Jenni Taylor-Swain, vice president of programming, seems very serious when she comments on the upcoming season at Fayetteville’s Walton Arts Center.
“This year’s Broadway season is about exploring themes and characters that are deeply American,” she says.
“The history of rock ’n’ roll, Christmas tradition, fame and fortune, television and cinema will unravel on our stage and connect our audiences with these classic stories that define our culture.”
What audiences will experience is just plain fun: Something old - one holiday classic that dates back to 1954 and a musical tale of murder that’s been a Broadway hit since 1975;
something new - a musical about television’s longest running and most beloved comedy; something borrowed - “The Jersey Boys,” a success story borrowed from real life;
and something old and new combined - an adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” that includes music from the classic movie and new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.
“We know that ‘Jersey Boys’ is one of the most sought-after shows on Broadway and one the most requested shows in Northwest Arkansas, so we’re thrilled to be able to bring it to Walton Arts Center,” adds Taylor-Swain, and because of that popularity, it is considered the most likely to sell out.
Tickets to individual shows will not be available until summer. But the season is now on sale as a package, available to both current subscribers and by “pre-reservation” tonew subscribers.
“We know there is a lot of excitement around the Northwest Arkansas premiere of ‘Jersey Boys,’ making this a great year to become a Broadway subscriber,” says Jodi Beznoska, WAC vice president of communications.
“Becoming a subscriber offers many benefits. ... The thing we hear over and over from our subscribers is that they love being guaranteed at least five great nights out with their significant others, family or friends. Life gets so busy, and it’s easy to forget about the next show you want to see.”
Buying a subscription allows for first access, not only to Broadway shows, but to the rest of the events at Walton Arts Center, including any new shows added throughout the year, Beznoska adds.
Whats Up, Pages 11 on 03/01/2013