Forever Motown Brings Soul and Holiday Spirit to the Webb Center
The Webb Center invites audiences to celebrate the season with the unmistakable sounds of Motown when “Forever Motown: A Holiday Celebration” takes the stage on Saturday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. This high-energy concert features two powerhouse Motown voices and an all-star ensemble of singers, dancers, and musicians performing the greatest hits from the legendary Detroit label along with a joyful collection of holiday favorites.
The evening’s stars include Glenn Leonard, former lead tenor of “The Temptations,” who recorded and toured with the group throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. Leonard’s smooth vocals were featured on beloved songs including “Silent Night” and “In a Lifetime.”
Joining him is Traci Robinson-Greene, a New York-born and trained performer whose career spans Broadway, film, and international stages. A graduate of the Alvin Ailey Dance Center and Dance Theatre of Harlem, Robinson-Greene appeared in the eight-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical “Sophisticated Ladies,” as well as Spike Lee’s films “School Daze,” and “Malcolm X.” In 1991 she fulfilled her dream of becoming the lead singer of “The Marvelettes,” performing around the world.
Together, these artists and their electrifying band bring timeless Motown hits from Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, and Smokey Robinson to life, all infused with the warmth and rhythm of the holiday season. Complete with live instrumentation, soulful harmonies, and dazzling choreography, “Forever Motown” promises an evening filled with nostalgia, joy, and Christmas spirit.
Tickets start at $47 for adults and $9 for youth ages 18 and under. They are available online, by phone, or in person at the Webb Center Box Office located on the second floor of UMB Bank. For more information about this performance and the Webb Center’s 24th season lineup, visit webbcenter.org or call 928.684.6624.
Rex Allen Jr. Bids Farewell in a Moving Final Performance at the Webb Center
For the fortunate audience members who filled the Webb Center on Saturday, Oct. 18, the afternoon was one they will never forget. Country music legend Rex Allen Jr. graced the stage for what would unexpectedly become his final public concert, marking the close of an extraordinary era in American music.
With only his guitar and a lifetime of memories, Rex delivered a deeply personal and emotional performance that felt less like a concert and more like a heartfelt conversation between old friends. Between songs, he shared reflections on his decades in the music industry, his father Rex Allen Sr., and the meaningful moments that shaped his remarkable career.
The concert was filled with warmth, laughter, and tears. Rex’s unmistakable ‘golden voice’ carried beloved songs including “I Love You, Arizona,” the official state song he wrote, as well as “Ghost Riders in the Sky” and “Leader of the Band,” which he performed with rewritten lyrics in honor of his late father. Audiences were treated to his own original songs, woven throughout the performance alongside tributes to the Sons of the Pioneers and the artists who shaped his sound. The result was a musical journey that beautifully reflected the experiences of a life dedicated to music.
Prior to taking the stage, Rex shared with Webb Center CEO Andy Halseth that he considers the Webb Center to be the greatest venue in the United States. That sentiment echoed throughout the performance, as he chose to bring his touring career to a close in Wickenburg, surrounded by fans who have supported him for decades. The audience rose to their feet in a prolonged standing ovation, celebrating a man whose voice and artistry have defined generations of Western and country music.
Rex Allen Jr., a member of the Western Music Hall of Fame and the first performer ever to play on the Great Wall of China, has spent his life sharing the stories and sounds of the American West. His final performance at the Webb Center was an unforgettable farewell that captured the essence of who he is: humble, genuine, and deeply connected to his audience. The Webb Center is honored to have hosted this significant and emotional moment in musical history.
R. Carlos Nakai Trio Shares Timeless Native American Flute Music
Close your eyes. Picture the southwestern landscape of Arizona with its mighty saguaros, breathtaking rock formations and gentle breezes rustling the mesquite trees. As you scan the horizon, what is the soundtrack playing in your mind? Chances are you hear the transcendent melodies ofR. Carlos Nakai and his traditional cedar wood flute.
Celebrated as the world’s premier Native American flutist with a platinum record for “Canyon Trilogy,” Nakai brings his timeless music to Wickenburg’s Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts for a matinee concert on Sunday, December 7 at 3:30 pm. Performing a program of evocative melodies that blend ancestral flute traditions with contemporary arrangements and rhythmic textures, Nakai will appear with longtime collaborators William Eaton on guitar and Will Clipman on percussion.
R. Carlos Nakai’s upbringing was steeped in the stories, songs, and communal values of his ancestors. This intimate concert experience is designed to transport and connect audiences across generations and backgrounds.”I compose music to open a space where listeners can breathe, remember, and feel the present,” Nakai says, promising an afternoon of lyrical beauty and deep resonance that honors both his cultural roots and evolving creative expression.
R. Carlos Nakai’s recordings have reached worldwide audiences achieving two gold records and 11 Grammy nominations. His decades-long career weaves the ancient sounds of his heritage with contemporary musical forms, creating a body of work that bridges genres. Rather than simply replicating traditional songs, he has expanded the instrument’s expressive possibilities blending the flute’s haunting tones with elements of jazz, classical, and world music.
Nakai’s music carries a universal message of peace, healing, and connection to the land – welcoming in both longtime fans and first-time listeners to the accessible musical soundscape. Tickets to this matinee concert start at $34 for adults and just $9 for those 18 and under. Reserve tickets at webbcenter.org or by calling the Webb Center Box Office at (928) 684-6624.
5 Steinway Pianos, One Wickenburg Stage
Picture five concert grand pianos arranged on one stage, ten hands flying across 440 keys in perfect synchronization. Now add the warmth of holiday classics, the sparkle of “Nutcracker” magic, and stories from a musical family’s own Christmas traditions.
That’s what awaits Wickenburg audiences when The 5 Browns return to the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, December 4 at 7:30 PM – with one notable change. This year marks the debut of Stephen Beus, a Juilliard-trained virtuoso who joined the quintet in 2023, stepping into the role left by founding member Ryan Brown’s retirement.
For longtime Webb Center attendees, this appearance promises familiar favorites – the Browns’ signature blend of technical brilliance and approachable storytelling. But the addition of Beus, a gold medalist at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, brings fresh energy to arrangements that have captivated audiences from Carnegie Hall to “The Tonight Show.”
The “Christmas with The 5 Browns” program mixes beloved holiday repertoire, including impressive arrangements of “Carol of the Bells,” “O Holy Night,” and “For Unto Us a Child is Born” with personal anecdotes that make these Juilliard graduates feel like your musically-gifted neighbors. Some pieces feature all five pianists interweaving lush melodies into one unified sound; others showcase solos or duo combinations that highlight individual artistry.
This concert is perfect for families seeking fond holiday memories or music lovers wanting a world-class performance. Tickets start at $52 for adults and just $9 for those 18 and under. Reserve tickets for this concert and all of the shows in the 2025-2026 season today at webbcenter.org/ or by calling the Webb Center Box Office at (928) 684-6624.
Webb Center Presents Koresh Dance
On Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 PM, the internationally acclaimed Koresh Dance Company sets Wickenburg’s Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts’ stage ablaze with a breathtaking performance of “Masquerade.” To thank our community for their 24 years of generous support, this exceptional evening of dance is available at just $24.
“Masquerade” is a collaborative work incorporating contemporary dance and theatrical moments. The performance is elevated by elements of live singing by soprano Sage DeAgro-Ruopp and electronic symphonic music. Audience members will be immersed in a dynamic environment of operatics and movement where reality and fiction intertwine.
Marking the twenty-eighth “Made in Wickenburg” residency program, Koresh Dance Company is proud to be invited back for their third experience. In 2018, the company developed their piece “La Danse” and in 2022 “Masquerade” was created. This year, the dancers and choreographer will collaborate on a third new piece.
At the time of the 2022 residency, Artistic Director Roni Koresh said “Masquerade” was inspired by the mask-wearing culture that resulted from the pandemic. He wanted to explore why humans wear figurative masks; hiding their true identities from others and oftentimes from themselves. The evening-length dance piece premiered in Philadelphia as part of the company’s 2023 Home Season. Since its creation it has seen incredible success and is now a mainstay in Koresh Dance’s repertoire.
“It’s rare for us to see the final product of a dance piece that started here three years ago. It’s a full circle moment for me,” shared Stephanie Fornoff, Director of Marketing. “I remember attending the open rehearsals and watching the dancers collaborate with DeAgro-Ruopp under Koresh’s direction. It thrills me that the Webb Center can be a catalyst for this caliber of artistry. To experience it from start to finish in our community is amazing!”
During this year’s two-week residency, the company will extend a special invitation to the community to attend free “Behind-the-Scenes” rehearsals to watch the creative process. The open house-style events will take place at the Webb Center theater on Wed, Oct. 29 and Wed, Nov 5 from 2 – 5 p.m. Reservations are not required.
Founded in 1991, Artistic Director Roni Koresh and his Philadelphia-based troupe artfully find the line between beauty and innovation — then boldly dance on it. They are celebrated for their engaging performances and technically superb dancers. Their bold ensemble work and innovative choreography have solidified their place as one of the premier contemporary American dance companies.
Don’t miss this extraordinary evening of dance and live music where “truth belongs to the imagination of the beholder.” Tickets are on sale now for Encore Members. Membership supports the Webb Center’s valuable arts programming in our community.
Ticket sales for the general public begin on Oct. 15. All-in ticket prices for this event are $24 for adults and $9 for youth 18 and under. For more information about membership benefits and to reserve your seats, please visit webbcenter.org/ or contact the Webb Center Box Office at 928.684.6624.
Western music icon returns to Webb Center
Beloved Western music icon Rex Allen Jr. will make his long-awaited return to the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 18 at 3:30 p.m. Kicking off the highly anticipated 2025–2026 Season with a special afternoon concert, Allen honors the timeless spirit of traditional Western music.
As a heartfelt thank you to the Wickenburg community for its years of enthusiastic support and in honor of the theatre’s 24th season, all tickets for this show are being offered at a special price of just $24. With youth tickets (18 & under) available for only $9, this concert promises to be an unforgettable experience for the whole family at an unbeatable price.
Rex Allen Jr. is a true legend in both the country and Western music worlds, with a career spanning more than five decades. Known for his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Allen rose to fame in the 1970s with a string of hit singles, including “Lonely Street,” “No, No, No,” and “It’s Over.” He was named Entertainer of the Year by “Country Music Magazine” and remains a revered figure in American music history.
In addition to his chart-topping music career, Allen is known to millions for his incredible storytelling skills, with his distinctive voice earning him the title “the man with the golden voice.” He hosted the beloved “Yesteryear” segment on “The Statler Brothers Show,” sharing the stories and songs that shaped a generation. A member of the Western Music Hall of Fame, in 1982 his legacy was further cemented when his song “I Love You, Arizona” was adopted as the official state song.
Rex Allen Jr. is the son of Rex Allen, the original “Arizona Cowboy” and a legendary Hollywood actor and singer who starred in dozens of Western films. The younger Allen has carried on his father’s legacy while creating a body of work that stands uniquely on his own. The prolific balladeer blends nostalgia, authenticity, and storytelling into an unforgettable live performance.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience one of Western music’s most enduring voices in an intimate and welcoming setting. All-In ticket prices for the Saturday, Oct. 18 concert are $24 for adults and $9 for youth 18 & under. They are on sale now to both Encore Members and the General Public at the Webb Center Box Office 928.684.6624 or by visiting webbcenter.org/.
Tickets for Encore Members on Sale Now
The Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce its 2025–2026 Season, a dynamic lineup of music, dance, and theater that showcases this year’s theme of “Their stories. Your stage.” Encore Members can purchase tickets now, while general public sales begin Oct. 15.
The 24th season begins with a special community appreciation concert on Oct. 18, when Rex Allen Jr. – the son of country music royalty, member of the Western Music Hall of Fame, and writer of Arizona’s official state song – takes the stage to deliver a night of classic country and Western favorites. On Nov. 8, audiences will be captivated by the powerful energy of Koresh Dance Company in “Masquerade,” a vibrant contemporary work created during their previous “Made in Wickenburg” residency.
December fills the theatre with holiday cheer and diverse artistry. On Dec. 4, The 5 Browns bring the spectacle of five Juilliard-trained pianists in one dazzling concert. On Dec. 7, Native American flute master R. Carlos Nakai blends indigenous traditions with jazz and world influences. The season continues with “Forever Motown: A Holiday Celebration” on Dec. 13, featuring the soulful harmonies and timeless hits of Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and The Temptations, followed by the Bar-D Wranglers on Dec. 16, combining cowboy humor and Western charm with some Christmas favorites. Rounding out the year, “One Christmas Night in Memphis” on Dec. 19 and 20 pays a spirited rock & roll tribute to Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins.
The new year opens on Jan. 3 with Live from Laurel Canyon: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, celebrating the folk-rock legends of the 1960s and 70s. On Jan. 18, beloved American folk icons The Kingston Trio take the stage with classic harmonies on hits like “Tom Dooley.” The season continues with teen idol Frankie Avalon on Jan. 20, performing timeless favorites from the golden age of rock & roll, followed by rising jazz vocalist Stella Cole on Jan. 25, whose sultry interpretations of jazz standards have earned her critical acclaim at just 26 years old. The Texas Tenors return on Jan. 28 with their signature blend of country, gospel, and Broadway flair, and on Jan. 31, Broadway parody sensation “Spamilton” delivers a laugh-out-loud send-up of “Hamilton” and other stage favorites.
February offers a feast for the senses. On Feb. 7, Classic Albums Live performs Billy Joel’s greatest hits, note-for-note, cut-for-cut. The legendary Gatlin Brothers return during Wickenburg’s Gold Rush Days on Feb. 13 and 14, bringing more than six decades of country music favorites. On Feb. 17, Hotel California – A Salute to the Eagles recreates the legendary sound of one of America’s greatest rock bands, followed by Impro Theatre on Feb. 20, performing a completely unscripted, full-length play in the style of a Movie Western. The season continues with The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on Feb. 23, celebrating its 90th Anniversary Tour with classic swing-era brilliance, joined by acclaimed vocalist Nnenna Freelon.The month’s events conclude on Feb. 26 with sports photographer Jean Fruth, giving an intimate behind-the-lens look at the country’s favorite pastime, baseball.
March bursts with variety and energy. On Mar. 1, America’s Sweethearts bring vintage charm and close-harmony vocals inspired by The Andrews Sisters. Latin Grammy-winner Mireya Ramos teams up with country-western band The Poor Choices on Mar. 6 for a groundbreaking collaboration blending mariachi, bluegrass, and country traditions. The iconic Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs authentic New Orleans jazz on Mar. 8, followed by Women of Americana on Mar. 11, featuring Cristina Vane and Brennen Leigh in a night of folk, gospel, and Americana traditions. On Mar. 14, Irish ensemble Danú makes their Wickenburg debut with a spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and on Mar. 17, Cirque Kalabanté delivers breathtaking acrobatics, dance, and Afro-jazz rhythms in a spectacular tribute to Guinean culture. The Webb Center’s beloved community fundraiser, Guys Who Grill, celebrates its 14th year on Mar. 21 with all-you-can-sample BBQ, live music, and family fun to raise money for Camp Imagination. The season concludes on Mar. 26 with fan-favorite Pink Martini, a globe-trotting ensemble that delivers a multilingual, genre-crossing musical adventure.
Audiences are invited to join the Webb Center for this season of world-class performances and unforgettable moments. All-In ticket prices start at $24 for adults and $9 for youth 18 & under, and are available online at webbcenter.org/, by phone, or in person at the Webb Center Box Office, located on the second floor of UMB Bank.
Don’t miss your chance to become an Encore Member, with memberships starting at just $75 per household for early ticket access and tax-deductible support of the arts in Wickenburg. For more information about membership, advertising, or sponsorship opportunities, call 928.684.6624.
Scott Murphy Joins the Webb Center as its Audio Engineer, Sharing Expertise and Passion for Education with the Wickenburg Community
The Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts is proud to welcome Scott Murphy as its new Audio Engineer for the upcoming 24th season. Murphy brings a wealth of experience in live sound, AV integration, studio recording, and immersive audio technologies, along with a strong passion for mentorship and education.
Murphy’s professional journey includes extensive work in live event sound and AV engineering. He has served as an Audio Engineer for AEG Presents, worked as a Field Services Engineer with AVI-SPL, and collaborated with productions and festivals nationwide as a touring sound engineer. Over the years, he has mixed shows at iconic venues such as Webster Hall, Whisky-A-Go-Go, and the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, consistently earning recognition for his technical precision and ability to create seamless live experiences.
In addition to his engineering career, Murphy was the bassist and a founding member of the rock band American Dream Machine from 2019 to 2021. The band released its debut album “DEADHEARTS” to strong reviews, paired with music videos featured on platforms such as BVTV and “Revolver Magazine.” His background as both a performer and technician gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to bring live music to life.
A resourceful and solution-driven technician, Murphy holds certifications in several Professional Audio Engineering Platforms. His ability to set up and manage complex sound systems ensures clear, high-quality audio, even in fast-paced, high-pressure performances.
What excites Murphy most about his new role at the Webb Center is the opportunity to connect with the Wickenburg community and share his skills with the next generation. “Live sound is about more than technology—it’s about collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving,” Murphy says. “I can’t wait to work with students and young people in Wickenburg, to give them hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and confidence in their abilities.”
In addition to ensuring professional-quality audio for the Webb Center’s touring shows, residencies, and community performances, Murphy will play a vital role in educational outreach, supporting programs like the high school theater program and Camp Imagination. His enthusiasm for teaching and mentorship will help foster meaningful opportunities for local students to learn and grow through the technical theater arts. The Webb Center is delighted to welcome Scott Murphy to its production team and looks forward to the technical expertise, creativity, and educational spirit he will bring to the stage and the community.
Dylan Healy Returns to the Webb Center as Project Coordinator, Bringing a Lifelong Passion for the Arts Home to Wickenburg
The Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts is proud to welcome Dylan Healy to its team as the organization’s new Project Coordinator for the upcoming 24th season. Dylan is no stranger to the Webb Center stage – having performed in productions and working behind the scenes as a Box Office Intern during high school. These influential experiences sparked her passion for the arts in her newly adopted hometown of Wickenburg; having moved here with her mom in 2011.
A 2017 graduate of Wickenburg High School, Dylan attributes many formative experiences to her time at the Webb Center. “Not every high schooler gets to develop their talents in a world-class theater,” she reflects. “The opportunities I had on this stage truly shaped who I am – those moments inspired something that I’ve carried within me ever since.”
Following high school, Dylan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience and Music from Middlebury College in Vermont. While at Middlebury, she served as the Performing Arts Series Intern from 2018 to 2021, working directly with touring artists, developing residency programs, and even bringing a neuroscience class into the concert hall. Her role developed into a deeper commitment to arts programming and its ability to inspire and connect communities.
After college, Dylan moved to New York City and worked as a Project Manager for Metropolis Ensemble under Grammy-nominated conductor Andrew Cyr. In that role, she coordinated live performances and events – including “Biophony,” a city-wide, site-specific music experience featuring over 30 free, artist-run pop-up performances. She supported the coordination of musicians, venue logistics, and the premieres of newly commissioned works that spanned locations across the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and NYC.
In 2022, Dylan returned to Wickenburg and began teaching at Hassayampa Elementary School. Dylan remained dedicated to the arts by incorporating music into many of her lessons, recognizing its powerful connection to memory and learning. Although teaching was a rewarding and meaningful chapter, her heart remained rooted in the performing arts.
Now, as Project Coordinator at the Webb Center, Dylan is excited to bring that passion for the performing arts back to her previous stomping grounds. “This is more than a job, in what I expect to be a long career – it’s a full-circle moment. I believe in the transformative power of the arts, especially in small communities like ours. My goal is to help expand access to the arts in Wickenburg – whether that’s through creative residencies, youth programs like Camp Imagination, or unforgettable live performances.”
In her new role, Dylan will support the planning and execution of the Webb Center’s wide range of programs, including its celebrated performance series, Camp Imagination, and community engagement initiatives. To reach Dylan, email her at dhealy@dewpac.org or call 928.684.6624.
“Mamma Mia!” Here We Go Again
Take a journey to the Mediterranean on April 16 & 17 as the Wickenburg High School Theater Arts Department presents their spring musical “Mamma Mia!” at 6:30 p.m. at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts. Featuring 18 hit songs like “Dancing Queen,” “Honey, Honey” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” this show promises a night to remember.
Twenty-one students representing Wickenburg High School, Vulture Peak Middle School, Wickenburg Christian Academy, and home schools have been rehearsing together since early January to put together this musical escapade for the community. The actors range in age from 13-18 years. For six graduating seniors, Ellie Lisk, Natalie Montgomery, Bailey Monesmith, Tel Grantham, Tawnee Tahbo, and Lance Gallatin, this will be their last appearance at the Webb Center in a high school production.
Nominated for 5 Tony Awards, “Mamma Mia’s” sunny, funny action unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a young woman’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited twenty years ago. Non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers, along with the magic of hit songs that include “Super Trouper,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “SOS,” combine to make this enchanting show a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget!
“Mamma Mia!” will have you singing along and dancing in your seat! Tickets to this full musical production cost $7 for youth 18 & under and $10 for adults. They are available for purchase at the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts Box Office by calling 928.684.6624 or online at webbcenter.org/. Don’t miss the boat!
This show is rated PG-13 and has mild language and some suggestive scenes. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International.