Show Spotlight: Kimberly Akimbo is Deeply Empathetic and Irresistibly Funny

A new musical about growing up and growing old – in no particular order. Kimberly Akimbo is the winner of five 2023 Tony Awards® including best musical.  

“PROFOUNDLY FUNNY AND DEEPLY MOVING.”

- The New York TImes

Kimberly is about to turn 16 and recently moved with her family to a new town in suburban New Jersey. In this “howlingly funny heartbreaker of a show” (The New Yorker), Kim is forced to navigate family dysfunction, a rare genetic condition, her first crush … and possible felony charges. Ever the optimist, she is determined to find happiness against all odds and embark on a great adventure.   

Featuring Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire (Shrek), a Tony Award-winning score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home), choreography by Danny Mefford (Dear Evan Hansen) and direction by Tony-nominated director Jessica Stone (Water for Elephants, also on our season) Kimberly Akimbo will leave you heart-warmed and amused.  

Kimberly Akimbo

“What struck me about Kimberly Akimbo was the contrast between the essence and the identity of the characters,” Tesori, award-winning composer of Kimberly Akimbo said. “There’s a significant difference between who these characters are and how the world perceives them. This gap often gives rise to the need to sing. In Kimberly Akimbo, everyone is misunderstood and ill-equipped to deal with their circumstances. Collaborating with the playwright was invaluable because he provided the foundation, allowing me to ask, ‘What were you thinking when you wrote this?’ Initially, he wrote from a young perspective, similar to Kimberly’s. But when we revisited the material, we approached it from the vantage point of parents and middle-aged individuals. This evolution in perspective was fascinating. The characters sing from a place of great desire, loss and hope.” 

A musical full of memorable performances that remind audiences of the preciousness of time. Discover why Hollywood Reporter coins Kimberly Akimbo “your new favorite musical” with eight shows, December 9-14 at Walton Arts Center.  

Subscribe now to get the best seats at the best prices to this and five additional blockbuster shows in the 2025-26 season!  

Broadway Packages for Busy People

Do you love Broadway but need a more flexible option to see your favorite shows at Walton Arts Center? A Broadway Sampler Package is perfect for you. Pick the Broadway shows you want to see in the 2025-26 season, and you can select different performances and vary the number of tickets per show. It is truly customizable!   

Build your perfect stack by selecting at least three performances from any of the week-long Broadway shows this season. Included in your sampler package is 5% off tickets, one free exchange and early access to all Broadway shows during the season and Broadway cocktail classes.  

Broadway Sampler Packages are great for people who tend to purchase tickets to multiple Broadway shows in a season but need a more adaptable option than a full subscription package. Curate your package to fit your schedule, budget, and taste while receiving great benefits and discounts.  

PRO TIP: Do you have loved ones who adore watching Broadway shows? Broadway Sampler Packages are a great way to get a head start on gifts for the upcoming holiday season! Get tickets to three or more shows and give them as gifts throughout the year. There’s something for everyone! 

  • A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Oct. 14-19 

  • Kimberly Akimbo, Dec. 9-14 

  • Disney’s Beauty and The Beast Feb. 3-8 

  • Water for Elephants, Feb. 24 – March 1 

  • Some Like it Hot, March 17-22 

  • Mamma Mia!, April 21-26 

  • & Juliet, May 26-31 

  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical July 8-12 

With the purchase of a Broadway Sampler Package, you’ll gain early access to all of the Broadway cocktail classes and the following shows. Pick as many or as few as you want! 

  • Clue Nov. 7-9 

  • Mrs. Doubtfire Dec. 19-21 

  • Meredith Willson’s The Music Man Jan. 16-18 

Not sure where to start with your stack? Here are some suggested package options! 

Mamma Mia!

Songs You’ll Recognize Package 

  • A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical 

  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

  • & Juliet 

Add-On: Disney’s Beauty and The Beast and Mamma Mia! 

Disney’s Beauty and The Beast

Fun for the Whole Family Package 

  • Disney’s Beauty and The Beast 

  • Mamma Mia! 

  • & Juliet 

Add-On: The Music Man and Some Like It Hot 

& Juliet

Grab Your Girls Package 

  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

  • Mamma Mia! 

  • Kimberly Akimbo 

Add-On: & Juliet and Water for Elephants 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

Here for the Drama Package 

  • Some Like It Hot 

  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

  • & Juliet 

Add-On: Clue and Mamma Mia! 

Kimberly Akimbo

Award-Winning Performances Package 

  • A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical  

  • Kimberly Akimbo  

  • Water For Elephants  

Add-On: The Music Man and Some Like It Hot 

Some Like It Hot

Hey! I Loved that Movie Package 

  • Some Like It Hot 

  • Moulin Rouge! The Musical 

  • Mamma Mia! 

Add-On: CLUE and Mrs. Doubtfire 

Purchase a Broadway Sampler Package in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm, by calling the subscriber concierge at 479.571.2785 weekdays 10 am to 5 pm, or online now.  

Single tickets to all Broadway and other shows in the 2025-26 season will be available later this summer. Full Broadway subscription packages are also still available if you want to see all shows during the Proctor & Gamble Broadway season.  

Celebrating Women's History Month at Walton Arts Center

Women’s History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the incredible contributions of women to our society. At Walton Arts Center, we’re proud to highlight the powerful voices and stories of women through the arts. This month, we’re featuring two exceptional shows that showcase the talent and creativity of women. Join us as we celebrate their impact and continue to uplift women’s voices on stage and beyond. 

First up in March are two sisters whose musical maturity and emotional intelligence far surpass their age. Taking the stage on Friday, March 7, The Burney Sisters, comprised of sisters Emma and Bella Burney, write keen and knowing songs while arranging for multiple instruments and structuring unique and resonant harmonies.  The result: personal and penetrating music that both connects with and captivates their listener. Their soul nurturing sibling harmonies and tunes are reminiscent of The Avett Brothers, First Aid Kit, Lake Street Dive, The Staves and Joseph. Cabaret tickets are $55 and tiered seating tickets are $35. 

Continue your Women’s History Month celebrations with a classic musical that you know and love that celebrates a real-life successful woman. The sensational musical comedy revival, Funny Girl, will be at Walton Arts Center for eight performances March 18-23. This bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice. As 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. The sensational Broadway revival dazzles with celebrated classic songs, including “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People.”  

Fania Borach, professionally know as Fanny Brice, was an American comedian who built her career on a Yiddish accent. She also was a model, singer and actress who made a variety of stage, radio and film appearances and was the star of the radio comedy series, “The Baby Snooks Show.” Thirteen years after her death, Brice was portrayed on the Broadway stage by Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl and that marked the beginning of a sensational Broadway musical.  Tickets are $56 to $109.  

Looking for a way to level up your girl’s night out? Purchase a cocktail class for $39 and enjoy light appetizers from Fayetteville High School's Brightwater culinary students while learning 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 Funny Girl 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. Must be 21 or older to participate.  

Mark your calendar now for Paige Hernandez, another talented female artist who is bringing Havana Hop to our stage on Monday, May 12. In this dynamic, multi-cultural show, the audience gets to dance along as one actress portrays three generations of lively women and infuses a salsa-style flair into hip-hop. This multi-cultural experience is written, choreographed and performed by Hernandez. Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar, but her lack of confidence gives her awful stage fright. With advice from her mother and mentors, Yeila begins to find her Cuban roots and build confidence. 

Experience The Toe-Tappin' Musical, Ain't Too Proud, at Walton Arts Center

The Temptations are known for their soulful music, but do you know their inspiring story? Explore the story behind the music when Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations comes to Walton Arts Center Jan. 22-23 with three performances.  

Ain’t Too Proud 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. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top 10 Hits with 14 reaching No. 1. 

Nominated for 12 Tony Awards® and the winner of the 2019 Tony for best choreography, 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 celebrates the collective miracle of a blissfully silken sound forged out of clashing egos, many misfires and life-wrecking hard work into numbers that keep playing in our memory,” said Ben Brantley with The New York Times. “It refreshingly emphasizes the improbable triumph of rough, combustible parts assembled into glistening smoothness.” 

Written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) and featuring the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys and On Your Feet!), the unforgettable story of this legendary quintet is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more. 

Experience this celebration of The Temptations, their history and treasured music. It is an exciting story you won’t want to miss! Tickets start at $45. Purchase yours 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. 

Sensory Friendly Performance Makes Theater Accessible To All!

This season, Walton Arts Center is offering a sensory-friendly or non-shushing performance of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical!, to make theater more welcoming and inclusive for all.  

The Thursday Matinee on Nov. 14 at 1:30 pm will be subtly adapted for adults and children with sensory-input issues, autism or other developmental or cognitive disability, as well as anyone who might feel uncomfortable attending a typical live theater performance. 

All patrons are welcome at this performance, but to make the show more accessible to all the following adjustments will be made:  

  • Sound in the production will be lowered, particularly for loud or startling sounds.   

  • Lights in the seating area will be dimmed rather than fully dark during the performance.   

  • Patrons are allowed to speak and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed.   

  • The use of mobile electronic devices is allowed during the performance if they are being used as a communication device. Photography or recording will still not be permitted.   

  • Outside the theater, an activity area will be available with a live video feed of the show for patrons who may need a break. A calming corner with fidget toys and bean-bag chairs will also be available for those who need a quiet place to relax.   

  • Audience members are welcome to bring any necessary food, drinks or hand fidgets into the theater.   

  • A family restroom (gender-neutral) will be available for use.   

This production is the perfect opportunity to introduce theater to the young and young at heart through fun music and a classic story. 

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates while the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the music and book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2024 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.  

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical! broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theater goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.” 

For more information about this show, our sensory-friendly setting or to purchase tickets you can visit waltonartscenter.org, call 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or go in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.

What is Better Than a Hamilton History Lesson?

As the president of the Museum of American Finance, David Cowen is an expert on the American financial system - the same financial system created by Alexander Hamilton. A portrait of Hamilton hangs above the desk in Cowen’s office. The Hamilton crew asked Cowen what some of the lyrics meant and what traces of Hamilton’s financial legally are still alive today, read below to see what Cowen had to say! 

 “Legacy. What is a legacy?” 

Cowen: “The entire financial system is [Hamilton’s] legacy! He set up the system that we live under. Finance is the horse to the economy’s cart and, not only did it not exist when he came here, but we had all the leftover debt and problems from the revolutionary war; he inherited a very messy situation. He comes into office September 11, 1789, and he leaves at the end of January 1795. He achieved a lot during those six short years in office. His greatest legacy is what he accomplished as our nation’s first treasury secretary.” 

“He took our country from bankruptcy to prosperity. I hate to admit it, but he doesn’t get enough credit for the credit he gave us.”  

Cowen: “Before he gets into office, our [nation] is effectively bankrupt. There is all this leftover debt that the continental Congress raised during the war. Coupled with [that] domestic debt, there’s also state debts; some states were paying the debt off, some were not. Then, there’s also international debt. We had borrowed money from the French who were helping us both militarily and economically.” 

“Hamilton said, we should honor all that debt. Why is that amazing? It gives us great credit. We honor the debt, and people now are willing to loan to us. So, in a dozen years when we go to Napoleon and say we want to buy New Orleans, we go to the premier bankers of the day in London, we borrow the money to pay Napoleon, and double the size of our country because we have good credit.” 

“If New York is in debt, why should Virginia bear it?” 

Cowen: “Virginia didn’t have a lot of debt so they wanted to know why they should be paying for Massachusetts. We weren’t really unified as a country, so the Virginians were blocking [Hamilton’s plan]. So then, in my opinion, the most famous trade in American history, was in “the room where it happens,” that meeting between Jefferson and Madison and Hamilton whereby they trade the capital. There are stories that Jefferson said, ‘I’m never trading with Hamilton again because I got hoodwinked into this.’” 

“The issue on the table: Secretary Hamilton’s plan to assume state debt and establish a national bank.” 

Cowen: “Hamilton establishes a quasi-central bank. It was called The Bank of the United States and it had branches. It was 80% private money and 20% government money. How was Hamilton going to pay a judge in South Carolina? Well, he has a branch of the bank there so instead of having to send the money by horse, he can just make a book entry to pay that judge. It makes the ease and process so much better. It’s also where people put their money in, and it can be lent out. This was created by him and passed by Congress and is the only national bank. By the time he leaves office in ‘95, there is a bank that has five branches.” 

 “The ten-dollar founding father.” 

Cowen: “When Hamilton takes office, we’re using foreign currency. Hamilton decides we're going to have our own [national currency]. We’re not going to rely on foreign currencies (which do stay in circulation for years), but we’re going to set our own U.S. dollar and have our own currency.” 

Celebrate his legacy by being in the room where it happens when Hamilton returns to Walton Arts Center for 13 performances Aug. 16-25, single tickets are on sale now! Tickets start at $139. 

Show Dates and Times 

Friday, Aug. 16 and 23 and Saturday, Aug. 17 and 24 at 8 pm 

Saturday, Aug. 17 and 24 and Sunday, Aug. 18 and 25 at 2 pm 

Tuesday, Aug. 20 and Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 7 pm 

Thursday, Aug. 22 at 1:30 and 7:30 pm 

Peter Pan Tickets On Sale Now: A Neverland for Today

Peter Pan, the high-flying musical, has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award® winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill) with the book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who’s Tommy). Peter Pan will bring the magic to a whole new generation Sept. 24 –29. Tickets are on sale now.

The adventure begins when Peter Pan  and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical is full of excitement and adventure and features iconic and timeless songs including “I'm Flying,” “I Gotta Crow,” “I Won't Grow Up” and “Neverland.” Peter Pan  embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on ‘til morning - your entire family will be Hooked!   

When adapting Peter Pan, FastHorse explained that her job was to refresh the story rather than reimagine it. It was very important to FastHorse that any child coming to the show could imagine Peter Pan flying outside their window.  

Additionally, FastHorse took the tribe of children and adapted it in the new production so that each person in the tribe is the last member of an extinct culture. FastHorse explained it is because you never grow old in Neverland, these members come to Neverland to preserve their cultures until they can find a way back to the normal world. 

“I am thrilled to be part of bringing Peter Pan to life for a new generation,” said FastHorse. “If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a Peter Pan that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come.”   

Seventeen-year-old Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of Peter Pan. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as Crutchie in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in Christmas on Repeat on Hulu.  

“Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter,” said Price. “He’s an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical.”  

Joining him will be Cody Garcia as Captain Hook who most recently starred as Willy Wonka in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory that played here in 2021 and as Buddy in Elf. Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as Wendy and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily.  

“This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them,” Price said.   

Show Dates & Times 

Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 7 pm 

Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 pm 

Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:30 pm & 7 pm 

Friday, Sept. 27 at 8 pm 

Saturday, Sept. 28 at 2 pm & 8 pm 

Sunday, Sept. 29 at 2 pm 

Staff Recommendations: Proctor & Gamble Broadway Series

With a season full of music, theater, dance, shows for kids and more, it can be hard to decide exactly what you should see. Where do you even start? To help you pick, we’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff to recommend the Broadway performances they are most excited about in the first half of the season!  

Purchase series subscriptions or Create Your Own subscription now. Single tickets to some shows are on sale now. Single tickets to all shows will go on sale in August.    

Hamilton: Aug. 16 -25 

“I am excited to see Hamilton again but this time with my parents and my youngest son who is 15 and loves the music. I think seeing the show on stage will bring it to life in a new way for him to enjoy it. We will see it with my parents; my mother is a retired American history high school teacher so I think she will love seeing the history she has taught about depicted in this world-famous musical she has heard so much about.” 

  • Rachel Jessen, employee experience specialist 

“Hamilton's focus on diversity shaped what to expect when we consume content, its reach is beyond just Broadway and has impacted all mainstream media.” 

  • Thomas DeBari, director of facilities services 

Peter Pan: Sept. 24 – 29 

"Peter Pan captivates with its timeless tale of adventure and magic, promising to transport audiences to the enchanting world of Neverland.” 

  • Lorinda Smith, administrative services manager 

Beetlejuice: Oct. 22-27 

“Beetlejuice is just too perfect for us this year with the new movie and Halloween being so close!” 

  •  Whitlee Douthitt, events manager 

“I have not seen Beetlejuice yet, but I have been dying to see it as a musical theater nerd. Beetlejuice has really good music, and it is a funny spin on the movie.” 

  • Shane Sparkman, facilities 

“I can't wait to see Beetlejuice! I am glad we are a stop on the first tour of this musical! It shows the country is recognizing NWA as a worthwhile place to visit.” 

  • Samantha Stinson, engagement manager 

“I loved the movie and the preview for the musical looked amazing. I can't wait to experience it!” 

  • Gilles Grandidier, systems engineer 

Shucked: Dec. 17 – 22 

“I saw this show last year on Broadway with the original cast, and it was so much fun. I haven't laughed this hard in a musical in a long time. Writing is by the comedy genius behind “Designing Women,” Robert Horne, so you know it's fast, sharp and funny. Music is by songwriting superstars Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark and they just make you happy. This is a musical both for people who aren't sure that they like musicals and for those of us who love them! Do not sleep on this one. You'll be disappointed if you do!” 

  • Jennifer Wilson, senior director of public relations 

“I am interested in seeing Shucked because it is the first Broadway musical in quite some time that is an original story and not an adaptation of something else.” 

  • Patrick Orndorff, director of production at Walmart AMP 

“I am excited about the plot of Shucked! It looks like a really fun show and can't wait to see it on our stage!” 

  • Kayli Patterson, artist services coordinator 

“Entertaining and fun with a touch of Southern ideals - this new musical is a guaranteed hit for everyone in your family. And it features the best dad jokes I've ever heard!” 

  • Peter Lane, president and CEO 

This is Your Chance to Create Your Perfect Show Line-Up

Did you ever wish you could just build your perfect subscription package? Now you can with the popular Create Your Own subscription. This subscription gives you early access and discounts to select shows in the 2024-25 season before single tickets go on sale later this summer.

Choose shows from any series, except for Starrlight Jazz Club or West Street Live, and curate your own three, five or seven-show subscription package. The more shows you add in a Create Your Own subscription, the more you save+. Three-show packages can get $2 off each ticket, five-show packages can get $3 off each ticket and seven-show packages can get $5 off each ticket.

Create Your Own subscriptions are great for people who tend to purchase tickets to multiple shows in a season but don’t want to be restricted to a series subscription. These custom subscriptions also come with subscriber benefits including early access to new shows added throughout the year and discounts on most shows, including Broadway.  

Create Your Own subscriptions are also a great way to get a jump on holiday gifts! Get tickets to three, five or seven shows and give them as gifts throughout the year. There’s something for everyone!

Select from the following shows and build a Create Your Own package.

Back to the Future: The Musical

P&G Broadway Series

Peter Pan, Sept. 24-29

Beetlejuice*, Oct. 22-27

Shucked, Dec. 17-22

Funny Girl, March 18-23

Back to the Future: The Musical, April 8-13

MJ*, May 20-25

Ain’t Too Proud - The Life and Times of The Temptations

Coca-Cola Night Out Series

Cirque du Soleil: Songblazers, Nov. 27 – Dec. 1

Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy, Dec. 12

Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Jan. 22-23

Syncopated Ladies, Jan. 26

Lyle Lovett & his Large Band

Land O’Lakes Concert Series

Keb’ Mo’ & Shawn Colvin with special guest Paul Kelly*, Oct. 4

Lyle Lovett & his Large Band*, Oct. 13

Kristin Chenoweth: For the Girls*, Dec. 3

Classic Albums Live: Abbey Road, Feb. 7

The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Feb. 18

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Family Fun Series

Avatar The Last Airbender in Concert, Sept. 17

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Nov. 12-17

Walton Arts Center & SoNA Present The Snowman: A Family Concert*, Dec. 8

Peking Acrobats, March 4

Bluey’s Big Play

Pringles Kids Series

Bluey’s Big Play, Sept. 6-8

Chicago Children's Theatre: Peter Rabbit & Friends*, Oct. 6

Blippi: Join The Band Tour, Dec. 10

Kattam and his Tam-Tams*, Feb. 2

Terrapin Puppet Theatre: The Paper Escaper*, April 24

Circa’s Duck Pond

10x10 Arts Series

Circa’s Duck Pond*, Oct. 2

Some Enchanted Evening*, Oct. 10

Mark Morris Dance Group: The Look of Love*, Nov. 20

Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar*, Nov. 21

BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet*, Jan. 30

Sonia De Los Santos Musica*, Feb. 11

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players The Mikado*, March 9

The Edge Effect*, April 4

Nimbus Dance*, May 9

Dover Quartet with Edgar Meyer*, May 17

THE BOOK OF MORMON

LOL@WAC

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Party, Oct. 30

THE BOOK OF MORMON*, Feb. 21-23

The Second City: 65th Anniversary Show, April 1

An Evening with David Sedaris, April 24

Hamilton

Bonus Shows

Hamilton*, Aug. 16-25

VoiceJam Competition, April 5

Purchase Create Your Own subscriptions in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or by visiting the Walton Arts Center box office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. 

*Shows not eligible for discounts.

+ While not all shows are eligible for discounts, they do count toward your package level. All shows must be purchased in one transaction to receive the discount. You can add more later, but you will keep the same package level all year.

Behind the Scenes: Hamilton Prop Details

Mary Therese Creede and her team at Jerald Studio are the creative minds behind all of the iconic Hamilton props. Creede and her team know these props inside and out and they have shared some secrets on which props were the most challenging to create, which props are the most innovative and which props are often overlooked by audiences. Read below to learn more about these props! 

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

The Barrels and Planks 

“Actors are often building their own props on stage,” explained Creede. “They move the barrel and now it’s the bar at Fraunces Tavern. It’s genius how they repurpose on stage. They use the tavern table in so many ways.” 

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

The Dueling Pistols  

“The pistols are cast in really hard rubber. Often, they would drop the pistols, so we had to make a cast and recreate them entirely in durable, hard rubber,” Creede shared. “Then, we add metal parts so when it drops it sounds like metal. We also had to reinforce the trigger because actors kept pulling it.” 

The Rope 

“There are thousands of feet of rope on stage. Each rope is specific. Each has a number and a configuration,” Creede said. “They seem just hung up there because that’s how it’s supposed to seem, but each [coil] is designed with a specific configuration in mind and must hold up through shipping [to shows in other cities]. Every single rope must be measured to come to exact configuration size. A single coil is easily 30 feet of rope.” Also interestingly, these coils are identical across all sets and companies! 

The Candles 

“There are 109 candles per company. First, we get a battery-operated candle, then we take it apart and alter the circuit boards by adding resistors and leads and wire them so that the lights and flickering can be controlled from the lighting board by a single operator,” Creede explained. “We have this down now but making it maintenance-friendly has been a process.” 

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

You can be in the room where it happens when Hamilton returns to Walton Arts Center for 12 performances Aug. 16-25.  Best availability for tickets is in the Aug. 20-25 performances.

Show Spotlight: Corny Jokes and Country Music Galore in Shucked

Shucked is the new 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 (the comic genius behind Tootsie and Designing Women), a score by the Grammy® Award–winning songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, 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.  

Shucked a completely new story set in Cobb County, an imaginary slice of American heartland populated with the multi-racial descendants of pilgrims who fled the strict Puritans and somehow managed to find a plot of farmland uninhabited by Native Americans. The hero is Maizy, who is all set to marry childhood sweetheart Beau when something inexplicably goes wrong. The corn, the cash crop from which Cobb County residents make pretty much everything, starts dying. 

Maizy is the only resident of her closed-off community willing to embark on a journey to the outside world in search of a solution. She finds herself in the big city — not New York City or Los Angeles, but Tampa, Florida. Starstruck by the day-glow colors and Hawaiian shirts, Maizy naively falls under the spell of con man Gordy who thinks Cobb County holds the solution to the debt he owes to criminals. Gordy convinces some of Maizy's neighbors that he can solve their corn problem, but Beau is unconvinced. 

The humor is non-stop and quick-witted as is typical of Horn. Beau’s brother, Peanut, dishes out a lot of the funniest lines as pearls of wisdom throughout the show. Horn has said that he believes the show works so well right now because of where we are as a nation, post-COVID. “People don’t want to be lectured right now — they want to laugh. You are watching people open their hearts in a way you didn’t expect through comedy. “

Shucked songwriters Clark and McAnally bring a country-rock spin to this musical. These Grammy-winning country music experts are known for writing catchy yet emotional hits for Kacey Musgraves, Kelly Clarkson, Sheryl Crow, Reba McEntire and many more. The duo has packed their first Broadway score with lots of fun and even deeper feels. The standout song is "Independently Owned," a showstopper turns the American dream of small business entrepreneurship into an anthem of Black female independence.  

“I hope (people) walk away (from this show) laughing, and I hope they walk away looking at the world a little differently, looking at people who are different than them a little differently,” Horn said. “One of the things we said while working on Shucked was: We’re never going to fix the world. But if we can heal it a little, we’re very happy.” 

Show Dates & Times  

Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 pm  

Wednesday, Dec. 18 at 7 pm  

Thursday, Dec. 19 at 1:30 pm & 7 pm  

Friday, Dec. 20 at 8 pm 

Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 pm & 8 pm  

Sunday, Dec. 22 at 2 pm  

Recommended for ages 10+. Contains adult themes, moments of adult language and a harvest of corny innuendo.  

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO GET THE BEST SEATS AT THE BEST PRICES TO THIS AND FIVE ADDITIONAL BLOCKBUSTER SHOWS IN THE 2024-25 SEASON!  

Honoring Black History Month on Our Stages

Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of Black and African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. 

As the nation reflects on Black History Month, we want to highlight some of the amazing Black artists and creatives who are performing or showcasing their work at Walton Arts Center this spring.  

If you are looking for shows to see this month to mark the celebration, we have a few suggestions: 

Company

The five-time Tony Award® winning musical Company is bringing its groundbreaking musical comedy to Walton Arts Center for eight performances Feb. 20-25. In this gender-swapped Broadway revival (Stephen Sondheim originally cast the lead as a male Bobby) actress Britney Coleman plays Bobbie in the smash hit and leads the first national tour of the show.  

Coleman was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Mich., where she found her love for theater early on.  

“Growing up, my parents had a season subscription to a theatre in Detroit, and I think about if baby Britney had seen someone who looked like me up there doing that, it would have been a game-changer” Coleman told Broadwaydirect.com “To know it had been done would have been thrilling to me instead of questioning every step of my career and asking ‘Is there space for me?’ I’m excited to be that for a lot of little Britney’s out there.” 

Coleman has found her space in theater and performed in multiple productions on Broadway including Tootsie, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Sunset Boulevard and Company where she was the understudy for the role of Bobbie in 2021.  

With a sumptuous score from Stephen Sondheim, Company follows Bobbie navigating life and love in New York City as a 35-year-old unmarried woman with her coupled-up friends giving advice along the way. As Bobbie searches for answers, she discovers why being single, being married and being alive in the 21st century could drive a person crazy. 

Ailey II

If you love contemporary dance, don’t miss Ailey II, founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble. The company embodies Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training and community programs for all people.  

Dance Magazine calls Ailey II "second to none," and The New York Times declares, "There's nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II, the younger version of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater." 

Alvin Ailey founded Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958 to carry out his vision of a company dedicated to enriching the American modern dance heritage and preserving the uniqueness of the African-American cultural experience. He established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center (now The Ailey School) in 1969 and formed the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble (now Ailey II) in 1974. Ailey was a pioneer of programs promoting arts in education, particularly those benefiting underserved communities. Throughout his lifetime, he was awarded numerous distinctions, including the Kennedy Center Honor in 1988 in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to American culture. In 2014, he posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions and commitment to civil rights and dance in America. 

Truly an inclusive company focused on outreach and accessibility, Ailey II is known worldwide for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s finest emerging dance talent with passion and creative vision. Sylvia Waters was selected by Ailey to be its founding artistic director, and she helped Ailey II to flourish into one of the most popular modern dance companies, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs. This outstanding group will perform on Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 7 pm. 

Featuring Black artists and their stories on our stages is not limited to February, so make plans now to see these shows this spring.

Jackie Venson

Rising star Jackie Venson’s wicked guitar solos and radiating glow has everyone taking note. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Venson has traveled the world playing to crowds both as a headliner and as support for major acts such as Keb’ Mo”, Gary Clark Jr., Aloe Blacc, Melissa Etheridge and Citizen Cope. Her blazing guitar skills and beautifully complex music connect listeners to the magic around them. For Venson, one thing she always holds true – she's going to play her music, speak her truth and spread as much joy as she can doing it. Experience this performance like no other on Friday, April 5 at 7:30 pm. 

Take 6

You can spend an evening with “the baddest vocal cats on the planet,” according to Quincy Jones, when Take 6 performs as part of VoiceJam A Cappella Festival. Receiving praise from luminaries including Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald – the multi-Platinum® a cappella sextet has collaborated across genres and toured the globe with their funky grooves that bubble into an intoxicating brew of gospel, jazz, R&B and pop. Winners of 10 Grammy Awards®, 10 Dove Awards, a Soul Train Award and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, everyone is taking note of Take 6. Don’t miss their Northwest Arkansas premier debut as the festival headliner on Friday, April 12 at 8 pm. 

Ashli St. Armant is bringing her debut theatrical production, NORTH to our stage. This musical for kids and families is a moving story that explores the multi-faceted reality of Black life during the antebellum period and aims to bring out the full range of experiences of freedom seekers during that time. While acknowledging the realities of slavery, the narrative explores themes of optimism, bravery, playfulness, wonder, suspense and mystery.  

NORTH

Set in the 1850s, NORTH is based on actual accounts of slave escapes through the Underground Railroad network, as well as St. Armant’s personal family history of overcoming slavery in Louisiana. This production features original musical compositions steeped in jazz and other historically Black music genres. St. Armant drew inspiration from an array of musical heroes including crooner Nat King Cole, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, the father of Afrobeat Fela Kuti and legendary lyricist Stephen Sondheim.  Experience this moving and personal theatrical production on Sunday, April 28 at 4 pm. 

Walton Arts Center is proud to spotlight the phenomenal Black artists and creatives who continue to shape and enrich our cultural landscape. The commemoration doesn't end in February, these performances invite audiences to join us in honoring and embracing the contributions of Black artists throughout the entire year. 

You Oughta Know – You Can See Jagged Little Pill and Help the Teen Action & Support Center

Walton Arts Center and Teen Action & Support Center have partnered for a hygiene product donation drive during Jagged Little Pill, Jan. 23-28. Patrons can bring new shampoo, conditioner, soap or deodorant when they see the show or drop off donations in Walton Arts Center’s lobby from 10 am until 2 pm weekdays or at TASC @ the Hub, 1194 W. Walnut St., Rogers.   

TASC is an NWA nonprofit that offers assistance for all teens, but especially those struggling with life changes, by giving them the tools and support to take action in their own lives and in the community. TASC will use these items for their teen-based support and prevention program, teen thrive.   

With offices in Rogers and Springdale, TASC provides counseling, job and life skill training, community volunteer opportunities and resources for young parents. Through their programs, teens build the skills needed to reach their full potential, to help see their dreams as a potential future and to make healthy life choices.

More about Jagged Little Pill: 

Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE – everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show – is here in this exhilarating, fearless new musical. Directed by Tony® winner Diane Paulus, Jagged Little Pill is an “electrifying, visceral and stunning” (The Hollywood Reporter) musical with an original story by Tony and Academy® Award-winning writer Diablo Cody.  

Ignited by Morissette’s groundbreaking lyrics and music – from beloved hits such as “You Oughta Know,” “Head Over Feet,” “Hand In My Pocket” and “Ironic”, to brand new songs written for the show – Jagged Little Pill features explosive choreography by Tony Award nominee and frequent Beyoncé collaborator Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and the raw power of an onstage band under the Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements of Grammy®, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Kitt.  


Jagged Little Pill is recommended for ages 14 and up. Please note this production contains strong language, adult themes, drug use and moments of sexual violence that some may find upsetting. You live, you learn, you remember what it’s like to feel truly human at Jagged Little Pill.


Shows Dates & Times   

Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 7 pm   

Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 7 pm   

Thursday, Jan. 25 at 1:30 & 7 pm   

Friday, Jan. 26 at 8 pm   

Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2 & 8 pm   

Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2 pm