Shows Include an Original Take on a Holiday Classic
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) announces its 2026-2027 Children’s Theatre lineup, with exciting performances for all ages. The season includes Marie and Rosetta, a powerful tribute to gospel and rock and roll pioneer Sister Rosetta Tharpe; the debut of Gingerbread Man: The Untold Story, an all-new musical adventure; and Pete the Cat, a musical adaptation of the bestselling children’s book series. Tickets are on sale now at arkmfa.org. Images are available in AMFA’s press kit.
Marie and Rosetta by George Brant
Celebrating one of the most influential artists in American music history, Marie and Rosetta tells the story of Arkansas native Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Blending music and drama, the play explores a pivotal chapter in Tharpe’s career while illuminating her groundbreaking contributions to gospel, rock and roll, and popular music. Directed by acclaimed Broadway performer and AMFA’s returning Artist-in-Residence Fergie Philippe, the production embodies themes of rediscovery, reverence, and recognition for artists whose influence transformed American culture.
This show has a 90-minute run time and is recommended for ages 13 and up.
School Performances (September 18–25, 2026)
- Tuesday–Friday at 10 a.m. | Free
Public Performances (September 19–27, 2026)
- Friday at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. | $20 ($15 for members)
Fergie Philippe will take part in additional programming during his residency at AMFA, including a dynamic conversation with artists, scholars, and community leaders at Art Insights: Rediscovering Arkansas’s Musical Legacy on September 2, 2026; a theatrical reading of his original work Remus — A Tragedy on September 23, 2026; and an Audition Master Class on strengthening audition skills on September 26, 2026.
Marie and Rosetta is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Gingerbread Man: The Untold Story
An original production with music by AMFA’s Director of Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts Chad Bradford, music teacher and composer Tim Cooper, and Emmy Award-winner Faith Rivera, Gingerbread Man: The Untold Story is a vibrant children’s tale. Set in Elizabethan England, where gingerbread men were first popularized, this adventurous musical reimagines a beloved folktale character through a journey of humor, heart, and self-discovery. Filled with holiday spirit, laughter, and theatrical magic, this fresh take on a classic explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-worth.
Gingerbread Man: The Untold Story has a 60-minute run time and is appropriate for audiences of all ages.
School Performances (December 2–16, 2026)
- Tuesday–Friday at 10 a.m.; Friday at 12 p.m. | $10 for students/$15 for adults | Free chaperone per 15 students
Public Performances (November 27–December 13, 2026)
- Saturday at 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. | $15 ($12 for members)
On Saturday, December 5, the 10:30 a.m. show features audio description, and the 2 p.m. show features ASL interpretation. The performance on Sunday, December 6, at 2 p.m. is sensory-friendly, utilizing reduced sound and lighting effects and a separate quiet room for guest use. A special AMFA members-only evening performance takes place on Thursday, December 3, at 6:30 p.m.
Faith Rivera will take part in additional AMFA programming including an inspiring conversation exploring music, creativity, and personal transformation during Art Insights: An Evening with Faith Rivera on November 5, 2026; and Sing-Dance-Shine with Faith Rivera on November 7, 2026, an uplifting experience for children and adults alike to celebrate their uniqueness through music, movement, and storytelling.
Pete the Cat
Adapted from the bestselling Pete the Cat children’s series by Kimberly and James Dean, this rocking musical follows Pete and second-grader Jimmy from backyard mishaps to a magical trip to Paris, all while celebrating imagination, confidence, and the courage to be yourself. Filled with catchy songs, colorful characters, and plenty of feline fun, the musical demonstrates how theatre can inspire confidence, encourage self-expression, and unlock the power of imagination.
This show has a 55-minute run time and is appropriate for audiences aged five and up.
School Performances (March 5–19, 2027)
- Tuesday–Friday at 10 a.m.; Friday at 12 p.m. | $10 for students/$15 for adults | Free chaperone per 15 students
Public Performances (March 6–25, 2027)
- Saturday at 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. | $15 ($12 for members)
- Matinee performances: March 23–25 at 10:30 a.m.
On Saturday, March 13, the 10:30 a.m. show features audio description, and the 2 p.m. show features ASL interpretation. The performance on Sunday, March 14, at 2 p.m. is sensory-friendly, utilizing reduced sound and lighting effects and a separate quiet room for guest use.
Pete the Cat is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Corp. www.concordtheatricals.com.
To purchase tickets and learn more about AMFA’s Children’s Theatre productions, visit arkmfa.org.
Sponsors
Marie and Rosetta is supported in part by Cardinal Counseling, Virgil L. Miller, Jr., Rebsamen Fund, and Dr. Odell Nickelberry.
Gingerbread Man: The Untold Story is supported in part by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and The Wright Family Foundation.
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by The Shubert Foundation and The McMath Family.
About the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
Founded in 1937, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is the largest cultural institution of its kind in the state, offering a unique blend of visual and performing arts experiences. AMFA is committed to featuring diverse media and artistic perspectives within its permanent collection as well as through rotating temporary exhibitions. AMFA’s international collection spans eight centuries, with strengths in works on paper and contemporary craft, and includes notable holdings by artists from Arkansas, the South, and across the United States and Europe.
With a vibrant mix of ideas, cultures, people, and places, AMFA extends this commitment to diversity through the innovative Windgate Art School, a dynamic children’s theatre and performing arts program, and community-focused educational programs for all ages. Located in Little Rock’s oldest urban green space, MacArthur Park, AMFA’s landmark building and grounds are designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, in collaboration with Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects.