Public and School Performances Announced; Accessible Shows Offered
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) announces a new Children’s Theatre production of Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” in the Performing Arts Theater with school performances March 6–20, 2026, and public performances March 7–28, 2026. Based on Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books published by Hyperion Books for Children, the 50-minute musical follows best friends Gerald and Piggie through the ups and downs of friendship. Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is recommended for ages three and up. Tickets are $15, or $12 for AMFA members, and can be purchased online at arkmfa.org. Children two and under are free if seated in an adult’s lap.
“This lively musical invites children and families to celebrate with Mo Willems’s sweetest comedic duo, Elephant Gerald and Piggie, as they explore big feelings, early relationships, and the magic of being together,” says Chad Bradford, Director of Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts at AMFA. “With catchy songs, interactive moments, and stories families will recognize, it is sure to be a wonderful time for children of all ages.”
On Saturday, March 14, the 10:30 a.m. show features audio description, and the 2:00 p.m. show features ASL interpretation. The performance on Sunday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m. is sensory-friendly, utilizing reduced sound and lighting effects and a separate quiet room for guest use. Between the 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. shows on March 14, special activities and giveaways are offered in partnership with local libraries. Attendees of both performances on Saturday, March 28, are welcome to dress up, wear costumes, and enter a ticket raffle for future AMFA Children’s Theatre productions.
Following each show, audiences are invited to enjoy a free meet-and-greet with members of the cast. Elephant is played by Grant Watkins, whose credits include AMFA’s Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! and the national tour of Once the Musical. Piggie is played by Emily Swenskie, whom families may remember from last season’s Flurffy’s Secret Garden and other AMFA productions.
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is directed by Bradford, with choreography by Moriah Connerson, music direction by Tim Cooper, script and lyrics by Mo Willems, and music by Deborah Wicks La Puma.
Performances
School Performances (March 6–20, 2026)
- Tuesdays–Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
- Fridays at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
To request seats, visit arkmfa.org.
There is limited ticket availability; all current openings are listed on the request form.
Public Performances (March 7–28, 2026)
- Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Additional daily 10:30 a.m. shows March 24–27
To purchase tickets and view the full schedule, visit arkmfa.org.
For questions and accommodations, visit arkmfa.org or contact (501) 372‑4000 or connect@arkmfa.org.
Related Programs & Events
Art Start
Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Nurture early learners through interactive, toddler-friendly story time and guided art-making activities inspired by themes of friendship and play. For more details on this free program, visit arkmfa.org.
Creative Saturdays
Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Create ice cream-inspired clay sculptures during this free, drop-in experience open to children and families of all ages. For more details on this free program, visit arkmfa.org.
Kickoff to Spring Break with Elephant & Piggie
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Play free lawn games and make memories with the cast outdoors on the AMFA Event Lawn. Loblolly Creamery is selling scoops of a special, limited-edition ice cream flavor inspired by the musical called “Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Cone!” For more details, visit arkmfa.org.
Elephant & Piggie Art Experience
Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
In two separate classes, students in grades K-2 and 3-5, respectively, attend a live performance of Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” and make art inspired by the show in AMFA’s Windgate Art School. The experience is $48, or $38 for AMFA members, and parents may register their children online at arkmfa.org.
Sponsors
Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts programs are supported in part by The Shubert Foundation.
The Windgate Art School is generously supported by the Windgate Foundation with additional support from Sherry Worthen in memory of George Worthen.
The Windgate Art School’s Reduced Tuition Program is supported in part by Michael Laughter. Reduced tuition is automatically applied on all classes through 2026.
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.