The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Announces Upcoming Season of Performances

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) announces its upcoming season of engaging concerts and plays, with performing arts offerings for all ages.

For young audiences and families, the lively Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster will be presented in AMFA’s Performing Arts Theatre from September 29, 2023, through October 1, 2023, and is a performance ideal for children ages three and up. The Emmy Award-winning production company Manual Cinema uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, live actors, and songs to bring Mo Willems' books to life in this unique theatre experience. As with all Manual Cinema productions, viewers are invited to watch the big screen like a traditional movie, or to watch the artists below as they create the story in real time.

On November 3 and 4, 2023, the musicians of The Fourth Wall Ensemble are bringing their high-flying shenanigans to AMFA for the dynamic performance Without a Net. The Fourth Wall blends music, theatre, dance, and acrobatics into a hybrid art form audiences of all ages will enjoy. Reserve a ticket to see what would happen if Bach, Ravel, and Gershwin ran off to join the circus. Without a Net will be presented with a full 90-minute run time on November 3 and a family-friendly run time of 60 minutes on November 4.

The heartwarming play Corduroy produced by AMFA’s Children’s Theatre company—will run from November 25, 2023, through December 23, 2023, with special school performances and weekend shows, as well as daily matinees presented during its final week. Don Freeman’s beloved picture book vibrantly comes to life in this fun and highly physical adaptation, which is sure to delight all audiences. Corduroy's enduring narrative encompasses universal themes of friendship, belonging, and acceptance, touching the hearts of readers from all walks of life.

AMFA’s eclectic and exciting inaugural concert series presents acclaimed performers and spans multiple musical genres—from jazz, soul, and R&B to indie folk, Americana, and more. The fall 2023 concert lineup includes:

• Don Bryant featuring The Bo-Keys on September 14, 2023
• Magos Herrera on October 12, 2023
• The Secret Sisters on November 9, 2023
• John Fullbright on December 7, 2023

Tickets for individual musical performances and plays may be purchased on AMFA’s website beginning August 4, 2023. AMFA Circle Society donors and corporate partners will receive early access to ticket reservations on August 3, 2023. Members will receive a discount on ticket prices.

Join AMFA’s dynamic community of visual and performing arts supporters to enjoy exclusive benefits.

School groups may reserve tickets for Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster and Corduroy on AMFA’s website or by contacting Guest Services at 501-372-4000.

Artist Bios

Don Bryant Featuring The Bo-Keys is a dynamic musical collaboration that brings together the soulful vocals of Don Bryant, a revered Memphis-born artist, with the powerhouse sound of The Bo-Keys, a band known for their captivating blend of Memphis soul, R&B, and funk, creating an irresistible musical experience.

Magos Herrera is a Grammy-nominated, Mexican-born jazz singer-songwriter, producer, and educator renowned for her captivating voice and remarkable presence in the Latin American jazz scene. She effortlessly combines elements of contemporary jazz, Ibero-American melodies, and rhythms, transcending language barriers with her bold and elegant style.

The Secret Sisters is a Grammy-nominated American folk and country music duo formed by sisters Laura and Lydia Rogers. Born and raised in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the sisters grew up surrounded by music and developed a deep love for traditional country and gospel sounds. The Secret Sisters' music draws inspiration from classic country and folk, blending it with their unique vocals and heartfelt storytelling exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience.

John Fullbright is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and musician known for his soulful blend of folk, blues, and Americana. Hailing from Okemah, Oklahoma, Fullbright first gained recognition and a Grammy nomination with his debut studio album, "From the Ground Up," released in 2012. With his powerful vocals, masterful guitar skills, and introspective songwriting, Fullbright captivates audiences with his raw and emotionally charged performances.

Press photos for theatrical performances and concerts may be accessed in AMFA's press kit.

Sponsors

Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported by The Shubert Foundation.

Manual Cinema presents Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster Images by Manual Cinema, Characters © Mo Willems.

Without a Net is presented in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock.

Corduroy is supported by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield with additional support from Dr. Loren Bartole ‘Family Foot Care.’