The passion sizzles in DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story On Stage at Dallas Summer Musicals! #DirtyDancingDSM

Samuel Pergande (Johnny) and the company of the North American tour of DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Dallas Summer Musicals and Performing Arts Fort Worth are thrilled to co-present the globally acclaimed production of DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story On Stage at the Music Hall at Fair Park thru July 5, 2015. The tour will then head to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall July 7-12. DIRTY DANCING is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Check out what the critics thought of this great stage adaptation of the film.

– DSM Cisco

TV & RADIO INTERVIEWS/PERFORMANCES

WFAA ABC8 – Good Morning Texas does the Walk Down with Nicole Spencer (Swing)

WFAA ABC8 – Daybreak’s Brian Glenn learns some dance moves from Rachel Boone (Ensemble)

CW33 – NewsFix goes behind the scenes with Christopher Tierney (Ensemble)

REVIEWS

The Dallas Morning News

CBS Radio

The Column

The Flash List

Selig Film News

Real Posh Mom

Mercado Bilingue

Theater Jones

The Forney Post

Red Carpet Crash

The Clubhouse Podcast

– Rob’s written review

– Chad’s written review

– Don’s written review

Dallas Single Mom

Vanna Collins

CAST & CREATIVE INTERVIEWS

KLUV interview with Gillian Abbott (Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman)

Theater Jones interview with Michele Lynch (Choreographer)

Informate DFW interview with Joshua Keith (Ensemble)

Al Dia Spanish interview with Emily Rice (Lisa Houseman)

Uptown Latino Magazine Spanish interview with Emily Rice (Lisa Houseman)

PREVIEWS & FEATURED ARTICLES

The Dallas Morning News: Arts Lead

The Dallas Morning News Top Theater Picks Video Blog

The Dallas Morning News Feature Article

KLIF 570 AM & The Flash List

KPAX

The Flash List

Live Be Dallas

Star Local Media

Brandon Does Dallas

Travel Lady

My Crazy Savings

Genpink

Digital Mom Blog

The Frugal Mom

Dallas Observer

Southlake Style

DIRTY DANCING is on stage NOW thru Sunday, July 5 at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Click here for details and tickets.

Join us and Have The Time of Your Life!

DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story On Stage Comes to North Texas!

DIRTY DANCING

IS COMING TO NORTH TEXAS

JUNE 23 – JULY 5

AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

AND

JULY 7-12

AT BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

Dallas, TX – DIRTY DANCING – The Classic Story On Stage, comes to life at the Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited engagement from June 23 – July 5, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The tour will then head to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall July 7-12, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

DIRTY DANCING is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this timeless love story features the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!”

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is on vacation in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents. Mesmerized by the racy dance moves and pounding rhythms she discovers in the resort’s staff quarters, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort’s sexy dance instructor. Passions ignite and Baby’s life changes forever when she is thrown into the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady, both on-stage and off.

DIRTY DANCING began as an eight-week staged workshop in Manhattan in the fall of 2001. It was first performed at the Theatre Royal in Sydney, Australia in November 2004 before embarking upon a hugely successful tour of Australia and New Zealand. A new production opened at the Theater Neue Flora in Hamburg, Germany in March 2006 where it broke records for achieving the highest advance in European history.

The production began performances on London’s West End in October 2006 with an £11 million advance and went on to become the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre. It closed in July 2011 in advance of a two-year UK national tour and then returned to London for a strictly limited season at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Starring Samuel Pergande (Johnny Castle) and Gillian Abbott (Frances “Baby” Houseman), this North Texas premiere features a company of 26 that also includes Doug Carpenter (Billy Kostecki, Singer), Jerome Harmann-Hardeman (Tito Suarez), Ryan Jesse (Neil Kellerman), Caralyn Kozlowski (Marjorie Houseman), Gary Lynch (Max Kellerman), Scott McCreary (Robbie Gould), Herman Petras (Mr. Schumacher), Emily Rice (Lisa Houseman), Mark Elliot Wilson (Dr. Jake Houseman) and Jenny Winton (Penny Johnson). The ensemble comprises John Antony, Rachel Boone, Amanda Brantley, Josh Drake, Rashaan James II, Joshua Keith, Alexandra Matteo, , Phoebe Pearl, Virginia Preston, Jennlee Shallow, Nicole Spencer, Christopher Tierney, and Paul Victor.

“The company that we have assembled for our North American tour is beautiful and truthful,” says Eleanor Bergstein, screenwriter of the film Dirty Dancing and book writer for the musical. “I originally wrote the movie because I love to dance. And since the movie first appeared, the openhearted audience response has made me believe that everyone has a secret dancer inside them, one they feel could connect them to the physical world in the way they dream. This remarkable cast brings those dreams to life through their extraordinary talent and exceptional skill. It’s been a deep pleasure for us to watch audiences around the country respond as this lovely group of people brings Dirty Dancing home to North America.”

The production’s book is written by Eleanor Bergstein and the North American tour will be directed by James Powell with choreography by Michele Lynch based on the original choreography by Kate Champion. The creative team also includes Stephen Brimson Lewis (set design), Tim Mitchell (lighting design), Jennifer Irwin (costume design), Bobby Aitken (sound design), Jon Driscoll (video and projection design), Bernie Ardia (hair design), Conrad Helfrich (music supervisor and orchestrations) and Alan Plado (music director).

DIRTY DANCING has gone on to perform across the world in markets as diverse as Utrecht, Holland, Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. Most recently, it has been represented by a new UK tour (which launched March 2014 in Bristol), a German tour (which launched April 2014 in Berlin) and a French tour (which is currently playing Paris). The show returned to Australia with a new tour that premiered in late 2014 in honor of the stage production’s 10th anniversary. The current North American tour launched in Washington, DC in August 2014 and is currently booked through the 2015-2016 season.

The North American tour of DIRTY DANCING is produced by Amber Jacobsen, NETworks Presentations LLC, Grove Entertainment, and Col Joye in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions.

Single tickets for DIRTY DANCING, from $20-$93 (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.

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, DIRTY DANCING 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 close a wonderful year with PIPPIN, July 7-19, 2015.

Performing Arts Fort Worth’s 2014-2015 Season will continue as follows: 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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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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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.

 

# # #

 

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