. “Volunteering does not have to be a big time commitment, you can work three hours or 300 hours and everything in between. That makes it accessible whether you're a working professional, retired or a student. You can work around your schedule and still make an impact.” 

Catanzaro is just one of several volunteers that carve out time to volunteer in spite of their corporate careers. The company she works for donation-matches her volunteer time, allowing them both to give back to the community.  

During a show, volunteers help with a wide range of tasks like scanning tickets and handing out programs, pouring drinks in the Friends lounge, helping patrons find their seats and answering questions. For Catanzaro, this variation is what makes volunteering so fun. “It's not like your day job where you know what to expect,” she said. “You show up here and it's different everyday because of the shows, the volunteer positions available and all of the different patrons. Getting to see other people excited to come to this space is the best feeling.” 

That connection to Walton Arts Center runs deep. “The arts have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Catanzaro said. From her first experience seeing a Broadway show (Mamma Mia in 2006), to performing on the Baum Walker Hall stage with her dance class, or to attending a Classroom Series show, “Walton Arts Center was always at the core of my arts experiences.”  

“When I graduated college, all those extra arts experiences stopped – I wasn’t singing in choir, wasn’t on a dance team anymore – but I was looking for someway to still be connecting to the arts,” she said. As a season subscriber herself, Catanzaro knows firsthand the joy of live performance, but what drives her most is sharing that feeling with someone experiencing it for the first time. " I am glad I get to be a part of that journey for someone else.” Furthering her dedication to the impact of the arts, Catanzaro also donates a gift through the Friends program, helping set the stage for free performances for our community throughout the year.  

The impact of the arts goes beyond just sitting in a chair and seeing a show. "Having a place that makes you feel loved and welcome is amazing," Catanzaro says, "and Walton Arts Center is that place."  

Learn more about volunteering at waltonartscenter.org/volunteer. 

Show Spotlight: The Sound of Music

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

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

Let’s start at the very beginning …  

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

Subscribe now for first access

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

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

Bringing the Stage to Students

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

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

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

That’s where a new chapter begins.

Taking Theater Beyond the Stage

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

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

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

Designed for Access and Impact

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

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

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

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

Investing in the Local Creative Community

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

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

A Vision for the Future

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

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

Creating Moments That Matter

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

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

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

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

Andy Woodhull Returns to The Comedy Zone

Andy Woodhull was the first comedian to make a network television debut on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and he’s also the first comedian to return to The Comedy Zone at Walton Arts Center. Don’t miss this return performance when Woodhull takes the stage with his signature brand of comedy on Saturday, April 18 at 7:30 pm.  

Woodhull knows how to make just about any crowd laugh, and has been doing so for nearly 15 years. He was originally inspired to become a comic by his father and has said his father always joked around with him and treated him as a friend rather than a son. Woodhull and his father also used to watch the TV show “Seinfeld,” which was another source of inspiration for him. Woodhull has said that he believes Jerry Seinfeld has perfected the art of observational comedy.   

Even if you don’t know his name, if you are a fan of comedy you’ve probably seen his work. He has appeared on “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” “Conan,” “Live at Gotham” and “The Half Hour on Comedy Central.” Meanwhile, his Dry Bar Comedy special has over 12 million views on YouTube and all six of his comedy albums are in rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio. He worked as a writer on SYFY’s “The Movie Show” and was featured in two episodes. In 2024, he taped a hosting gig on the CW unscripted series “TOTALLY FUNNY ANIMALS.” He also recently started a Podcast called “Backyard Hang” with Tommy Johnagin and Alex Stone. 

“I write from my life, which doesn’t set me apart from other comedians, but I’m the only one that has lived my life so in a way it still does,” Woodhull says. His comedy is focused on relatable topics that he has life experience with like divorce, being a stepfather and family life. Woodhull has such a unique sense of humor that still connects to every parent, stepparent, spouse or divorcee.   

Woodhull is well known for his “clean” comedy performances and comedy albums. He describes his comedy as “PG-13” rated, saying he would let his 10- and 12-year-old daughters watch some of his performances. 

Do not miss his return to The Comedy Zone. All-in standard tickets start at $28.75.

Show Spotlight: The Notebook

Audiences in Northwest Arkansas are about to fall in love all over again with a beloved story.

Based on the best-selling novel that inspired the iconic film, The Notebook tells the story of Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart. “Full of butterfly-inducing highs and beautiful songs” (Entertainment Weekly), The Notebook is a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love.

“A love story for the ages.” - The New York Daily News

This production “is ultimately a celebration of life, love and the power of memory,” said producers Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch. “Audiences first fell in love with this timeless story as a novel, then as an iconic film, and now they can experience it anew as a moving musical event. With an unforgettable score and a beautifully crafted book, The Notebook comes to life on stage in a way that will resonate deeply with audiences across North America.”

Since its 1996 debut as a novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook has been an international sensation. The 2004 film adaptation grossed over $115 million worldwide, cementing its status as a cultural icon. The compelling love story of Allie and Noah, brought to life by Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, made its mark on popular culture with Gosling winning the Teen Choice Award for choice movie actor. The Notebook's impact has resonated through generations, making its characters cultural staples. Its poignant narrative has remained a tear-jerking favorite, consistently revered for impressive production qualities. The musical builds on this rich history, presenting the timeless love story in a new, immersive format. By harnessing the narrative's passion and visual appeal, it has reimagined the epic romance for the stage, creating an unmissable experience for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.

About the creative team

INGRID MICHAELSON (Music and Lyrics): New York-based indiepop singer/songwriter known for hits like "Girls Chase Boys" and "The Way I Am." Has released nine studio albums and earned an Emmy® nomination for her work on "Little Fires Everywhere." The Notebook marks her Broadway compositional debut.

BEKAH BRUNSTETTER (Book): North Carolina playwright and TV writer (‘This Is Us,’ ‘Maid’). Known for The Cake and other plays exploring Southern culture and identity. The Notebook marks her Broadway debut.

NICHOLAS SPARKS (Author of Original Book): Bestselling American author from North Carolina. Best known for romance novels including The Notebook (1996), which launched his career. Has sold over 105 million books worldwide, with 11 film adaptations. Co-founded The Epiphany School in New Bern, North Carolina.

MICHAEL GREIF (Co-Director): Four-time Tony®-nominated Broadway director known for groundbreaking musicals including Rent, Next to Normal and Dear Evan Hansen. Notable for directing complex, contemporary musical theater productions at major venues including The Public Theater and Second Stage.

SCHELE WILLIAMS (Co-Director): Broadway director and former performer (Rent, Aida). Making her Broadway directorial debut with The Notebook. Also directing the 2024 Broadway revival of The Wiz and Disney's Aida revival. Author of children's books about Black history.

KATIE SPELMAN (Choreographer): Broadway choreographer making her debut with The Notebook. Previous work includes productions at regional theaters nationwide and associate choreographer for Broadway shows like Moulin Rouge! and Once.

Subscribe now for first access!

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

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

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

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

Australian Chamber Orchestra 

Saturday, April 18, 8 pm 

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

-The Australian 

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

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

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

---

Curtis Chamber Orchestra 

Tuesday, May 19, 7 pm

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

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

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

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

Volunteers Power the Arts – On stage and Off

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

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

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

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

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

Show Spotlight: Buena Vista Social Club™

In 1996, record producers Nick Gold, Ry Cooder and band leader Juan de Marcos brought together a group of seasoned but mostly forgotten musicians, some as old as 90, to record an album of old music for a new audience. It was an album of old songs as they were played in the 1940s and ‘50s for working-class black Cubans at a members-only Havana dance hall, called the Buena Vista Social Club. 

The unexpected result was a cultural phenomenon.

According to the album’s website, “upon the release of the Buena Vista Social Club™ album in 1997, few outside the specialist world music audience initially took much notice of the record’s elegantly sculpted tunes and warm, acoustic rhythms. Then something extraordinary occurred. The album was spectacularly reviewed by a few discerning critics, but although their words of praise did Buena Vista’s cause no harm, they cannot explain what subsequently happened…Buena Vista’s sales figures kept steadily rising week by week, building almost entirely by word-of-mouth until it achieved critical mass: all who heard the record not only fell in love with Buena Vista’s irresistible magic, but were then inspired to play or recommend the album to everyone they knew. It was one of those rare records that transcended the vagaries of fad and fashion to sound timeless but utterly fresh. Once you heard it, you had to have a heart of stone not to be swept away by the music’s romantic impulses and uninhibited exuberance.”

It won a Grammy, has sold more than 8 million albums worldwide, and was the subject of an Oscar-nominated 1999 documentary. Now the album has also inspired a new Broadway musical, which tells the imagined origin story of the musicians behind the music and their personal struggles before their fame later in life. 

Music (and a story) that will Move you

Step into the heart of Cuba, beyond the glitz of the Tropicana, to a place where blazing trumpets and sizzling guitars set the dance floor on fire. Here, the real sound of Havana is born – and one woman discovers the music that will change her life forever. 

Inspired by true events, five-time Tony Award®-winning musical Buena Vista Social Club™ brings the Grammy Award®-winning album to thrilling life – and tells the story of the legends who lived it. A world-class band joins a sensational cast of musicians, actors and dancers from across the globe for an authentic and joyful experience unlike any you’ve seen or heard before. Witness the tale that continues to captivate Broadway - one of big dreams, second chances and the unbreakable bonds of making music together. 

Subscribe now for first access!

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

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

Show Spotlight: The Outsiders

“The Outsiders has a heart of gold and the power to inspire an entire generation.”

— Entertainment Weekly

If the words “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold,” trigger memories of reading the S.E. Hinton’s seminal novel or watching Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, then you will not want to miss the newest thrilling musical adaptation of The Outsiders!

The winner of four 2024 Tony Awards®, including best musical, this classic coming-of-age story is coming to Walton Arts Center Sept. 1-6, opening the 2026-27 Proctor & Gamble Broadway Series.

The show transports you to 1967, Tulsa, Oklahoma where Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The story navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them.

The Outsiders is a story of friendship, family, belonging…and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.”

The Outsiders was written by S.E. Hinton when she was 16 and living in Tulsa. When asked what sparked The Outsiders, Hinton is matter-of-fact: “I was inspired by my high school. I just got tired of all the social classes fighting each other.”

Since it’s publication in 1967, the book has sold over 15 million copies. As a staple in middle and high school curriculums—used in over 75% of U.S. schools—the actual number of readers is likely far higher than the number of books sold, covering generations of teenagers.

“It never went out of print,” Hinton said. “They kept selling better every year.”

The longevity of The Outsiders has fueled many adaptations, each one reshaping the story for a new generation. Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film cemented its place in pop culture, while school and regional stage productions have kept its themes alive in classrooms and communities across the country. However the Broadway musical has brought the tale full circle, marrying Hinton’s raw honesty with the visceral power of live performance.

This production has been praised for capturing both the grit and the tenderness of her original text, something Hinton herself deeply appreciates. “I love the musical,” she said warmly.

The Outsiders features a book by Tony Award nominee Adam Rapp with Tony Award winner Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Tony Award nominees Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, music supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Tony Award nominees Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman and is directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor.

“The musical stayed very close to the book and true to the characters,” she said. “Naturally, I am pleased about this. I believe the music provides insight to the characters. I like that some people will experience the story for the first time as a musical, and then they read the book or see the movie.”

One of Hinton’s favorite parts of the stage production is the rumble, which she described in detail in her novel. Through the use of the musical’s fight choreography, gritty staging and modern score it becomes something really mesmerizing. “I thought the rumble was great,” she admitted. “It just brought every piece of [my book’s] description to life.”

---

Whether it is your first or your 100th time experiencing the Struggle of the Greasers and their search to belong - you will love the raw, pulse-pounding twist the musical adds to the story.

---

Subscribe now for first access!

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

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

Meet our VoiceJam Competitors - Part 2

The 10th annual VoiceJam A Cappella Competition on April 11 brings the best a cappella groups from across the country to compete at Walton Arts Center.  We asked each of the seven competing groups a few questions to learn more about them. Get to know four of these competitors: Decibelles, A Cub Bella, VIBE and Final Measure!   

Click here to see part one with responses from the other three competitors.   

Tickets to the Voctave concert and the VoiceJam Competition are on sale now. Want to see both shows? Purchase a combo ticket for just $31.85. Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.   

---

Decibelles – Fort Smith, Ark.  

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?  

As we are all high school seniors, we are on top of every social media trend. We often find ourselves recreating singing trends and challenges for fun, building team spirit and keeping our music fresh as we typically perform the older style of “Sweet Adeline” singing. As we navigate the complex harmonies of the barbershop society, we also love to sing jazz and pop music. Our repertoire for this competition is going to display all of our strengths, highlighting the accumulation of our time spent together. 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?  

As choir kids, it’s in our nature to stick to precisely notated music, but in the world of a cappella, we are trying to get acclimated and comfortable with musical improvisation! We love trying new things and trying to conquer new skills as a group. 

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?  

The name Decibelles came from a playful twist on the musical term “decibel,” combined with the Southern phrase “Southern Belle.” We loved the idea of blending music and femininity into one name. “Decibel” represents the strength, power and impact of our sound, while “Southern Belle” reflects our grace, charm and love for getting glamorous. By combining the two, we created a name that captures both our fierce stage presence and the confident femininity we bring to every performance. 

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

Before our performances, we find peace and reassurance in saying a prayer over our voices and minds. We typically warm up on lip trills and breathing exercises including suspensions and pressured release of breath. Much of the warming up happens as we run our music a few times, and then once full out. Before it all, we make sure to drink unlimited throat coat or ginger tea with lemon and honey to ensure smooth and luscious harmonies!  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?  

As a group, we are super into dramatic and pop contemporary a cappella, especially anything performed by GQ. Arguably, we are GQ’s biggest superfans! That said, we’re also trying to expand our musical tastes a little. Our current top five a cappella songs are “Pity Party“ arranged by Patrick McAlexander, “Hot Knife” arranged by GQ, “Man I Need” arranged by Kate Crellin, “Natural Woman” and “Ebb Tide” arranged by Fred King.  

What does your group like to do in your free time?  

In our free time, the Decibelles love spending time together as friends outside of rehearsal! We’ve been best friends for a long time, so our time together is effortless. During fellowship, we enjoy Bible studies or getting dressed up just to take pictures — just because! We also have fun traditions, like exploring local coffee shops for a sweet treat or getting post-practice milkshakes from Sonic. And of course, like any other a cappella group, we love karaoke! What we love most about the Decibelles is that we can bond not only over our love for music, but also over our love for each other. 

A Cub Bella – Missouri State University 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire? 

Our repertoire includes pop, jazz, folk and country! We always select repertoire based on our member’s interest for the year!  

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise? 

We read notes from a page and try to make them come to life! We love to improvise in small form whether that be a silly chant or harmonizing on the spot!  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it? 

We are proud Missouri State Bears! All of our fellow a cappella groups on campus are bear puns, so we had to join in! Established in 2002, we wanted to make sure our name was a part of the “c(l)ub”.  

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

We are all about emotional connection to the show you are about to present. We always circle up and encourage each other to be the best musicians and humans we can be! We always warm up our voices with lots of sirens!  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5? 

Olivia Dean, Sammy Rae & Friends, Joy Williams, Megan Maroney and Fiona Apple. 

What does your group like to do in your free time?   

Besides singing, our group stays involved on campus and hanging out with our friends and investing in our future careers! You’ll find Bella’s in every academic building including biology, fashion, entertainment management and musical theater! 

VIBE – Nashville, Tenn. 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together / what is in your repertoire? 

We love pop music with a soulful flair. Our repertoire spans contemporary pop, R&B and even choral influences - really anything that fits our voices and allows us to connect emotionally. We’re drawn to music that grooves, that builds and that gives us space for rich harmonies and strong storytelling. Soul and vibe are at the center of what we do. 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise? 

We primarily work with fully notated arrangements. Our music director and arranger provides detailed scores and often sends part tracks demonstrating exactly how each line should feel stylistically. While there’s room for individuality and flair in the solos, we prioritize cohesion and blend in the backing parts. Precision creates the foundation and expression builds on top of that. 

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it? 

A majority of our members performed together for six years in a group called RISE at the University of Texas at Arlington. Others come from programs like Baylor VirtuOSO, Texas A&M HardChord Dynamix and UNT Green Tones. 

Because so many of us have sung together for years, we developed a natural chemistry, a shared musical instinct. That energy, that connection and that vibe is what defines us. The name VIBE reflects both our musical style and the chemistry that propels us forward in every competition. 

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? 

Before a performance, we stand in a circle and focus on grounding ourselves. We begin with breathing exercises like a deep inhale, holding for a set count and then exhaling on a “K” sound to release nervous energy. It helps us center our breath, calm our bodies and walk onstage unified. 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5? 

RAYE, Holly Humberstone, Charli XCX, Zara Larsson and Prince. 

What does your group like to do in your free time? 

We’re primarily post-collegiate, so many of us work full-time jobs, some are married and a few even have families. We live in different parts of the country and lead very different lives. 

But whenever we have the opportunity to come together (especially for VoiceJam) it feels special. We look forward to those moments of reunion, creativity and performance. 

FINAL MEASURE - University of Houston

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?  

Final Measure are R&B, pop and jazz lovers! We pick classical pieces and modern music that shows off our skills and how versatile we can be!  

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?  

We are a strictly-notated music group, but we do like to improvise music during our breaks. 

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?   

Final Measure was created by Wedler Lordeus and James Stillwell during a random encounter at a gym! Lordeus wanted to make opportunities for folks who still wanted to be in music but didn't want to spend their entire school schedule in choir (Our music school expects members of a cappella groups to be in one or more other choirs). Wedler wanted to be one of the only a cappella groups to not require singers to be in a choir. This group ended up being the first ever student founded and led a cappella group in University of Houston.  

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm ups? If so, what are they? Final Measure has a chant called "I feel so good." It's a pre-show ritual literally right before we are called on stage to get the whole group's nerve system jumping and running. This also relives some of the ball of nerve energy before hitting a big stage! 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5? We are currently in our Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce and Michael Jackson eras.  

What does your group like to do in your free time?  We love to do movie nights and post-rehearsal hangouts! Final Measure also enjoys making TikToks, playing laser tag and hosting big major events (Superbowl parties, birthdays,etc). 

---

VoiceJam Festival Schedule  

VoiceJam Kickoff Concert - Voctave | Friday, April 10 | 7:30 pm | All tickets are $10  

VoiceJam Workshops | Saturday, April 11 | 9 am - 1 pm | Free 

VoiceJam Competition | Saturday, April 11 | 7:30 pm | Tickets are $31.05 

Free Community Event One-Day Choir | Sunday, April 12 | 10am-noon | Register here

An Inside Scoop on Billy Goats Gruff and Other Tales

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

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

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

the stories you love, translated for the stage!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadway 2026-27: Celebrating Moments and Memories that Refuse to Fade

Walton Arts Center just announced the 2026-27 P&G Broadway season, and it is a dynamic lineup full of sweeping romance, high-energy new musicals, literary favorites and beloved classics. It’s a season that invites longtime Broadway lovers and those new to Broadway to find themselves somewhere in the lineup.

“Five of the shows are coming straight from Broadway on their first national tours, making their Arkansas debut at Walton Arts Center, and one is a Broadway classic returning to Walton Arts Center,” said Jennifer Ross, vice president of programming. “The lineup has won a total of 25 Tony Awards, including two best musical awards. We are thrilled to bring these amazing shows to Northwest Arkansas.”

In addition to the six-show lineup, Walton Arts Center also announced four Broadway bonus shows for the 2026-27 season. Patrons who subscribe now have first access to purchase tickets to eight performances of Dirty Dancing Oct. 21-25; five performances of Jersey Boys Nov. 27-29; four performances of Kinky Boots April 30-May 2; five performances of Beetlejuice June 4-6.

Here’s a quick video overview of each of the shows on the subscription series:

The Outsiders

Sept. 1-6 for 8 performances and making it’s Arkansas premiere!

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Buena Vista Social Club™

Dec. 15-20 for 8 performances and making it’s Arkansas premiere!

Recommended for ages 8 and up.

The Notebook

Feb. 24-28 for 8 performances and making it’s Arkansas premiere!

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Sound of Music 

April 13-18 for 8 performances

Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical

May 25-30 for 8 performances and making its Arkansas premiere!

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Just In Time

July 6-11 for 8 performances and making its Arkansas premiere!

Recommended for ages 10 and up.

Each of these shows centers on stories and music that have stood the test of time, whether they began as novels, films, historical events or legendary albums.

Subscriptions are available now. Six-show Broadway subscription packages are $351 - $531 for Tuesday and Wednesday evening and Thursday matinee, and $405 - $585 for Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, and Saturday and Sunday matinees. Package prices vary depending on seat location and include all fees. 

Subscribe to the 2026-27 season and be the first in line to guarantee your seats for the Northwest Arkansas debut of Wicked when renewing your subscribed seats in 2027-28.

Subscriptions can be renewed or purchased online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the subscriber concierge at 479.571.2785. Single tickets to all Broadway and other shows in the 2026-27 season will be available later this summer.

BTS: 2026-27 P&G Broadway Backstory

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lightning Round: 6 Questions, 6 Shows

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

(Jennifer) Story, Music and History

(Curt) Diverse, Dynamic, Captivating

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

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

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

Which show was a struggle to bring here and why?

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

How does this season reflect where Broadway is right now?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now you know the backstory to the new Broadway SeasonI

Don’t miss your chance to subscribe now and get the best seats at the best prices before they go on sale to the public!

Meet our VoiceJam Competitors - Part 1

The 10th annual VoiceJam A Cappella Competition on April 11 brings the best a cappella groups from across the country to compete at Walton Arts Center.  We asked each of the seven competing groups a few questions to learn more about them. Get to know three of these competitors: Star Struck, LARK and Euphoria!   

Keep an eye out for part two with responses from the remaining four competitors.   

Tickets to Voctave, the professional headliner concert and the VoiceJam Competition are on sale now. Want to see both shows? Then purchase a combo ticket for just $31.85. Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.  

---

Star Struck – University of Houston 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire? 

Our set this year has songs that fall into the pop, alternative and indie genres. Most of our repertoire typically comes from these genres, but we also have explored some songs with jazz, folk or R&B elements. As far as some favorite arrangements, our members really love lively and bold styles the most.  

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise? 

We typically use notated arrangements, and we like to work with compositions from a variety of different arrangers.  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it? 

Initially, we had a big group discussion and brainstormed a huge list of names. Ultimately, one of the members suggested Star Struck, after the Disney Channel movie, and everyone thought it had a nice ring to it so we kept it! For us, it encompassed everything that we were striving for with this group, performing with passion and high energy that leaves an impact. 

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

As far as pre-show rituals, we like to make a big batch of hot tea on the night before a competition and watch a movie together to calm any nerves. We also have a fun chant we like to do right before we go onstage to build hype and get in the right mindset. 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?  

Some of our members’ favorite artists include SZA, Ariana Grande, Bruno Mars, Victoria Monet and Conan Gray.  

What does your group like to do in your free time?   

Our group members have a lot of different hobbies, as all of us come from different majors at University of Houston. As a whole group, we also enjoy spending time together outside of rehearsal as well, usually in board game nights, movie nights and family dinners! 

Lark – University of Colorado Denver 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire? 

We love singing pop/alternative songs, and we have all kinds of things in our rep. We lean toward things that have storytelling as part of the natural narrative. Right now, we are singing "Yosemite" by Iniko, "Uninvited" by Alanis Morisette and "Thieves" by Sami Rae. 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise? 

We do both! Our favorite thing to do is collaboratively arrange. That's when we feel like we build the most fun things, when the arrangement is really tailored to each individual singer. 

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it? 

Our director, Erin Hauger, named the group when she first founded it, drawing inspiration from a line in “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” from Sweeney Todd: “Larks never sing, you know, when they’re captured.” The name reflects the idea that creativity and authenticity need freedom to exist. The group was created to be a safe, supportive space where people can take creative risks, express themselves honestly and develop their own originality rather than feeling constrained or boxed in by traditional performance expectations. 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5? 

Olivia Dean, Backseat Lovers, “Stateside Remix” by Pinkpantheress, Zara Larsson and Conan Gray. 

What does your group like to do in your free time?   

Dance, make Roblox course Youtube videos, crochet dresses, read old school mysteries and snowboard.

Euphoria – Grand Valley State University 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire? 

Our repertoire primarily consists of contemporary pop and current radio hits. Recent songs include “Unstoppable” by Sia, “Movement” by Hozier, “Snow Angel” by Reneé Rapp, “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars and “Teeth” by 5 Seconds of Summer. 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise? 

Our group works with precisely notated music. 

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it? 

Our name was selected by the founding executive board in 2006 during a casual meeting. This year, Euphoria is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary as a group. 

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

One of our most meaningful pre-show rituals is circling up, putting our arms in the middle, and saying the chant: “We sing, you listen, we all experience Euphoria!” This tradition has been part of our group for years and helps us feel connected and focused before every performance. 

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5? 

Our recent EP All That’s Left, released this past January (available on Spotify and Apple Music via GVSU Euphoria) “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson, “Stateside” (feat. Zara Larsson) by PinkPantheress, Florence + The Machine and Hozier.

What does your group like to do in your free time?   

Outside of rehearsals, we enjoy spending time together playing Jackbox Games, photo roulette and bringing the house down for Karaoke Tuesday at Main Street Pub. 

---

VoiceJam Festival Schedule  

VoiceJam Kickoff Concert - Voctave | Friday, April 10 | 7:30 pm | All tickets are $10  

Free VoiceJam Workshops | Saturday, April 11 | 9 am - 1 pm  

VoiceJam Competition | Saturday, April 11 | 7:30 pm | Tickets are $31.05 

Free Community Event: One-Day Choir | Sunday, April 12 | 10am-noon 

Imagination Takes Center Stage

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

---

Cahoots NI’s Secret of Space

Tuesday, March 10 at 6 pm

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

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

Tuesday, March 31 at 6 pm

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

Dinosaur World Live!

Tuesday, April 28 at 6 pm

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

Theater Unspeakable: The American Revolution

Sunday, May 3 at 4 pm

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

National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone

Tuesday, May 12 at 7 pm

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

---

Next up on The Comedy Zone Stage: Brad Upton

With a career spanning over 37 years, comedy veteran Brad Upton is just getting started. You can catch him taking the stage on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 pm.

The world is discovering comedian Brad Upton after 36 years in the standup business. Upton was teaching the fourth grade and coaching high school track in Pasco, WA when he first stepped on stage in 1984. He quickly decided that he wanted to do standup instead, so he quit teaching in June 1986 and never looked back.

He made several cable TV appearances in the early ‘90’s, headlined comedy clubs from coast to coast, opened for big name music acts and was hired to perform at corporate events. He never sought the brighter lights of LA or New York and chose instead to remain based in Seattle.

As his reputation grew and his work became renowned, Upton began working on the occasional cruise ship in 1999. Three years later he won the Las Vegas Comedy Festival and appeared at Caesars Palace as part of the HBO Comedy Festival. He toured briefly with the late, great Joan Rivers and has spent the past 15 years as the opening act for the legendary Johnny Mathis.

In 2017 he taped a special for a brand new comedy platform called Dry Bar Comedy. Things would soon change in ways he never expected.  Dry Bar released a clip of Brad in June 2018 about millennials that went viral in ways very few comedy videos have ever done. Boomer Triggers Gen-Z Snowflakes with now 90 million views on YouTube, is the most viewed standup video on the planet. The viral phenomenon sent the album to the top of the iTunes charts and drove his ensuing special I’m Not Done Yet to new heights. Collectively, the clips and full specials have garnered well over 200 million views across all platforms and continue to build momentum from newfound fans all across the country.  

So how does someone catch fire in his 32nd year? The internet. Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have suddenly led millions of people to Upton’s comedy and they have discovered a comedian that has mastered the nearly impossible task of appealing to people from the ages of 18 to 80. No one has been more surprised than Brad; he has been very humbled by the newfound fame at this point in his career and is currently working feverishly all over the country - including a stop at Walton Arts Center - to take advantage of his moment in the sun.

Upton has performed with legendary acts including Jeff Foxworthy, Neal McCoy, Kenny Rogers, Lewis Black, Dolly Parton, George Jones and continues to tour with music icon Johnny Mathis. He’s also been a regular guest performer at the iconic Grand Ole Opry. 

Water For Elephants Brings Arkansan Home

Name: Grant Huneycutt

Role: Wade

Hometown: Greenwood, AR

Degree: bachelors in musical theater from Oklahoma City University

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

When did you become interested in musical theater? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you want people to know about this show?

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

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

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

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

Meet Grammy-Nominated Michael Mayo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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