Broadway Dallas to Host WHITMAN ON WALLS! During State Fair of Texas

Posted on September 18th, 2026

BROADWAY DALLAS TO HOST WHITMAN ON WALLS!
AT MUSIC HALL DURING THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

Dallas, TX (September 18, 2026) –As part of the State Fair of Texas’s “Texas America 250” celebrations, Broadway Dallas will host during the Fair in the Music Hall at Fair Park four daily screenings of New York-based theatre collective Compagnia de’ Colombari’s short film series entitled Whitman on Walls!, featuring over 50 actors and musicians performing Walt Whitman’s famed poem, “Song of Myself,” in its entirety. 

Praised as “the greatest American poem ever written” and touted by Ralph Waldo Emerson as “the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom that America has yet contributed,” this quintessentially American poem has been studied, celebrated, and reflected upon by generations of Americans. 

“We are thrilled to host Whitman on Walls! at the Music Hall during the State Fair of Texas to help celebrate America 250,” said Ken Novice, Broadway Dallas president and CEO. “There may be no more fitting words to reflect on and celebrate our country’s history than those of ‘Song of Myself.’” 

The four daily screenings (at 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM) of Whitman on Walls! are free of charge to all visitors at the State Fair of Texas (Fair admission is required to access the screenings), which runs from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, October 18.  Screenings will take place in the Music Hall’s air-conditioned lobby where food and beverages will be available for purchase to enjoy during each one-hour screening.

Walk-in attendance is welcome, but RSVPs are recommended, as seating is limited. More information and an RSVP link are available at broadwaydallas.org/shows/wow/.

Whitman on Walls! brings further opportunity to showcase local artists from across the state.  In addition to the daily screenings, New York City-based Whitman on Walls!producer Cindy Sibilsky is returning to her North Texas roots to produce and curate three special live events to bring poetic responses of Texas-based artists to Whitman’s seminal work.

  • September 26, October 9 and October 16
  • 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Featuring performances from
    • All three Dallas Poet Laureates:
      • Current Poet Laureate Black Ceasar Poetry
      • 2nd Poet Laureate Mag Gabbert
      • Inaugural Dallas Poet Laureate, Joaquin Zihuatanejo
    • Other featured artists include
      • Poets and authors C.R.U.S.H. YourPoet, Natasha Carrizosa, Durmerrick Ross, and Kendra Allen
      • Poet and Jazz Collective J.D. Debris & members of D-CLAIM
      • Singer-songwriters Ronny Corbin, McKenzie Brown and Kristyn Harris;
      • Storyteller and viral sensation Jerry Wayne Longmire
    • On October 9 only, Lightware Labs, DFW’sleader in projection mapping and digital décor, will create a stunning interactive visual art response in collaboration with Dallas-based dancers. 

The Dallas engagement of Whitman on Walls! is part of a national tour, produced by Compagnia de’ Colombari (https://www.colombari.org), whose intent is to present the project in all 50 states, working with local partners and performers in each location.”

About Broadway Dallas
In 2022, Dallas Summer Musicals changed its name to Broadway Dallas. Since 1941, the non-profit Broadway Dallas has presented the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, Broadway Dallas promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Broadway Dallas relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.

Broadway Dallas gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, American Airlines, Texas Instruments, and WFAA, as well as our annual fund donors and corporate partners.  For more information about Broadway Dallas, visit our website at BroadwayDallas.org. 

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