The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber comes to Dallas!

Written by DSM Columnists on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 12:11 PM

THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER
PRESENTED BY DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS,
COMES TO THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK April 20-25

Dallas, TX…The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, a special production of Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, comes to the Music Hall at Fair Park April 20-25. Tickets, ranging in price from $15-$71, are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, or any area TicketMaster location, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 214-631-ARTS (2787). Tickets for groups of 15 or more are available by calling 214-426-GROUP.

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber will star six performers who are noted interpreters of Lloyd Webber’s music and well known to Broadway fans: David Josefsberg (Les Misérables, Grease); Kevin Kern (Wicked, Les Misérables); Howard McGillin (The Phantom of the Opera, Bounce); Charlie Pollock, (Nine to Five the Musical, Urinetown); Laurie Gayle Stephenson (The Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line;, and Kathy Voytko (Nine, Oklahoma!); Shoshana Bean, (Hairspray, Wicked); and Deone Zanotto (A Chorus Line, Zorba).

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is a grand concert showcasing the Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award®-winning composer’s biggest and most memorable hits. A full onstage symphony orchestra will accompany the soloists, recreating countless extraordinary moments and thrills created by one of the most acclaimed composers of our time. It will be an evening to revisit such legendary musicals as Cats, Evita, The Phantom of the Opera, Sunset Boulevard, Jesus Christ Superstar, Whistle Down the Wind, Starlight Express, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and more.

Presented by Jeffrey Finn Productions, this new version of the concert was personally devised by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Following a sold-out engagement at the Kennedy Center, The Washington Post raved, "Very impressive. The hits come crashing at you in an evening dedicated to crescendo and climax."

The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is presented by special arrangement with The Really Useful Group. The creative and design teams for this engagement will reunite the team behind the 2004 production: director Tom Kosis, musical supervisor and conductor Edward G. Robinson, lighting designer Brian Nason and sound designer Lucas J. Corrubia, Jr. Robinson, who will be center stage conducting the 30-member orchestra, has a long history working on Andrew Lloyd Webber shows including Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and previous tours of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER is the composer of The Likes of Us, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, By Jeeves, Evita, Variations and Tell Me on a Sunday, Song & Dance, Cats, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, The Beautiful Game and The Woman in White. He composed the film scores of Gumshoe and The Odessa File and Requiem, a setting of the Latin Requiem Mass, for which he won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Composition. He has also produced in the West End and on Broadway, not only his own work, but the Olivier Award-winning plays La Bête and Daisy Pulls It Off. In 2004 he produced the film version of The Phantom of the Opera. In 2006 he oversaw a new London production of Evita, Phantom – The Las Vegas Spectacular and pioneered television casting for musical theater with the hit BBC series How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?” which won an International Emmy. He followed this with the equally successful series Any Dream Will Do. His awards include seven Tonys, three Grammys, six Oliviers, a Golden Globe, an Oscar, an International Emmy, the Praemium Imperiale and the Richard Rodgers Award for Excellence in Musical Theatre. He was knighted in 1992 and made an honorary life peer in 1997. He’s a 2006 Kennedy Center Honoree.

DAVID JOSEFSBERG’s Broadway credits include The Wedding Singer, Grease, Les Misérables and On The Twentieth Century. Off- Broadway credits include Altar Boyz (Drama League nomination), Joys of Sex and Night Blooming Jasmine. He has been touring both Europe and the United States for the past year with comedy legend, Stephen Lynch. He has been performing his own original material, as well as songs co-written with Lynch and Jeff Gurner (Carnegie Hall, Central Park, Vegas and Miami comedy festivals). Josefsberg was seen as TV icon Arthur “the Fonz” Fonzarelli on NBC’s The Mork and Mindy Story, and in the films Limbo and Carlito’s Way. Josefsberg is rejoining The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber after most recently performing the show at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

HOWARD McGILLIN is best known for his record-setting title appearance in The Phantom of the Opera, a role he performed more than 2,500 times on Broadway. He appeared in Stephen Sondheim’s musical Bounce and was nominated for a Helen Hayes Award for his performance. His Broadway and West End credits include Kiss of the Spider Woman, She Loves Me, Mack and Mabel, The Secret Garden, Anything Goes (Tony and Drama Desk nominations), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Tony and Drama Desk nominations, Theatre World Award) and Sunday in the Park with George. On tour, he has played in Peter Pan with Cathy Rigby. His numerous televised concerts include Stephen Sondheim's Follies, Kennedy Center Honors and the Boston Pops. He has also provided voices for animated films such as South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut and The Swan Princess. He released a solo CD, Howard McGillin: Where Time Stands Still.
CHARLIE POLLOCK originated the role of “Dwayne Rhodes” in 9 to 5 the Musical and played “Bobby Strong” in Urinetown, The Musical on Broadway. He also originated the role of “Bobby Strong” in the first national tour of Urinetown. He starred as “Paul Bertolet” in Carnival, at The Paper Mill Playhouse and played “Dwayne” in 9 to 5 at the Ahmanson Theatre in L.A. Some of his off-Broadway credits include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Original company of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick…Boom!, Don’t Quit You Night Job, The Last Starfighter (world premier), “Ken Star” in Monica the Musical!, Loot, Lola, Opus Profundum and Cock and Bull Story(NY premier). Across the country Charlie has appeared as “Steve Jobs” in Nerds! The Musical, “Jerry Lukowski” in The Full Monty, “Judas” in Jesus Christ Superstar, “Jesus” in Godspell, “Tommy” in The Who’s Tommy and “Eddie” in King of the Moon. He worked with Stephen King and John Mellencamp on their new musical The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, and played Maffio in the new musical Dangerous Beauty, written by Grammy Award winner Amanda Mcbroom. His TV/Film credits include the recurring role of Bud Mcgann on “As the World Turns”, “P.S. I Love You” with Hilary Swank, the Palm Springs Film Festival award-winning, “Walking Charley”, “Law and Order”, and “The Guiding Light” Please visit www.charliepollock.com.

LAURIE GAYLE STEPHENSON made her Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning The Secret Garden. The Dallas native starred for two years on Broadway as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Stephenson made her debut as Christine with the first national touring company at the Kennedy Center. She was an original cast member of The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Concert, touring the U.S. singing opposite Michael Crawford. She was part of Stephen Sondheim's 75th birthday celebration concert at the New Amsterdam Theatre. She is a regular soloist with the popular Bravo Broadway, having sung with most major symphony orchestras across the country. Her national tours include Annie, Camelot and Dames at Sea. She has also been seen in the revival of Follies, A Chorus Line, Grease, A Day in Hollywood, A Night in the Ukraine, 110 In the Shade and in the world premiere of Startime. She can be heard on the original cast albums of The Secret Garden, Prom Queens Unchained, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Bravo Broadway I, Bravo Broadway II and her debut solo album, Till You Find Your Dream.

KATHY VOYTKO made her Broadway debut in the original revival cast of Oklahoma! directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Stroman, and was also in the Tony Award-winning revival cast of Nine the Musical starring Antonio Banderas and Chita Rivera. At Lincoln Center, she originated the role of Ariadne in The Frogs opposite Nathan Lane. She was chosen by Hal Prince to play Eva on the 25th anniversary tour of Evita. Voytko played Christine on the national tour of The Phantom of the Opera. She was in the original cast of Boublil and Schonberg’s The Pirate Queen, and was also the standby Grania, which she performed several times in Chicago and on Broadway. She has sung in concert at Carnegie Hall in Showboat, and most recently in the live-recorded concert of Kristina. Voytko has performed in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber in other cities.

SHOSHANA BEAN made her New York city debut in the off-Broadway revival of Godspell, and soon after made her Broadway debut in the original cast of the Tony Award-winning production of Hairspray. She went on to be the first replacement for the green-skinned witch Elphaba in Broadway's Wicked later reprising her performance on the Wicked national tour. She performed in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Weber at the Kennedy Center and Joseph and the. . .Dreamcoat at Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. Most recently she headlined in the Las Vegas burlesque revue Peepshow and made her New York City concert debut to a sold-out crowd at Rose Hall, Jazz at Lincoln Center.

The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber will open Tuesday, April 20 at 8 p.m. All performances are at the Music Hall at Fair Park, with the following performance schedule:

Tuesday April 20 8 p.m.
Wednesday April 21 8 p.m.
Thursday April 22 8 p.m.
Friday April 23 8 p.m.
Saturday April 24 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday April 25 2 and 8 p.m.


Next up for Dallas Summer Musicals will be LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE THE MUSICAL, with Melissa Gilbert as “Ma,” May 11-23; WICKED, May 26-June 27; DREAMGIRLS, June 30-July 18; and the State Fair of Texas musical, SHREK THE MUSICAL, September 28-October 17, 2010.

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are WFAA TV Channel 8 and American Airlines. Now celebrating its 70th season, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the sixth largest non-profit theater company. DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941. In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved in developing new works. Dallas Summer Musicals’ affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSMMGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park.

As a non-profit 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 theatres, 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 and the Dallas Police Department partner together to provide positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, the DSM Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

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For media information about this show or the Dallas Summer Musicals, and for videotape, photos, interviews or reviewer’s passes, please call Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371 or send inquiries to joannholt@gmail.com.

Xanadu Is Rolling Into Dallas!

Written by DSM Columnists on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 12:53 PM




BROADWAY’S SURPRISE HIT MUSICAL
HITS THE ROAD!

WINNER BEST NEW MUSICAL 2008 – Outer Critic Circle Award
Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals April 6-18


Dallas, TX…Producers Robert Ahrens, Dan Vickery, Mickey Liddell, Tara Smith /B. Swibel, in association with Latitude Link, proudly present the musical adventure XANADU. The musical is brought by Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, as part of their 70th anniversary season, and opens at the Music Hall at Fair Park on April 6th.

XANADU, described as “Heaven on Wheels” by The New York Times, is based on the Universal Pictures' cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. XANADU was nominated for the 2008 Tony Award® for Best Musical.

Single tickets are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, and all area Ticketmaster locations. Tickets are also available by calling 214-631-ARTS (2787) or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 15 or more, call 214-426-GROUP (4767).

This hilarious roller skating musical adventure, set in the year 1980, follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens to inspire the greatest of artistic achievements – the first roller disco! Along the way she falls in forbidden love with a mortal, and chaos abounds when her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation.

“I laughed the entire time! It’s great fun for the whole family!” exclaimed Olivia Newton John.
XANADU is 90 minutes of family fun and inspiration to follow your dreams despite the limitations.

Douglas Carter Beane has written the book for XANADU based on the film of the same name and was the winner of the 2008 Drama Desk Award® for Outstanding Book of a Musical. The score, by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, includes the hits, “Magic,” “Xanadu,” “Party All Over the World” and “I’m Alive” -- all top 20 Billboard hits. Lynne wrote and produced all of the music of Electric Light Orchestra (E.L.O.). Farrar was also responsible for most of the hits that were performed by Olivia Newton-John in the 1970’s. XANADU is directed by Christopher Ashley and choreographed by Dan Knechtges.



XANADU features scenic design by Tony Award® winner David Gallo, costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Tony Award® winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier, projections design by Zachary Borovay, wig and hair design by Charles LePoint and musical direction by Eric Stern.

XANADU will open Tuesday, April 6 at 8 p.m. All performances are at the Music Hall at Fair Park, with the following performance schedule:

Tuesday April 6 8 p.m.
Wednesday April 7 8 p.m.
Thursday April 8 8 p.m.
Friday April 9 8 p.m.
Saturday April 10 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday April 11 2 and 8 p.m.

Tuesday April 13 8 p.m.
Wednesday April 14 8 p.m.
Thursday April 15 2 and 8 p.m.
Friday April 16 8 p.m.
Saturday April 17 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday April 18 2 p.m.

Next up for Dallas Summer Musicals will be THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, April 20-25; LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE THE MUSICAL, with Melissa Gilbert as “Ma,” May 11-23; WICKED, May 26-June 27; DREAMGIRLS, June 30-July 18; and the State Fair of Texas musical, SHREK THE MUSICAL, September 28-October 17, 2010.

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are WFAA TV Channel 8 and American Airlines. Now celebrating its 70th season, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the sixth largest non-profit theater company. DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941. In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved in developing new works. Dallas Summer Musicals’ affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSMMGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park.

As a non-profit 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 theatres, 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 and the Dallas Police Department partner together to provide positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, the DSM Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

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For media information about this show or the Dallas Summer Musicals, and for videotape, photos, interviews or reviewer’s passes, please call Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371 or send inquiries to joannholt@gmail.com.

How to get Wicked Tickets

Written by DSM Columnists on at 12:48 PM

For immediate release:
Local Press Contact: Jo Ann Holt
469-363-7371 or joannholt@gmail.com


March 15, 2010


HOW TO GET TICKETS TO
BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER




FOR ITS DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS ENGAGEMENT
AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
MAY 26-JUNE 27

* * *

Dallas, TX…Tickets to WICKED, “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times), go on sale Monday, March 22, for a limited five weeks run at the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals.

Here are the only ways we suggest purchasing tickets for this engagement:

The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, or any area Ticketmaster location, or by calling 214-631-ARTS (2787), or online at www.ticketmaster.com/wicked. Groups of 20 or more should call 214-426-GROUP (4767).

In previous engagements, when ticket buyers have been told that performances of WICKED are sold out, they sometimes find that tickets are still available through third parties: ticket agencies or brokers. Tickets purchased through these sources are usually substantially more expensive than the original ticket price. Please know that we cannot prevent these agencies from buying tickets when they go on sale, and laws governing ticket brokers (and how much they can charge for tickets) vary greatly from state-to-state

There have been instances where ticket brokers have launched websites that might include the theatre name and/or name of our show in order to confuse ticket buyers. The only way that patrons can be sure that they are purchasing legitimate tickets at the original ticket price is to use only the sources listed above.

For more information about WICKED log on to www.wickedthemusical.com. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.

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Wicked Tickets ON SALE NOW!

Written by DSM Columnists on at 12:46 PM


BROADWAY’S BIGGEST BLOCKBUSTER TO RETURN TO
DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS AND THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
MAY 26-JUNE 27
* * *
TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY, MARCH 22!



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


Dallas, TX– After breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2005 and again in 2007, WICKED, the smash-hit musical, will return to Dallas Summer Musicals and the Music Hall at Fair Park May 26-June 27. A special Internet only pre-sale will be held Sunday, March 21, from 8 p.m. to midnight at www.ticketmaster.com/wicked; code word POPULAR. For more information, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, 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, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues, 9 to 5) 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, winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.



Tickets for the return engagement go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Monday, March 22. Single tickets, priced from $35-$135, will be on sale at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, and all area Ticketmaster locations. Tickets are also available by calling 214-631-ARTS (2787) or online at www.ticketmaster.com/wicked. Groups of 20 or more should call 214-426-GROUP (4767).

All performances will be at the Music Hall at Fair Park, opening at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 26 with the following schedule.

Wednesday May 26 8 p.m.
Thursday May 27 2 and 8 p.m.
Friday May 28 8 p.m.
Saturday May 29 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday May 30 2 and 8 p.m.

Tuesday June 1 8 p.m.
Wednesday June 2 8 p.m.
Thursday June 3 8 p.m.
Friday June 4 8 p.m.
Saturday June 5 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 6 2 and 8 p.m.

Tuesday June 8 8 p.m.
Wednesday June 9 8 p.m.
Thursday June 10 8 p.m.
Friday June 11 8 p.m.
Saturday June 12 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 13 2 and 8 p.m.

Tuesday June 15 8 p.m.
Wednesday June 16 8 p.m.
Thursday June 17 8 p.m.
Friday June 18 8 p.m.
Saturday June 19 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 20 2 and 8 p.m.

Tuesday June 22 8 p.m.
Wednesday June 23 8 p.m.
Thursday June 24 8 p.m.
Friday June 25 8 p.m.
Saturday June 26 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday June 27 2 and 8 p.m.

“I’m very pleased that we have been able to secure a return of WICKED for Dallas. Since every seat of the Music Hall at Fair Park was sold for the musical’s 2005 and 2007 engagements, we were unable to accommodate large numbers of people who wanted tickets to this wonderful show,” said Michael Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals. “In my opinion, the national tour is even better than the Broadway production, which I also loved. The producers of WICKED should be complimented for sending out such a high-quality show.”



Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz. One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.

WICKED has “cast quite a spell” (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.
Called “one of the most successful shows in Broadway history” by The New York Times and “a phenomenon that keeps growing” by the Los Angeles Times, WICKED continues to thrill audiences around the world. There are currently eight productions of WICKED worldwide, including two North American tours, a Broadway production, San Francisco production, London production, a Japanese-language production, a German-language production and Australian production. A Dutch-language production of WICKED will open in 2011.
WICKED features set design by Tony® Award winner Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony® Award winner Susan Hilferty (Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony Award® nominee Kenneth Posner (Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King and the recent Man of La Mancha). Stephen Oremus is the show’s musical director. Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

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

Casting for the forthcoming national tour stop will be announced at a later date.


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For media information about this show or the Dallas Summer Musicals, and for videotape, photos, interviews or reviewer’s passes, please call Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371 or send inquiries to joannholt@gmail.com.

New Officers and Executive Committee Members

Written by DSM Columnists on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 12:22 PM

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN AND CIVIC LEADER GARY GRIFFITH

INSTALLED AS NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

OF DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS, INC.

New Officers and Executive Committee Members

Dallas, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc., presented by Bank, the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, has named Gary Griffith, local businessman and civic leader, Chairman of the Board of Directors for 2010. Griffith took over as Board Chairman at the DSM board’s annual meeting in December 2009.

Griffith is President of the Today Foundation, an organization whose mission is to positively impact the lives of young people through drug abuse prevention, character development and education initiatives for at-risk youth. Because of his involvement with the foundation (www.TodayFoundation.org), Griffith says he has a special interest in the Stage Right program created by Dallas Summer Musicals in partnership with the Dallas Police Department, to help bring at-risk students to the shows.

Michael Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals, said,

“We are extremely fortunate to have a leader of Gary Griffith’s caliber coming in as Chairman of the DSM board for our important 70th anniversary season. Griffith has a special passion for this community as demonstrated by his exemplary service over the past 30 years.”

Gary Griffith is a strong believer in community service, as demonstrated by his outstanding service as a civic leader, elected official and volunteer extraordinaire over the past four decades. Griffith says he was taught the importance of public service and giving back to the community while growing up in East Dallas, where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School. After earning a government degree at the University of Texas in Austin in 1970, Griffith returned to Dallas and his exemplary service to the community, state and country began in earnest. The following list outlines just a few of Griffith’s accomplishments: President of Safer Dallas Better Dallas; Board of Directors, State Fair of Texas Association; Chairman, White Rock Lake Conservancy; former member of the Dallas City Council, Park Board, and Planning and Zoning Commission.

Griffith said, “I am honored to be asked to serve as Chairman of the Board for Dallas Summer Musicals’ 70th anniversary year in 2010. As a non-profit, we are fortunate to have a dedicated base of sponsors, subscribers and volunteers who work year-round to keep DSM a top-tier, nationally recognized arts organization. DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941, and we plan to continue this tradition for many years into the future.”

Griffith and his wife, Jackie, live in the Lakewood area and are longtime members of Wilshire Baptist Church. The Griffiths have twin daughters and two grandsons.

Immediate Past Chairman of Dallas Summer Musicals is Dick Quisenberry, with Michael C. Steindorf serving as Chairman Elect. Ruth Altshuler holds the title of Honorary Chair, and Michael A. Jenkins is President and Managing Director of DSM.

Other DSM officers for 2010 include:

Vice President – Audit, Dorsey Baskin; Vice President – Community Outreach, Darrell Jordan; Vice President – Finance, Michael S. Albright; Vice President – Investment, Ted Munselle; Vice President – Long Range Planning, Stan Gardner; Vice President – Marketing/PR/Special Events, Brice Beaird; Vice President – Nominating, Dick Quisenberry; Vice President – Personnel & Compensation, Steve Watson; Secretary, Steven C. Metzger; and Treasurer, Richard L. Rogers.

The 2010 executive committee members are Michael S. Albright, Ruth Altshuler, Dorsey Baskin, Brice Beaird, Ed Blessing, Ed Bratton, Karl Chiao, O. Paul Corley,, Jr., O. Paul Corley, Sr., C.E. “Doc” Cornutt, Terry R. Dallas, Laura V. Estrada, Jay Fox, Christine Gancarz, Stan Gardner, Rick Graham, Gary E. Griffith, Charles L. Gummer, Darrell Jordan, Rebecca Kay, Marvin Lane, Meredy McClure, John McCoy, Bill Melton, Steven C. Metzger, Caven Miller, Ted Munselle, William J. O’Dwyer, Alfonso E. Pino III, Charles Pistor, James W. Porter, Jr., Dick Quisenberry, Scott Ragland, W. Wallace Reed, Kenneth D. Sandstad, Kip Sowden, Donald K. Spies, Michael C. Steindorf, Paul A. Stotts, Sandra K. Thomas, Steve B. Watson, and Kit Williams.

Past Chairmen of the Board for DSM are Ed Bratton, O. Paul Corley, O. Paul Corley, Jr., Stan Gardner, Rick Graham, Charles L. Gummer, Steven C. Metzger, Charles Pistor, Bud Porter, Dick Quisenberry, Ken Sandstad, Donald K. Spies, and Paul A. Stotts. Past chairmen J. Frank Miller III and Douglas Perry are deceased.

Now celebrating its 70th season, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM), presented by Comerica Bank, is the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theatre organization in the United States, and the sixth largest non-profit theatre company in the nation. DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in live, musical theatre entertainment since 1941.

In addition to presenting national Broadway tours, DSM also produces shows on Broadway, presents and tours local productions, and is involved in developing new works. Dallas Summer Musicals’ affiliates include DSM Management Group, Inc. (DSM MGI), which manages the Music Hall at Fair Park and the historical Majestic Theatre. In addition, DSM has its own school of musical theatre, which provides quality education and outreach to the youth of Dallas. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call 214-421-5678.

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