Public Appearances – ÿ�մ��վ News

ÿ�մ��վ Public Appearances announces 2026-27 season

Mark Heffington — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:51:15 +0000

“The Pout Pout Fish”

University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances has announced an all-new season of performances, including Broadway hits “CLUE” and “A CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical”; family-friendly shows such as “Tales From the Field With Jeff Corwin” and “Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock!”; exciting nights out with “Cirque Kalabante: World of Words” and “Napoleon Dynamite Live”; along with award-winning musicians including Ann Wilson of HEART, country crooner Mark Chesnutt, fan favorite Straight No Chaser, and a variety of more shows throughout the year.

Reynolds Performance Hall will feature 12 shows from the Broadway, Pops and Night Out series; two from the An Evening With series; six Main Stage Education shows; a Benefit performance; and two special Add On shows. Three Windgate Collection shows will be featured at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

“We could not be more excited to unveil a season that truly raises the bar,” ÿ�մ��վ Public Appearances Executive Director Amanda Horton said. “From iconic voices like Ann Wilson to crowd-pleasing Broadway productions like ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ and ‘Shucked,’ and unforgettable appearances by actors like Richard Thomas and Jon Heder, this lineup is packed with can’t-miss moments.

“It is a dynamic, star-studded series that showcases the very best in live entertainment.”

The ÿ�մ��վ Public Appearances 2026-27 season includes the following series and performances:

Broadway Series

“Clue” – Friday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by 501Life Magazine, Eric, Rob and Isaac and Chicken Salad Chick.
“Mrs. Doubtfire – The New Musical Comedy” – Sunday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Dixon Properties, Conway Copies and Log Cabin Democrat.
“A CHRISTMAS STORY – The Musical” – Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by First Security Bank.
“SHUCKED” – Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Rush and Linda Harding and Arkansas Times.

Night Out Series

“Celtic Angels Christmas” – Friday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by B98.5.
“Mark Twain Tonight starring Richard Thomas” – Thursday, March 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by College Square.
“CIRQUE KALABANATÉ – WOW World of Words” – Friday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Power 92.3.
“Tales From the Field With Jeff Corwin” – Thursday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn of Conway.

Pops Series

Ann Wilson, The Voice of Heart & Tripsitter – Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by First Community Bank.
Mark Chesnutt – Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by My Country Y107.
The Fabulous Equinox – Spirit of New Orleans – Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m.
Frankie Moreno Rock N’ Roll Remastered With Conway Symphony Orchestra – Saturday, March 6, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by KARN 102.9.

An Evening With

“Dominate the Storm With Reed Timmer” – Sunday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m. at the Windgate Center. Sponsored by Log Cabin Democrat.
“Napoleon Dynamite Live: A Conversation With Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez & Jon Gries” – Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by 501Life Magazine.

Add On

Straight No Chaser – Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Arkansas Times and Banana Graphics.
“September 30, 1955” Film Screening and Talk Back featuring Richard Thomas – Friday, March 5, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by ÿ�մ��վ Foundation.

Windgate Collection (Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts)

“Cantus: Land That I Love” – Thursday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by ÿ�մ��վ College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
“EXILE” – Sunday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by BIG 92.7.
“Twitty and Lynn: A Salute to Conway and Loretta” – Saturday, April 3, at 7 p.m.

Main Stage Education Series

“Velveteen, A New Musical” – Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 10 a.m. and noon.
“Curious George – The Golden Meatball” – Monday, Nov. 9, at 10 a.m. and noon.
“Catkid Comic Club the Musical” – Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. and noon.
“Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming!” – Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. and noon. Sponsored by Conway Corp.
“The Pout Pout Fish” – Friday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. and noon. Sponsored by Toad Suck Daze.
“CIRQUE KALABANATÉ – WOW World of Words” – Friday, March 12, at 10 a.m.

Benefit for Main Stage Education Series

“Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock!” – Monday, Nov. 2, at 7 p.m. Sponsored by Hilton Garden Inn of Conway.
“The Pout Pout Fish” – Friday, Feb. 19, at 6 p.m.

“The Main Stage Education Series has now served more than 80,000 students over the past 11 years and remains a vital part of our mission to connect young audiences with the arts,” Horton said. “By providing access to engaging, high-quality performances, we are helping to inspire creativity, enhance education and ensure that every student can experience the power of live performance.”

Subscription renewals for current season ticket holders are available now. New subscriptions will go on sale to the public starting Monday, June 15. Subscriber Courtesy Week – when those who bought season packages may purchase individual tickets to shows before they open to the public – will be July 13-17. Single tickets will go on sale to the public Monday, July 20.

Purchase of a new subscription package beginning June 15, or individual tickets beginning July 20, may be made by calling (501) 450-3265 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or online at .

Individual series prices range from $41-$160; Performing Arts Package (all three series) range from $260-$480; individual tickets for all shows in the Broadway, Pops and Night Out series are $31.05-$57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. An Evening With tickets range from $19.55-$57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. Main Stage shows are $10 for adults and $5 for children/students. The “Fraggle Rock” Benefit show ranges from $30-$50 for adults and $10 for children/students. “The Pout Pout Fish” Benefit show is $10 for adults and $5 for children/students. Add On shows are $31.05-$57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. The Windgate Collection shows range from $19.55-$46.00 for adults and $11.50 for children/students with the Loge boxes being $57.50 for adults. A “Pick Six” build-your-own package is available to donors of $100 or more.

More information on ticketing and event details is available at uca.edu/pa or by contacting the box office at 501-450-3265.

United States Air Force Band Airmen of Note to perform in Conway

Mark Heffington — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:21:40 +0000

Tickets available now for April 23 performance

United States Air Force Band – Airmen of Note

The University of Central Arkansas is proud to host the United States Air Force Band – Airmen of Note for a free concert at Reynolds Performance Hall Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m.

The Airmen of Note, the U.S. Air Force’s premier jazz ensemble, will be on a spring tour through Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana from April 23 to May 1.

The Airmen of Note, stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., is one of six musical ensembles that form the U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller’s Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band and contemporary jazz forms to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments worldwide and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C.

As part of the U.S. Air Force Band, the Airmen of Note’s mission is to honor those who have served, inspire American citizens to heightened patriotism and service, and connect with the global community on behalf of the U.S. Air Force and the United States.

The concert is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets can be reserved at .

Grammy Award-winning Sō Percussion to perform in Conway

Mark Heffington — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 15:00:50 +0000

Tickets available now for April 11 performance

Jason Treuting, Josh Quillen, Eric Cha-Beach, Adam Sliwinski. Photo/Anja Schutz

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances, in conjunction with the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Artists in Residence program, will present Sō Percussion Saturday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

For 25 years and counting, Grammy-winning percussion quartet Sō Percussion has redefined chamber music for the 21st century. They are celebrated by audiences and presenters for a dazzling range of work: for live performances in which “telepathic powers of communication” (The New York Times) bring to life the vibrant percussion repertoire; for an extravagant array of collaborations in classical music, pop, indie rock, contemporary dance and theater; and for their work in education and community-building, seeking to explore the immense possibility of art.

To celebrate its 25th anniversary season, Sō Percussion released “25×25” on Cantaloupe Music in September 2025, an eight-disc box set featuring 500 minutes of entirely new and previously unreleased recordings of 21st century music, each piece written for, in collaboration with and premiered by Sō Percussion.

Along with “25×25,” Sō has a catalog of more than 30 albums featuring landmark recordings of works by David Lang, Steve Reich, Julia Wolfe, Caroline Shaw, Steven Mackey, Bobby Previte, Matmos and many others.

Rooted in the belief that music is an elemental form of human communication, and galvanized by forces for social change, Sō enthusiastically pursues a range of social and community outreach through their nonprofit umbrella, including an ongoing partnership with Pan in Motion; the Sō Laboratories concert series; a studio residency program in Brooklyn; and the Sō Percussion Summer Institute, an intensive two-week chamber music seminar for percussionists and composers they have led annually since 2009. The members of Sō Percussion are the Edward T. Cone Performers-in-Residence at Princeton University – a role they have held for more than a decade.

Sō Percussion is Jason Treuting, Adam Sliwinski, Josh Quillen and Eric Cha-Beach.

ÿ�մ��վ Public Appearances has continued to grow each year and now offers five unique series: Broadway, POPS, Night Out, An Evening With, and the Windgate Collection. Reynolds Performance Hall has also welcomed over 70,000 pre-K-12th grade students from across the state of Arkansas to experience live performing arts through the Main Stage Education Series. This series educates while entertaining and provides arts accessibility to all students.

Tickets range from $23 to $46 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. Prices for tickets are all in. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances, or by calling ÿ�մ��վ Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student and children’s tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

Meredith Wilson’s ‘THE MUSIC MAN’ coming to Conway

Mark Heffington — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:37:42 +0000

Tickets available now for March 15 performance

“Ya Got Trouble” in Conway as the University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances presents Meredith Willson’s “THE MUSIC MAN” at Reynolds Performance Hall Sunday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.

There’s trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Meredith Willson’s six-time, Tony Award-winning musical comedy “THE MUSIC MAN” follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall. Featuring songs such as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Ya Got Trouble,” “‘Till There Was You,” “Pick-a-Little” and “Gary, Indiana,” “THE MUSIC MAN” is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation.

Produced by Big League Productions, veteran director Matt Lenz will helm this new reimagined show of a beloved classic. Joshua Bergasse, Emmy Award winner, Tony Award nominee and critically acclaimed choreographer, will create all new dances for the citizens of River City.

Tickets range from $34.50 to $57.50 for adults and $11.50 for students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances, or by calling ÿ�մ��վ Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student and children’s tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

‘JAWS in Concert’ coming to Conway

Mark Heffington — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 14:28:59 +0000

Tickets available now for March 7 performance

From “JAWS” motion picture, ™ & ©Universal Studios

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances invites audiences to relive the thrilling suspense of “JAWS” as the Conway Symphony Orchestra plays the iconic score in sync with the film projected on the big screen in “JAWS in Concert” coming to Reynolds Performance Hall Saturday, March 7, at 7 p.m.

This original summer movie blockbuster, with an Academy Award-winning score by composer John Williams, becomes an unforgettable film-with-live-orchestra experience. Directed by Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg, “JAWS” set the standard for edge-of-your-seat suspense, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and forever changing the movie industry. When the seaside community of Amity finds itself under attack by a dangerous great white shark, the town’s chief of police, a young marine biologist and a grizzled shark hunter embark on a desperate quest to destroy the beast before it strikes again.

Featuring an unforgettable score that evokes pure terror, “JAWS” remains one of the most influential and gripping adventures in motion picture history. Now, audiences will have the chance to experience the power of a live symphony orchestra performing the entire score in sync with one of the greatest motion pictures of all time.

“We are proud to present the Conway Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Israel Getzov, for what promises to be a spectacular performance,” Amanda Horton, ÿ�մ��վ Public Appearances executive director, said. “Their professionalism and extraordinary talent will bring John Williams’ legendary score to life in a way that surrounds the audience with sound and suspense.

“Seeing the film on the big screen while hearing the music performed live creates a dynamic, immersive experience.”

This event contains adult themes and mature content. Tickets range from $34.50 to $57.50 for adults and $11.50 for students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances, or by calling ÿ�մ��վ Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

Global phenomenon ‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’ to visit Conway

Mark Heffington — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 18:43:49 +0000

Tickets available now for Feb. 20 performance

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances will present “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall.

Audiences will relive the magic of the legendary folk-rock duo with this immersive concert-style tribute show, complete with nostalgia-inducing unforgettable hits, which recreates the magic and authenticity of a Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel concert. Produced by Ruckus Entertainment, this live stage show chronicles the amazing journey of the iconic, Grammy Award-winning act.

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” covers the duo’s humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry, to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ’60s, as well as their dramatic split in 1970. “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” culminates with the pair’s famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981, which had more than half a million fans in attendance. The show features a set list of nearly 30 songs and uses state-of-the-art video projection, photos and original film footage. A full live band will perform all of the hits – including “Mrs. Robinson,” “Cecilia,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Homeward Bound” and many more – complete with the unmistakably perfect harmonies that will transport audiences down memory lane.

With more than 100 million album sales since 1965, Simon & Garfunkel’s unforgettable songs and poetic lyrics poignantly captured the times and made them one of the most successful folk-rock duos of all time. Over the years, they won 10 Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1977, the Brit Awards honored their “Bridge Over Troubled Water” album with Best International Album. In 2003, Simon & Garfunkel were awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the following year saw their “The Sound of Silence” awarded a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.

Famed criminologist Dr. Scott Bonn to speak in Conway

Mark Heffington — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 14:48:35 +0000

Tickets available now for Feb. 19 event

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances will present “SERIAL KILLERS WITH DR. SCOTT BONN” Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce Street, Conway.

Dr. Scott Bonn is a criminologist, producer, TV analyst, public speaker and author of the bestselling popular culture book “Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World’s Most Savage Murderers.” He has provided expert commentary and analysis for several high-profile true crime TV shows and documentaries on A&E, Discovery Network, Oxygen, Investigation Discovery and Travel Channel.

Bonn also authored the critically acclaimed sociology book “Mass Deception: Moral Panic and the U.S. War on Iraq.” His fact-based crime thriller novel, “Evil Guardian,” was inspired by his correspondence with notorious, real-life serial killers David Berkowitz (Son of Sam) and Dennis Rader (Bind, Torture, Kill). Bonn is an expert on criminal behavior and is highly respected for answering the puzzling question of “why the perpetrator did it” in complex murder cases.

Bonn has comprehensively studied, extensively corresponded with, personally interviewed and accurately profiled some of the world’s most notorious predators. Rather than employing a pop psychology or checklist approach to describe serial killers, he relies on his direct interactions to explain that serial killers are psychologically complex, diverse and evolve from forces of both nature (biology) and nurture (environment). Simply put, Bonn takes his audience inside the minds of some of the world’s most terrifying killers from his own unique experiences rather than from a textbook. He has also communicated with infamous mass murderer Colin Ferguson and notorious one-time killers Jodi Arias and Pamela Smart.

This event contains adult themes and mature content. Tickets range from $23 to $46 for adults and $11.50 for students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at , or by calling ÿ�մ��վ Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

Rock legend John Waite to perform at Reynolds Performance Hall

Mark Heffington — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:54:44 +0000

Tickets available now for Feb. 13 concert

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances will present John Waite Friday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall.

With a career spanning almost five decades, Waite is best known for his chart-topping solo hit “Missing You,” as well as iconic songs from his time with The Babys and Bad English, including “Isn’t It Time,” “When I See You Smile” and “Every Time I Think of You.” His powerful vocals and emotionally resonant songwriting have made him a staple of rock radio and a favorite among generations of fans.

Known for his passionate vocals, compelling lyrics and magnetic stage presence, Waite’s live performances are both powerful and personal. Audiences can expect a dynamic live performance featuring Waite’s greatest hits, deep cuts and stories from his career. Waite continues to captivate audiences around the world with his engaging stage presence and authentic delivery.

Tickets range from $34.50 to $57.50 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at uca.edu/publicappearances, or by calling ÿ�մ��վ Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student and children’s tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

Tony Award-winner Renée Elise Goldsberry to headline ‘Hamilton’ screening, talkback in Conway

Mark Heffington — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:39:02 +0000

Tickets available now for Feb. 9 event at Reynolds Performance Hall

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances in partnership with the ÿ�մ��վ College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences Artist in Residence program will present “Renée Elise Goldsberry – Hamilton Screening & Talkback” Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall.

The event features a public screening of the hit musical film “Hamilton,” followed immediately by an exclusive live talkback with Goldsberry, who originated the iconic role of Angelica Schuyler.

Goldsberry is a multi-hyphenate actress and singer who has delivered award-winning performances both on Broadway and on the screen. Her performance in the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” earned her a Tony Award and a Grammy Award. She was also nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the Disney+ film adaptation and accepted the Emmy for Best Variety Special on behalf of her company in 2021.

Other highlights from Goldsberry’s film and television career include co-starring in A24’s critical darling “Waves,” opposite Sterling K. Brown; the Netflix series “Altered Carbon”; Documentary Now’s cult favorite “Original Cast Album: Co-Op”; “The Good Wife”; “The House With a Clock in its Walls”; “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”; and her creation of the beloved character Evangeline Williamson on ABC’s “One Life to Live,” for which she received two Daytime Emmy nominations and two NAACP Image Award nominations.

“It is an honor to welcome Renée Elise Goldsberry who is celebrated for her iconic performance as Angelica Schuyler in ‘Hamilton,’” Amanda Horton, executive director of ÿ�մ��վ Public Appearances, said. “Her presence brings extraordinary meaning to this occasion as we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

“Ten years ago, ‘Hamilton’ reshaped how history was told on stage through music, diversity and bold storytelling. This screening invites our community to reflect on the nation’s past, present and future through the lens of one of the most influential theatrical works of our time.”

Tickets are $28.75 for adults and $11.50 for children/students. ÿ�մ��վ students can receive two free tickets with ÿ�մ��վ ID at the box office. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased at the Reynolds box office or Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., online at , or by calling ÿ�մ��վ Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll free at (866) 810-0012. Student and children’s tickets are only available by contacting the box office.

‘Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’ comes to ÿ�մ��վ’s Reynolds Performance Hall Dec. 10

Mark Heffington — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:38:52 +0000

Tickets available now for heartwarming holiday event

The University of Central Arkansas Public Appearances will present “Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol” Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall.

“Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol”

“Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol” is a heartwarming musical featuring songs by 11-time GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton and book by David H. Bell, adapted for the stage by Bell, Couch, and Curt Wollan.

“I’m thrilled to see my ‘Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol’ hitting the road and spreading holiday cheer from city to city,” Parton said. “I poured my heart into the music, and I truly hope folks everywhere feel the love, the laughter and the magic of my beautiful Smoky Mountains that we’ve packed into every scene.

“There’s nothing like music and the holidays to bring friends and family together.”

Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this unforgettable production and amazing cast imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. As a Christmas Eve snowstorm approaches, Scrooge is visited by his deceased business partner and three ghosts who compel him to see life anew and discover that love is the greatest gift. The legendary holiday tale rewritten as a new American classic features Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s one-of-a-kind songwriting expertise, making this a holiday event to share with loved ones.

Public Appearances – ÿ�մ�����վ News

ÿ�մ�����վ Public Appearances announces 2026-27 season

The ÿ�մ�����վ Public Appearances 2026-27 season includes the following series and performances: