You simply can’t argue the fact that Cliff Fannin Baker is the godfather of the performing arts in Little Rock. But a closer look reveals he’s actually much more than that.
The founder of the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Cliff has served as the artistic director as Wildwood Park of the Arts for the last five years, redefining the scope of the park from strictly opera to a multi-disciplinary arts entity that includes horticultural, visual, culinary, performing and literary arts. Add to his plate a starring role as corporate leadership coach, his supporting roles in an alternative energy company and an NYC night club, and we think he qualifies as one of the most interesting men in Little Rock.
Known as “the artsy one” in his family, Cliff originally wanted to be a writer (a critic, actually), but says once he became involved with theatre, nothing else mattered. He studied at the Arkansas Arts Center during the Rockefeller years and then earned a degree in theatre from California Institute of the Arts. When he got a taste of directing, “there was no looking back.” To date, he’s directed close to 200 shows nationally and internationally.
According to Baker, founding The Rep is the greatest moment in his career to date. “The next greatest was watching it flourish even after I left it,” he says. “The Rep provided an artistic home base for me, and I’m happy to say I still have opportunities to direct there. It’s a terrific regional theatre.”
At the time of this interview, Cliff was in New York casting a reading of an unproduced Kurt Vonnegut script targeted for a Broadway opening in late 2013. “It’s a very exciting project,” he says. “We have three lead producers – one of whom just won his third and fourth Tonys last season – and a very esteemed general manager. I am delighted to find so many young people turned on to Vonnegut. If anyone in Little Rock wants to take a plunge into Broadway producing, I would love to visit with them!”
These days, Cliff is “in the air a lot, working with clients in New York, St. Louis, San Antonio and elsewhere. Last week, I directed some infomercials for a company I’m personally involved with that has developed a new wind sail in the alternative energy market. Next week I’m working with a school board in Texas. The week after next, I’m back in New York working on Vonnegut – it’s a busy time!”
When he is Little Rock it’s all about Wildwood. Under his guidance, attendance at the park has grown from 5,000 in 2007 to 50,000 in 2012. Although he’s leaving his full time position in December, he will still take on special projects.
“One of the things I love about Wildwood is that it relies on literally hundreds of volunteers to operate. I think it’s cool that there are that many people who care enough about the quality of life in the city that they commit time and energy and resources to see the arts flourish. Wildwood, I think, exists to build partnerships with all the arts groups in our area. It’s a wonderful facility that should be used by all and celebrated as a home for all the arts.”
In looking at the next chapter of his life, Cliff knows he’ll stay rooted in the arts. “I have spent my entire life in the ‘collaborative’ arts, and I feel ready to explore more solitary art forms,” he notes. “I’d like to have the time to explore sculpting. And I think I have a book or two in me. Whether anyone would want to read them is another matter, but something wants out!”
In Celebration of Wine
Wildwood Park for the Arts presents two wine-related events in September.
Up first, the Wine and Food Festival on Friday, Sept. 14. The event is limited to 600 guests in order to allow conversations between guests, chefs and wine stewards.
On Friday, Sept. 24, patrons can enjoy the Wine Reserve Dinner in the ballroom of the Governor’s Mansion. Chaired by Debbie and Stephen Northington, the event features music, toasts, wine and food quotes and tons of “general merriment,” says Cliff. For ticket information for either event, contact Wildwood at 821-7275 or visit WildwoodPark.org.