DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS, PRESENTED BY COMERICA BANK,
ANNOUNCES 71ST SEASON OF THE BEST OF BROADWAY
Dallas, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), presented by Comerica Bank, has announced their 71st season lineup, with seven touring Broadway productions coming to the Music Hall at Fair Park in 2011. DSM has been entertaining North Texas audiences with the finest in professional live theatrical entertainment since 1941.
In announcing the new season, Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals, said, “With seven successful decades of presenting musical theater behind us, we look forward to the 2011 season with great optimism. Our wealth of past experience in theater operations has provided thoughtful guidance to the decisions made for this 71st season, and will position DSM for a bright future. We understand the current economic climate is a consideration every household is evaluating this year, and, in response, we have reduced the number of shows in the season and the ticket prices in order to make it more affordable to you in these tough times.”
“The season includes recent Broadway shows such as 9 TO 5, BURN THE FLOOR, GUYS AND DOLLS, and WEST SIDE STORY, and perennial favorite MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT. We are delighted to present a season special opening by Texas’ own Tommy Tune in STEPS IN TIME, WITH THE MANHATTAN RHYTHM KINGS, and will also return the unique sounds of STOMP for a one-week special.”
Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent non-profit presenter of Broadway theater in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theater with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region. DSM is the largest producer and presenter of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theater organization in the United States, and the fourth largest non-profit theater company. 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.
DSM SEASON AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
TOMMY TUNE STEPS IN TIME, WITH THE MANHATTAN RHYTHM KINGS, March 15-20, 2011. Broadway’s Super Star Song and Dance man, Tommy Tune hits the stage high stepping through his nine-time Tony® Award winning career. Celebrating 50 years on the Great White Way, Native Texan Tune sings, dances, and laughs his way through those glorious musical moments that made him a Theatre Legend. Backed by the multi-talented Manhattan Rhythm Kings, Tune’s unique and masterful Broadway Biography in song and dance leaves audiences standing, cheering, and dancing in the aisles. Tommy Tune is “The quintessential Broadway song and dance man,” according to Variety Weekly.
BURN THE FLOOR, April 5-17, 2011. Direct from Broadway, the new Broadway production proclaimed “Audience-Dazzling!” by The New York Times, brings back Ballroom Dancing, reinvented. Years before “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” turned ballroom dancing into must-see TV, one sizzling show was setting stages ablaze around the globe. The electrifying Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular that has thrilled audiences in more than 30 countries brings the fire and passion of their live performance to Dallas.
9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, May 18-29, 2011. This musical is the most fun you will have all season, with its hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. The new musical comedy, direct from Broadway, is based on the hit movie and features Dolly Parton’s original hit title song along with her new Tony® Award and Grammy® nominated score. The book is by Patricia Resnick, co-writer of the original screenplay, and tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company, learning there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is about teaming up and taking care of business….it’s about getting credit and getting even…and it’s about to open in Dallas.
STOMP, June 7-12, 2011. This one-week special returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park with new surprises! Explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, and utterly unique, STOMP appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments—matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps—to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. USA Today said, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” See what all the noise is about.
MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, June 14-26, 2011. The second coming of Broadway’s #1 Musical Comedy Smash, called “A No-Holds-Barred Smash Hit” by The New Yorker. The funniest show on earth is back to taunt Dallas for a second time. Winner of the 2005 Tony® Award for Best Musical, SPAMALOT, the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” now returns to spread laughter and cheer throughout the kingdom. SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. But before they can find their grail, they’re taking a little side-trip to the fair city of Dallas.
GUYS AND DOLLS, July 19-31, 2011. Big League Productions is proud to announce a sparkling new production of the timeless Broadway classic, GUYS AND DOLLS. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, this oddball romantic comedy—considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy—soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to the cast of vivid characters who have become legends in the canon. The New York Times calls it “The show that defines Broadway dazzle!” The New York Post said, “If you have one musical to see, make it this…and make it quick.” “GUYS AND DOLLS is one of those pivotal events in Broadway’s history. A phenomenon.” New York Magazine. From the Hollywood motion picture version starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra to the acclaimed Broadway revivals, GUYS AND DOLLS remains a classic masterpiece that will please everyone from musical theater scholars to fans of The Sopranos and everyone in between.
WEST SIDE STORY, October 4-23, 2011, is also the 2011 State Fair of Texas musical. “Bold, fresh and transcendent,” said The New Yorker. More than 50 years ago, one musical changed theater forever. Back on Broadway mesmerizing audiences once again, from the first note to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY soars as the greatest love story of all time. Directed by two-time Tony® Award winning librettist Arthur Laurents, WEST SIDE STORY remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album recently won the 2010 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album. The Bernstein and Sondheim score is considered to be one of Broadway’s finest, featuring such classics of the American musical theater as “Something’s Coming,” “Tonight,” “America,” “I Feel Pretty” and “Somewhere.” “So exciting it makes you ache with pleasure,” according to John Lahr, The New Yorker.
Season tickets, priced from $75-$380, are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center in Dallas. Subscribers may also order tickets to the season special TOMMY TUNE STEPS IN TIME and STOMP ($12-$70 each), and may order by mail or in person at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, by phoning 214-346-3300, by faxing 214-691-7386, or online at www.dallassummermusicals.org.
Season packages and gift certificates in any denomination are also available at one of our kiosk locations now through late December. A kiosk is located near Macy’s on the second level at the Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240. Another kiosk is located near the Starbucks on the first level at Stonebriar Centre, 2601 Preston Road, Frisco, Texas 75034. For groups, please call 214-426-GROUP.
Season subscribers enjoy such benefits as first opportunity to get the best seats available for the season, plus huge savings over single ticket prices and easy payment plans, lost ticket replacement, ticket exchange privileges and a 10% discount on all DSM logo merchandise. Plus, season subscribers have first option on their seats for the following season, and can save up to 35% over the cost of last season’s subscription package.
In 2012, DSM will bring such terrific straight-from-Broadway musicals as MEMPHIS, the winner of five 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love, filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Also on the season lineup will be THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a huge audience favorite on Broadway, created by Tony nominated® Andrew Lippa (best score), Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman. Also coming in 2012: The delightful new musical MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, reprising the fabled 1956 concert by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, all gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever; and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, the hilarious story of Georges (suave owner of a glitzy drag club on the French Riviera, and his high-strung star performer, Albin (who goes by the stage name Zaza). They live a charmed life—until Georges’ son, Jean-Michel, turns up engaged to the daughter of a conservative right-wing politician who’s coming to dinner.
Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments.
As a nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theater, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, the Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theater arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.
For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.
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For media information about any of the individual shows or the Dallas Summer Musicals, and for videotape, photos, or reviewer’s passes, please call Jo Ann Holt at 214-413-3977, or email joannholt@gmail.com.
