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.