Add a Little Magic to Your Night Out

Following a decade touring the world as one of the most successful magic shows in history, Champions of Magic is back with an explosive, new performance featuring thrilling and mind-bending illusions. You don’t want to miss this incredible show coming to Walton Arts Center on Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm.  

Fusing their skills in grand-scale magic, a flair for spectacle and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family. Combining their signature humor with groundbreaking magic, the world’s only team of illusionists present a brand-new production unlike anything that has come before.  

Champions Of Magic showcases leading magicians and illusionists, Young & Strange, Liberty Larson and Fernando Velasco, who have captivated audiences worldwide and bring a unique blend of magic, creativity and mastery that promises to leave audiences spellbound.  

Richard Young and Sam Strange began their magical journey at eight years old, bonding over a shared love of magic and creating Las Vegas-style illusions from cardboard and tape. With little money, they innovated, crafting original illusions and magic tricks. They soon became one of the most unique illusion acts in the world. Their innovative illusions and live shows have taken them to prime-time television, London’s West End and the world’s biggest stages.  

Liberty has been surrounded by magic her entire life. She is a fourth-generation magician of the Larsen family, the creators of The Magic Castle in Hollywood and founders of Genii Magazine and the Academy of Magical Arts. Larsen has performed on stages across land and sea, particularly in Hollywood’s most exclusive secret venues, leaving an effect on her audiences that is distinct, imaginative and bewitching.  

From a very young age, Velasco got an inside look into the world of illusion through his father’s job at the Magic Castle. Mentored by some of America’s leading illusionists, he quickly developed his unique style, winning accolades from the magic community. At 26, Velasco is pushing the boundaries of escapology. In 2017, he became the youngest performer to present his version of "Houdini’s Water Torture Cell," escaping handcuffed and padlocked from a sealed six-foot tank of water.  

Tickets are $39 - $82 and can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. 

A Deeper Look Into Syncopated Ladies with Founder Chloe Arnold

The most-viewed female tap dance group in history is coming to Walton Arts Center Sunday, Jan. 26 at 4 pm for one performance only! Founded by Emmy®-nominated choreographer Chloé Arnold and her sister Maud, this group is known for their viral, self-produced content. They have been recognized by Beyoncé who not only shared their work but invited them to perform with her internationally. Syncopated Ladies have received praise from Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Ciara, Lupita Nyong’o and many more.  

“The best thing in the world is being able to wake up and your imagination leads the day,” Arnold shared in a recent interview with CeCe Marie, local choreographer, dance instructor and teaching artist. “Many of us are raised with the concept ‘no’ and I remember in my early 20s, I shifted my mentality to ‘yes!’”  

Arnold goes on to share that style versatility is extremely meaningful in her work. She explained that you can see that versatility on full display in their jazz-infused Prince number and their hip-hop take on a Beyoncé number.

“I never want to get stale and do the same thing again,” Arnold said. “I love that we have a body of work that has dance pieces that people really want to see but I also love that we are going to hit them with some new things that will make them feel like we are pushing into the future.” 

Syncopated Ladies have amassed over 100 million views online – the most of any female tap dance troupe in history. Their live show is defined as a celebration of sisterhood, empowerment and Black girl magic, featuring cutting-edge music, intricate footwork, feminine prowess and life-renewing energy. 

“I want the audience to feel how freeing it is to dance and move without judgement of perfection or how you look,” Arnold emphasized. “I hope that watching our show inspires people to follow whatever their dream is, no matter how obscure or how much people tell you it is not possible. I want you to defy all odds.” 

Don’t miss this inspiring female tap group when they come to Northwest Arkansas. Tickets are $10 - $25 and can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.   

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Viral Sensations, Syncopated Ladies, Take Tap to a New Level

Founded by sisters Maud and Emmy-nominated choreographer Chloe Arnold, Syncopated Ladies is the most-viewed female tap dance group in history, and they are coming to Walton Arts Center Sunday, Jan. 26 at 4 pm.  

Known for their viral, self-produced content, they have been recognized by Beyonce who not only shared their work but also invited them to perform live with her internationally. They went on to amass over 100 million views online - the most of any female tap dance troupe in history.  They also appeared on season 11 of “So You Think You Can Dance.” 

"We wanted to start a movement to show how powerful black women in tap dance are," Maud, told the Huffington Post. "Just how black culture influences the world ... my sister and I, as black women, have been able to influence the world of dance." 

“We are on a mission to take the Syncopated Ladies show worldwide, create jobs and help facilitate careers for aspiring young dancers, and to provide access and education to inner city youth,” Maud explained to HuffPost. “As African American women in this field, there's a history of being marginalized and really not adequately acknowledged. We're here to change that and show young girls around the world that if we get in formation, our voices will be heard.” 

Syncopated Ladies have received praise from Whoopi Goldberg, Janet Jackson, Ciara, Lupita Nyong’o and many more. Their live show is a celebration of sisterhood, empowerment and Black Girl Magic, featuring cutting-edge music, intricate footwork, feminine prowess and life-renewing energy.  

“Dancing has always been a part of our lives culturally if you think about various African cultures and where we come from,” Pamela Yasutake, company dancer, told ARTS ATL. “Tap dance in particular is an art form that was created by enslaved Africans. It’s an art form of protest, and I think for all of us we carry that on and use our art as activism.” 

Syncopated Ladies are built on a value system of sisterhood, solidarity, unity and lifting each other up, Arnold emphasized. These skills can be developed, but the heart, soul and genuineness must already be there. She also explained that teamwork makes the dream work and every member of Syncopated Ladies is a multi-talented woman in her own right. 

Experience a high-energy, exciting performance by this iconic female tap dance group. Tickets are $10 - $25 and can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Wrap Up Your Holiday Shopping with Black Friday Deals

If you have been eyeing one of the upcoming shows at Walton Arts Center - either for a Christmas gift or for yourself - now is the time to buy. Get $15, $25 or $35 tickets to select shows and performances during the Black Friday sale online.  

From midnight on Friday, Nov. 29, to 11:59 pm on Monday, Dec. 2, patrons can purchase online discounted tickets to select concerts, Broadway, acrobatics, live music and kids shows. This special offer is only available at www.waltonartscenter.org. Some restrictions apply. Offer good while supplies last.   

Get $15 tickets to:  

Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy | Thursday, Dec. 12 at 7 pm  

With his signature style and undeniable talent, Jim Brickman has become synonymous with the holiday season. Through his music, Brickman invites listeners to embrace the joy and warmth of the holiday season, reminding us of the importance of love, togetherness and gratitude. Audiences can expect a captivating blend of Brickman's original holiday classics, along with beloved seasonal favorites.  

Peking Acrobats | Tuesday, March 4 at 7 pm  

 For 32 years, the Peking Acrobats have redefined audience perceptions of Chinese acrobatics, pushing the limits of human ability and defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility and control. An exuberant entertainment event with the festive pageantry of a Chinese carnival, the acrobats perform daring maneuvers and display their technical prowess in trick-cycling, precision tumbling, juggling, somersaulting and gymnastics.  

Get $25 tickets to:   

Blippi: Join the Band Tour | Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 pm  

Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family!  

Champions of Magic | Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm  

One of the most successful magic shows in history, Champions of Magic is back with an explosive brand-new show featuring thrilling and mind-bending illusions. Fusing grand scale magic, a flair for spectacle and undeniable showmanship, this interactive, high-energy show is sure to entertain the entire family. Combining their signature humor with groundbreaking magic, the world’s only team of illusionists present a production unlike anything that has come before. 

Get $35 tickets to:   

Shucked | Dec. 17 – 22   

This is the Tony Award® –winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat out hilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winner Robert Horn (Tootsie, Designing Women), a score by the Grammy Award® –winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”) and directed by Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien (Hairspray), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy your appetite for great musical theater. 

INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR | Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 pm  

Don’t miss this immersive live horror experience that brings your darkest nightmares to life right before your eyes. Hosted as a live show by the “real” Specs and Tucker, the actual paranormal investigators who inspired the original movie, the event soon takes a turn for the terrifying. When a paranormal demonstration goes horribly wrong, dark forces are unleashed, and the horror becomes all too real. The Red Door is about to open. Will you make it through? 

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations | Only Thursday, Jan. 23 at 1:30 pm   

This electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts. Ain’t Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal, as the group's personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America.  

The Simon & Garfunkel Story | Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 7 pm  

This immersive concert-style theater show tells the story of folk-rock duo Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s humble beginnings to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s and their dramatic split in 1970. Using huge projection photos and original film footage, The Simon & Garfunkel Story features a full live band performing all the duo’s hits including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many more. 

Funny Girl | March 18 – 23 

The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star” and “People.” This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who dreamed of a life on the stage. Everyone told her she’d never be a star, but then something funny happened — she became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway. 

Walton Arts Center Tickets are the Trendiest Gift of the Season!

Gift the joy of a live performance this holiday season with tickets to shows at Walton Arts Center. There is guaranteed to be a show for everyone on your holiday gift list, from live music and hilarious, cabaret-style comedy shows to your favorite Broadway performances and even something for the kids too! We have created an easy holiday gift guide to make giving easy this year! 

For the live music lover: 

For 50 years, BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet has been making some of the most potent and popular Cajun music on the planet. Their distinctive sound derives from the distilled spirits of New Orleans jazz, blues rock, folk, swamp pop, Zydeco, country and bluegrass. The first Cajun band to win a Grammy®, critics unanimously agree that it is “bon temps, every time they play,” (New York Times). BeauSoleil will bring audiences to their feet on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7 pm. Tickets are only $10! 

For the thrill seeker: 

Brace yourself for the scare of a lifetime on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8 pm, as the world of Insidious jumps off the screen and into your theater seat with INSIDIOUS: THE FURTHER YOU FEAR – an immersive live horror experience that brings your darkest nightmares to life right before your eyes. When a paranormal demonstration goes horribly wrong, dark forces are unleashed, and the horror becomes all too real. But what is real? What’s just part of the show? And who—or what—might be sitting next to you? The house is full. The stage is set. The Red Door is about to open. Will you make it through? Tickets are $40 - $95.  

For the jazz connoisseur:  

Vocalist René Marie has cemented her reputation as a singer, composer, arranger, theatrical performer and teacher. She borrows various folk, R&B, classical and country elements to create a captivating style. Her body of work is more than just music. It’s an exploration and affirmation of the bright and dark corners of the human experience. Don’t miss Marie’s heartfelt tunes on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $35 - $55.  

Something the kids will love: 

Set to the sound of the n’goni, balafon, djembe, naffar, derbouka and dhol instruments, this dynamic concert invites kids and their families to discover Africa, the Middle East and India through rhythm, song and dance. From African rap and desert dance to Sufi rhythm and Bollywood dance, award-winning artist and percussionist Kattam takes you on an entertaining and educational journey on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 4 pm. Tickets are only $10! 

For the jokester:  

Helen Hong is a beloved comedian and actor who is bringing the laughs to Walton Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 pm.  Her sharp wit and pulse on current events have regularly landed her on CNN, The Young Turks and “The Stephanie Miller Show.” She’s performed standup comedy on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” “Last Call with Carson Daly,” “Comics Unleashed with Byron Allen,” Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and for troops in the middle east and international audiences all over the world. Tickets are $25 - $35.  

For the Broadway fanatic:  

Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ain't Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty and betrayal, as the group's personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America. Ain’t Too Proud is bringing signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies to the local stage Jan. 22 – 23 with three performances. Tickets are $45 - $94.  

For the nightlife enthusiast: 

Cheers to a fun time! Purchase a cocktail class for $39 and enjoy light appetizers from Fayetteville High School's Brightwater culinary students while you learn how to mix two specialty cocktails crafted by our in-house team of local mixologists. You'll leave with recipes, great memories and new friends! 

Have tickets to a show that night? Add-on a cocktail class before your show and you'll be in your seat before the theater lights dim. No show tickets? Come anyway for a fun, hands-on experience. Cocktail classes are available in February, March and April.  

Need more options? Look at our calendar to find a show and a ticket price that is just right for everyone on your gift list.

Gift certificates are also available, totally customizable and valid for shows at both Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP. Tickets and gift certificates can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. 

World Premiere of Cirque du Soleil Songblazers

Cirque du Soleil and Universal Music Group Nashville’s new production, Songblazers, made its world premiere in Nashville recently before embarking on a national tour that includes a stop at Walton Arts Center Nov. 27 – Dec. 1. 

The trailblazing theater production, directed and written by Amy Tinkham, pays homage to legendary icons of country music and takes the audience along for the journey with high-flying acrobatics to “Man! I feel Like A Woman!” and sing-a-longs to well-known songs like “Friends In Low Places” and “Never Gonna Give You Up”.  

"To be asked to make a show about country music is a very daunting task because it’s giant,” said Tinkham, show writer and director. “So, the approach that I took was to go deeply into the history and crafting of a song, which is really key to country music. Telling the truth and telling the story is the beautiful part of country music so that’s what Songblazers is about.”  

The cast of Songblazers has already energized Nashville audiences with their foot-stomping tunes and jaw-dropping acrobatics. This unique production features a curated catalog of 35 songs spanning from 1867 to 2024. 

As audiences are transported through the rich tapestry of country music's history and heritage, they're invited to hold onto their cowboy hats and embark on a journey unlike any other. Alongside two passionate songwriters, spectators witness the creative process unfold as they delve deep into the essence of country music, crafting the ultimate country track that pays homage to its roots while embracing its contemporary allure. From the dusty trails of classic ballads to the vibrant energy of modern hits, this electrifying production captures the essence of country music's enduring legacy, leaving hearts soaring and spirits lifted.  

Tickets for Songblazers at Walton Arts Center are $52-93 and are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Show Dates and Times 

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7 pm 

Friday, Nov. 29 at 3 and 7 pm 

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11:30 am, 3:30 and 7:30 pm 

Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 and 6 pm 

A Sneak Peak of Cirque du Soleil Songblazers

Cirque du Soleil hosted an exclusive media preview during CMA Fest last week, offering a first look at their highly anticipated country-themed show, Songblazers.

Northwest Arkansas audiences can experience Songblazers in person when it comes to Walton Arts Center Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 for eight performances.

At the exclusive preview on June 5, journalists and photographers were treated to a sneak peek of the electrifying Honky Tony scene from the show. Attendees were captivated by the first look with many commentating that Songblazers successfully captured the true essence of a Honky Tonk, but with the added Cirque du Soleil flare.

The preview event included iconic country songs, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain, “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith and an original song crafted specifically for Songblazers. The original piece, titled “Carnival Heart,” was penned by the grandson of country legend Hank Williams, Sam Williams along with songwriters PJ Harding and Ned Houston. “Carnival Heart” is an evocative melody inspired by themes of self-discovery, friendship and hope.

Songblazers made its first public debut in front of a live audience on June 7 at Skydeck on Broadway. As part of the UMG Nashville Takeover at Skydeck for the 2024 CMA Fest, Williams performed “Carnival Heart.” Williams also introduced a special performance by Songblazers that showcased an energetic bartender juggling red solo cups to Toby Keith’s hit single, “Red Solo Cup.”

Cirque du Soleil, in collaboration with Universal Music Group Nashville, is thrilled to present Songblazers. Written and directed by Amy Tinkham, this groundbreaking theatrical production pays homage to both legendary and contemporary trailblazers of country music. Songblazers charts the journey of two main characters as they strive for recognition in the country music scene, offering audiences an unforgettable experience filled with heart and determination. 

Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of country music, Songblazers celebrates the genre's historical icons while embracing the vibrant talents of today's artists. Audiences can expect to be enthralled by stunning acrobatics, awe-inspiring aerial acts and feats of extraordinary strength, all set to the backdrop of beloved country tunes. 

Tickets for Songblazers at Walton Arts Center are $52-93 and are available now at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Show Dates and Times 

Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 7 pm 

Friday, Nov. 29 at 3 and 7 pm 

Saturday, Nov. 30 at 11:30 am, 3:30 and 7:30 pm 

Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 and 6 pm