Things begin on Sunday, February 3 with the production of Addy: An American Girl Story. If your child loves the American Girl series, this show is a must see. Best for ages 8-12. Tickets $14-$22.
Addy Walker is a hopeful 9-year-old girl growing up in slavery during the Civil War. Her life changes forever the day Poppa and her brother, Sam, are sold from their North Carolina plantation. Addy and her mother realize they must take the terrible risk to run before they lose each other, too. Building a new life in freedom isn’t easy, but Addy and Momma hold fast to their dream of having their whole family together again. Based on the Addy books by Connie Porter and written by playwright Cheryl L. West, this production brings to life an American Girl classic.
Then, on Friday, February 8, Guy Davis is including a Family Blues Show during his time at the WAC. I love the idea of exposing kids to various forms of music, including the blues. Tickets to this show are limited, so call for availability. Best for ages 8 and up. Tickets $14 adults, $9 kids.
As seen on Nickelodeon’s Jack’s Big Music Show, musician Guy Davis engages kids of all ages in the rich history and sound of the blues. Davis, who performs on guitars, banjo and harmonica, sings a blues Journey through the southern regions of the United States, explaining the differences in the Mississippi Delta and Piedmont styles. Learn how the stories and music of the blues are an extension of the African-American oral tradition with deep connections to the history of Arkansas.
And, on Tuesday, February 19, Frog and Toad are coming to the Walton Arts Center. Best for ages 5-11. Tickets $8-$15. My boys have loved reading Frog and Toad. In fact, my oldest would have been Frog on book character day at school if only his mother had the creativity (and the advance preparation) to create a Frog costume!
Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters hop from the page to the stage in Robert and Wille Reale’s musical A Year with Frog & Toad. Developed by Mr. Lobel’s daughter, Adrianne Lobel, the stage musical remains true to the spirit of the original stories as it follows two great friends, the cheerful and popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad, through four fun-filled seasons. Waking from hibernation in the spring, they proceed to plant gardens, swim, rake leaves and go sledding, learning life lessons along the way, including a most important one about friendship and rejoicing the things that make each of us different and special.
Finally, the African Children’s Choir will round off the month with a night of son. The show is best for ages 8 and up. Tickets $14-$22.
The African Children’s Choir features talented African Children ages 7 through 11. As many have lost one or both parents through the devastation of war, famine and disease, their plaintive yet joyous voices sing out on behalf of Africa’s 12 million AIDS orphans. They represent the future of the entire continent, demonstrating the potential to become strong leaders for a better future in their homeland.
You can click on the highlighted links in this post to order tickets for the show. Or, click here to go to the Walton Arts Center website. Or, order tickets by phone at 479-443-5600.
