DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS AND PERFORMING ARTS FORT WORTH ANNOUNCE 2015-2016 BROADWAY SEASONS!
The two organizations will come together to co-present three shows

Season tickets for both seasons are on sale now!

Dallas Summer Musicals and Performing Arts Fort Worth proudly announce their 2015-2016 Broadway seasons! Once again, the two performing arts groups, in a groundbreaking move spearheaded last season, will come together to co-present many of these titles, allowing patrons across North Texas ample opportunities to experience the Best of Broadway.

Dallas Summer Musicals will kick off its highly anticipated 2015-2016 season with the North Texas debut of a brand-new stage adaptation of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The season will continue with the hilarious tale of a modern day Christmas, ELF The Musical; followed by the musical romance, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY; DSM’s production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID; Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, WICKED, as a season add-on; a turn-of-the-century celebration, RAGTIME; the classic comedy musical BULLETS OVER BROADWAY; and, closing the season, the caper revival, 42ND STREET.

“Building from the momentum of our 75th Anniversary Season, we are thrilled to continue to present the Best of Broadway in North Texas,” said Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals. “This new season will bring something for everyone as we look forward to the next 75 years of creating memories, while continuing our legacy of presenting top quality family entertainment.”

From the creators of “South Park” and winner of nine Tony Awards ®, THE BOOK OF MORMON will open the Broadway at the Bass season, held at Bass Performance Hall, and play a limited six-day engagement Dec. 1-6.  The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century” and Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.”

This season will close with Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

In between will be the direct-from-Broadway MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, the story of Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul; DSM’s production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID; a revival of the classic backstage romp 42ND STREET; the timeless classic THE WIZARD OF OZ; and a brand-new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

In addition, MAMMA MIA!, BLUE MAN GROUP and RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER THE MUSICAL will return as add-on specials, along with the previously announced JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. The series also includes two shows in the intimate McDavid Studio – the previously announced DIXIE’S NEVER WEAR A TUBETOP WHILE RIDING A MECHANICAL BULL (AND 16 OTHER THINGS I LEARNED WHILE I WAS DRINKING LAST THURSDAY) and an all-new show in the “Late Night Catechism” series, BACK TO SCHOOL CATECHISM: THE HOLY GHOST AND OTHER TERRIFYING TALES. Both shows can be added on to season packages.

Continuing a partnership that blossomed last season, Dallas Summer Musicals and Performing Arts Fort Worth will co-present three of these titles: Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, 42ND STREET and THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

“We at Dallas Summer Musicals are delighted to continue this great partnership with Performing Arts Fort Worth” said Jenkins. “This cooperation not only provides us with new opportunities for our organizations but it further enhances our commitment in developing collaborative efforts that benefit both our patrons and the Dallas-Fort Worth arts community.”

Dione Kennedy, President and CEO of PAFW, said: “This is a relationship that has worked extremely well for both us and Dallas Summer Musicals, and we’re thrilled to be able to continue this partnership with our new season.”

Dallas Summer Musicals’ seven-show season tickets, starting at $134, go on sale Sunday, June 7 at 10 a.m. online at DallasSummerMusicals.org and in person Monday, June 8 at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas or by phone at 214-346-3300. In addition, season ticket buyers have the option to add on WICKED to their season subscription for an 8-show package starting at $174.

For season tickets, groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount. For WICKED, groups of 15 or more save on select performances. All groups receive priority seating and many more benefits. Please call 214-426-GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Broadway at the Bass season tickets go on sale online at www.basshall.com at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 7, and over the phone at 817-212-4280 and in person at the Bass Hall Box Office at 10 a.m.  Monday, June 8. Seven-show season ticket packages start at $275. For more information, call 817-212-4280 or visit www.basshall.com

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit 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.

As a 501(c)(3) 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 theatre, 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 theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Hear Us Now!™ is DSM’s newest initiative. Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Performing Arts Fort Worth:

Performing Arts Fort Worth, the nonprofit organization that oversees management of Bass Performance Hall, presents national Broadway touring product under the Broadway at the Bass banner. Bass Performance Hall is the crown jewel of a city which boasts the nation’s third largest cultural district. It is also an important symbol of one of the most successful downtown revitalization efforts in the country.

The 2,056-seat multipurpose Hall is characteristic of the classic European opera house form. An 80-foot diameter Great Dome tops the Founders Concert Theater while two 48-foot tall angels grace the Grand Facade. Since the Hall opened in May 1998, the angels have become preeminent cultural icons of the Dallas-Fort Worth community. The Hall itself is renowned for its superb acoustics, exceptional sight lines and ambience on level with the great halls of the world.

Bass Performance Hall is located on a full city block encompassed by Commerce, Calhoun, 4th and 5th Streets in the historic Sundance Square district of downtown Fort Worth.

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CAST ANNOUNCED FOR NEW NATIONAL TOURING PRODUCTION OF

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

MAKES NORTH TEXAS DEBUT

NOVEMBER 3-22, 2015 AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
& AUGUST 17-21, 2016 AT BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

Dallas, TX (July 21, 2015) – Casting has been announced for the brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien. This lavish new production launches this September at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, under the auspices of the Center Theatre Group, and will then tour North America for multiple seasons, playing multi-week and week-long engagements. THE SOUND OF MUSIC premieres the Music Hall at Fair Park November 3-22, 2015, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. This lavish production will return and play Fort Worth at Bass Performance Hall August 17-21, 2016, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

BEN DAVIS (Broadway’s VIOLET, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, LA BOHÈME) will play Captain Georg von Trapp and ASHLEY BROWN (Broadway’s MARY POPPINS, NBC’s The Sound of Music) will play The Mother Abbess with MERWIN FOARD as Max Detweiler, TERI DALE HANSEN as Elsa Schraeder, DAN TRACY as Rolf and PAIGE SILVESTER as Liesl. The von Trapp children will be played by ERICH SCHUETT (Friedrich), MARIA KNASEL (Louisa), QUINN ERICKSON (Kurt), SVEA JOHNSON (Brigitta), MACKENZIE CURRIE (Marta) and AUDREY BENNETT (Gretl).

And introducing Jack O’Brien’s brand new discovery, KERSTIN ANDERSON as Maria Rainer. A current student at Pace University, Ms. Anderson won the coveted role from hundreds who auditioned. This will be her first national tour.

“I’ve always believed Maria was a “star-making” part, rather than the leading role we remember from the movies; so I went looking for someone with star-making magic,” says director O’Brien. “And in through the audition door one day walked Kerstin Anderson, still studying at Pace University in New York. She opened her mouth, she sang and the tears welled up in my eyes. If ever there were an enchanting young woman standing on the brink of discovery — this was it! And now, the discovery is about to be all of ours!”

The ensemble includes Carey Rebecca Brown, Ron Brown, Caitlin Burke, Christopher Carl, Kyla Carter, Austin Colby, Daniella Dalli, Elisabeth Evans, Donna Garner, Meghan Hales, Adam Hill, Jenavene Hester, Jeremy Lanuti, Darren Matthias, Kelly McCormick, Julia Osborne, Andrea Ross, Brent Schindele and Jim Schubin.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp. This new production is directed by Jack O’Brien (credits include: HAIRSPRAY, THE FULL MONTY, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, THE COAST OF UTOPIA), and choreographed by Danny Mefford (FUN HOME, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY and BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON). The design and production team is comprised of Douglas Schmidt, Set Design (Tony Award® nominee: 42ND STREET, INTO THE WOODS); Jane Greenwood, Costume Design (2014 recipient of Special Tony Award ® for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre), Natasha Katz, Lighting Design (Five-time Tony Award® winner: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, ONCE, AIDA, THE COAST OF UTOPIA, THE GLASS MENAGERIE) and Ken Travis, Sound Design (ALADDIN, NEWSIES, MEMPHIS).

According to director Jack O’Brien, “THE SOUND OF MUSIC has been in our ears for decades, as it deserves to be. But it might be time to look once more, and more closely, at this remarkable work which, I feel, begins to reveal itself as deeper, richer, and more powerful than ever. It’s no longer ‘your mother’s’ familiar SOUND OF MUSIC. We are tearing off the varnish of the past from one of the great glories of our theatergoing experience and making it fresh! This is an opportunity we’ve all longed to create!”

Producer Beth Williams (Grove Entertainment) said, “It’s a great privilege to bring this beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein musical to theaters across North America. We hope that people of all ages will continue to fall in love with it for the first time, or all over again, and that it will truly become one of their ‘favorite things.’ From our distinguished team led by the creative master Jack O’Brien, audiences can expect a truly magnificent production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC.”

In the words of Ted Chapin, President of Rodgers & Hammerstein, “THE SOUND OF MUSIC continues to be the world’s most beloved musical. When a major national tour was suggested, I not only agreed, but was willing to roll up my sleeves and do whatever I could to fashion a new stage production that would re-engage today’s theatergoing public. The show was originally created for Broadway, and seeing it on stage only reinforces the power of the story and the score. And with Jack O’Brien at the directorial helm – well, we simply couldn’t do better. Landing somewhere between THE COAST OF UTOPIA and HAIRSPRAY (shows for which Jack won the Tony®), his production will be smart, focused, and surprising. I can’t wait.”

THE SOUND OF MUSIC enjoyed extraordinary success as the first live television production of a musical in over 50 years when “The Sound of Music Live!” aired on NBC in December, 2013; 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with such songs as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC is part of Dallas Summer Musicals’ highly anticipated 2015-2016 Season. The new season will continue with ELF The Musical, December 8-20, 2015; THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, February 2-14, 2016; DSM’s production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, March 11-27, 2016; WICKED, April 20 – May 22, 2016; RAGTIME, May 24 – June 5, 2016; BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, June 14-26, 2016; and closing the season will be 42ND STREET, June 28 – July 10, 2016.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ seven-show season tickets, starting at $134, are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, in person at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas or by phone at 214-346-3300. In addition, season ticket buyers have the option to add on WICKED, April 20 – May 22, 2016, to their season subscription for an 8-show package starting at $174.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount for all shows excluding WICKED where groups of 15 or more save on select performances. All groups receive priority seating and many more benefits. Please call 214-426-GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Performing Arts Fort Worth’s 2014-2015 Season will continue as follows: JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Sept. 18-20; and KINKY BOOTS, Oct. 27-Nov. 1.

Performing Arts Fort Worth’s 2015-2016 Season kicks off with the Fort Worth debut of THE BOOK OF MORMON Dec. 1-6, 2015, followed by MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Jan. 13-17, 2016, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID March 29-April 3, 2016, THE WIZARD OF OZ June 7-12, 2016, 42ND STREET July 12-17, 2016, THE SOUND OF MUSIC Aug. 17-21, 2016 and, closing out the season, the spectacular new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Oct. 20-30, 2016.

Broadway at the Bass season tickets are on sale online at www.basshall.com, over the phone at 817-212-4280 and in person at the Bass Hall Box Office. Seven-show season ticket packages start at $275. For more information, call 817-212-4280 or visit www.basshall.com.

Dallas Summer Musicals and Performing Arts Fort Worth will co-present three of these titles: Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, 42ND STREET and THE SOUND OF MUSIC. The shows will play in Dallas for two weeks, then head to Fort Worth for limited, one-week runs.

About Dallas Summer Musicals:
Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit 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.

As a 501(c)(3) 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 theatre, 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 theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Hear Us Now!™ is DSM’s newest initiative. Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Coming this fall, Seats for Vets will serve war veterans and their families by providing them with a unique theatrical experience and thanking them for their service. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Performing Arts Fort Worth:
Performing Arts Fort Worth, the nonprofit organization that oversees management of Bass Performance Hall, presents national Broadway touring product under the Broadway at the Bass banner. Bass Performance Hall is the crown jewel of a city which boasts the nation’s third largest cultural district. It is also an important symbol of one of the most successful downtown revitalization efforts in the country. The 2,056-seat multipurpose Hall is characteristic of the classic European opera house form. An 80-foot diameter Great Dome tops the Founders Concert Theater while two 48-foot tall angels grace the Grand Facade. Since the Hall opened in May 1998, the angels have become preeminent cultural icons of the Dallas-Fort Worth community. The Hall itself is renowned for its superb acoustics, exceptional sight lines and ambiance on level with the great halls of the world. Bass Performance Hall is located on a full city block encompassed by Commerce, Calhoun, 4th and 5th Streets in the historic Sundance Square district of downtown Fort Worth.

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Contact:

Francisco Chairez, Dallas Summer Musicals
(214) 413-3909 | fchairez@DallasSummerMusicals.org

Malcolm Mayhew, Performing Arts Fort Worth
(817) 212-4319 | mmayhew@basshall.com

THE 2013 TONY® AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL

IS COMING TO NORTH TEXAS

JUNE 9-21 AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

AND JUNE 23-28 AT BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

Dallas, TX – RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, the 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of SOUTH PACIFIC and THE SOUND OF MUSIC, will play at the Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited engagement from June 9-21, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The tour will then head to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall June 23-28, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

CINDERELLA has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Music adaptation, supervision and arrangements are by David Chase and orchestrations are by Danny Troob.

One of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most popular titles, CINDERELLA was written for television — debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. In 2013, the show made its long-overdue Broadway debut. Along with CINDERELLA, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s legendary musicals include OKLAHOMA!, CAROUSEL, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC and THE SOUND OF MUSIC.

Mr. Beane’s book for CINDERELLA blends masterfully with the musical’s cherished score with songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”

The creative team includes scenic design by Tony® Award nominee Anna Louizos, costume design by six-time Tony® Award-winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony® Award-winner Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony® Award nominee Nevin Steinberg.

The CINDERELLA tour is produced by Robyn Goodman, Jill Furman, Stephen Kocis, Edward Walson, Venetian Glass Productions, The Araca Group, Caiola Productions, Roy Furman, Peter May, Sanford Robertson, Eric Schmidt, James Spry and Blanket Fort Productions.

Single tickets for CINDERELLA, from $25-$98 (pricing subject to change), are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1.800.514.ETIX (3849), and at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas, TX. Mini Packs, which allow all ticket buyers to pick 3 or more shows for as low as $55, are also available online or may be ordered by mail or in person at The Box Office and by phoning 214.346.3300.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount, priority seating, and many more benefits. Please call 214.426.GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

For Fort Worth tickets: Single tickets are now on sale from $44-$132. Additionally, CINDERELLA is also part of a Choose Your Own Season Ticket Package. Single and season tickets are currently available online at www.basshall.com, over the phone at 817.212.4280 or in person at the Bass Hall Box Office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. For group sales call 817.212.4248 or email groupsales@basshall.com.

Dallas Summer Musicals 75th Anniversary Season will continue as follows: DIRTY DANCING, June 23–July 5, 2015; and PIPPIN, July 7-19, 2015.

Performing Arts Fort Worth’s 2014-2015 Season will continue as follows: DIRTY DANCING, July 7-12; PIPPIN, July 21-26; JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, Sept. 18-20; and KINKY BOOTS, Oct. 27-Nov. 1.

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit 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.

As a 501(c)(3) 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 theatre, 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 theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Hear Us Now!™ is DSM’s newest initiative. Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Performing Arts Fort Worth:

Performing Arts Fort Worth, the nonprofit organization that oversees management of Bass Performance Hall, presents national Broadway touring product under the Broadway at the Bass banner. Bass Performance Hall is the crown jewel of a city which boasts the nation’s third largest cultural district. It is also an important symbol of one of the most successful downtown revitalization efforts in the country.

The 2,056-seat multipurpose Hall is characteristic of the classic European opera house form. An 80-foot diameter Great Dome tops the Founders Concert Theater while two 48-foot tall angels grace the Grand Facade. Since the Hall opened in May 1998, the angels have become preeminent cultural icons of the Dallas-Fort Worth community. The Hall itself is renowned for its superb acoustics, exceptional sight lines and ambience on level with the great halls of the world.

Bass Performance Hall is located on a full city block encompassed by Commerce, Calhoun, 4th and 5th Streets in the historic Sundance Square district of downtown Fort Worth.

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THE 2013 TONY® AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY MUSICAL
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL CASTING FOR FIRST NATIONAL TOUR

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA Original Broadway Company

Producers of the Tony® Award winning musical Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, Robyn Goodman, Jill Furman and Stephen Kocis, have announced additional casting for the First National Tour launching in Providence, RI at PPAC on October 10, 2014.

The touring production will be presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park June 9-21, moving the next week to be presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth at Bass Hall June 23-28.

Ready to sweep Cinderella off her feet, Andy Jones will play the role of Prince Topher. Andy was a member of the original Broadway company of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA and understudied the role of Prince Topher. He currently appears in Bullets Over Broadway The Musical.

The tour cast will also feature Kecia Lewis (Leap of Faith, The Drowsy Chaperone) as Marie, The Fairy Godmother, Blake Hammond (First Date, Sister Act) as Sebastian, Aymee Garcia (Shrek The Musical, Avenue Q) as Charlotte, Ashley Park (Mamma Mia!) as Gabrielle, David Andino (50 Shades! The Musical) as Jean-Michel and Antoine Smith (Memphis) as Lord Pinkerton.

Rounding out the ensemble are Adrien Arrieta, Adrian Badoo, Summer Broyhill, Audrey Cardwell, Jennifer Evans, Alexandra Frohlinger, Richard Gatta, Jordana Grolnick, Eric Anthony Johnson, Danielle Jordan, Bruce Landry, Ben Lanham, Stephanie Jae Park, Blakely Slaybough, Paige Williams, Thad Turner Wilson, John Yi and Alexandra Zorn.

It was previously announced Paige Faure, Broadway’s current reigning princess, will launch the tour in the title role this fall. Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes. Music adaptation, supervision and arrangements are by David Chase and orchestrations are by Danny Troob.

One of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most popular titles, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA was written for television — debuting in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. In 2013, the show made its long-overdue Broadway debut. Along with CINDERELLA, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s legendary musicals include OKLAHOMA!, Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific and The Sound of Music.

Mr. Beane’s book for Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA blends masterfully with the musical’s cherished score with songs including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible,” “Ten Minutes Ago” and “Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?”

The creative team includes scenic design by Tony® Award nominee Anna Louizos, costume design by six-time Tony® Award-winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony® Award-winner Kenneth Posner and sound design by Tony® Award nominee Nevin Steinberg.

For more information please visit www.CinderellaMusicalOnTour.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/CinderellaTheMusical

Twitter: @CinderellaBway

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA Original Broadway Company

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The tour will be appearing in:

Providence, RI (Providence PAC)                                                          Oct. 10 – Oct. 18

Tampa, FL (Straz Center Center)                                                            Oct. 21 – Oct. 26

Miami, FL (Arsht Center)                                                                       Oct. 28 – Nov. 2

Charlotte NC (Blumenthal The Belk)                                                        Nov. 4 – Nov. 9

West Palm Beach, FL (Kravis Center)                                                    Nov. 11 – Nov. 16

Durham, NC (Durham PAC)                                                                   Nov. 18 – Nov. 23

Philadelphia, PA (Kimmel Center Academy of Music)                             Nov. 25 – Nov. 30

Buffalo, NY  (Shea’s PAC)                                                                     Dec. 2 – Dec. 7

Rochester, NY (RBTL Auditorium Theatre)                                              Dec. 9 – Dec. 14

Chicago, IL (Broadway in Chicago Cadillac Palace)                                Dec. 16 – Jan. 4

Cincinnati, OH (The Aranoff)                                                                 Jan. 6 – Jan. 18

St. Louis, MO (The Fox)                                                                        Jan. 20 – Feb. 1

Denver, CO (Denver Center The Buell)                                                    Feb. 3 – Feb. 15

Portland, OR (Keller Auditorium)                                                            Feb. 17 – Feb. 22

Seattle, WA (The Paramount)                                                                 Feb. 24 – Mar. 1

San Jose, CA (San Jose Center for the Performing Arts)                         Mar. 3 – Mar. 8

Tempe, AZ (ASU Gammage)                                                                 Mar. 10 – Mar. 15

Los Angeles, CA (CTG The Ahmanson)                                                 Mar. 17 – Apr. 26

Las Vegas, NV (The Smith Center)                                                         Apr. 28 – May 3

San Diego, CA (Nederlander Civic Center)                                              May 5 – May 10

Sacramento, CA (Community Center)                                                     May 12 – May 17

Houston, TX (Hobby Center)                                                                 May 26 – Jun. 7

Dallas, TX (Music Hall at Fair Park)                                                        Jun. 9 – Jun. 21

Fort Worth, TX (Bass Performance Hall)                                                Jun. 23 – Jun. 28

Des Moines, IA (Civic Center)                                                                Jul. 14 – Jul. 19

Cleveland, OH (Playhouse Square The Palace)                                       Jul. 21 – Aug. 2

Greenville, SC (Peace Center)                                                               Aug. 4 – Aug. 9

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, BROADWAY’S GERSHWIN-INSPIRED MUSICAL COMEDY, LAUNCHES NATIONAL TOUR IN NORTH TEXAS!

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT, the award-winning musical comedy that played Broadway from 2012-2013, will launch its national tour in North Texas next month. The tour kicks off at the Music Hall at Fair Park September 2-14, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. Then the tour rolls into Fort Worth, where it’ll play at Bass Performance Hall September 16-21, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

It’s the Roaring Twenties, and a cast of outrageous characters gather in New York to celebrate the wedding of wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter. But things don’t go as planned when the playboy meets Billie Bendix, a bubbly and feisty bootlegger who melts his heart. The champagne flows and the gin fizzes!

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is filled to the brim with classic songs, including “But Not For Me,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” “I’ve Got a Crush on You” and “Someone to Watch Over Me.” This sparkling, madcap tale combines laughter, romance and high-stepping Broadway magic for an evening bursting with girls, glamour and the glorious songs of Gershwin.

The musical comedy features music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by two-time Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro (Memphis) inspired by material by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse. The production features direction and choreography by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall (Anything Goes), recreated by David Eggers.

The creative team also includes Shoko Kambara (scenic design, based on the original Broadway scenic design by Derek McLane), Martin Pakledinaz (costume design), Amy Clark (costume coordinator), Paul Toben (lighting design, based on the original Broadway lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski), Keith Caggiano (sound design, based on the original Broadway sound design by Brian Ronan) and Paul Huntley (hair and wig design).

Alex Enterline and Mariah MacFarlane will star as wealthy playboy Jimmy Winter and feisty bootlegger Billie Bendix, respectively. The tour will also feature Reed Campbell as Cookie McGee, Aaron Fried as Duke Mahoney, Stephanie Gandolfo as Jeannie Muldoon, Stephanie Harter Gilmore as Duchess Estonia Dulworth, Benjamin Perez as Senator Max Evergreen, Rachael Scarr as Eileen Evergreen, Thomas Schario as Chief Berry and Barbara Weetman as Millicent Winter.

Rounding out the company are Jessica Bare, Christian Bufford, Elyse Collier, Carl DeForrest Hendin, Nick Jones, Kristina King, Alison Morooney, Sarah Primmer, Kevin Michael Raponey, Chelsea Jane Ryan, Justin Schuman, Heather Stinson and Chris Woods.

For Dallas tickets: Single tickets, priced from $15-$85, are available at The Box Office, 5959 Preston Royal Shopping Center #542 in Dallas, or at any Ticketmaster outlet.  Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.dallassummermusicals.org.

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

For Fort Worth tickets: Single tickets, priced from $38.50-$99, are available online at www.basshall.com, over the phone at 817-212-4280 or in person at the Bass Hall Box Office.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. For group sales call 817-212-4248 or email groupsales@basshall.com.

For more information, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org and www.basshall.com.

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For Dallas Summer Musicals, please contact Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371 or joannholt@gmail.com.

For Performing Arts Fort Worth, please contact Malcolm Mayhew at 817-212-4319 or mmayhew@basshall.com.

Bless Thy (Philly) Soul

By Douglas Carter Beane

So I am at a very la‐di‐da cocktail party and the topic of conversation finds itself landing on Machiavelli commissioning both Leonardo Di Vinci and Michelangelo to do paintings on a wall. The “oohing” and “aahing” soon gives way to the “can you imagine being on earth in that golden era?” Well, I try not to be too smug about it, but I tell them “Yes I can because was lucky enough to be in Philadelphia in the Seventies.” That was the harmonic convergent time when the funky bass, the overproduced strings that glockenspiel all blended together to create the sound that is now lovingly referred to as “Philly Soul.” It was a shiny snappy “Diamond in the Back” disco ball of a time when the world was shaking its collective bootie to the music that was coming out of our little Lebanon Bologna and scrapple town. We really didn’t know how magical it was at the time; frankly we were too busy dancing. But it someone how seemed just common place to go out and see Phyllis Hyman, Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass, the Ojays, out dancing to their own music in clubs. A girl would come into some disco at midnight sing a new song, the next thing you knew it was a song called “Hot Shot” and climbing the dance charts. And wow, I held her Mylar fan when she introduced it at the Club “Equus”.

But let’s start at the beginning of the musical “Sister Act” and how it came to inhabit this luscious world. First there was a movie. Man was it great. The germ of the idea was the creation of great American Humorist Paul Rudnick and super genius producer Scott Rudin. According to Paul’s hilarious essay on the topic for the New Yorker, just about everyone in the Los Angeles phone book did a draft of the screenplay. Casting excelled with Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and Mary Wickes, and Whoopi Goldberg simply cemented her reputation as one of the screen’s great comedic actresses. Catch it again and watch how that smile just melts your heart. A sequel was made, the DVD’s of both found themselves on the floor of a nation’s minivan. It was just a part of American culture now. A friend to turn to when things are not going well or you want to celebrate someone’s graduation or you’re stuck with nothing to do on a rainy afternoon.

But it somehow just seemed to want to continue to happen. A group of visionaries decided to dream big and turn this iconic piece into a living breathing theater piece. To do so, it certainly could not be a re‐creation of what was on the film. Creativity wouldn’t let that happen. It had to be something that was worthy of a live theater event. Our group? Multi‐Emmy winning TV writers Bill and Cheri Steinkellner, multi Oscar winning composer Alan Menken and Broadway rising star Glen Slater. Pretty classy outfit.

The first choice made by our group was the story of Deloris’s life. Whoopi was so convincing and heartbreaking as a singer whose life has chosen not to shower her with love. It happens to performers. You just sensed that her world of Reno and her Motown medleys in the lounge were about as good as she was ever going to get. But for the musical, what if the Deloris could sing – I mean REALLY let go and, as we used to say back in the seventies, just pee. And what if she was on the brink of a career, not looking back on one that didn’t happen?

The second choice was the music. The film used Deloris’s versions of old Motown and Brill building tunes. For this idea there was one immediate conflict for composer Alan Menken – he had already done the 60’s music to a fare‐thee‐well with his tremendous “Little Shop of Horrors.” Whoever came up with the idea of setting it in Philadelphia in the seventies and take advantage of the Philly soul sound deserves a complimentary cheesesteak. With onions. The music is up there with the most joyful and optimistic tunes ever created. (I know I can’t go to a birthday party for one of the kids in my daughter’s kindergarten class without hearing “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.”)

Lyricist Glen Slater knew this world inside and out. The gangster boyfriend is doing songs that a witty Lou Rawls would have done in the wink of an eye. And when the bad guys sing about breaking into the convent, it’s pure Stylistics.

The third choice was the addition of the love story. What if Eddie the cop and Deloris had the hint of a little romance going?

When I was called on board by director Jerry Zaks I re‐watched the movie and then was sent the recording of the score. It hit me hard. Here was a show with a big Philly soul. That great sound of funky bases, symphonic strings and lyrics so optimistic they make you smile. How well I remembered those those happy times with the city of Philly coming into a new life. Discos and eateries and cabarets suddenly appeared, made from old buildings finding new life. In the show you’ll see the fretting of Mother Superior that her church is becoming a disco. This was more than imaginary. The number one club in Philly at the time was called Second Story and was actually a converted church, complete with light and sound systems and popcorn in the baptismal font.

There was also a remarkable success to be had, which would energize and frustrate Deloris even more. Evelyn Champagne King, was cleaning out the ladies room at Philadelphia International records, when she was overheard singing. They put her on the album “Shame” and it was number nine on the US charts. Karen Young (she of the “Hot Shot” and the Mylar fan) was working at a McDonalds. It was a remarkable time. I hope you enjoy the show and its story of people who have no business liking one another just giving way and doing so. A little comedy about the inevitability of acceptance.

As I sat there on opening night, I looked across the aisle and there was Patti LaBelle. The first time I had seen her in person was dancing at the Second Story ‐the disco made from a church. The minute Deloris gave way with Raise you voice, Miss Patti shook it like she shook it in the seventies. I felt like I was home.

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SISTER ACT is singing its way to Dallas June 4-16 at the Music Hall at Fair Park and to Fort Worth June 18-23 at Bass Performance Hall.

Single tickets for the Dallas run, priced from $15-$85, are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Preston Royal Shopping Center in Dallas, or any Ticketmaster location; or online at www.ticketmaster.com.  For groups of 10 or more, call 214-426-GROUP (4768). For full press release, click here.

Single tickets for the Fort Worth run are on sale now! Visit www.basshall.com.