Mattie Kelly Arts Center

Figure Paintings by Dr. Nan Liu
2023-01-27 18:00 - 2023-03-31 16:00 (America/Chicago) | The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Opening Reception and Live Demo:
January 27, 2023
6-8 PM
Exhibition:
January 27 – March 31, 2023
For more information about our exhibitions or how to host an event, please contact Galleries Director J. Wren Supak at artgalleries@nwfsc.edu.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR 2022-2023 SEASON CALENDAR

On Your Feet
2023-03-30 19:30 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true story about heart, heritage and
two people who believed in their talent—and each other—to become an
international sensation: Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Now their story is an all new
exhilarating original musical winning the hearts of critics and audiences
alike.
ON YOUR FEET! features some of the most iconic songs of the past
quarter-century, including “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On
Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3” and “Coming Out of the
Dark.” Prepare to be on your feet from start to finish!

*Tickets will be available 8/29/2022.

A Dream of America Ellis Island
2023-04-06 19:30 - 20:30 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States

Arnie Hart Art Show 2023
2023-04-07 08:00 - 2023-06-29 16:00 | The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Student Art Preparation Clinic: March 13-16
Opening Reception: April 7, 6-8PM
Student Show: April 7 – May 9
Faculty Show: April 7– June 29
For more information about our exhibitions or how to host an event, please contact Galleries Director J. Wren Supak at artgalleries@nwfsc.edu.
CLICK HERE FOR OUR 2022-2023 SEASON CALENDAR

Naomi Shihab Nye
2023-04-17 19:00 - 20:00 | Sprint Theater, 100 College Boulevard, Niceville, FL, 32578
Award-winning poet and author Naomi Shihab Nye is this year’s featured READS honorarium author.

Open and free to the community.

Nye will share excerpts from two of her published books:

A book of poetry titled Voices in the Air
A book of short stories titled There is No Long Distance Now

Among her accolades, Nye served as the Poetry Foundation’s Young Poet Laureate from 2019-2022. Nye has said that, for her, “the primary source of poetry has always been local life, random characters met on the streets, our own ancestry sifting down to us through small essential daily tasks.”

There will be a book signing, with two of her works available to purchase, following her reading.

Madagascar
2023-04-27 19:30 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Join Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria as they bound out of the zoo and
onto the stage in this live musical spectacular.
This smash hit musical features all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends
as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and fi nd
themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s
Madagascar.
This brand new musical from Dreamworks (Shrek The Musical) will leave
audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”!
TICKETS: $35
$25 for youth under age 18
*Tickets will be available 8/29/2022.

Kathleen Madigan Live
2023-04-29 19:30 - 21:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
LiveSat, Apr 29, 2023 7:30PM CDT|
Mattie Kelly Arts Center

The Flight of Jackie Cochran
2023-06-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Sprint Theater, 100 College Boulevard, Niceville, FL, 32578

HYPROV Improv Under Hypnosis
2024-01-19 19:00 - 20:00
HYPROV (pronounced hip-rawv) is coming to you straight from a 70-show run Off-Broadway in New York City!! HYPROV is “hilarious and fascinating’’ (says Time Out New York) and is “catnip for those who relish spontaneity and informality,” (The Wall Street Journal). The New Yorker says, “say yes to HYPROV,”! The 100-minute live show combines hypnosis and improv – two art forms that have mystified and
entertained fans, skeptics and everyone in between worldwide – for a totally unique comedy experience that The Times of London declared “a celebration of the human imagination.”
Your evening begins with Hypnotist Extraordinaire, Asad Mecci welcoming 20 volunteers* onstage to be hypnotized. The most receptive to hypnosis then join Colin Mochrie (Whose Line is it, Anyway?) to improvise the rest of the show, while hypnotized. In the hands of two experts, and solely crafted from the volunteers’ uninhibited, unconscious minds and audience suggestions, each show is an entirely
original and completely unforgettable theatrical experience. Whether in the audience or on stage performing, get ready to have the time of your life!!

Stinky Cheese Man!
2024-01-22 09:45 - 10:45 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Stinky Cheese Man!
Monday, January 22, 2024
9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $10
Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. Poor
Jack. He’s got to use his wits to save himself from the
terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairytale characters
keep messing up his plans—and then there’s that annoying
Stinky Cheese Man! The Stinky Cheese Man and Other
Fairly Stupid Tales deconstructs the tradition of the fairy
tale. Characters slide in and out of tales; Cinderella rebuffs
Rumpelstiltskin, and Goldilocks meets the Three Elephants.
Nothing is quite the same and you remember it.

Taylor Hicks
2024-01-25 19:00 - 20:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
For Taylor Hicks, w in n i n g “American Idol’s” blockbuster fifth season was just the beginning. Hailed as “part Stax, part Motown and part honky-tonk” by The New York Times, Hicks’ intoxicating blend of soul, blues, country, and rock ‘n’ roll quickly rendered him a household name as he progressed to the show’s record-breaking finale in 2006, a historic television event which drew an audience of more than 200 million viewers. Hicks immediately followed his “American Idol” victory with a No. 1 Billboard single and an RIAA®-certified platinum debut and soon went on to make history as both the first male “American Idol” champion featured on a GRAMMY-winning record (Jimmy
Fallon’s Blow Your Pants Off) and the first to land a prestigious Las Vegas residency. A versatile artist, actor and advocate, Hicks has since ventured into theater, television and film, starring in Serenbe Playhouse’s 2019 production of “Shenandoah,” touring as Teen Angel in the popular Broadway musical “Grease” in addition to appearing on “Law & Order: SVU” and hosting the INSP series “State Plate,” which won the Cynopsis TV Award for Best Reality Series (Travel). Hicks’ passion for southern cuisine led him back to his native Alabama, where he opened up SAW’s Juke Joint, a restaurant crowned one of the“ 25 Best Barbecue Spots in America” by Men’s Journal.

Stars of Tomorrow
2024-02-10 18:00 - 21:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
MOZART: Overture to the Marriage of Figaro
CONCERTI: TBD
PROKOFIEV: Selections from Romeo and Juliet,
Suites No. 1 and 2
The first half features the outstanding junior, high school and
collegiate winners of our John Leatherwood Concerto Competition.
Experience the powerful ballet music from the great Russian composer
Sergei Prokofiev in his musical depiction of the story of Romeo and Juliet.
6 p.m. Pre-concert lecture with
Maestro Todd Craven in Tyler Recital Hall
7 p.m. Concert
MKAC Mainstage
Tickets $30
18 & Under $16

Charlotte's Web
2024-02-12 09:45 - 10:45 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Monday, February 12, 2024
9:45 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Tickets: $10
Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.
This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Mardi Gras Food and Wine Festival
2024-02-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States

The Cher Show
2024-02-22 19:00 - 20:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has flat-out dominated popular culture – breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award®-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.
THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy®, an Oscar®, an Emmy®, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

Division Recitals Spring 2024
2024-03-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Tyler Recital Hall

Carmina Burana Mar. 9 & 10
2024-03-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Mainstage Theater, 100 College Boulevard East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS: Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
ORFF: Carmina Burana
A first-ever co-production with the Northwest Florida Ballet featuring original choreography by Artistic Director, Todd Eric Allen and Gregory Schramel, Artistic Director of New Orleans Ballet Theatre.
On the second half, we join the Northwest Florida Ballet to present Carl Orff’s 1934 masterpiece Carmina Burana; an uprorious and intoxicating depiction of a medieval paradise based on texts dating back to the 11th century. This eclectic partnership features the full forces of the NFSO, led by Maestro Todd Craven along with the Northwest Florida Ballet dancers, soloists from the New Orleans Ballet Theatre and rising operatic stars Sarah Vautour, Lunga Eric Hallam and Ben Taylor. The Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale round out this incredible ensemble of artists. Maestro Todd Craven conducts.
6 p.m. Pre-concert lecture with Maestro Todd Craven in Tyler Recital Hall
March 9, 7:30 p.m.
March 10, 2:30 p.m.
MKAC Mainstage

Friends and Family Showcase
2024-03-12 18:00 - 19:30 | Mainstage Theater, 100 College Boulevard East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Voices of Northwest Florida and Raider Rhythms would like to invite all of their supporters to a FREE showcase of what they have been working on this semester at NWFSC. No ticket is required for entry.

An Evening with Casting Crowns
2024-03-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Multi-platinum selling Grammy winners Casting Crowns will be coming to Niceville, FL for an Evening with Casting Crowns. Featuring hit songs from the band’s current chart-topping Healer album (“Scars In Heaven,” “Crazy People”), concert goers will also experience a night of worship like no other with some of the group’s most beloved songs like “Only Jesus,” “Nobody,” “Praise You In This Storm,” “East To West” and many more. With more than 12 million albums sold and multiple Grammy, Dove and American Music Awards to their name, Casting Crowns might be best known for their fan-favorite live concert events – and this night promises to be no different.
Buy Tickets
*Lineup subject to change.
*Awakening Events / Awakening Foundation shows are required to follow local health and venue requirements. Changes in local health guidelines or venue policies are not grounds for a refund.
Misplaced your confirmation email? Visit https://www.etix.com/ticket/resend and enter the email address and last 4 digits of the card used to purchase tickets to have your confirmation resent.

Division Recitals Spring 2024 April 1st
2024-04-01 18:00 - 19:00 | Tyler Recital Hall

Dinosaur World LIVE
2024-04-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesheating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!
A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.
Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding jurassic adventure, live on stage.

Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies
2024-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Founded by Emmy-nominated Choreographer, Chloé Arnold, SYNCOPATED LADIES is the most viewed Female Tap dance band in history. Known for their viral self-produced content, they were recognized by Beyoncé, who not only shared their work saying “They Killed It”, she then transformed the homepage of Beyonce.com to feature Syncopated Ladies, and invited them to perform live internationally.
Beyoncé’s support catapulted them onto a Global platform, and since then, Syncopated Ladies’ trajectory has skyrocketed, amassing over 100 million views online. They also received praise from Whoopi Goldberg on The View, Janet Jackson, Ciara, Lupita Nyong’o, as well as many other celebrities and news outlets. Live performance credits include Good Morning America, So You Think You Can Dance, Global Citizen Week, New York Fashion Week, Essence Fest, Imagine Justice (featuring Common, J. Cole, and Andra Day), Glamour Women
of the Year Awards, Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative at the US Open and many more.

Emerald Coast & Walton County Community Bands
2024-04-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center Amphitheater, 100 College Boulevard, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Spring Concert
Sunday, April 14th
3PM
MKAC Amphitheater
FREE ADMISSION!

Division Recitals Spring 2024 April 22nd
2024-04-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Tyler Recital Hall

Chicago
2024-04-23 19:00 - 20:00
There’s never been a better time to experience CHICAGO, Broadway’s razzledazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate the 25th anniversary — you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still… CHICAGO.
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-theside lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. Whether you’re looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you’ve seen the Academy Award® – winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you’ve seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers!
Come on, babe! Head to CHICAGO! We’re hotter than ever.

Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse
2024-09-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
Building on the success of the sold-out global shows of the first Oscar®-winning Spider-Man™ animated Spider-Verse film, comes the highly anticipated sequel: SPIDER-MAN™: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE, set to captivate audiences in concert venues worldwide.
These films have garnered immense popularity, largely due to their groundbreaking soundtracks praised for their innovative fusion of orchestral and electronic elements alongside scratch DJ techniques.
The upcoming spectacle will feature the movie showcased on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing the film’s iconic score and soundtrack live. This extraordinary lineup includes a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists.

September Division Recital
2024-09-30 18:00 - 19:00 | Tyler Recital Hall

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive The Bus
2024-10-04 09:45 - 11:45
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production!** With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA’s *Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!* is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon—you never get to do ANYTHING!** But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird *can* do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs and feathers, *Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!* is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

Halloween Spooktacular
2024-10-12 14:00 - 19:00 | Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd East, Niceville, FL, 32578, United States
2 p.m. – Family Concert with costume parade
7 p.m. – Opening Classics and costume contest
WORKS

Daugherty: Dead Elvis
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique
Kats-Chernin: Wild Swan Suite

Virtual Tickets – Click Here – https://www.moment.co/virtualartscenter/virtualartscenter-halloween-spooktacular-northwest-florida-symphony-orchestra

October Division Recital
2024-10-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Tyler Recital Hall
