Hey DSM Fans!

If you wander around the Music Hall here at Fair Park, eventually you’ll come across some delicately lit display cases; and for a musical lover like myself, approaching these shiny beacons of light in the middle of a dim hallway is like discovering a glittering piece of treasure.  Each case features a unique show-themed art piece called the Cast Box.

In 1994, Dallas Summer Musicals developed a new method of theatrical folk art in the form of these Cast Boxes.  Inspired by the tradition of the “Gypsy Robe,” a memorabilia-covered robe created to honor Broadway’s seasoned chorus members, the Dallas Summer Musicals Guild wanted to immortalize each production held at the Music Hall.  To set this idea into motion, raw materials and suggestions were sent to the then Dallas bound production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.  The final product surpassed all expectations, and it remains a dazzling, detailed symbol of the show.

Today, cast members are given a few raw materials and complete creative freedom in the construction of their show’s Cast Box.  Knowing that the boxes are auctioned at Curtain Call, they are always happy to participate.  Curtain Call proceeds benefit the DSM Guild’s meal program and the Seats for Kids series, which gives at-risk children the opportunity to attend theatrical performances free of charge.

According to President and Managing Director Michael Jenkins, “To our knowledge, no other theater does this.  It’s a very special program.”

Since the original by PHANTOM OF THE OPERA in 1994, there have been more than 85 Cast Boxes created by the best of Broadway, exclusively for Dallas Summer Musicals.  Over the years, these priceless pieces of art have become highly collectable.

To get a better idea of what the Cast Box is all about, we’ve included a quick video of the most recent addition to our collection, contributed by the wonderful cast of MEMPHIS.  Next time you’re at the Music Hall, be sure to take a closer look at these one-of-a-kind treasures!

-DSM Haley

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdQE9SVNoIE]

Dallas TX
11:15am Breaking News
Steven Hall, Webmaster, DSM

We just completed the press conference for the 5th Anniversary of our “Stage Right” youth outreach program. Mayor Leppert and Chief of Police Kunkle spoke along with co-founders of the program DSM President Michael Jenkins & Dallas Police Detective “Monty” Moncibais. Details on the “Stage Right” below. Also in attendance were many more VIPs such as City Manager Mary Suhm, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Elba Garcia, KLUV’s Jody Dean and CBS’s Ginger Allen. Very cool that in their busy schedules everyone could come together for this outreach initiative!

ABOUT STAGE RIGHT
Stage Right Raises the Curtain for Education and Spotlights Appreciation of the Arts through Experience and Positive Quality Lifestyles.

Dallas Police Department Assistant Chief Ron Waldrop and Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM), held a press conference on June 4, 2008 in the lobby of the Music Hall at Fair Park to discuss the objectives and success of the Stage Right program that introduces at-risk youth ages 12-15 to arts and culture events as well as introducing them to “Positive Action” self improvement and self esteeming building summer curriculum.

Both Mr. Jenkins, the grass-roots visionary who helped create the Stage Right initiative to reach out to at-risk students and DPD Narcotics Detective Monty Moncibais, who heads up the program for DPD, will speak. Stage Right Steering Committee members also attended included Chris Hawkins, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Victor Burke President, North Texas Crime Commission; Gail Gray, Phoenix House; Lori Sirmen, Dallas Summer Musicals; Carolyn Jordan, Boys and Girls Club; Herbert Moncibais, Hispanic Business Alliance; Gloria Moncibais, Hispanic Business Alliance; and Susan Moncibais, community activist.

Also present at the conference were Gary Hodges, DISD, Assistant Chief; Mike Hathcoat, Director, the Phoenix House; Anita N. Martinez, Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico Company; Charles English, Dallas Boys & Girls Club; Reginald Hurd, Dallas Parks and Recreation; Paul Monroe, the Dallas Mavericks; Steve Colmus, KIPP Truth Academy; Billy Walker, Coca Cola Bottling of North Texas; and Eddie Campbell and Ed Campbell, Campbell Concessions.

Stage Right’s mission statement is “Raising the curtain for education and spotlighting the appreciation of the arts through experience and positive quality lifestyles.”

The students are recommended by DISD teachers and counselors and other youth programs including Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc., and Dallas Recreation Centers as part of their ongoing efforts to keep students from joining gangs or engaging in other activities that prevent their enjoying success in school. Stage Right seeks to raise awareness of the arts, increase appreciation for different lifestyles and also increase self esteem.

This year, over 800 students are participating in the program!

For more information about Stage Right, please contact DPD Detective Moncibais at 214-537-8954.

Annual fund contributions close the gap between ticket sales and operating costs. In light of the challenging economic times, we hope that all who share our passion and vision for Dallas Summer Musicals will consider making a contribution to the full extent of their ability. Every donation large or small will help DSM gift a child with the magical experience of musical theatre and the community with the highest caliber of performing arts.

This season, we have made it even more rewarding for you to make a generous donation by giving additional special benefits in recognition of your gift. It’s our way of saying thank you for your support. Visit our donation site to make your donation and for gift details. Of course you can also call the Year-end donation hotline at (214) 413-3957.