A Christmas Story The Musical In Dallas Thru Sunday Only!

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Hello DSM Fans!

A Christmas Story The Musical is on stage now at the Music Hall thru this Sunday, December 14th only! We are so thrilled with the overwhelming response to this show that we wanted to share with you what people are saying! Also, we’ve included some additional links to give you a sneak peek of the show, inside info with interviews and performances, and even some information about the audition process for both Ralphie and the local child performers in the show! We will continue to update this, so check back for even more fun facts and info!

About The Show

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlN7uSaW6WY]

Article on BroadwayWorld.com About The Show: Click here.

 

Auditions

Part 1 of Ralphie Auditions: http://vimeo.com/106282595

Part 2 of Ralphie Auditions: http://vimeo.com/106285106

About Local Child Auditions:

Article by Nancy Churnin – Click here.

About Local Child Audition Winners:

CW33 Interview with the winners – Click here.
Article by Nancy Churnin – Click here.
Article by The Flash List – Click here.


Features

“A Christmas Story and Usher top best weekend events in Dallas” – Click here to read this feature article by Culture Map Dallas.

Culture Map 10 Dallas Christmas Productions: Click here to see the listing.

“Where to Celebrate Christmas 2014 In Dallas” on D Magazine – Click here to see listing.

 

Interviews and Performances

CW33 – NewsFix (Peyton Nicholson and Grace Moore) – Click here for interview.

FOX4 – Good Day Dallas (Susannah Jones) – Click here for performance and interview.

KTXD47 – The Broadcast (Susannah Jones) – Click here for performance and interview.

WFAA8 – Midday News (Christopher Swan) – Click here for interview.

 

Reviews

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEFNR5Jv_Wc]

Review by Christian Alexander Fashion – Click here to read.

Review by Mark Lowry in the Fort Worth Star Telegram – Click here to read.

Review on The Column – Click here to read.

Review by Nancy Churnin in The Dallas Morning News – Click here to read.

Review on The Flash List – Click here to read.

Review on Selig Film News – Click here to read.

Review on Edge Dallas.com – Click here to read.

Review on Theater Jones.com – Click here to read.

Review on Red Carpet Crash – Click here to read.

“The Clubhouse Podcast”

 

We will continue to update this, so check back for even more fun facts and info! A Christmas Story The Musical is on stage NOW thru Sunday at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Click here for details and tickets.

We hope you’ll spend this Holiday Season with us!

-DSM Amanda

Your 2014 DSM Holiday Gift Guide is Here!

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It’s that time of year again – gift buying season is here! Sometimes the task can be a bit daunting, but we’ve got your current (and soon-to-be) Broadway fans covered! Check out Dallas Summer Musicals’ Holiday Gift Guide for some ideas and inspiration!

Not sure who to give Broadway to this season?

8 Reasons Tickets Make A Great Gift:

  1. You’re giving an EXPERIENCE.
  2. Do you really remember every gift you received last year? 5 years ago?  Give your loved ones something they’ll remember for years to come.
  3. You won’t be wasting your hard earned cash – unlike a sweater, tie or pink bunny footie pajamas… tickets won’t get pushed to the back of a closet.
  4. Instead of playing the gift guessing game with a toy that gets tossed to the side, introduce the kids to the magic of theatre.
  5. Date night.  Need we say more?
  6. We all know that in-laws are difficult to buy for.  Make it a 4-pack and they’ll be pleased with your willingness to share date night with them.
  7. Ladies: choose to give tickets over gift cards this year, and change up your Girl’s Night Out routine!
  8. Check the entire family off of your gift-giving list and make it a family affair! It only takes 10 people to qualify for our Group Discount!

From all of us here at DSM, we hope you and your family have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season!

-DSM Amanda

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Full Casting Announced for A Christmas Story The Musical!

FULL CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE
2014 – 2015 NATIONAL TOUR OF

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Big League Productions is thrilled to announce casting for the 2014–2015 national tour of A Christmas Story, The Musical. The beloved holiday movie will be brought to life on Broadway stages across the country. This sparkling new production will be presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park December 2-14.

The national tour of A Christmas Story, The Musical will feature Evan Gray and Colton Maurer sharing the role of the bespectacled Ralphie Parker, with Max Thayer as Jean Shepherd, Christopher Swan as The Old Man, Susannah Jones as Mother, Cal Alexander as little brother Randy and Avital Asuleen as Miss Shields. The cast also includes Andrew Berlin, Christian Dell’Edera, Elizabeth Flanagan, Cole Hagen, Tierney Lee Howard, Seth Judice, Maria Knasel, Rico Lebron, Allison Maldonado, Lea Mancarella, Brooke Martino, Johnny Marx, Michael McClure, Deanna Ott, Charles Pang, Ellie Poon, Brandon Szep, Chris Van Vleet and Danny Wilfred.

Two area students, 12-year-old Grace Moore and 10-year-old Peyton Nicholson, were chosen by choreographer Jason Sparks at local auditions to appear in the ensemble for A Christmas Story, the Musical during its Dallas run.

A Christmas Story, The Musical chronicles young Ralphie Parker as he schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle (“You’ll shoot your eye out kid!”). An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. Chock-full of delightful songs and splashy production numbers, with a heartwarming story set in the heartland of America, A Christmas Story, The Musical, has proudly taken its place as a perennial holiday classic for the whole family.

A Christmas Story, The Musical premiered on Broadway in 2012 and was a critical and commercial success. The musical was nominated for three TONY Awards® including Best New Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. The Associated Press called A Christmas Story, The Musical “a joyous Christmas miracle,” while The New York Times wrote “I was dazzled. You’d have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face.”

A Christmas Story, The Musical features a festive and nostalgic holiday themed score by composer/lyricist team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with a book by Joseph Robinette, based on the writings of radio humorist Jean Shepherd and the 1983 holiday film favorite. The new national tour direction is by Matt Lenz with inspiration from the 2012 Broadway direction by TONY Award® winner John Rando. TONY Award® winner Warren Carlyle’s Broadway choreography is being recreated for the tour by Jason Sparks. Scenery, costumes, and lighting will be based on the 2012 Broadway designs by Walt Spangler, Elizabeth Hope Clancy, and Howell Binkley, with the new concepts for the national tour created by Mike Carnahan, Lisa Zinni, and Charlie Morrison respectively. The hounds will play themselves.

A Christmas Story, The Musical is produced by Big League Productions, Inc. Led by President and Executive Producer Daniel Sher, Big League is celebrating its 27th season of producing, general managing and booking Broadway musicals and special attractions for touring throughout North America and the world. For more information visit www.bigleague.org.

Single tickets, starting at $25, are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Preston Royal Shopping Center #542 in Dallas, or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787), online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.dallassummermusicals.org.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount and priority seating, and groups of 35 or more receive a 20% discount with two free tickets. Please call 214-426-GROUP (4768) or email groups@dallassummermusicals.org.

Dallas Summer Musicals 75th Anniversary Year continues with KINKY BOOTS, February 24 – March 8, 2015; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I, March 20 – April 5, 2015; THE ILLUSIONISTS, April 7-19, 2015; Rodgers & Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, June 9-21, 2015; DIRTY DANCING, June 23 – July 5, 2015; and still on Broadway PIPPIN, July 7-19, 2015.

The Presenting Sponsor for Dallas Summer Musicals is Texas Instruments. Season sponsors and partners are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent non-profit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre 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 theatre organization in the United States, and the fourth largest non-profit theatre company. In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours 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.

Please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org for a complete schedule of performances or more information about Dallas Summer Musicals.

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For media information, including production photos, interviews or reviewer passes, please contact Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371 or joannholt@gmail.com.

A Christmas Story, The Musical Cast Biographies:

EVAN GRAY (Ralphie) is very excited to be a part of A Christmas Story, The Musical. Favorite past credits include The Addams Family (Pugsley) and Charlotte’s Web (Wilbur).

COLTON MAURER (Ralphie) is honored to play the iconic role of Ralphie. His professional debut was in Oliver! (workhouse boy) at Paper Mill, where he also attends the conservatory. www.coltonmaurer.com.

MAX THAYER (Jean Shepherd) A military veteran, as well as a consummate veteran actor, he has appeared in many diverse productions from NYC to LA.

CHRISTOPHER SWAN (The Old Man) Most recently played Prof. Callahan in the original cast of LEGALLY BLONDE: The Musical on the NCL Getaway, and previously toured with DAMN YANKEES as Mr. Applegate. Other regional credits include Forever Plaid (TBPAC), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Theatre-by-the-Sea), Little Shop of Horrors (American Stage), Angels in America (Arkansas Rep), and Clybourne Park (Hippodrome Theatre). Christopher holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Boston Conservatory.

SUSANNAH JONES (Mother) New York City: Marvell Repertory, New Georges, NYC Fringe, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Planet Connections. Regional: Portland Shakespeare Project, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Stageworks/Hudson, Hudson Stage Company. Web Series: PLANT (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy LA Webfest 2014). www.susannahjones.info.

CAL ALEXANDER (Randy) is grateful for this opportunity to be in his second Broadway tour. He played the Small Boy in the Billy Elliot national/international tour.

AVITAL ASULEEN (Miss Shields) favorite credits include Mrs. Snoring Man in White Christmas (Westchester Broadway), Anytime Annie in 42nd Street (Surflight), and productions of Cabaret, On Your Toes, and No No Nanette.

Official Release – DSM Kicks Off Year-Long Celebration of our 75th Year!

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DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS KICKS OFF YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION
OF THEIR 75TH YEAR WITH SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT EVENT JUNE 12

DALLAS, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) announced their 2014/2015 season of shows at Fair Park Thursday June 12. Heavy rain forecasts moved the 75-Year kickoff event from the Fair Park Band Shell where DSM first performed their shows to the nearby Centennial Building. DSM has been bringing the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences with the finest in professional live theatrical entertainment since 1941.

Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals, said, “We believe in creating memories that will last a lifetime, so our 75th year will be filled with musicals offering an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family. We will kick off the 2015 season with a hilarious musical straight from Broadway, A CHRISTMAS STORY, in December of 2014. Three of our 2015 shows are still playing on Broadway, and one has never been seen outside of Australia.”

In addition to the 2014/2015 shows, Jenkins also announced that DSM’s collaboration with Performing Arts Fort Worth (PAFW) would be extended to include four touring Broadway shows that will be presented by DSM and PAFW at their separate venues. KINKY BOOTS, DIRTY DANCING, RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, and PIPPIN will be presented by DSM at the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas and by PAFW at Bass Hall in Fort Worth.

“This is a partnership that has worked well in the past,” Jenkins said, “and we are looking forward to working closely with President and CEO Dione Kennedy and our colleagues at PAFW as we plan future seasons. We will also produce our own version of RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING & I, as we did with our 2014 production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID. Our efforts to reach new audiences, and to bring the latest Broadway shows to North Texas, include investing in and producing shows on Broadway and expanding our DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, which last year brought 56 Texas schools together to compete for recognition and scholarships. Our DSM Academy of Performing Arts also provides valuable training to students of music, dance and acting with locations across the Metroplex.”

DSM 2014/2015 SEASON–PERFORMANCES AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, December 2-14, 2014.

A sparkling new stage musical adaptation based on the popular 1983 family classic film featuring Ralphie Parker. He longs to find an official Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle under the Christmas tree. Direct from Broadway, where it won three 2013 Tony Award® nominations for Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, A CHRISTMAS STORY is directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando and choreographed by Warren Carlyle.

KINKY BOOTS, February 24-March 8, 2015.

Winner of the 2013 Tony® Award for Best Musical and five other Tony Awards, it’s an exhilarating Broadway musical still playing to packed audiences on Broadway, that lifts spirits to new high-heeled heights. Inspired by a true story that follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from an entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony-Award winning score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell, and a hilarious , uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Feinstein. ABC News called it “The Hottest Broadway Show of the Year.”

THE KING AND I, March 20-April 5, 2015.

East versus West makes for a dramatic, richly textured and ultimately uplifting tale of enormous fascination. It is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a barbarian by those in the West, and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and eventually respect one another in a truly unique love story. Along with the dazzling score, the comparable Jerome Robbins ballet, “The Small House of Uncle Thomas” is one of the all-time marvels of the musical stage. DSM will produce the musical.

THE ILLUSIONISTS, April 7-19, 2015.

Coming to Broadway in the fall, the world’s best-selling magic show showcases mind-blowing, spectacular talents of seven of the most incredible illusionist on earth. Shattering box office records across the globe, THE ILLUSIONISTS dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, June 9-21, 2015

The Tony-Award winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific, CINDERELLA is still delighting audiences on Broadway with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball, and more—plus some surprising new twists. Be transported back to childhood and rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, such as “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream, or a really great pair of shoes. Associated Press said, “Pure Magic! Broadway’s new Cinderella crackles with sweetness and freshness.”

DIRTY DANCING, June 23-July 5, 2015.

The classic story on stage is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this smash hit musical tells the classic story of two fiercely independent young spirits from difference worlds who come together for the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” this record-breaking live theatre sensation offers audiences the time of their lives.

PIPPIN, July 7-19, 2015.

The 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival, PIPPIN is a magical, unforgettable production The New York Times declared “Astonishing! A PIPPIN for the 21st Century.” Direct from Broadway and back for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago, with a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulua (Hair and The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess). PIPPIN features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse, and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 Doigts de la Main, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces.

Season tickets, priced from $140-$775, go on sale Thursday, June 12 at 9 p.m. online at www.dallassummermusicals.org, and Friday, June 13 at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas. Subscribers may order by mail or in person at The Box Office, by phoning 214-346-3300, by faxing 214-691-7386, or purchase online at www.dallassummermusicals.org. For groups of 10 or more, 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 20% discount on all DSM logo merchandise. Plus, season subscribers have first option on their seats for the following season, and can save up to $97 over the cost of single tickets.

Season sponsors and partners for Dallas Summer Musicals are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, The Original Cupcakery, and Texas Instruments.

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent non-profit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre 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 theatre organization in the United States, and the fourth largest non-profit theatre company. In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours 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.

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, please call 214-421-5678 or visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org.

 

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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 469-363-7371, or email joannholt@gmail.com.

ANNOUNCED – 2014/2015 DSM SEASON!

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It’s official! We have announced our 2014/2015 DSM Season! Last Thursday, June 12th, at the Centennial Building on Fair Park Grounds, we announced our season show by show alongside Performing Arts Fort Worth, and it was an amazing evening!

In case you missed it, here are the shows coming to DSM for the 2014/2015 Season:

A CHRISTMAS STORY THE MUSICAL – December 2-14, 2014
#ChristmasStoryDSM

KINKY BOOTS – February 24 – March 8, 2015
#KinkyBootsDSM

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING & I – March 20 – April 5, 2015
#KingAndIDSM

THE ILLUSIONISTS – April 7-19, 2015
#IllusionistsDSM

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA – June 9-21, 2015
#CinderellaDSM

DIRTY DANCING – June 23 – July 5, 2015
#DirtyDancingDSM

PIPPIN – July 7 – 19, 2015
#PippinDSM

All performances are at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

For photos from some of the shows, check out our slideshow at the bottom of this post!

This year, we’re celebrating our 75th Anniversary and our deeply rooted history. Since we opened the doors at the Fair Park Band Shell in 1941, we’ve been bringing the best of Broadway to the Dallas area! We hope you will join us next season to celebrate with us!

Check out this video for a sneak peek at each show:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jpwVJ4dTX0?rel=0]

Also, in case you hadn’t heard, we’re partnering up with Performing Arts Fort Worth for 4 of our shows: KINKY BOOTS, CINDERELLA, DIRTY DANCING, AND PIPPIN! These shows will play 2 weeks here at DSM in Dallas, then travel to the Bass Performance Hall for a one-week engagement. We are very excited to be working closer with PAFW and hope that this will help bring more people to see live theatre!

Season tickets, priced from $140-$775, are now on sale online at www.dallassummermusicals.org, and at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas. Subscribers may order by mail or in person at The Box Office, by phoning 214-346-3300, by faxing 214-691-7386, or purchase online at www.dallassummermusicals.org. For groups of 10 or more, 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 20% discount on all DSM logo merchandise. Plus, season subscribers have first option on their seats for the following season, and can save up to $97 over the cost of single tickets.

Also, for your enjoyment, check out some of the news articles about our season announcement!

You can also check out this video from WFAA Good Morning Texas – Ellen Marie Marsh (from Kinky Boots) performing “History of Wrong Guys” and an interview with our President and Managing Director Michael Jenkins discussing the new season!

We’re so excited about our upcoming season, and we hope you are too! For more information about each show, season tickets, etc., please visit our website at www.dallassummermusicals.org.

We’ll see you at the theater!

-DSM Amanda