What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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8 WHAT'S UP! AUGUST 7-13, 2022 FEATURE Broadway And Beyond 'Moulin Rouge,' 'Bach to Bowie,' Marty Stuart and more at WAC BECCA MARTIN-BROWN NWA Democrat-Gazette D uring the worst days of the pandemic, the Walton Arts Center staff learned several lessons that solidified their commitment to bringing a wide variety of arts events to Northwest Arkansas. "We learned that our audience is loyal and supportive and that they want the arts in Northwest Arkansas to succeed," begins Jennifer Ross, promoted to vice president of programming at WAC in June. "We also learned that 200 people spread out across Baum Walker Hall — which normally seats 1,200 — can make a mighty noise when they're seeing their first live concert in six months! "This past season, we were thrilled with the response to our Broadway series," Ross goes on. "And we know our audience is hungry to see what new things are coming from Broadway — and that they're also hungry for familiar shows, too." And, as live entertainment came back during 2021-22, "we've seen an incredible uptick in brand-new visitors to Walton Arts Center, and we couldn't be happier to introduce so many new people to all that we have to offer. "That's part of the fun of putting together a season of shows for a community — there is usually something for everyone." Ross credits that diversity in programming for the diversity in the WAC audience, and that continues as a goal as WAC announces the entirety of its 2022-23 season. "We know the 10x10 Arts Series — with its 10 different shows and $10 ticket price — will bring a wide variety of people through the door; and we also count on the Broadway Series to bring in new audiences," she says. "Really though, we work hard to build a full season of shows that will reach out into the community and draw people in. What is exciting for our team is finding that one artist who brings in a brand-new audience. Sometimes, that artist surprises us, and that's always fun." In the coming season, Ross is most excited about WAC presenting "Moulin Rouge: The Musical" in its first year of touring, but also about being the last stop on the "My Fair Lady" tour this month. "Because of the pandemic we've been waiting for that one for a while," she says. "Knowing it's the last week for the cast, I expect they'll all be a little 'extra' during our run!" Single tickets are now on sale for the 2022-23 season, and subscriptions are still available for the P&G Broadway Series, Starrlight Jazz Club and West Street Live. Series subscribers get the best seats at discounted prices with subscriber-only benefits, says Jennifer Wilson, WAC public relations director. Create Your Own subscriptions are also still available. Choose shows from any series except for Starrlight Jazz Club and West Street Live to make your custom three-, five- or seven- show subscription package. The more shows you add in a Create Your Own subscription, the more you save, Wilson explains. Three-show packages get $2 off each ticket, five-show packages get $3 off each ticket and seven-show packages get $5 off each ticket. Create Your Own subscribers also get early access to new shows added throughout the year and discounts on most shows, including Broadway. Single tickets and subscription packages can be purchased in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. by calling 443-5600 or any time by visiting waltonartscenter.org. The season opens Aug. 9 with "My Fair Lady." P&G Broadway Series Aug. 9-14 — "My Fair Lady" Sept. 20-25 — "Pretty Woman: The Musical" Nov. 8-13 — "Chicago" Jan. 17-22 — "Tootsie" Feb. 9-12 & Feb. 14-19 — "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" May 23-28 — "Hadestown" In its first year on tour, "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" comes to the Walton Arts Center as part of the 2022-23 P&G Broadway Series. (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy)