THE BOOK OF MORMON RETURNS TO NORTH TEXAS

 “THE BEST MUSICAL OF THIS CENTURY.
Heaven on Broadway! A celebration of the privilege
of living inside that improbable paradise called a musical comedy.”
Ben Brantley, THE NEW YORK TIMES

 

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

Book Of Mormon Logo
Returns to North Texas January 22-February 3
To Bass Performance Hall & Music Hall at Fair Park

Tickets on sale Friday, October 19

 

Back by popular demand, THE BOOK OF MORMON, which played record-breaking runs in Fort Worth and Dallas, returns to North Texas for limited engagements January 22-27, 2019, at Bass Performance Hall, presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth; and January 29-February 3 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals and Broadway Across America.

Single tickets for both engagements go on sale 10 a.m. Friday, October 19.

Tickets for the Fort Worth engagement start at $44 (pricing subject to change) and will go on sale at www.basshall.com. To charge tickets by phone, call 817-212-4280 in Fort Worth; 1-877-212-4280 (toll free) outside Fort Worth. Tickets are also available at the Bass Performance Hall ticket office at 525 Commerce Street Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. For group sales, call 817-212-4248.

Tickets for the Dallas engagement start at $29 (pricing subject to change) and will go on sale at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at (800) 982-2787. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, “South Park.” Tony Award-winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q.  The musical is choreographed by Tony Award-winner Casey Nicholaw (Mean Girls, Aladdin, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker

THE BOOK OF MORMON is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Book (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Direction (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album; four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan.  Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus.  Music direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus.  

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

 


About Performing Arts Fort Worth:

The mission of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall is to serve as a permanent home to major performing arts organizations of Fort Worth and as a premiere venue for other attractions so as to enhance the range, quality, and accessibility of cultural fare available to the public; to promulgate arts education; and to contribute to the cultural life of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the region.

Built entirely with private funds, Bass Performance Hall is permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Cliburn. Each resident company operates independently from Performing Arts Fort Worth and manages its own programming schedule at Bass Hall.

Performing Arts Fort Worth, the nonprofit organization that oversees management of the Hall, also presents national touring Broadway product under the Broadway at the Bass banner, as well as programming that includes the BNSF Popular Entertainment Series.

The 2,042-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.

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Since 1941, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.

DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214-421-5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org. 

About Broadway Across America:

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office.  Led by 13-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include The Band’s Visit, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Hairspray, Mean Girls, The Producers and Waitress.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA MAKES TRIUMPHANT RETURN TO DALLAS

TICKETS FOR 

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
IN A SPECTACULAR NEW PRODUCTION BY
CAMERON MACKINTOSH

ON SALE NOW
DALLAS’ TRIUMPHANT RETURN ENGAGEMENT
DECEMBER 19, 2018 – JANUARY 6, 2019
AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
PART OF THE DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS SEASON

 

Dallas, TX (Sep. 19, 2018) – Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, is now on sale for the triumphant return Dallas engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. PHANTOM comes to Dallas as part of the Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) Broadway season.

Single tickets for PHANTOM start at $26 (pricing subject to change) and are available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

For more information on the production and a video sneak peek, please visit www.ThePhantomOfTheOpera.com/ustour/

Andrew Lloyd Webber said, “Having received great critical acclaim in the U.K. and North America, I am really pleased that Laurence Connor’s new production of PHANTOM will continue to tour the U.S. playing in tandem with the Broadway production which just celebrated 30 years at the Majestic Theatre.”

Cameron Mackintosh said, “With PHANTOM still the reigning champion as the longest-running production on Broadway after 30 phenomenal years, with no end in sight, I’m delighted that this spectacular new production of PHANTOM has been as well-received in the U.S. as the brilliant original and has already been seen by over 3.7 million people across North America since it opened in November 2013. With an exciting new design and staging, retaining Maria Björnson’s amazing costumes, the new PHANTOM is thrilling audiences and critics alike all over again. With the production continuing to be such a success, we are delighted to welcome our exciting new stars to keep the music of the night soaring for many years to come.”

 

PHANTOM IS AN ENORMOUS HIT ALL OVER AGAIN!

“Powerful, gorgeous…and better than ever.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer

“Extraordinarily opulent.  This PHANTOM’S storytelling and relationships have an electrifying tension.”
Chicago Sun-Times

“An intense and spectacular new production with a stunning new design, fresh drama and added momentum.”
Sunday Express (U.K.)

“Take a deep breath and prepare to be dazzled; this kind of gorgeous escapism is exactly what audiences need.”
The Scotsman (U.K.)

“This PHANTOM is for a new generation.”
-Roy Leonard, Chicago Now

 

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is presented by Cameron Mackintosh, The Really Useful Group, and NETworks Presentations. Directed by Laurence Connor (who co-directed the new production of Les Misérables that is back on tour across North America after a hugely successful revival on Broadway, directed the award-winning new production of Miss Saigon that played London’s West End, Broadway and begins its national tour in 2018, and also directed the stage version of the movie School of Rock now playing on Broadway, in London’s West End, and on North American Tour), with choreography by Scott Ambler, set design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, sound design by Mick Potter, and musical supervision by John Rigby.  The production is overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Charles Hart (with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe); book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber; orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it.  He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.

Cameron Mackintosh’s brilliant original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA continues performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London and in its recording-breaking run at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway and many other cities around the world.

Coming next to Dallas Summer Musicals is Elf. This modern day Christmas classic returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park November 27 – December 7, 2018. Single tickets for Elf start at $20 (pricing subject to change) and are on sale at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Dallas Summer Musicals will continue to bring the best of Broadway to North Texas in the 2018-19 season with shows such as Hamilton, Disney’s Aladdin, Hello, Dolly!, Anastasia, Miss Saigon, Fiddler on the Roof and season add-on The Book of Mormon.­


 

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Since 1941, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the Best of Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.

DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214-421-5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org. 

 

About Broadway Across America:

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel. Led by 11-time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!, Million Dollar Quartet, On Your Feet!, The Producers, School of Rock and Waitress. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

 

# # #

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR DSM’S AN EVENING WITH THE BEST OF BROADWAY

 

SINGLE TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS’
AN EVENING WITH THE BEST OF BROADWAY
HOSTED BY JANE LYNCH, STARRING MATTHEW MORRISON & SHOSHANA BEAN

 

Dallas, TX (Sep. 14, 2018) – Mark your calendars! Individual, performance-only tickets for Dallas Summer Musicals’ (DSM) An Evening with the Best of Broadway, the highly anticipated concert finale to the 2018 DSM Gala, are now available for purchase.

On Nov. 3, 2018, DSM will celebrate the magic of musical theatre and the culmination of a successful annual Gala by welcoming a talented trifecta of stars from stage and screen for An Evening with the Best of Broadway. The performance’s extraordinary lineup includes notable actors Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison, famed for their work in the musical-comedy television series Glee, and renowned Broadway performer Shoshana Bean. Joining this powerful trio, surprise special guests from Broadway and the silver screen will deliver musical delights throughout the evening.

Single tickets for An Evening with the Best of Broadway start at $45 (pricing subject to change) and grant admission to the show portion of the 2018 DSM Gala only. Tickets are now on sale at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also be purchased in-person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

An Evening with the Best of Broadway will showcase three artists who have each risen through the ranks to achieve their independent success. These performers have garnered immeasurable renown and recognition through their work on Broadway and in the television, film and music industries.

Lynch, who will serve as the event’s emcee, is renowned for her comedic timing and wide performance range. She is best known for starring alongside Morrison in the hit television show Glee as the one-liner powerhouse coach “Sue Sylvester.” For her role as Sylvester, Lynch won numerous awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. In addition to her role on Glee, Lynch has garnered a long list of film and television credits, including roles in Julie & Julia, The Three Stooges, Talladega Nights and more. Lynch made her Broadway debut in 2013 as “Miss Hannigan” in a production of Annie.

Morrison has also accumulated a vast collection of reputable career spotlights, receiving his big break after winning the role of “Link Larkin” in 2002 the original Broadway cast of Hairspray. He was nominated for a Tony® Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza and most recently appeared on Broadway as “J.M. Barrie” in Finding Neverland for which he received two Drama Desk Award nominations. His other Broadway credits include roles in Footloose, 10 Million Miles and the Tony® Award-winning revival of South Pacific. Alongside Lynch, Morrison rose to fame for his role as glee club director “Will Schuester” in Glee.

Bean is highly regarded in the Broadway community for her varied and versatile performances. She is best known for being the first to take over the role of “Elphaba” in the original Broadway production of Wicked, following the departure of Idina Menzel. Her most recent Broadway credits include “Fanny Brice” in Funny Girl and “Cee-Cee Bloom” in the new musical adaptation of Beaches, for which she earned a Jeff Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Bean has lent her voice to countless films and television shows, and her four independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes charts, with her latest album, Spectrum, landing at number one on the Billboard Jazz Charts.

In addition to the already-announced, star-studded lineup, An Evening with the Best of Broadway performance attendees can expect to be treated to surprise musical appearances by special guests known for their work on Broadway, television and film.

DSM will continue to bring the best of Broadway to North Texas in the 2018-19 season with Hamilton, Disney’s Aladdin, Hello, Dolly!, Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of The Phantom of the Opera, Anastasia, Miss Saigon, Fiddler on the Roof and season add-ons Elf and The Book of Mormon.

 

ENJOY THE VIP GALA EXPERIENCE!

2018 DSM GALA – AN EVENING WITH THE BEST OF BROADWAY

Prior to the public performance, DSM will present its annual 2018 DSM Gala – An Evening with the Best of Broadway, co-chaired by Cara Owens and John Clutts, which celebrates DSM and the magic of musical theatre. As a non-profit organization, all Gala proceeds will support DSM’s mission to bring the very best of Broadway to North Texas and its many education and community programs, such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Vets, Seats for Kids, Kid’s Club, Hear Us Now!™ and the DSM Community Performance.

Gala guests will enjoy an incredible culinary experience, a silent auction featuring luxury items, valet parking and meet-and-greet opportunities prior to and following the An Evening with the Best of Broadway performance. This will be a wonderful opportunity to indulge in everything patrons love about Broadway and DSM at the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.

Gala giving opportunities are available here or by contacting the DSM Development Department at 214-426-6333 or DSMGala@dallassummermusicals.org.

 


About Dallas Summer Musicals:

For more than 75 years, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the very best in Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs.

DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

 

About Jane Lynch:

Jane Lynch was raised near Chicago and cut her theatrical teeth at The Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre. Lynch is the two-time Emmy winning host of Hollywood Game Night and an Emmy and Golden Globe winner for her portrayal of “Sue Sylvester” on Glee. She currently appears in The Good Fight on CBS and on Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Additional television credits include portraying Janet Reno in Manifesto, Criminal Minds, Portlandia, Angel From Hell, Party Down, Lovespring International, Two and a Half Men and The L Word. Lynch’s film credits include Wreck It Ralph I and II, The Three Stooges, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Talladega Nights, Role Models, Julie & Julia, A Mighty Wind, Best In Show and For Your Consideration.

She made her Broadway debut in the 2013 production of Annie, and soon thereafter embarked on her own live concert tour, See Jane Sing, with Kate Flannery and Tim Davis. Their Billboard Top 10 holiday album, A Swingin’ Little Christmas is available from iTunes, Amazon and other outlets.

 

About Matthew Morrison:

Matthew Morrison is a versatile actor who is recognized for his work on-stage and on-screen. He has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.

Morrison most recently starred as “J.M Barrie” in Finding Neverland through January 2016. The Broadway production is an adaptation of the 2004 film written by David Magee. The story follows the relationship between Barrie and the Davies family, who became the author’s inspiration for the creation of Peter Pan. Morrison received two Drama Desk nominations for his role, and won the category of Favorite Actor in a Musical in the Broadway.com Audience Awards.

In addition to his Broadway tenure in 2016, Morrison performed as a guest star on the CBS hit show The Good Wife, where he played the role of U.S. Attorney, “Conor Fox,” through the series finale.

In 2015, Morrison wrapped the final season of Fox’s musical comedy series Glee, where he starred as the director of the glee club, “Mr. Schuester.” The show was created by Ryan Murphy and received the Golden Globe award “Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical” in 2010 and 2011.

In June 2013, Morrison released his latest studio album, Where It All Began, which is a Broadway standards record that was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone. Prior to this album, Morrison released his debut, self-titled album through Mercury Records in 2011, which featured an A-list lineup of guest artists including Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sir Elton John.

In 2012, Morrison starred in the Lionsgate film, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, which was based on the book of the same name, directed by Kirk Jones. The film also starred Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Dennis Quaid among others. Morrison played a famous dance show star who is faced with the unexpected demands of fatherhood. The film was released on May 18, 2012.

In March 2012, Morrison hosted and narrated the PBS special entitled Oscar Hammerstein II- Out of My Dreams, which focused on the Broadway producer’s life and career. Also in March 2012, Morrison was featured in a performance of Dustin Lance Black’s play, 8 – a staged reenactment of the federal trial that overturned California’s Prop 8 ban on same-sex marriage. The performance raised money for the American Foundation for Equal Rights.

Morrison studied musical theatre, vocal performance and dance at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. He made his debut on Broadway in Footloose, but his big break came when he was cast as heartthrob “Link Larkin” in the hit Hairspray. Morrison was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for 10 Million Miles. He also starred in the Tony® Award-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater in New York.

Morrison currently resides in New York.

 

About Shoshana Bean

Shoshana Bean’s four independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes charts in the U.S. and U.K., with her latest album Spectrum landing at number one on the Billboard Jazz Charts.

Bean made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray and starred as the very first replacement for “Elphaba” in Wicked. Most recently, she appeared as “Fanny Brice” in Funny Girl and as “Cee-Cee Bloom” in the new musical adaptation of Beaches, for which she earned a Jeff Award Nomination for best lead actress in a musical.

She has sold out solo concerts around the globe, lent her voice to countless films and television shows, amassed millions of views on YouTube, toured with Postmodern Jukebox, performed alongside David Foster, Ariana Grande, Brian McKnight and sang backup for Michael Jackson for his 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden. She arranged vocals for Jennifer Lopez’s American Idol performance of “I Luh Ya Papi,” and her music has been featured in television shows on NBC, MTV, Oxygen, Bravo and Showtime.

# # #

CAST REVEALED FOR ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S LOVE NEVER DIES

 

NORTH TEXAS’ PREMIERE ENGAGEMENT COMES TO MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
AND BASS PERFORMANCE HALL IN 2018!

Music
Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics
Glenn Slater

Book
Andrew Lloyd Webber & Ben Elton

Additional Lyrics
Charles Hart

Orchestrations
David Cullen & Andrew Lloyd Webber

Dallas, TX (August 17, 2017) – Casting has been announced for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LOVE NEVER DIES, the spellbinding sequel to THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. The tour will play at the Music Hall at Fair Park July 24 – August 5, 2018 presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The production will then head to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall August 7-12, 2018 presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

Direct from the highly successful production of LOVE NEVER DIES in Hamburg, Germany, Gardar Thor Cortes will portray the man behind the mask, ‘The Phantom,’ with Meghan Picerno as ‘Christine Daaé,’ Karen Mason as ‘Madame Giry,’ Sean Thompson as ‘Raoul,’ Mary Michael Patterson as ‘Meg Giry,’ and Casey Lyons and Jake Heston Miller sharing the role of ‘Gustave.’ The trio of Phantom’s henchmen include Katrina Kemp as ‘Fleck,’ Richard Koons as ‘Squelch,’ Stephen Petrovich as ‘Gangle,’ Gardar Thor Cortes is appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association.  The producers gratefully acknowledge Actors’ Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

The ensemble includes Chelsey Arce, Erin Chupinsky, Diana DiMarzio, Tyler Donahue, Yesy Garcia, Alyssa Giannetti, Michael Gillis, Tamar Greene, Natalia Lepore Hagan, Lauren Lukacek, Alyssa McAnany, Rachel Anne Moore, Bronson Norris Murphy, Dave Schoonover, Adam Soniak, Kelly Swint, Lucas John Thompson, Correy West, Arthur Wise and Borris York.

LOVE NEVER DIES is a dazzling new production, which takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Audiences will be seduced by the beautiful, sometimes magical and poetic, sometimes joyful, and occasionally melancholic score. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories.

The new touring production will reflect an extensive re-working of the material by an Australian creative team for the original Australian premiere in 2011. Described by Chris Boyd in The Australian as “The best thing Lloyd Webber has written in the quarter century since THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA”.

Directed by Simon Phillips (PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL) with new set and costume designs by Gabriela Tylesova, choreography by 2011 Astaire Awards winner Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and sound design by Mick Potter, the show is one of the few instances of a major West End musical being given a complete makeover for subsequent productions.

Lloyd Webber said he knew about five minutes into seeing its first run-through that he and the new production team had achieved something special. “I have the great joy of being able to say that I think this production is probably the finest one I could ever, ever hope for.”

The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and The Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. In this new, electrically charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love and musical protégée, Christine Daaé.

Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine accepts an invitation to travel from Paris to New York to perform at a renowned opera house. Christine’s marriage to Raoul is suffering at the hands of his drinking and gambling and they desperately need the financial rewards that America can give them.

In a final bid to win back Christine’s love, The Phantom lures her, Raoul, and their young son Gustave, from Manhattan to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island – not knowing what is in store for them.

Since its premiere in 2010, LOVE NEVER DIES has enjoyed productions worldwide in London, Australia, Denmark, Japan and Germany, as well as multiple recordings including a concept album and a London cast recording. A DVD release of the Australian production has delighted fans globally, and now the North American tour brings the musical to the US for the first time.

For more information, please visit www.loveneverdies.com.

Single tickets for the Dallas-Fort Worth engagements of LOVE NEVER DIES will go on sale at a later time. Please purchase a 2017-2018 Broadway season ticket(s) for access.

•     •     •

Dallas Summer Musicals’ highly anticipated 2017-2018 Broadway season will kick off with the season add-on IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, December 5-10, 2017; followed by THE COLOR PURPLE, Jan. 23 – Feb. 4, 2018; ON YOUR FEET!, Feb. 27 – Mar. 11, 2018; WAITRESS, Mar. 28 – Apr. 8, 2018; LES MISÉRABLES, Apr. 24 – May 6, 2018; DISNEY’S THE LION KING, Jun. 13 – Jul. 8, 2018; LOVE NEVER DIES, Jul. 24 – Aug. 5, 2018; and closing the season will be SCHOOL OF ROCK, Aug. 15-26, 2018.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ seven show season tickets start at $150 and are on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1-866-276-4884 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Season tickets can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park box office Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Payment plan options are available. In addition, season ticket buyers have the option to include the season add-on to their season subscription, which is discounted for subscribers.

Perks of being a season ticket holder are interest-free payment options, savings over single ticket pricing, ticket exchange privileges, priority access to tickets, and free parking.

Groups of 10+ receive a discount and groups of 15+ receive a 15% discount to M Dining. Group orders placed before tickets go on sale to the general public get priority seating. For more perks and information or to purchase tickets please call 214-426-4768 or e-mail groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org. Discounts are subject to change depending on price level and performance.

HAMILTON and ALADDIN will be coming to Dallas Summer Musicals in its 2018-2019 Broadway season! Subscribers from the 2017-2018 Broadway season will have first access to HAMILTON and ALADDIN when renewing for the 2018-2019 Broadway season. Performance dates and times will be announced at a later time.

 

WAITRESS ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOURING CAST!

 

Dallas, TX (August 9, 2017) – Full casting has been announced for the upcoming National Touring Production of WAITRESS, the new Broadway musical from Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles inspired by Adrienne Shelley’s 2007 motion picture. The tour will play at the Music Hall at Fair Park March 28 – April 8, 2018 presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The production will then head over to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall June 19-24, 2018 presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

The WAITRESS cast will be led by Desi Oakley (LES MISERABLES, EVITA) as Jenna, and Lenne Klingaman as Dawn with Bryan Fenkhart (MEMPHIS) as Dr. Pomatter, Nick Bailey (“Red Oaks”) as Earl and Ryan G. Dunkin (“Bull”) as Cal. They will be joined by current Broadway cast members Charity Angél Dawson (WAITRESS, SIDE SHOW) as Becky, Larry Marshall (WAITRESS, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ) as Old Joe and Jeremy Morse (WAITRESS) as Ogie.

The ensemble includes Skyler Adams, Law Terrell Dunford, Patrick Dunn, Jim Hogan, David Hughey, Arica Jackson, Kyra Kennedy, Emily Koch, Maiesha McQueen, Gerianne Perez, Grace Stockdale.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I AM SAM), choreography by Lorin Latarro (LES DANGEREUSE LIASONS, WAITING FOR GODOT) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (HAIR, PIPPIN, FINDING NEVERLAND).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune.  WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire.  Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

National Tour of WAITRESS Premieres in Cleveland, OH at the Connor Palace Theatre in Playhouse Square on October 17th, 2017. For more tour information, please visit http://waitressthemusical.com

Single tickets for the Dallas-Fort Worth engagements of WAITRESS will go on sale later this year. Please purchase a 2017-2018 Broadway season ticket(s) for access.

•     •     •

Dallas Summer Musicals’ highly anticipated 2017-2018 Broadway season will kick off with the season add-on IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, December 5-10, 2017; followed by THE COLOR PURPLE, Jan. 23 – Feb. 4, 2018; ON YOUR FEET!, Feb. 27 – Mar. 11, 2018; WAITRESS, Mar. 28 – Apr. 8, 2018; LES MISÉRABLES, Apr. 24 – May 6, 2018; DISNEY’S THE LION KING, Jun. 13 – Jul. 8, 2018; LOVE NEVER DIES, Jul. 24 – Aug. 5, 2018; and closing the season will be SCHOOL OF ROCK, Aug. 15-26, 2018.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ seven show season tickets start at $150 and are on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1-866-276-4884 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST. Season tickets can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park box office Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Payment plan options are available. In addition, season ticket buyers have the option to include the season add-on to their season subscription, which is discounted for subscribers.

Perks of being a season ticket holder are interest-free payment options, savings over single ticket pricing, ticket exchange privileges, priority access to tickets, and free parking.

Groups of 10+ receive a 15% discount and groups of 35+ receive a 20% discount. Group orders placed before tickets go on sale to the general public get priority seating, a 15% discount to M Dining for groups of 15+, and many other great perks. For more information or to purchase tickets please call 214-426-4768 or e-mail groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

* Not available for all shows.

HAMILTON and ALADDIN will be coming to Dallas Summer Musicals in its 2018-2019 Broadway season! Subscribers from the 2017-2018 Broadway season will have first access to HAMILTON and ALADDIN when renewing for the 2018-2019 Broadway season. Performance dates and times will be announced at a later time.

The 2018 Broadway at the Bass season was announced earlier this year and includes these co-presentations with Dallas Summer Musicals – WAITRESS, June 19-24, 2018; LOVE NEVER DIES, Aug.  7-12, 2018; and SCHOOL OF ROCK, Aug. 28 – Sept. 2, 2018. The 2018 at the Bass season kicks off with SOMETHING ROTTEN!, Jan. 17-21, 2018, followed by FINDING NEVERLAND, March 20-25, 2018. Season ticket packages are on sale now.


About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Since 1941, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the very best in Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs. DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Performing Arts Fort Worth:

The mission of the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall is to serve as a permanent home to major performing arts organizations of Fort Worth and as a premiere venue for other attractions so as to enhance the range, quality, and accessibility of cultural fare available to the public; to promulgate arts education; and to contribute to the cultural life of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, and the region.

Built entirely with private funds, Bass Performance Hall is permanent home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Cliburn. Each resident company operates independently from Performing Arts Fort Worth and manages its own programming schedule at Bass Hall.

Performing Arts Fort Worth, the nonprofit organization that oversees management of the Hall, also presents national Touring Broadway product under the Broadway at the Bass banner, as well as programming that includes Family Series at the Bass, and the BNSF Popular Entertainment Series.

The 2,042-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.

About Broadway Across America:

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel.  Led by 11-time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Groundhog Day, Hairspray, Hello, Dolly!, Million Dollar Quartet, On Your Feet!, The Producers, School of Rock and Waitress. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.

 

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KENNETH T. NOVICE NAMED DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS PRESIDENT

Kenneth T. Novice | Photo by Jeff Lorch

 

10 Month Nationwide Search Culminates with One of the Top Professionals in the Country as the New Head of 77-Year Old Beloved Performing Arts Organization

Dallas, TX (April 22, 2017) Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) announces the appointment of Kenneth T. Novice as its President. Novice will begin his position on May 1, 2017 with an immediate plan of action to continue the work that David Hyslop, DSM’s Interim Managing Director, started last year of instilling stability and sustainability for the organization.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ken to Dallas as the next President of the Dallas Summer Musicals,” said Ted Munselle, DSM Board Chair. “His experience is the perfect blend of what DSM needs to continue to excel at what we do best, and to build upon our storied history as a leader in the Dallas arts community. Ken has an engaging personality, as well as a broad vision of where we can and should go as an organization. His ability to think outside of the box will help keep DSM relevant and exciting for future generations of arts patrons. We sincerely believe that Ken is the best person to take us forward into our next 77 years, continuing and expanding DSM’s great legacy, while ensuring DSM’s financial and artistic success in the future.”

Novice is a seasoned theater management executive with over three decades of leadership experience. He previously served as Managing Director of Los Angeles’ Geffen Playhouse and Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena, CA. Novice’s career includes organizations with rich cultural histories similar to Dallas Summer Musicals, including San Diego’s The Old Globe and Circle Repertory Theatre in New York. Novice also served as Head of Theatre Management, designing curriculum and teaching courses for the California State University Long Beach Theatre Management MFA/MBA program.

Novice led the Geffen Playhouse from 2009 to 2015, developing and executing the organization’s strategic plan and producing such notable productions as the West Coast premiere of John Logan’s I’LL EAT YOU LAST starring Bette Midler, the world premiere of Beth Henley’s THE JACKSONIAN starring Ed Harris which transferred to New York, the West Coast premiere and Kennedy Center productions of THURGOOD starring Laurence Fishburne among many others. Novice’s credits at Pasadena Playhouse include the world premiere of the Tony Award-nominated musical SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL and the acclaimed production of August Wilson’s FENCES starring Laurence Fishburne and Angela Basset among many others. Novice’s career is marked by a dedication to education and outreach, developing community partnerships, building brands and communication programs and increasing board engagement.

“On my first visit to Dallas Summer Musicals I was immediately impressed by the dedication, pride and passion of the Board of Directors,” said Novice. “Dallas Summer Musicals has been the crown jewel of the Dallas arts community for decades; the opportunity to lead this venerable company into the future with new partner Broadway Across America and the dedicated board and staff is an honor. I look forward to engaging deeply with the Dallas community, building community and business partnerships and deepening the positive impact that the best of Broadway can have on young people through education and outreach initiatives. There is a great deal of momentum behind Dallas Summer Musicals at the moment; there is no better time to build long-term philanthropic support for an organization that will not only bring the acclaimed HAMILTON and other top-notch musicals to Dallas audiences but also spark a deeper interest in musical theater as an art form and provide excellent educational programs derived from the work on stage.”

David Hyslop, a respected arts veteran, has served as DSM’s Interim Managing Director since May of 2016 while the Board of Directors launched a search for a permanent President. Immediately recognizing the potential of DSM, Hyslop begin establishing collaborative partnerships and building on the opportunities to revitalize the organization. Hyslop will stay on in an advisory capacity to ensure a smooth transition as Novice begins his new position.

“We are extremely grateful for all that David has done for DSM over the last year. His extensive experience and contacts in the arts community in Dallas and across the country have been invaluable to DSM. David provided significant leadership, as well as a calm voice of reason, to DSM and our Board, and helped provide stability and leadership to the organization throughout this transition,” commented Munselle on Hyslop’s time at DSM.

DSM’s Search Committee was headed by Executive Board Member Scott Collier. The committee interviewed many candidates but felt that Novice had the right skills to keep the beloved tradition of DSM, expand the outreach programs and funding and help obtain financial security for the organization. “The search committee spoke with various members of management, Board members and colleagues from Ken’s former positions at the Geffen, The Broad Stage, Pasadena Playhouse and The Old Globe and without exception, Ken was enthusiastically recommended for this position,” said Collier. Novice will also steer DSM into the new era that the organization promised the community as part of the new partnership with Broadway Across America, to bring the best and brightest shows from Broadway and beyond to the Metroplex.

Dallas Summer Musicals Names New President with New Mission
-The Dallas Morning News

Dallas Summer Musicals’ 2016-2017 season continues with CIRCUS 1903 – THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS, May 23 – June 4, 2017 and closes the season with THE BODYGUARD, July 18-30, 2017. Single tickets are available at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park box office Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ highly anticipated 2017-2018 Broadway season will kick off with the season add-on IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS, Dec. 5-10, 2017; followed by THE COLOR PURPLE, Jan. 23 – Feb. 4, 2018; ON YOUR FEET!, Feb. 27 – Mar. 11, 2018; WAITRESS, Mar. 28 – Apr. 8, 2018; LES MISÉRABLES, Apr. 24 – May 6, 2018; DISNEY’S THE LION KING, Jun. 13 – Jul. 8, 2018; LOVE NEVER DIES, Jul. 24 – Aug. 5, 2018; and closing the season will be SCHOOL OF ROCK, Aug. 15-26, 2018.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ 2017/18 season tickets are on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 1-866-276-4884 Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST. Season tickets can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park box office Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Payment plan options are available. In addition, season ticket buyers have the option to include the season add-on to their season subscription, which is discounted for subscribers.

For groups of 10 or more call 214-426-4768 or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

HAMILTON and ALADDIN will be coming to Dallas Summer Musicals in its 2018-2019 Broadway season! Subscribers from the 2017-2018 Broadway season will have first access to HAMILTON and ALADDIN when renewing for the 2018-2019 Broadway season. Performance dates and times will be announced at a later time.


About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Since 1941, the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals Inc. (DSM) has presented the very best in Broadway to North Texas audiences. Located in the historic Music Hall at Fair Park, DSM promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to offer affordable ticket prices, preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and develop impactful community programs. DSM gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors, annual fund donors and corporate partners American Airlines, Texas Instruments, The Dallas Morning News, and WFAA TV Channel 8. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

 

 

Full Casting Announced for AN AMERICAN IN PARIS National Tour

An American In Paris

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
THE MOST AWARDED NEW MUSICAL OF 2015
ANNOUNCES FULL CASTING FOR NATIONAL TOUR

New York, NY – The producers of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, the most awarded new musical of 2015 and winner of four Tony Awards®, have announced the full cast for the upcoming national tour. As previously announced, Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin will be played by Garen Scribner and Sara Esty, who performed these leading roles on Broadway. Joining them are Etai Benson (Wicked) as Adam Hochberg; Emily Ferranti (Wicked, Dreamgirls) as Milo Davenport; Gayton Scott (Gypsy, The Women) as Madame Baurel; and Nick Spangler (The Book of Mormon, Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) as Henri Baurel.

Leigh-Ann Esty (Miami City Ballet) and Ryan Steele (Newsies, Matilda) join the cast as the Lise and Jerry alternates. Rounding out the ensemble are: Karolina Blonski, Brittany Bohn, Stephen Brower, Randy Castillo, Jessica Cohen, Jace Coronado, Barton Cowperthwaite, Alexa De Barr, Erika Hebron, Christopher M. Howard, Colby Q. Lindeman, Nathalie Marrable, Tom Mattingly, Caitlin Meighan, Alida Michal, Don Noble, Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Alexandra Pernice, David Prottas, Emily Ramirez, Danielle Santos, Lucas Segovia, Kyle Vaughn, Laurie Wells, Dana Winkle, Erica Wong and Blake Zelesnikar.

The national tour will premiere in Boston at the Citi Wang Theatre October 25-November 6, following a preview period at Proctor’s in Schenectady, NY. The full tour route can be found on www.AnAmericanInParisBroadway.com.

Inspired by the Academy-Award winning film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Directed and choreographed by 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and a book by Craig Lucas.

The creative team is also comprised of Tony Award-winners Bob Crowley (set and costume designer) and Natasha Katz (lighting designer); Jon Weston (sound designer); 59 Productions (projection designer); Rob Fisher (musical score adaption, arrangement and supervision); Todd Ellison (musical supervisor); David Andrews Rogers (musical director/conductor); Christopher Austin and Bill Elliott (orchestrations); Sam Davis (dance arrangements); Telsey + Company/Rachel Hoffman, C.S.A. (casting); Rick Steiger (production supervisor); Dontee Kiehn (associate director); and Sean Kelly (associate choreographer).

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four 2015 Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Best Musical, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and two Theatre World Awards. The musical was included on the Year’s Best lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, the Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy Award.

The score of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “‘S’Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”

The production opened to widespread critical acclaim at the Palace Theatre on Broadway on April 12, 2015 after its world premiere at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris November 22, 2014-January 4, 2015. The New York production recently played its 500th performance, and continues at the Palace Theatre through Sunday, October 9, 2016. A West End production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will start in March 2017 at the Dominion Theatre

The producers are Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan and Roy Furman by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, Pittsburgh CLO and Théâtre du Châtelet.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is presented by Dallas Summer Musicals
January 31 – February 12, 2017 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

To secure your tickets, become a DSM Subscriber today!

Season Tickets On Sale Now! For more info, visit: www.DallasSummerMusicals.org

RAGTIME – National Tour To Make Its Dallas Premiere!

 ragtime_artwork

NATIONAL TOUR TO MAKE ITS DALLAS PREMIERE
AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
MAY 24 – JUNE 5

Dallas, TX (May 5, 2016) – At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing…and anything is possible.  RAGTIME returns to the road in an all-new touring production that Bloomberg News hails as “explosive, thrilling and nothing short of a masterpiece.” The Music Hall at Fair Park will be swept away by this ravishing and relevant production on May 24 – June 5 presented by Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM).

Winning Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Musical Score, this 13-time Tony Award nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life – what it could and should be!  The Hollywood Reporter declares that RAGTIME is “one of the best musicals of recent decades.” Its celebrated score includes “Wheels of a Dream,” “Back to Before” and the title song, “Ragtime.”

RAGTIME features a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and is based on E.L. Doctorow’s best-selling 1975 novelTony-nominated Director & Choreographer Marcia Milgrom Dodge will helm the production.   Scenic Design by Kevin Depinet, Lighting Design by Mike Baldassari and Sound Design by Craig Cassidy.

The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold – set in turn-of-the-century New York – all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow.  Their compelling stories are set to theatre’s richest and most glorious Tony Award®-winning score.

RAGTIME, E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel, won the National Book Critics Circle award and sold 4.5 million copies. It became a film in 1981 and a Broadway musical in 1998.  The original 1998 production ran on Broadway for 834 performances. A 2009 Broadway revival received rapturous reviews and is now on tour throughout North America.

The RAGTIME tour for North America is produced by Phoenix Entertainment www.phoenix-ent.com.

For more information, visit www.ragtimeontour.com.


Single tickets for RAGTIME, from $20-$99 (pricing subject to change), are now on sale 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.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ 2016 Season will continue with BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, June 14-26, 2016; and closing the season will be 42ND STREET, June 28 – July 10, 2016. DSM’s highly awaited 2016 – 17 Season Announcement ‘Broadways Most Wanted’ is set to be revealed soon. A season teaser campaign is now online and throughout DSM’s social media platforms!

Choose Your Own packages for the last three DSM 2016 season shows, are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org and by phone at 1.800.514.ETIX (3849). They can also be purchased at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane Suite 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center.


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 education and community outreach programs, while 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 Kids Club is a program created to foster tomorrow’s musical theatre audience. Through exciting activities children gain an interest, hands-on-knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts. In addition, 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 celebrate the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. DSM Associate Producers is a dynamic group of young professionals with a mission to support DSM by cultivating future patrons and leaders making DSM part of the culture for young professionals in Dallas. DSM Guild is a group of individuals who share a love of musical theatre and support DSM by providing stellar service and hospitality to the cast and crew of every show.
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, leading to the development of Hear Us Now!™; a device which utilizes five assistive listening technologies (T-coils, FM Classroom, Streamers, FM systems, and traditional headsets) to deliver a clear and direct audio signal. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Seats for Vets, DSM’s newest initiative, serves war veterans and their families by providing them discounted access to a unique theatrical experience as a way of 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.
#   #   #

WICKED – BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER RETURNS TO NORTH TEXAS!

wicked_pressrelease
BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND WINNIE HOLZMAN
BASED ON THE NOVEL BY GREGORY MAGUIRE

BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER
RETURNS TO DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS 
APRIL 20 – MAY 22 AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
*        *        *
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

Dallas, TX (April 4, 2016) – Broadway’s biggest blockbuster and Dallas’s most popular musical, will return to The Music Hall at Fair Park April 20 – May 22, 2016 presented by Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM). Tickets for the return engagement are now on sale.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Godspell, Academy Award®-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…).

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED is the winner of over 100 international major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards.

Single tickets for WICKED, from $40-$179 (pricing subject to change), are now on sale 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 15 or more receive a 10% discount (on weekday evening performances and Sunday nights as well as Thursday, April 21st matinee), VIP handling, and many more benefits. Please call 214.426.GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

“We are thrilled to present once again Broadway’s greatest hit WICKED as we bring the Emerald City back to the Dallas Summer Musicals stage at the Music Hall at Fair Park. An enthralling musical, WICKED delivers splendid performances and a luscious visual production for a truly unforgettable experience. Our 5th engagement of this spectacle will be one to remember” said Michael A. Jenkins, DSM President and Managing Director.

The surprising tale of an unlikely friendship between two women in the Land of Oz, WICKED tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, long before Dorothy drops in.  Elphaba, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. Glinda is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.  The remarkable odyssey of how these unexpected friends changed each other’s lives for good has made WICKED one of the world’s most popular musicals.

WICKED has been declared “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety and “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly.  WICKED has been performed in over 100 cities in 13 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, and Mexico) and has thus far been translated into five languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, and Korean.

Grammy Award-Winning Cast recording available on Decca Broadway. For more information about WICKED log on to www.wickedthemusical.com.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ 2016 Season will continue with 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.

Choose Your Own Package for any three DSM 2016 season shows, are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org and by phone at 1.800.514.ETIX (3849). They can also be purchased at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542, Preston Royal Shopping Center.


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 education and community outreach programs, while 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 Kids Club is a program created to foster tomorrow’s musical theatre audience. Through exciting activities children gain an interest, hands-on-knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts. In addition, 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 celebrate the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. DSM Associate Producers is a dynamic group of young professionals with a mission to support DSM by cultivating future patrons and leaders making DSM part of the culture for young professionals in Dallas. DSM Guild is a group of individuals who share a love of musical theatre and support DSM by providing stellar service and hospitality to the cast and crew of every show. 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, leading to the development of Hear Us Now!®; a device which utilizes five assistive listening technologies (T-coils, FM Classroom, Streamers, FM systems, and traditional headsets) to deliver a clear and direct audio signal. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Seats for Vets, DSM’s newest initiative, serves war veterans and their families by providing them discounted access to a unique theatrical experience as a way of 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.

#     #     #

 

Dallas Summer Musicals Curtain Call Kicks-Off at Bistro 31

cc-header-copy

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 16, 2016
at the Music Hall at Fair Park

(October 29, 2015 – Dallas, TX)   Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) Curtain Call kicked-off its 2016 gala Cirque du Musicale on October 26th at a soirée hosted by Bistro 31 in Highland Park Village.

Gala chairs Suzanne and David Palmlund welcomed supporters announcing the gala date of Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, saying this gala will be like none other! Many surprises are in store at Curtain Call which supports Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the Best of Broadway to North Texas and provide for children’s education and outreach programs.  Sponsors’ support will bring the magic of musical theater to so many children who otherwise would never experience it — magic created through programs such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Vets, Seats for Kids, DSM Academy of Performing Arts, Kid’s Club, Stage Right and Hear Us Now!®. Mayor Mike Rawlings is honorary chair.

Special thanks went to Michael Bratcher, manager of Bistro 31 and host, as patrons enjoyed specialty hors d’oeuvres and wines, including a specialty cocktail created especially for this evening’s announcements.

Patron Party chair Hilary Roberts, well-known Dallas performer, shared a story of her life-long passion for the arts, especially musicals, and treated the gathering to a beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” Afterwards, she announced her own gift of $10,000 and challenged everyone to match those funds, starting with a $5,000 bid, which was matched. In another challenge to meet or beat that amount, a lump sum of $30,000 was pledged. Hilary remarked how this generosity and dedication to DSM touches all of our hearts, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. A total of $45,000 was raised at this evening’s event!

DSM’s premier fundraiser of the year, Curtain Call is an exciting evening of gourmet delights, inspiration, and entertainment! Curtain Call – Cirque du Musicale will provide guests with a break from the traditional seated dinner format and transport them to a creative, cirque-influenced dining experience and evening filled with cirque entertainment, delicious tastes and bites from a select menu designed by a celebrity chef and prepared by M Dining at the Music Hall, exciting auctions, and open bars – all followed by a special performance in the theatre and a night cap at a cabaret, dessert, and cigar lounge. This is your opportunity to indulge in everything you love about DSM and musical theatre, and share in the Magic of the Music Hall at Fair Park with your closest clients, friends, and family.

Sponsorships and underwriting available starting at $5,000. Cirque Party of 10 packages start at $4,000. Diamond Cirque VIP gala event tickets are $760 and include all event benefits: early access at 6: 00 p.m. to cocktail reception, first look at auctions, gourmet dinner, and concert. Individual gala event tickets are $400 and include:  access at 7:00 p.m., cocktails and dinner, and concert. All Curtain Call underwriting opportunities and benefits are available through the web site at: dallassummermusicals.org  and can be purchased online at dallassummermusicals.giv.sh/756d or by calling the Development office at DSM, 214-413-3961 and email at jjenner@dallassummermusicals.org

Curtain Call Sponsors:  The Greatest Star/Patron Party Sponsors: Hilary L. Roberts and J. Baxter Brinkmann; Superstar Cirque Announcer: Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians; Cirque Trapeze Star: Texas Instruments. Media Sponsors: Park Cities News/The Waters Family.

Dallas Summer Musicals presenting sponsor is Texas Instruments. Season sponsors are American Airlines, The Dallas Morning News and WFAA Channel 8.

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Beyond presenting Broadway shows and extraordinary musical theatre performances, DSM annually invests in sustaining and expanding the following DSM educational and programming initiatives:

DSM ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS offers professional training – integrating the disciplines of singing, acting and dancing – in satellite locations throughout the Dallas metro area.  To ensure access to all learners, the school offers scholarships to promising students with limited financial resources. For more information, visit: dsmschool.org

DSM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS is patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the Arts to significantly improve all areas of education.  The 5th Annual High School Musical Theatre Awards is scheduled for April 14, 2016.  Sponsorships start at $5,000 and support college scholarships to outstanding and deserving participants. For more information visit: dallassummermusicals.giv.sh/b5c7

KIDS CLUB is a free membership program created to develop tomorrow’s musical theatre audience.  Through exciting activities, special events, backstage tours and informational exchanges, children gain an interest, hands-on knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts. For more information visit: dallassummermusicals.org/showpage-forkids or email kidsclub@dallassummermusicals.org

SEATS FOR KIDS provides a meaningful theatre arts experience to low-income, at-risk and special needs children.  Every year DSM provides children in the Dallas area experience live musical theatre, many for the first time, through this program.

HEAR US NOW utilizes five assistive listening device technologies (T-coils, FM Classroom, Streamers, FM systems, and traditional headsets) to deliver clear and direct audio signal from the performers so that patrons with limited hearing abilities can enjoy the show.

DSM SEATS FOR VETS DSM has a long established tradition of providing discounted access to military veterans and their families.  The new DSM Seats for Vets initiative is an intentional effort to do more – built on the idea that “their service deserves great seats.”

DSM COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE – As a part of DSM’s 76th season, Disney’s The Little Mermaid returns to the DSM stage for a three-week run organized by DSM in March, 2016.  During the show’s run, DSM will organize a DSM Community Performance and offer the Dallas community complimentary seats in the Music Hall at Fair Park.

DSM GUILD The DSM Guild is looking for prospective members and sponsors. Guild members share a love of musical theatre, provide special Dallas hospitality to the traveling companies by hosting opening night cast parties and serving donated meals, and enthusiastically support DSM.  Interested in joining please email dsmguild@dallassummermusicals.org

DSM ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS The DSM Associate Producers is a dynamic group of young professionals between the ages of 21 and 45. Their mission is to cultivate future patrons and leaders of DSM and to make DSM part of the culture for young professionals in Dallas. To learn more, please visit associateproducers.org

The public can play a part in bringing the Best of Broadway to the young people in our community! Charitable contributions are vital to the sustainability of these initiatives at Dallas Summer Musicals.  Please assist DSM in its mission to build awareness for the enjoyment and educational values of musical theater as it does so through its ongoing education and community programs.

For more information including sponsorships, booking, or program details, please contact the DSM Development Department at 214.413.3961 or jjenner@dallassummermusicals.org.


 

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 education and community outreach programs, while 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 Kids Club is a program created to foster tomorrow’s musical theatre audience. Through exciting activities children gain an interest, hands-on-knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts. In addition, 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 celebrate the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. DSM Associate Producers is a dynamic group of young professionals with a mission to support DSM by cultivating future patrons and leaders by making DSM part of the culture for young professionals in Dallas. DSM Guild is a group of individuals who share a love of musical theatre and support DSM by providing stellar service and hospitality to the cast and crew of every show. 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, leading to the development of Hear Us Now!™; a device which utilizes five assistive listening technologies (T-coils, FM Classroom, Streamers, FM systems, and traditional headsets) to deliver a clear and direct audio signal. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Seats for Vets, DSM’s newest initiative, serves war veterans and their families by providing them discounted access to a unique theatrical experience as a way of 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.

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TOP 10 Reasons To See THE SOUND OF MUSIC!

  1. Ashley Brown’s goosebump-giving rendition of, “Climb Every Mountain” –bring tissues because it might bring a tear to your eye! Hear a taste of it in this video: SOM_ash copy

  2. The velvet harmonies of Kerstin Anderson (Maria) and Ashley Brown (Mother Abess)!SOM2 copy

  3. The ever-so-charming patriarch, Ben Davis as Captain Von Trapp! 06.TheSoundOfMusic.BDavis.Edelweiss_withCredit(Not to mention his awesome blog devoted exclusively to… donuts! Click here for The Davis Donut Diary)

  4. The absolutely adorable Von Trap children… need we say more?kids3

  5. Director Jack O’Brien’s fresh vision! Although it’s based on the original stage production, this is not your mother’s Sound of MusicSOM_jack

  6. Hearing the orchestra play THE SOUND OF MUSIC score LIVE… As the overture fills the theater, it’s inevitably going to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

  7. Kerstin Anderson as Maria. No, she’s not Julie Andrews, and we’re loving her! Hear what Ashley Brown and Ben Davis have to say about Kerstin taking on such an iconic role: SOM_kerst

  8. The costumes! Jane Greenwood (18 Tony Award nominations) has worked her magic yet again, with THE SOUND OF MUSIC. -And YES, Maria’s wedding dress train is still forever long, and it flows flawlessly!

  9. Singing nuns! Their beautiful voices reach up to the rafters with angelic grace. They’re sure to impress!

  10. THE FINALE. Tensions are high as the Von Trapp family flees Austria, scenic designer Douglas W. Schmidt’s final set will drop your jaw, and Ashley Brown’s incomparable voice strikes again to close the show. You DO NOT want to miss it!

 -DSM Haley

The Sound of Music is presented by Dallas Summer Musicals November 3-22, 2015 at Music Hall Fair Park.

A MOTHER'S LETTER TO KINKY BOOTS

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!

Kinky Boots Coming To North Texas!

2013 TONY® AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL

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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.

Press Club of Dallas Names Michael A. Jenkins 2014 Newsmaker of the Year

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Press Club of Dallas Names Michael A. Jenkins 2014 Newsmaker of the Year

Dallas, TX…The Press Club of Dallas will present the 2014 Newsmaker of the Year Award to Michael A. Jenkins celebrating his international reputation as a theatre visionary, Dallas Summer Musicals producer, world-wide theme park developer, and Broadway impresario. This exciting evening of music and tributes brings together theatre legends, friends and colleagues to pay homage to Jenkins’ vigorous, creative leadership as DSM enters its 75th year of entertaining Dallas with extraordinary musical theatre.

The Tribute gala will be held at the Music Hall at Fair Park Thursday, November 13 starting at 7 p.m. Tickets for the event, featuring performances by such Broadway stars as Cathy Rigby and Rachel York, are officially sold out.

Belo Distinguished Chair in Journalism at Southern Methodist University Tony Pederson, immediate past president of the Press Club, said, “The Press Club of Dallas is pleased to honor Michael A. Jenkins as Newsmaker of the Year 2014 for his outstanding and lifelong contributions to the performing arts, his leadership of Dallas Summer Musicals, and his award-winning producing ability. Michael has brought national acclaim through his dedication to philanthropy and education of young people in the arts, and for serving as an exemplary citizen of the City of Dallas.”

Press Club of Dallas committee members are thrilled with the generous support received for the November 13th “Playbills, Popcorn and the Press” fundraiser. KLUV Radio’s Jody Dean will emcee the gala and tributes are expected from such dignitaries as Baylor College President Judge Kenneth Starr. Honorary Chairmen are Chuck and Cindy Gummer, and Pat Porter is chairing the event.

Underwriters for the event are The Ruth C. and Charles S. Sharp Foundation, Inc., Ruth and Ken Altshuler, and Cindy and Chuck Gummer, honorary chairs. Donors include Joel and Diane Allison, The Bartner Family Foundation, Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Gene and Kathryne Bishop, The Bozman Family, Mrs. Sis Carr, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook, Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Cooper, Dolorie and Paul Corley, Cottrell Foundation, Peggy Dear, Earth Day Texas, Dr. Jack and Deb Graham, Rick and Donna Graham, Mr. and Mrs. Ron W. Haddock, Dr. and Mrs. O.S. Hawkins, Andy Horner, Caroline Rose Hunt, Dr. Robert and Amy Jeffress, Gemey and Mickey Kaliff, Mark and Patty Lavvorn, Sara and David Martineau, Dr. and Mrs. John McCoy, Jr., Lester and Cynthia Melnick, Jim and Barbara Moroney, William H. Pitt Foundation, Jack Pogue, Marjorie Purnell, Billie Leigh Rippey, Ken and Marilyn Sandstad, Carol and Don Spies, and Steve and Sandy Watson.

The Michael A. Jenkins Tribute Host Committee members are Cindy and Chuck Gummer, Honorary Chairs; Joel and Diane Allison; Ed and Donna Bratton; Dr. Gary and Sheila Cook; Dr. and Mrs. Ken Cooper; Paul and Dolorie Corley; Dr. Jack and Deb Graham; Dr. O.S. and Susie Hawkins; Andy Horner; Dr. Robert and Amy Jeffress; Mark and Patty Lovvorn; Steve and Jennifer Metzger; Jim and Barbara Moroney; Jack Pogue; Rick and Susan Rogers; Ken Sanstead; Carol and Don Spies; Judge Ken and Alice Starr; and Steve and Sandy Watson.

The Tribute committee members are Pat Porter, Chair; April Bosworth (Events and Florals); Cindy and Chuck Gummer; Phyllis Hammond; Jo Ann Holt; Paulette Hopkins; Wendy Jenkins; Brian Mayes; Liz Oliphant; Tony Pederson; and Sandy Watson.

The mission and purpose of the Press Club of Dallas is to initiate, promote, foster and provide for cultural, literary, educational and social activities and undertakings in the field of journalism and related professions.

Chartered by the state of Texas in 1951, the Club received its nonprofit 501 (c)(3) designation from the Internal Revenue Service in 2012.

The Club has a tradition of service to its members and the community through its longstanding programs, including providing college scholarships to aspiring journalists. Four North Texas students are currently receiving scholarships.

In addition to scholarships, the Club offers networking and professional development opportunities through programs and workshops, forums on news-making topics, book signings and actively supports the First Amendment and the public’s right to know. The Club helps the public understand the historic and current roles of journalism and its emerging and evolving forms of delivery.

The Press Club has members from all major news media in North Texas plus professionals in advertising, public relations, corporate communications and various genres of digital media. The Press Club’s goal is to support truth, trust and transparency in journalism and all communications.

# # #

Media Contact: Jo Ann Holt
joannholt@gmail.com or 469-363-7371

FROM THE BACK ROW: Beware of Ticket Scalping

*Ticket Scalping is the act of buying event tickets from licensed sellers, and reselling them at often higher prices

 Hey DSM Fans!

I want to share this brief story of a friend’s experience with a ticket scalper:

My friend was interested in seeing WICKED when it comes to the Music Hall at Fair Park this April.  Knowing I work for DSM, he sent me a text asking if the show is as good as everyone says it is and if I thought his nieces would enjoy it.  After reassuring him that WICKED is a must-see, I told him to click the “buy tickets” link on DSM’s website because it would take him right to our Ticketmaster page.  A few minutes later he wrote, “Wow. $150? These are expensive!  But if you say it’s worth it, then okay.  Are these good seats?”

…The seats were on the very back row in the rear orchestra section.  I was confused.  $150 was more than double the price they should’ve been.  It turns out he did a Google search instead of following my directions.  His search led him right into the hands of a scalper.  I stopped my friend in his tracks and sent him a direct link to the official DSM WICKED Ticketmaster page where he found even better seats for much less than he was about to pay.  I basked in my “I told ya so” moment, and congratulated him on his find.  I’m thrilled that my friend will have the pleasure of introducing his nieces to WICKED this April!

If you choose to buy DSM tickets from an alternative source, there’s a lot of risk involved:

So DSM Fans, this is just a friendly Public Service Announcement from us to you.
Buy your tickets through DSM-official ticketing outlets!

OFFICIAL Dallas Summer Musicals ticketing outlets:

* * *

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 We’re looking forward to seeing you at The Music Hall this month for MARY POPPINS!

-DSM Haley

FROM THE BACK ROW: Student Rush!

Hey DSM Fans!

We are SO excited!  Last week Dallas Summer Musicals launched their STUDENT RUSH program, finally making it affordable for STUDENTS to see some of DSM’s 2013 shows!  One hour before the show, anyone with a valid student ID can purchase the best available seating for ONLY $25!  Students: this means there’s a chance YOU could snag a great seat -front and center- for a fraction of the price…  It’s totally worth it!

STUDENT RUSH will be offered at select performances, so Like Us On Facebook to know when you’ll be able to take advantage of this sweet deal.

   TONIGHT IS THE LAST STUDENT RUSH FOR      CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

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Students, we hope to see you at The Music Hall at Fair Park soon!

(Follow @dsmusicals on Twitter & Instagram too!) 

-DSM Haley

FROM THE BACK ROW: Jet-Setting with Pat Smith

“…on my very first flight I was stuck in Sydney for 5 days.  They put us up in a really nice hotel, gave us a per diem in the currency of the country and said, ‘As long as you’re in uniform 5 days from now, you can do whatever you want!’”                                                                            -Pat Smith

Hey DSM Fans!

In 1963, a very ambitious 22-year-old Pat Smith took a pilot’s advice and applied to work for an international airline.  She got the job, and for 3 years Pat circled the globe living the notoriously glamourous life of a 1960s Pan Am flight attendant!  Luke and I were thrilled that Pat was willing to answer some of our questions, and with CATCH ME IF YOU CAN opening on Tuesday (2/12), the timing was perfect!

Pat Smith - Tokyo - 1963

Pat Smith – Tokyo – 1963

How old were you when you became a Pan Am flight attendant?

I was 22 years of age, 2 weeks out of graduating from the University of Oregon.  It was 1963.

 

What made you decide to apply for the job?

First of all, my dad was in real estate in California and he was selling beautiful lots right outside of San Francisco with a group of Pan Am pilots.  In my senior year at school I had met a bunch of these pilots and they encouraged me to join Pan Am. I was not familiar with it but they told me you fly internationally and it just kind of sounded terribly exciting to me! So that’s how I was introduced to it. I Interviewed and was accepted, and then unbeknownst to me there were 5 other girls from the University of Oregon that were accepted with Pan Am and we all became roommates in San Francisco.

 

What was Pan Am’s training program like?

We had to have a foreign language. I spoke French so I passed that test. For me, the toughest thing was the swimming test.  Even though I could swim, I’ve always been afraid of water, and the application questionnaire asked if you could swim, so I said yes, not realizing that part of the training was jumping in a large Olympic sized pool to prove it! So all 30 of the people jumped in the pool except for me. I’m still standing on the side of the pool thinking, ‘how bad do I really wanna do this??’ So I didn’t dive in, I gently climbed in and did the sidestroke to the other end of the pool. 

We also practiced with life rafts, we did customer relations, we had the white gloves and silver trays, we were told never to take a silver coffee pot out into the isle without having it on a silver tray with cream and sugar on the tray. And in 1st class we cooked! I mean, we literally cooked. And that was hard because it was like a 7 course meal. They’d start off with a beautiful fish course, they’d have caviar, a salad course, the roast with vegetables, and then cherries jubilee.  One of my biggest nightmares was when I forgot to take the ice cream out of the dry ice and it was hard as a rock.  It was easy to forget when you’d have 20-25 people in first class and you’re preparing food for all of them.

 

Did you fly with the girls you were living with?  

A couple of times, but very rarely because we were junior. I don’t know if you saw the Pan Am series where those girls all flew together, but it wasn’t like that. Pan Am hired a majority of their flight attendants outside of the U.S. because they had to speak the language fluently to operate a foreign flight carrier. They hired a lot of French, German, Japanese, and Chinese gals – they’d hire a lot of Icelandic gals because they were so multilingual, which I thought was interesting. So in most cases I was the only American girl on a flight crew of 6.  To me, at 22 years of age right out of college, this was a totally new experience to be talking with all of these girls from Norway and Germany and Tokyo….

 

What was the average pay for a Pan Am Flight Attendant in the 60s?

I think when we started… I wanna say, annually maybe like $7,000 or $8,000 dollars

 

Did Pan Am pay for your living expenses in San Francisco or NY?

No, you had to pay for all of that on your own.  In New York, the apartments were so expensive that there were 5 or 6 of us in a 1-bedroom apartment! So we had bunk beds in the bedroom, and another little twin bed, and a rollaway in the living room.  You didn’t really want people to come in and open the kitchen drawers because they wouldn’t find knives and spoons and forks, they’d find all of our clothes!  But with our different flight schedules we were never there at the same time so it worked out.

 

Did they always put you up in the nicest hotels?

Yes.  It wasn’t ever second rate. And at that time Pan Am owned the Intercontinental Hotel chain, which was a very first-class hotel, and if we got into a city that didn’t have them we stayed somewhere of that same caliber. They took very good care of us. I mean, here we are all over the world, you couldn’t read this in books, it was just a marvelous experience.

 

When you made the choice to become a flight attendant, did you realize what you were getting yourself into?

I had a goal. My goal was to see the world.  And I flew for 3 years because I was pretty ambitious and I had other things I wanted to do, but I knew I couldn’t pass this up.  I was hardly ever home when I lived in San Francisco and New York because I’d be gone for 2 weeks at a time.  I’d bid, I chose to go on these trips. I wouldn’t always get my first bid but I knew exactly what I wanted and that was to get as much travel as I possibly could.  

 

Who were some of your most memorable passengers?

I had Yul Brynner – he was very nice, and very quiet. 

Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. 

Jean Simmons, the movie star – she and Mayor Joseph Alioto were on my flight from Tokyo to San Francisco.  It was November 22 1963, and I’m in the first class galley cooking eggs when the pilot came on and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we’re about an hour outside of Honolulu, but I wanted to let you know that President John F. Kennedy has been shot.”  And that’s where I was.

I had the Rolling Stones!  They were in coach where I was working and they were so entertaining.  They were up and down the aisle, one of them – I don’t remember who it was because I don’t think they were really famous yet – came back and asked for my sweeper, and he swept up and down the aisle.  He kept coming in and actually bothering me because I was trying to get the scrambled eggs out, but they were hysterical!

 

Did you know anyone at Pan Am who crossed paths with Frank Abagnale, Jr.?

My friend Sylvia’s roommate actually knew Frank, and he arrived one night in uniform and asked to borrow $200 from her.  She gave it to him and never saw it again! 

 

Frank Abagnale, Jr. was not a trained pilot, so when he made it on to the plane, what would he do?

He’d come on and posed as a deadhead, so he was never actually flying the plane. His whole imposter was wearing the uniform and riding as a passenger, that’s how he traveled. One time they told Frank he could sit in the jump seat because the plane was full, and he walked into the cockpit and couldn’t find the seat because he had no idea that you were supposed to pull it down.

 

How is flying today different from when you were a flight attendant?

Oh, so much! The food especially. We’d pride ourselves on the presentation, I mean we had orchids on all the displays, and the best champagne and best wine.  But I think #1 would have to be customer relations.  We were told those passengers were like our family.  Smiles, how can I help, if there was a baby on board we’d warm their milk, it was all about being proactive – not waiting until someone asks for something.

But we also had height and weight restrictions, your hair couldn’t touch your shoulders, you reported an hour and a half before your flight and your grooming supervisor would weigh you, and check your uniform, and if you didn’t look right they’d pull you off the flight! But I loved the quality – I think that’s what made Pan Am so special – we were hired, but by golly we better live up to that Pan Am image. 

 

 Do you still keep in touch with the girls you used to fly with?

They’re my best friends. 8 of them were just here a couple years ago.  They’re in San Francisco, Connecticut, Arizona, etc… but I keep in touch because they are my best friends.  There’s definitely still a bond.

“Spring comes to Maiden Lane” in San FranciscoBarbara Longnecker (left) and Pat Smith (right) with  the District Sales Manager from the Pan Am sales office on Union Square

“Spring comes to Maiden Lane” in San Francisco
Barbara Longnecker (left) and Pat Smith (right) with the District Sales Manager from the Pan Am sales office on Union Square, 1963

 

Today, Pat Smith owns her own trade show management company.  She is also President of the DFW chapter of World Wings International.  Currently, there are 40 chapters all around the world, and they each support a local charity.  Pat and the DFW chapter work hard selling cookbooks and calendars, and doing annual fundraisers all to raise money for the local charity, SafeHaven.

-DSM Haley

FROM THE BACK ROW: A Perfect Pugsley

Hey DSM Fans!

13-year-old Cleveland native, Patrick D. Kennedy, is just a normal kid who happens to be part of the National Touring cast of THE ADDAMS FAMILY. As the not-so-normal Pugsley Addams, Patrick gets to play with explosives, embrace an iguana and enjoy the Addams’ torture rack on a nightly basis!  In his dressing room, Patrick shows us Pugsley’s cigar and receives a quick visit from Pippa Pearthree still sporting her Grandma Addams makeup.  He’s practically Pugsley’s angelic alter-ego.  Attentive and sincere, Patrick is nothing short of professional both onstage and off.

Haley and Patrick D. Kennedy

Haley: How old were you when you started performing?

Patrick: I guess I got my start when I was about 8, in a high school production of LES MISÉRABLES.

H: I heard your sister recommended you for the part, is that true?

P: I guess… I don’t know, I just went in to audition! They were already in rehearsals and stuff and I was sitting on the couch watching TV and she was like, “Patrick you’re gonna audition for a musical.”  She knew I liked to sing by myself, but I didn’t like singing in front of people.

H: So the audition was your first time to sing in front of people, was it scary?

P: At first.  But then I realized you can’t see anyone because the lights are so bright!

H: Do you have a favorite part of your show, THE ADDAMS FAMILY?

P: There’s a scene in the beginning of the show when I’m on a torture rack and Cortney Wolfson who plays Wednesday is singing a song called “Pulled” about how her new boyfriend is pulling her into a new direction but she’s not sure if she likes it or if her family can accept it. So during the whole thing when she sings “pulled” she pulls a lever, and my arms and my legs get stretched out.

H: And how exactly does that work?

P: There’s a bicycle seat.  I’ll be sitting on the bicycle seat and my arms and legs are attached to the chains and the chains have weights on the back, so as soon as I move my arms a bit, the weights just take over.  And the weights aren’t that heavy they’re just heavy enough to move my arms and then I can pull them back in.

 

H: I’ve noticed that your song, “What If” is kind of a crowd favorite. What’s it like to be onstage all alone singing that beautiful song?

P: I think it’s strange, but it’s really fun because my character is singing about IF his sister will ever torture him again. And then half way through he realizes that he can do all that stuff himself, but it wouldn’t be the same without his sister.

H: And you have sisters, so you understand…

P: Yes, I have three older sisters.

 

H: I know you like basketball- if you could play in the NBA, what team would you play for?

P: Cleveland Cavaliers

 

H: Have you been across the street to the State Fair of Texas yet?

P: I went to get a Fletcher’s Corn Dog.  It was good.  There was a big, huge line for it though! And I ate some fried food- try the fried smores!

 

H: What’s the most played song on your iPod right now?

P: Umm… I have nothing but musicals on my iPod!

H: Do you have a favorite soundtrack at the moment?

P: I like BONNIE AND CLYDE and I like CARRIE

H: BONNIE AND CLYDE is my favorite right now too, so we have that in common!

Do you have a dream role?

P: There’s a lot!  BOOK OF MORMON, maybe…  playing Elder Price – that would be fun.  Or maybe something in BIG.

 

H: Do you have any idols or role models?

P: I guess some of the [Addams Family] cast members because of their previous history with shows.

H: I bet you learn a lot from them…

P: Oh yes.

 

H: Do you have any pre-show rituals?

P: I have handshakes with people before the show.  And Blake Hammond, who plays Uncle Fester, he teaches me stage fighting.  So before every show we fake-slap each other.  And Pippa Pearthree and I try to scare each other… the score now is 7-me 4 ½ -her.

 

H: Okay, I have to ask… Were YOU in the “Being Part of Newsies” video? Because I love that video!

P: Yes, I was.  That was all done by Jonathan Ritter and Victoria Huston-Elem. They started it when the tour first opened in November and they came up with the idea because when we were in New York rehearsing, the cast of NEWSIES was rehearsing downstairs from us and so we got to know them. That was so much fun to do!  The main part of it that was set backstage was done at the Kennedy Center because we were there for three weeks.  And other parts were shot in Atlanta and Pittsburgh so parts of it were shot all over and pulled together in the video. It took a lot of organizing!

 

H: And finally, do you have any advice for young actors looking to follow in your Broadway footsteps?

P: Just try! There’s always a chance at everything.  Just do your best, you never know what’s gonna happen.

 THE ADDAMS FAMILY is on stage now through October 21st!

-DSM Haley

FROM THE BACK ROW: The Ghost Light

Hey DSM Fans!

Ghost Light:  A single bulb that stands onstage and remains on at all times.  It’s a safety precaution for the first person entering or the last to leave a dark theater.  While it serves a practical purpose, the ghost light gets its name from a popular theatrical superstition.  Legend tells us that every theater has a ghost, and the ghost light wards off these spirits known for causing mischief in the dark.  Some say this ritual dates all the way back to the Shakespearean era, when a candle was left burning to rid the theater of spirits from a previous performance.

In honor of the 2012 State Fair musical, THE ADDAMS FAMILY, the Music Hall is currently home to an exclusive display of original props from the set of the 1960s TV series, The Addams Family!

I’m a sucker for a good ghost story, so all of the spooky décor just adds fuel to the fire of my ghostly thoughts.  It’s hard not to consider the possibility of supernatural activity here in the 87-year-old Music Hall at Fair Park…

I wanted answers.  Although my expectations were low, I asked staff members if they had any tales of a potential Music Hall Phantom.  Surprisingly, the response was better than I had anticipated!  Some employees shared word-of-mouth tales and others brought up unusual cases of moved or missing desk items. However, I received two very creepy (and very genuine) first-person accounts of paranormal encounters here at the Music Hall.

DSM President, Michael Jenkins:

[It was 1:30 in the morning, and Michael was working late.  The bathroom adjacent to his office has two doors, one in his office and one out in the hall.]  “It’s around 1:30 am and I heard this bathroom doorknob turn. …Keep in mind these are pretty heavy doors…  Since this door in my office was closed, I stepped into the hall and went around the corner to check the other bathroom door, but it was closed too.  Initially I thought, ‘Well, I can’t just open the door to check it out… there might be someone in there!’  So I walked back down the hall, into my office and I sat down at my desk.  Seconds later, I heard that heavy door SLAM shut. I immediately said to myself, ‘I’m out of here.’ And I left!”

DSM’s IT Manager, Shawn:

The servers were down, and Shawn was working on them in the wee hours of the morning.  He heard the sound of a door and thought it was an engineer.  Shawn peeked out of his office and saw a short, bald man dressed in white rounding the corner at the end of the hall.  Confused, Shawn called out to him but the man didn’t answer.  He just passed through the doorway at the end of the hall, closing the door behind him.  Shawn followed the man and tried to open the door, but it was locked.  He quickly unlocked and opened the door, only to find a dark hallway and no sign of the man in white. Shawn assured me that he was never a believer in the supernatural until this moment, and after this encounter he found himself walking a bit faster through the Music Hall’s sometimes too-quiet corridors.

At this point in time, Dallas Summer Musicals does not have a ghost light but it certainly sounds like we could use one!

Planning to attend the State Fair? Don’t forget to pay DSM a visit!  If you enter through the fair’s Front Gate, just make a sharp right and come by the Music Hall to check out our FREE display of The Addams Family props and to purchase your ADDAMS FAMILY tickets.  If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Music Hall Phantom!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY is on stage now through October 21st!

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-DSM Haley

FROM THE BACK ROW: THE STATE FAIR BUZZ

Hey DSM Fans!

As many of you know the State Fair of Texas opens one week from today. I know for myself and like many of you, we’re all excited to see all of the new and wonderful things that are coming to the State Fair of Texas this year. When I think of the State Fair of Texas I think of the Fried Foods, The Auto Shows, Big Tex and of course Fletcher’s Famous Corny Dogs.  This year the Fried Foods are bigger and better with tasty new treats such as Deep Fried Mac-N-Cheese Sliders, Chicken Fried Cactus Bites, Fried Mexican Fire Crackers, Fried Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, Fried Cotton Candy, Fried Sugar, Fried Kitty Kat (Kit Kat Bars), Fried Cow Patty, The Cup of Trash Plate, Picnic on a Stick and The Big Tex Choice Award Winner for Fried Foods….Deep Fried Jambalaya. If none of those sound appetizing, don’t worry because I’m sure a Deep Fried Red Velvet Cupcake, a Deep Fried Chicken and Waffle, a Deep Fried Baked Potato or an El Dogito on a Stick will do the job.

During the State Fair, The Chevrolet Main Stage will be hosting free concerts with fair admission for musicals artists such as Kevin Fowler, Uncle Kracker, Bridget Mendler, The Commodores, Kellie Pickler and Kevin Costner with Modern West all month long. Other events include The Chinese Lantern Festival, Creative Arts Shows, Celebrity Kitchen Shows, The Starlight Parade, Illumination Sensation, Birds Of The World, The 2013 State Fair Auto Show, The Southwest Airlines State Fair Classic Football Game, The Livestock Show and Auction, The Agriculture Show, The AT&T Red Rivalry Football Game and of course The Addams Family showing here at The Music Hall at Fair Park. Also, if you buy a ticket to The Addams Family you will receive free admission into the State Fair for that day.

The State Fair of Texas is one of the most delightful and entertaining places for people of all ages. I hope to see all of you in line for a corny dog and then off to the Music Hall at Fair Park for The Addams Family…there goes the neighborhood. Don’t worry we’ll keep the lights off for you.

 

-DSM Luke