KINKY BOOTS struts into Dallas on Tuesday and we couldn’t be more excited! This feel-good show is fun for everyone, just take a look at what this mother of two had to say about her experience:

I just wanted to share an experience that we had yesterday at The Smith Center.  My family and I have been season ticket holders since the beginning.  I have a 14-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son that join us for almost all of the shows, although I did not take either of them to Book of Mormon.  I wasn’t sure I wanted to take my son to KINKY BOOTS, not really knowing what it was about, I almost gave his ticket away to a friend. At the last minute I changed my mind and I couldn’t have been happier.

What a fabulous show with an amazing message.  At intermission my son turned to me and said, “it’s intermission already?” He has NEVER said that before.  In most cases it’s more like, “how much longer?” He’s a 12-year-old boy and honestly I know the theatre is not on the top of his list for Sunday afternoons.  My daughter turned to me at least 5 times through out the show and said, “I love this so much.”  They talked about KINKY BOOTS almost the entire way home, and again this morning.  Thank you so much for bringing KINKY BOOTS to Vegas!

Our family thoroughly enjoyed KINKY BOOTS and I just wanted to pass a note on, and I ask that you forward my email on to the producers of Kinky Boots. I just want them to know that they have won over a fickle teenage girl and an adolescent boy whose first love is definitely not the theatre.

-Anonymous KINKY BOOTS Patron
The Smith Center, Las Vegas

KINKY BOOTS is on stage February 24 – March 8, 2015, at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
GET TICKETS HERE!

2013 TONY® AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL

IS COMING TO NORTH TEXAS!

FEBRUARY 24-MARCH 8 AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

OCTOBER 27-NOVEMBER 1 AT BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

 Dallas, TX (January 15, 2015) – KINKY BOOTS, the smash-hit musical that brings together four-time Tony^® Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (Book) and Grammy^® Award-winning rock icon Cyndi Lauper (Tony^® Award-winner for Best Score for KINKY BOOTS), opens at the Music Hall at Fair Park February 24 – March 8, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The tour will roll back into Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall October 27 – November 1, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

Directed and choreographed by Tony^® Award-winner Jerry Mitchell, KINKY BOOTS opened on Broadway April 4, 2013 and continues to play to standing-room-only crowds nightly.  The show, which has broken all box office records at the Hirschfeld Theatre, recouped its costs in October 2013, after just 30 weeks on Broadway.

KINKY BOOTS took home six 2013 Tony^® Awards, the most of any show in the season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus) and Best Sound Design (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical and the Grammy^® Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other accolades.

In KINKY BOOTS, Charlie Price has reluctantly inherited his father’s shoe factory, which is on the verge of bankruptcy. Trying to live up to his father’s legacy and save his family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola. A fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos, Lola turns out to be the one person who can help Charlie become the man he’s meant to be. As they work to turn the factory around, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… and discovers that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world.

1. Harrison Ghee (The Color Purple) is kicking his heels up as Lola. Steven Booth (Avenue Q, Glory Days, Dogfight) plays shoe factory owner Charlie Price. Booth and Ghee are joined by Lindsay Nicole Chambers (Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Lysistrata Jones) as Lauren, Joe Coots (TV’s “Inside Amy Schumer,” Full Monty national tour) as Don, Craig Waletzko (Guys & Dolls, Young Frankenstein) as George and Grace Stockdale in her touring debut as Nicola.

Rounding out the ensemble are Damien Brett, Stephen Carrasco, Lauren Nicole Chapman, Amelia Cormack, Troi Gaines, J. Harrison Ghee, Blair Goldberg, Darius Harper, Andrew Theo Johnson, Crystal Kellogg, Jeffrey Kishinevskiy, Jeff Kuhr, Ross Lekites, Patty Lohr, Mike Longo, Tommy Martinez, , Nick McGough, Stewart Adam McKensy, Bonnie Milligan, Kenny Morris, Anthony Picarello, Horace V. Rogers, Ricky Schroeder, Anne Tolpegin, Juan Torres-Falcon, Hernando Umana and Sam Zeller.

The design team for KINKY BOOTS includes Tony^® Award nominee David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Tony^® Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design), Tony^® Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), Tony^® Award-winner John Shivers (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Randy Houston Mercer (Make-up Design), Telsey + Company, Justin Huff, CSA (Casting), Adam Souza (Musical Direction), with Musical Supervision and Arrangements and Orchestrations by Tony^® and Grammy^® Award-winner Stephen Oremus.

KINKY BOOTS is produced on Broadway and on tour by Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig, James L. Nederlander, Terry Allen Kramer, Independent Presenters Network, CJ E&M, Jayne Baron Sherman, Just for Laughs Theatricals/Judith Ann Abrams, Yasuhiro Kawana, Jane Bergere, Allan S. Gordon & Adam S. Gordon, Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Lucy and Phil Suarez, Bryan Bantry, Ron Fierstein and Dorsey Regal, Jim Kierstead/Gregory Rae, BB Group/Christina Papagjika, Michael DeSantis/Patrick Baugh, Brian Smith/Tom and Connie Walsh, Warren Trepp and Jujamcyn Theaters.

The producers of KINKY BOOTS announce a student rush for all performances February 24 – March 8. Beginning 1 hour before each performance, students can purchase a $25 ticket on a first come first served basis at the Music Hall Box Office. A valid student ID is required at the time of purchase for a maximum of 1 ticket.

Single tickets for KINKY BOOTS are now on sale online at www.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 are also available online or may be ordered by mail or in person at The Box Office, by phoning 214.346.3300 or through fax at 214.691.7386. Season subscribers and other patrons who have questions about their tickets can call The Box Office at 214.691.7200.

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 will go on sale Friday, February 20 at 10 am. 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: 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 PIPPIN, July 7-19, 2015.

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!

• Mini Packs are perfect if you prefer to pick and choose.  Select 3 or more shows starting at $55! Click here for more info!
• Single tickets for A CHRISTMAS STORY are on sale now! Click here to find your tickets!
• CYBER MONDAY PRESALE for KINKY BOOTS available beginning Monday, December 1st! Click here and use code: FIRST (all caps) for any performance in any price level! Offer ends December 14th!
• Gift Certificates are great for the Broadway fan in your life that you aren’t sure what show they would enjoy the most. Just call our Box Office at 214-691-7200 or visit them at 5959 Royal Lane Suite 542.

Not sure who to give Broadway to this season?

• For the Christmastime Fanatic – A CHRISTMAS STORY – On Sale Now and On Stage beginning December 2^nd!
• For the Fashionista – KINKY BOOTS – Presale Begins Monday, December 1^st!
• For the Classic Musical Fan – THE KING AND I – add it to your Mini Pack!
• For the Thrill-Seeker – THE ILLUSIONISTS – add it to your Mini Pack!
• For the Princess or Prince – CINDERELLA – add it to your Mini Pack!
• For the Child of the 80s – DIRTY DANCING – add it to your Mini Pack!
• For the “Cirque Du Soleil” Fans – PIPPIN – add it to your Mini Pack!

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

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS KICKS OFF YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION
OF THEIR 75^TH 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 21^st 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.

It’s official! We have announced our 2014/2015 DSM Season! Last Thursday, June 12^th, 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 75^th 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!

• The Dallas Morning News – “Dallas Summer Musicals: Stayin’ alive with plans to thrive at 75.” Click here for article by Nancy Churnin
• The Dallas Morning News – “From Kinky Boots to glass slippers, DSM and Bass Hall strut with shared stars.” Click here for article by Nancy Churnin
• BroadwayWorld.com – Click here for article
• The Column – Click here for article by John Garcia
• Fort Worth Star Telegram – Click here for article by Mark Lowry

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