Favorite memories from the past 15 years from staff and patrons

Northwest Arkansas Times

Posted on Sunday, October 29, 2006

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I served as a stage manager at the groundbreaking. I staged the very first show ever presented on the Baum Walker stage. It was a musical called 'Phil and Fred's No Fuss Journey,' based on the writing of young authors. It was presented in May 1991 to an audience of 1,200 students and teachers. I remember the builders were welding balcony railings in place when we had our final dress rehearsal for that musical."
Pat Relph, WAC arts learning specialist
One morning in April, I decided to head down to a school performance of Los Folkloristas. I stood in the balcony and said "Hi" to the kids as they filed into the theater and was just blown away by the look on their faces as they walked in. I kept hear murmurs of "wow," and the teachers had to gently nudge the kids to keep them moving -- they had stopped to gape at the hall and the stage. When the lights went down, the kids started cheering before the music had even begun. I suddenly remembered doing the same thing at the performing arts center where I grew up, and I reminded myself how lucky I was to have that experience. It is a great feeling to know we're helping kids experience the unique magic and inspiration of the arts."
Jodi Beznoska, WAC communications director
I really had fun being in 'The Nutcracker,' and I thought it was really cool that the ballet company allowed me to be in the ballet even though I am in a wheelchair. It was really cool to be around all of the dancers in the ballet. They treated me just like all the other kids and helped me when it was our time to be on stage."
-- Atleigh Long, 13
I have to admit getting up at 6 a.m. to escort artists and musicians to interviews can be a little rough, but every now and then, something (or someone) comes along and makes it all worth it. After an early and exciting morning of escorting the handsome and charming Michael Bublé to various radio interviews, he asked me to take a break before I went back to work and eat breakfast with him and his manager. Clearly, this was an offer I couldn't refuse. Not many people can say they've had breakfast with Michael Bublé. I can!"
Natasha Burroughs, WAC community and media relations officer
There was a child sitting on his mother's lap in her wheelchair at 'Blue's Clues,' and he needed to go to the bathroom during intermission. [Volunteer Jerry Meredith] was standing there and offered to take the little boy. A lot of kids in the audience had those wand things, and the boy made a remark to Jerry that he wanted one, but his mom could not afford to buy it. So Jerry went and bought the boy one ... and told the little boy that Blue had spotted him from the stage and wanted him to have it. That little boy lit up like a firecracker!"
Jennifer Irwin, WAC corporate relations officer
I was looking forward to seeing Gregory Hines, but I was blown away by what actually happened at his visit. When he arrived in town, he called Jenni [Taylor Swain], and told her he "wanted to dance with some kids" and could we help him find some. So, we quickly began calling dance schools to see if someone had a class he could come to. We found one and brought him over. He spent the next hour working with a group of young tap dancers -- watching what they were doing, commenting and providing special instruction. When he left, they asked him to sign the floor, which he graciously agreed to do. That night's performance was awesome. I sat in the very back row of the balcony, and he was such an incredible performer, the energy made me feel like I was actually on stage with him. He danced and shared stories and talked with the audience about his love of the arts and of getting children involved. My observation is that everyone left the theater not only having been entertained, but having been truly inspired. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet and enjoy Mr. Hines during his all-too-short lifetime.
Terri Trotter, WAC vice president of external affairs
As a kid from small-town Arkansas, I came to the WAC with the feeling that it was bigger than life. And in fact, that's exactly what it is! From the national spotlight to this incredible stage, I will always consider my first performance at the WAC a true milestone in my career."
-- Patrick Hall, "American Idol" contestant and WAC patron and performer
We want to provide our children with as many cultural experiences as possible, and the Walton Arts Center is a great outlet for exposing them to the arts throughout the year. Having recently moved back to Northwest Arkansas after 13 years in Dallas, we were pleasantly surprised to find the variety of productions and quality of performances are similar to that of larger cities. It's especially rewarding to hear our 3-year-old share an experience from a show he attended several weeks prior."
Jennifer Enlow, WAC patron
I love to travel and experience the world of the arts, but the Walton Arts Center brings the world to me through song, dance, drama, music, art and poetry -- from the exciting Russian ice skating ballet, the soft, sensual sounds of the sitar played by India's Ravi Shankar, [and] the delicate intricacy of the art from China's Silk Road."
Margaret Clark, WAC patron
During a master class with Bobby McFerrin, we had to evacuate 200 patrons to the green room because we were under a tornado warning. We got everyone into the green room including Mr. McFerrin, who was very calming and collected and continued to tell stories to the group and answer questions while we waited for the all clear. It was like we were having him over for coffee and cake and a bit of chitchat."
-- Lisa Gruben-Inness, WAC director of audience experience
An Oklahoma student's artwork had been chosen to tour nationally in the Crayola Dream-Makers exhibition, which was on display at the Nadine Baum Studios through August 2006. She arrived at the center with her family and friends, who were all full of enthusiasm, to view the exhibition. I had the opportunity to talk with her about the artistic influences in her life and what inspired her to create the artwork she entered. She spoke of how her art teacher, and most importantly her family and friends, had all contributed to the inspiration of the final piece. It's always uplifting to see the way art changes and enriches the lives of young people."
Amy Undernehr, WAC education coordinator
My first experience at Walton (and well before I was employed here) was part of my Christmas present to my mom and sister. I bought tickets for us to see 'The Sound of Music' in December 1996. We had a great girls' night, seeing one of our favorite movies come to life. Another favorite was bringing my 3-year old to see Ballet Austin's 'Not Afraid of the Dark,' the ballet set to the music of Joe Scruggs, one of our favorite musicians. It was great fun to watch my son connect [with] the music he loved to the dancing on stage."
Jennifer Ross, WAC director of artist and client experience

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