As Walton Arts Center gears up for its 35th Anniversary season, we sat down with some senior staff members to learn about which shows they are most excited for.
The season opens with a bang, or should we say a rumble – on Tuesday, Sept. 1, with the first national tour of The Outsiders. “The Outsiders is the embodiment of dynamic – and all that terms means to you - live on stage, from its score to its staging and choreography to its stunning Rumble that will leave audiences breathless,” said Curt Owens, director of programming. “It’s exciting and thrilling and a singular experience, and that’s what we want audiences to feel about this season.”
Nolan White and The Outsiders North American Tour Company | Photo by Matthew Murphy
Hawa Kamara (Eurydice), Namisa Mdlalose Bizana (Persephone) and Hadestown North American Touring Company, 2026. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Owens explained that one thing the team focuses on when curating a season is making sure there is variety among the shows in each different series and across the season overall, and that they “provide the opportunity for everyone in Northwest Arkansas to attend something they’ll enjoy.”
Not all shows will feature first national tours; some are returning for another star-studded performance, including The Sound of Music or Hadestown. When asked what why they bring back shows like these, vice president of programming Jennifer Ross said “It’s exciting to bring those shows back because each cast brings a little different tone. The music is the same, the lyrics and script are the same, but it’s the human factor in the performances that really shine for me.”
Cayleigh Capaldi (Maria Rainer) and Christiane Noll (Mother Abbess) in The Sound of Music. Photo by Jeremy Daniel.
For Owens, each new actor that performs a role brings different life experiences to their performances. He says what is even more fascinating is how the passage of time brings out something different to audience members. “When I worked on the previous tour of The Sound of Music 10 years ago, I didn’t have kids,” he said. “Now, I have two kids, and they know songs from watching the movie, so I’ll get to experience this tour through their eyes.” He is also excited about the new touring production of Dirty Dancing: The Musical, which features new direction from the actor who originated the role of Neil Kellerman in the film.
Both theaters at Walton Arts Center provide a night of intimate live music, whether in the larger Baum Walker Hall or the smaller black box that is Starr Theater. With continental seating (no middle aisle) in Baum Walker Hall, the performers feel even closer to audiences.“Artists have told me that, when they can feel an audience’s energy that close, they can really feed off of that energy which makes for spectacular performances!” Ross said.
For Hillary Morgan, senior director of marketing, it’s the candlelit stage for Twilight In Concert that she is looking forward to the most. “I can’t wait to bring my girlfriends and rewatch the movie on the big screen, red wine in hand, while the score is performed live by an orchestra!” she said.
The Broadway company of Buena Vista Social Club. Photo by Matthew Murphy.
The holiday season at Walton Arts Center is full of festive surprises and fun with seven holiday titles and a holiday cocktail class. “Anticipation is high around the holidays for both kids and adults, and that anticipation is only amplified when families walk through the doors of Walton Arts Center ready to have a new experience together,” Owens said.
“We also enjoy tossing something into the mix that isn’t holiday-related during the holiday season,” Ross said. “This year, Buena Vista Social Club runs December 15 – 20 and will help break up any holiday blahs. That show brings its own absolute joy to the stage, and our audiences will leave with songs in their heads that sound nothing like the holidays!”
Family shows aren’t just for the holidays, there are a number of performances throughout the year that are perfect for everyone! For Jennifer Wilson, senior director of public relations, it’s Fraggle Rock: “Jim Henson’s creatures live on stage will be fun to watch, and the series has been really popular on Apple TV so there are multi-generations who will be excited to see it.”
Purchase tickets for all Walton Arts Center shows by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm..