What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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Galbraith adds. "We're always trying to figure out how do I fit in? Do I have friends in this group? That's what it is, ultimately. Yes, the central characters are women, are young girls, but their plight is human." The first show of 2022 is actually touring on its way to Broadway when it stops in Fayetteville. As with "Mean Girls" — the brand new musical "An Officer and a Gentleman" (Jan. 4-9) sees the original book writer of the film, Douglas Day Stewart, return to the project to adapt it to the theater. "Gentleman" was staged in London before receiving some tweaks to go on the road here in the States on a pre-Broadway track, Galbraith explained of the show's announcement last year. Though the 1982 Academy Award- winning film, starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger, is remembered for its romantic love story, the stage adaptation keeps the romance while building out the Naval Academy recruits' world. "And yet, at the same time, this show has the potential to be like a 'Mamma Mia' vibe and have people up and dancing by the end of the show because we know the music so well," Galbraith posits. Coming in March of 2022, for a special two-week run, Northwest Arkansas will host the worldwide sensation "Hamilton." "'Hamilton,' of course, is the story of the '$10 Founding Father.' I really love that line," Ross shares. "But it's also a story of love and loss and friendship, and un-friendship — if that's a word — and all the things that go with it. And making your mark in history, whether it's a small one or a big one. We're just thrilled to be part of the phenomenon." Writer, creator and original star Lin-Manuel Miranda used a hip- hop framework (among plenty of other styles) to tell the story of the nation's first Treasury Secretary, Alexander Hamilton. Scenes of 18th century political and social intrigue, the American Revolution and Hamilton's infamous duel with Aaron Burr illuminate pieces of the founding father's life that helped build our nation. In a pandemic-induced shift, a "live" filmed recording of the 10-time Tony Award-winning musical was added to the streaming platform Disney Plus last summer, some 15 months prior to its originally scheduled theatrical release date. "The film coming out I think really will increase people's excitement for seeing it," Galbraith predicts. "But even more, for those who may have been unaware of it, or even for those who have seen it, the opportunity to see the show and hear the show in that environment I think gives people the opportunity to really dig into and understand the depth and the brilliance of Lin- Manuel Miranda and his lyrics. He is sort of a new generation of Stephen Sondheim in terms of the brilliance of his work. He is just an amazing person. And to have his work on our stage is such an honor." Closing the 2021-22 season is a show that was rescheduled some four times as the programming team held out hope for the pandemic's abatement and the chance to present this show. That persistence paid off as the new revival of "Fiddler on the Roof" will take the stage in Fayetteville May 10, 2022. "Finally!" Ross exclaims with a mixture of elation and relief. The only returning show in next year's season, director Bartlett Sher's reimagining of "Fiddler on the Roof" imbues the classic story with freshness and renewed authenticity. Northwest Arkansas audiences previously saw Sher's work with his stunning revival of "The King and I" several seasons ago. Patrons can translate that technique to "Fiddler" to get of sense of how the theater staple has been reinvigorated, Ross says. "This is one of those shows, and it's one of the few, that can actually boast (up until the pandemic) that somewhere on Earth, 'Fiddler on the Roof' is performed every single day, and has been since it opened. It has never really stopped running," Galbraith shares. "It is one of the time-honored classics of all time- honored classics." "I think this version of 'Fiddler' is going to introduce a new generation to the celebration that raises its cup to joy and to life," Ross adds. It will also, she notes, be a beautiful way to close a season sure to overwhelm with emotion through its moving stories, but also with the experience of being able to gather once again. "The arts has always had the opportunity to entertain and enrich and lift the spirit," Galbraith agrees. "And I think it's time. We're all ready." 10 WHAT'S UP! APRIL 11-17, 2021 COVER STORY WAC Continued From Page 9 "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is one of four brand new shows making their Arkansas debut during the Walton Arts Center's 2021-22 Broadway season. The family-friendly show opens Nov. 30. (Courtesy Photo/Walton Arts Center) "Come From Away," a story of the human spirit in the wake of 9/11, will open the 2021-22 Broadway season at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. "Anybody of a certain age remembers where they were and what they were doing on 9/11. We all have our stories," Scott Galbraith, vice president of programming and executive producer, said when the show was first announced for the 2020-21 season. "This is a show that allows you to bring that. It's fine. And you get to process and heal with it along the way. You leave better than you came in." (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy) The Schuyler sisters are among fan favorites in Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical titan "Hamilton," opening March 22, 2022. (Courtesy Photo/Joan Marcus)