Hey DSM Fans!

Tomorrow begins our 3rd and Final week of THE ADDAMS FAMILY! We can’t believe that the show is almost over – just 8 more performances left!

In honor of THE ADDAMS FAMILY and with Halloween just around the corner, we wanted to kick off this week with a screamingly fun celebration of this family’s favorite haunted holiday. We asked Wednesday, Lurch, Gomez, Grandma, and Fester what their top scary flick pick was. Check out what they had to say!

WEDNESDAY: “A recent series that scares the daylights out of me has to be the Twilight saga. Fang-free vampires that produce more swoons than screams? *shudder* It makes my blood run cold…”

LURCH: “errruuggghhh…Wolf Man…ururhghg…hooooowwwwwlllll…urururghgh….”

GOMEZ: “Every Halloween, we have a scary movie marathon at the Addams abode. This year’s line up: Sleepless in Seattle, Serendipity, You’ve Got Mail, and horror of horrors, Pretty Woman.”

GRANDMA: “I’ll always have a soft spot for Bela Lugosi. We had a little fling when he stared on the Broadway production of Dracula in 1927. The scariest of the lot would have to be his later work with Ed Wood.

FESTER: “I’m a fan of all Halloween movies, because so much revolves around the pull of my lunar love, The Moon. Werewolves howl to her. Vampires will be toast under the sun’s harsh rays. It all leaves me glowing!”

*What’s your favorite scary flick pick? Leave your comment below!

Have you seen THE ADDAMS FAMILY yet? If so, make sure you comment on our Facebook page or give us a quick tweet here – we want to know what you think! Haven’t seen THE ADDAMS FAMILY yet? If not, it’s not too late! For tickets and more information, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.

Have a miserable Monday.

-DSM Amanda

Hello DSM Fans!

It’s week 4 of our family fun in honor of Wednesday Addams getting married! In celebration of this joyous (and kooky) event, we have had contests, giveaways, and/or exclusive discounts right here on our blog every Wednesday of this month! Be sure to subscribe to the blog to make sure you don’t miss anything! (To subscribe, go to the right of the blog then just enter your e-mail and make sure to confirm it!)

We wanted to announce the winners of our week 3 trivia contest! Congratulations to Mauricio Dominguez, Avery Arnold, and Ericka Berry – you have won 2 tickets to see THE ADDAMS FAMILY on October 2nd at 8pm! Look for an e-mail from me with the full details.

Thank you to everyone who have participated in our previous 3 contests!

Today, this Wednesday Addams’ Contest will not be a contest, but an EXCLUSIVE 1-DAY ONLY Discount!   Get 25% off tickets to THE ADDAMS FAMILY for the Tuesday – Friday evening performances in price levels 2-5! Just click here and use the password DSMBLG (all caps) when purchasing tickets. This discount is only available to DSM Fans and TODAY ONLY! (Discount will be active beginning today, September 26th at 10:00am through tomorrow morning, September 27th at 9:59am.) HURRY – YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS DISCOUNT! Just click here and use the password DSMBLG!

We’re getting so excited about THE ADDAMS FAMILY – just 6 days away!

-DSM Amanda

A very un-happy miserable Monday to you, DSM Fans.
(We’re getting in the mood for THE ADDAMS FAMILY around here.)

Did you know THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL was inspired by the original cartoons? Below is an article about the original creator of what we know and love today as THE ADDAMS FAMILY.

The musical The Addams Family is inspired by the creations of the legendary American cartoonist Charles Addams, who lived from 1912 until 1988. In 1933, when he was just 21, his work was published in The New Yorker, and over the course of nearly six decades, he became one of the magazine’s most cherished contributors. (For a few of his cartoons, see the slideshow at the bottom of this post.)

Bizarre, macabre and weird are all words that have been used to describe Charles Addams’ cartoons. Yet adjectives such as charming, enchanting and tender can just as accurately be employed to depict the same body of work, as well as the man himself. His unique style and wonderfully crafted cartoons enabled his work to transcend such dichotomies for his millions of fans worldwide.

Charles Addams is most widely known for his characters that came to be called The Addams Family, a group that evolved into multiple television shows, motion pictures and now this Broadway musical. Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Wednesday, Pugsley, Grandma and Lurch existed in various forms and aspects of Addams’ cartoons dating back to the 1930s but were not actually named by him until the early 1960s, when the television series was created. Surprisingly, The Addams Family characters appear in only a small number of the artist’s several thousand works. The majority of his cartoons are occupied by hundreds of other characters, but there is little doubt that those that come to life on this stage are his most beloved creations.

Over 15 books of his drawings have been published around the world, including the new collection, The Addams Family: An Evilution, the first complete history of The Addams Family, including more than 200 cartoons, many never previously published. The collection also includes Addams’ own incisive character descriptions (originally penned for the benefit of the television show producers) that remind us where these oddly lovable characters came from and, in doing so, offer a lasting tribute to one of America’s greatest humorists.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE BROADWAY MUSICAL is on stage here in Dallas, October 2 – 21st at the Music Hall at Fair Park. This show is during The State Fair of Texas – your ticket to the show gets you into the Fair for FREE on the same day as your performance! This is a show you don’t want to miss. For tickets and more information, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.

We hope to see you at the show and the Fair!

-DSM Amanda

[slideshow]

Hey DSM Fans!

As many of you know the State Fair of Texas opens one week from today. I know for myself and like many of you, we’re all excited to see all of the new and wonderful things that are coming to the State Fair of Texas this year. When I think of the State Fair of Texas I think of the Fried Foods, The Auto Shows, Big Tex and of course Fletcher’s Famous Corny Dogs.  This year the Fried Foods are bigger and better with tasty new treats such as Deep Fried Mac-N-Cheese Sliders, Chicken Fried Cactus Bites, Fried Mexican Fire Crackers, Fried Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, Fried Cotton Candy, Fried Sugar, Fried Kitty Kat (Kit Kat Bars), Fried Cow Patty, The Cup of Trash Plate, Picnic on a Stick and The Big Tex Choice Award Winner for Fried Foods….Deep Fried Jambalaya. If none of those sound appetizing, don’t worry because I’m sure a Deep Fried Red Velvet Cupcake, a Deep Fried Chicken and Waffle, a Deep Fried Baked Potato or an El Dogito on a Stick will do the job.

During the State Fair, The Chevrolet Main Stage will be hosting free concerts with fair admission for musicals artists such as Kevin Fowler, Uncle Kracker, Bridget Mendler, The Commodores, Kellie Pickler and Kevin Costner with Modern West all month long. Other events include The Chinese Lantern Festival, Creative Arts Shows, Celebrity Kitchen Shows, The Starlight Parade, Illumination Sensation, Birds Of The World, The 2013 State Fair Auto Show, The Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic Football Game, The Livestock Show and Auction, The Agriculture Show, The AT&T Red Rivalry Football Game and of course The Addams Family showing here at The Music Hall at Fair Park. Also, if you buy a ticket to The Addams Family you will receive free admission into the State Fair for that day.

The State Fair of Texas is one of the most delightful and entertaining places for people of all ages. I hope to see all of you in line for a corny dog and then off to the Music Hall at Fair Park for The Addams Family…there goes the neighborhood. Don’t worry we’ll keep the lights off for you.

-DSM Luke

Hello DSM Fans!

It’s week 3 of our family fun in honor of Wednesday Addams getting married! In celebration of this joyous (and kooky) event, we will be doing contests, giveaways, and/or exclusive discounts right here on our blog every Wednesday of this month! Be sure to subscribe to the blog to make sure you don’t miss anything! (To subscribe, go to the right of the blog then just enter your e-mail and make sure to confirm it!)

Thank you to everyone who have participated in our previous 2 contests. Don’t worry if you didn’t win! Here’s your next chance!

Today, this Wednesday Addams’ Contest will be a trivia quiz contest, because this show has so many years of history behind it.   CLICK HERE FOR THE TRIVIA QUIZ CONTEST. The winners will be posted right here on our blog for our final Wednesday contest on September 26th! All entries will be entered into a random drawing of 3 winners for 2 tickets to Opening Night of THE ADDAMS FAMILY on Oct. 2nd! AND BONUS, your ticket will get you into the Fair for FREE all day on Oct. 2nd! I can’t wait to see your family photos! You have until Tuesday evening at 11:59pm to enter! CLICK HERE FOR THE TRIVIA QUIZ CONTEST.

Good luck and have fun! We’re getting so excited about THE ADDAMS FAMILY – just 2 weeks away!

-DSM Amanda

Good morning DSM Fans!

A special THANK YOU for everyone who participated in our Week 2 Contest in honor of Wednesday Addams getting married!

Congratulations to Lynne Walters, Christia Caudle, and Jacob Sanchez for winning this contest! You have won 2 tickets to THE ADDAMS FAMILY on Tuesday, October 2nd at 8pm! Details will be in your inbox soon.

Check out all of the entries below! Stay tuned for this Wednesday’s contest for your next chance to win tickets to the show!

-DSM Amanda

[slideshow]

Hello DSM Fans!

It’s week 2 of our family fun in honor of Wednesday Addams getting married! In celebration of this joyous (and kooky) event, we will be doing contests, giveaways, and/or exclusive discounts right here on our blog every Wednesday of this month! Be sure to subscribe to the blog to make sure you don’t miss anything! (To subscribe, go to the right of the blog then just enter your e-mail and make sure to confirm it!)

First off, congrats to Meagan Williams and Susana Soliz for winning our photo caption contest – our first contest for Wednesday Addams! Thank you to everyone who participated – you had us cracking up here in the marketing department. Don’t worry if you didn’t win! Here’s your second chance!

Today, this Wednesday Addams’ Contest will be a family photo contest, because this show is all about family. 🙂 Send in your favorite, most embarrassing, most creative, etc. family photo to webinfo@dallassummermusicals.org. Your photos will be posted this Friday, September 14th right here on our blog, along with the winners of the contest! All entries will be entered into a random drawing of 3 winners for 2 tickets to Opening Night of THE ADDAMS FAMILY on Oct. 2nd! AND BONUS, your ticket will get you into the Fair for FREE all day on Oct. 2nd! I can’t wait to see your family photos! You have until Sunday evening at 11:59pm to enter! (We’ve extended the deadline so you won’t miss out!)

[slideshow]

Good luck and have fun! We’re getting so excited about THE ADDAMS FAMILY – just 3 weeks away!

-DSM Amanda

Hello DSM Fans!

Starting today, every Wednesday this month will be in honor of Wednesday Addams getting married! In celebration of this joyous (and kooky) event, we will be doing contests, giveaways, and/or exclusive discounts right here on our blog! Be sure to subscribe to the blog to make sure you don’t miss anything! (To subscribe, go to the right of the blog then just enter your e-mail and make sure to confirm it!)

Today, this Wednesday Addams’ Contest will be a photo caption contest. Check out the photo below and in the comments section below, enter your caption. All entries will be entered into a random drawing of 2 winners for 2 tickets to Opening Night of THE ADDAMS FAMILY on Oct. 2nd! AND BONUS, your ticket will get you into the Fair for FREE all day on Oct. 2nd! I can’t wait to read your comments!

We will announce the winner of this contest in our next post, next Wednesday! You have until Tuesday, September 11th, at 11:59pm to enter – good luck and have fun!

-DSM Amanda

Cortney Wolfson (Wednesday) and Patrick D. Kennedy (Pugsley) in THE ADDAMS FAMILY. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

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DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS, PRESENTED BY COMERICA BANK,

ANNOUNCES 71^ST SEASON OF THE BEST OF BROADWAY

Dallas, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), presented by Comerica Bank, has announced their 71^st season lineup, with seven touring Broadway productions coming to the Music Hall at Fair Park in 2011. DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in professional live theatrical entertainment since 1941.

In announcing the new season, Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals, said, “With seven successful decades of presenting musical theater behind us, we look forward to the 2011 season with great optimism.Our wealth of past experience in theater operations has provided thoughtful guidance to the decisions made for this 71^st season, and will position DSM for a bright future. We understand the current economic climate is a consideration every household is evaluating this year, and, in response, we have reduced the number of shows in the season and the ticket prices in order to make it more affordable to you in these tough times.”

“The season includes recent Broadway shows such as 9 TO 5, BURN THE FLOOR, GUYS AND DOLLS, and WEST SIDE STORY, and perennial favorite MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. We are delighted to present a season special opening by Texas’ own Tommy Tune in STEPS IN TIME, WITH THE MANHATTAN RHYTHM KINGS, and will also return the unique sounds of STOMP for a one-week special.”

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent non-profit presenter of Broadway theater in North Texas.DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theater with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.DSM is the largest producer and presenter of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the fourth largest non-profit theater company. In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved in developing new works.Dallas Summer Musicals’ affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSMMGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park.

DSM SEASON AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

TOMMY TUNE STEPS IN TIME, WITH THE MANHATTAN RHYTHM KINGS, March 15-20, 2011.Broadway’s Super Star Song and Dance man, Tommy Tune hits the stage high stepping through his nine-time Tony® Award winning career.Celebrating 50 years on the Great White Way, Native Texan Tune sings, dances, and laughs his way through those glorious musical moments that made him a Theatre Legend.Backed by the multi-talented Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Tune’s unique and masterful Broadway Biography in song and dance leaves audiences standing, cheering, and dancing in the aisles.Tommy Tune is “The quintessential Broadway song and dance man,” according to Variety Weekly.

BURN THE FLOOR, April 5-17, 2011.Direct from Broadway, the new Broadway production proclaimed “Audience-Dazzling!” by The New York Times, brings back Ballroom Dancing, reinvented.Years before “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” turned ballroom dancing into must-see TV, one sizzling show was setting stages ablaze around the globe.The electrifying Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular that has thrilled audiences in more than 30 countries brings the fire and passion of their live performance to Dallas.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, May 18-29, 2011.This musical is the most fun you will have all season, with its hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era.The new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song along with her new Tony® Award and Grammy® nominated score.The book is by Patricia Resnick, co-writer of the original screenplay, and tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company, learning there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of business….it’s about getting credit and getting even…and it’s about to open in Dallas.

STOMP, June 7-12, 2011.This one-week special returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park with new surprises!Explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, and utterly unique, STOMP appeals to audiences of all ages.The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows.The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.USA Today said, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.”See what all the noise is about.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, June 14-26, 2011.The second coming of Broadway’s #1 Musical Comedy Smash, called “A No-Holds-Barred Smash Hit” by The New Yorker.The funniest show on earth is back to taunt Dallas for a second time.Winner of the 2005 Tony® Award for Best Musical, SPAMALOT, the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” now returns to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom.SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.But before they can find their grail, they’re taking a little side-trip to the fair city of Dallas.

GUYS AND DOLLS, July 19-31, 2011. Big League Productions is proud to announce a sparkling new production of the timeless Broadway classic, GUYS AND DOLLS.Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy—considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy—soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to the cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon.The New York Times calls it “The show that defines Broadway dazzle!”The New York Post said, “If you have one musical to see, make it this…and make it quick.”“GUYS AND DOLLS is one of those pivotal events in Broadway’s history. A phenomenon.”New York Magazine.From the Hollywood motion picture version starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra to the acclaimed Broadway revivals, GUYS AND DOLLS remains a classic masterpiece that will please everyone from musical theater scholars to fans of The Sopranos and everyone in between.

WEST SIDE STORY, October 4-23, 2011, is also the 2011 State Fair of Texas musical.“Bold, fresh and transcendent,” said The New Yorker.More than 50 years ago, one musical changed theater forever.Back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again, from the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time.Directed by two-time Tony® Award winning librettist Arthur Laurents, WEST SIDE STORY remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever.The new Broadway cast album recently won the 2010 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album.The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest, featuring such classics of the American musical theater as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.”“So exciting it makes you ache with pleasure,” according to John Lahr, The New Yorker.

Season tickets, priced from $75-$380, are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center in Dallas.Subscribers may also order tickets to the season special TOMMY TUNE STEPS IN TIME and STOMP ($12-$70 each), and may order by mail or in person at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center,by phoning 214-346-3300, by faxing 214-691-7386, or online at www.dallassummermusicals.org.

Season packages and gift certificates in any denomination are also available at one of our kiosk locations now through late December.A kiosk is located near Macy’s on the second level at the Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240. Another kiosk is located near the Starbucks on the first level at Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75034.For groups, please call 214-426-GROUP.

Season subscribers enjoy such benefits as first opportunity to get the best seats available for the season, plus huge savings over single ticket prices and easy payment plans, lost ticket replacement, ticket exchange privileges and a 10% discount on all DSM logo merchandise.Plus, season subscribers have first option on their seats for the following season, and can save up to 35% over the cost of last season’s subscription package.

In 2012, DSM will bring such terrific straight-from-Broadway musicals as MEMPHIS, the winner of five 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love, filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll.Also on the season lineup will be THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a huge audience favorite on Broadway, created by Tony nominated® Andrew Lippa (best score), Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman.  Also coming in 2012: The delightful new musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, reprising the fabled 1956 concert by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, all gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever; and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, the hilarious story of Georges (suave owner of a glitzy drag club on the French Riviera, and his high-strung star performer, Albin (who goes by the stage name Zaza).They live a charmed life—until Georges’ son, Jean-Michel, turns up engaged to the daughter of a conservative right-wing politician who’s coming to dinner.

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments.

As a nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theater, educate young audiences and create important community programs.DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, the Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theater arts training and scholarships to talented students in need.  Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors.Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

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For media information about any of the individual shows or the Dallas Summer Musicals, and for videotape, photos, or reviewer’s passes, please call Jo Ann Holt at 214-413-3977, or email joannholt@gmail.com.<!–[if !supportNestedAnchors]–><!–[endif]–>