Darrell E. Jordan named Chairman of the Board

Written by DSM Columnists on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 10:44 AM

DALLAS ATTORNEY AND CIVIC LEADER DARRELL E. JORDAN
NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS

Dallas, TX… Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc., (DSM), the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, has named Darrell E. Jordan, a local attorney and civic leader, Chairman of the DSM Board of Directors for 2012. Jordan was installed as Board Chairman at DSM’s annual meeting in December 2011.


The Office Managing Partner of the Dallas office of Dykema, Jordan has long been considered a leader in the legal profession and is active throughout the Dallas community. He has been honored for his leadership roles within the legal community on many occasions. Those leadership roles include serving as President of the State Bar of Texas, President of the Dallas Bar Association, and as a member of the Board of Governors and the Executive Committee of the American Bar Association.


A 2005 Distinguished Alumnus of the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, and a former President of the Texas Supreme Court Historical Society, Jordan is a Life Fellow of the American, Texas and Dallas Bar Foundations. He is a Master of the Patrick E. Higginbotham American Inn of Court, board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. In addition, he has been designated a Texas Super Lawyer by Law & Politics and Texas Monthly for the years 2003-2011.


DSM President and Managing Director Michael Jenkins said, “We are extremely fortunate to have Darrell Jordan at the helm of Dallas Summer Musicals in these challenging economic times. He combines legal and business expertise with a long history of political activism and community service that will greatly benefit our non-profit arts organization.”


Jordan actively serves on the boards of such local organizations as the Methodist Health System Foundation, Greater Dallas Planning Council, Southwestern Medical Foundation, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, and the SMU Athletic Forum. In addition, he has served on the DSM Executive Committee and Board of Directors for several years, and is a member of the Salesmanship Club of Dallas.


“Dallas Summer Musicals is a great institution, one of the best in Dallas, that has been providing high quality, reasonably priced Broadway musical theatre to North Texas audiences for over 70 years. We plan to be around for another 70 years . . . our patrons deserve no less,” Jordan said.
Immediate Past Chairman of Dallas Summer Musicals is Michael C. Steindorf, with Steve Watson 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 2012:
Vice President – Audit, Dorsey Baskin; Vice President – Community Outreach, Laura Estrada; Vice President – Development, Michael C. Steindorf; Vice President – Finance, Marvin Lane; Vice President – Investment, Ted Munselle; Vice President – Marketing, Alfie Pino; Vice President – Nominating, Michael C. Steindorf; Vice President – Personnel & Compensation, Wally Reed; Secretary, Steven C. Metzger; and Treasurer, Richard L. Rogers.


The 2012 executive committee members are Michael S. Albright, Ruth Altshuler, Dorsey Baskin, Brice Beaird, Ed Bratton, Karl Chiao, Diane Childress, O. Paul Corley, Jr., O. Paul Corley, Sr., Terry R. Dallas, Barry Epstein, Laura V. Estrada, Jay Fox, Stanley D. Gardner, Rick Graham, Gary E. Griffith, Charles L. Gummer, Darrell Jordan, Sheffie Kadane III, Rebecca Kay, Glenda Kemple, Marvin Lane, John McCoy, Steven C. Metzger, Caven Miller, Ted Munselle, Alfonso E. Pino III, Charles Pistor, Gail Plummer, James W. Porter, Jr., Dick Quisenberry, Scott Ragland, W. Wallace Reed, Rick Rogers, Kenneth D. Sandstad, Kip Sowden, Donald K. Spies, Michael C. Steindorf, Paul A. Stotts, Larry Waisanen, Steve B. Watson, and Kit Williams.


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


Now celebrating its 72nd season, Dallas Summer Musicals 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. 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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For media information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com or 469-363-7371.

32 High Schools Participating in DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards

Written by DSM Columnists on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 9:57 AM

DSM Special Events and Community Outreach Media Contact:
Sharon Adams
972.773.9289
Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards
Director:Tracy Jordan
Direct: 214-413-3951
tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org




32 High Schools Participating in Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards presented by Comerica Bank for the 2011 – 2012 School Year

Finalists in 15 categories will perform and winners will be announced at the red carpet extravaganza on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at The Music Hall at Fair Park

(Dallas, TX –January 19, 2012) Tracy Jordan, director of Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards program (DSM HSMTA) presented by Comerica Bank has announced that 32 high schools have registered to participate for the 2011 – 2012 school year.


“We’re thrilled to have so many high schools participating in Dallas Summer Musicals’ first-ever musical theatre awards program,” Jordan said. “It’s a diverse list of high schools from as far away as Granbury, McKinney, Corsicana and all across the Metroplex. The musicals are a wonderful mix from classic, like Red Oak High School’s Singin’ in the Rain, and dramatic, like Denton High Schools’ Jekyll & Hyde to Highland Park High School’s Once Upon a Mattress, a comedy.” The complete listing is attached.


Carla Ford-Rich, Speech and Theater Coordinator with Plano ISD said, “The Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards program is such a wonderful opportunity for our students. They not only get to see examples from students’ work across the Metroplex, but they have a wonderful opportunity to perform on the Dallas Summer Musicals stage and have opportunities for scholarships. The students get critiqued by professionals in the area and their work is valued. We have so many wonderful theatre programs in the area and it is good to know that others see the credibility of the programs and are willing to devote time, money, and effort to acknowledge their hard work. This program acknowledges all areas of a production from the orchestra and choreography to the set design and costuming to the acting and singing. It acknowledges all the efforts of all the students. Thank you to the Dallas Summer Musicals, Tracy Jordan, and the multitude of volunteer judges for recognizing the validity of such great student work.”



Based on Broadway’s Tony® Awards, the DSM High School Musical Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre in 15 categories, listed below.


Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, DSM said, “This program has been in research and development for the past four years and we are thrilled to bring it to Dallas. We believe it will encourage participation in the musical arts not only in the high schools, but throughout our community. All of this would not be possible without the generosity of the DSM High School Musical Awards founding donors, Leah and Jerry Fullinwider and presenting sponsor, Comerica Bank.”


Due to the kind generosity of the Fullinwiders and Comerica Bank, DSM will be awarding seven $3,000 cash scholarships to outstanding participating students of the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards.


Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress will receive an all-expense paid trip for five days to New York City to represent their school in the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy Nederlander Award) for the chance to win prizes and scholarships, which vary by year.


Three judges will visit each school and judge the performers in 15 categories:


Best Musical, Best Direction, Best Musical Direction, Best Choreography, Best Orchestra, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting, Best Ensemble, Best Crew, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Featured Performer.


Ballots will be submitted to the accounting firm of Grant-Thornton. Finalists in each category will be announced and invited to perform at the 1st Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Ceremony show at the Music Hall at Fair Park Saturday, May 5, 2012, when winners will be announced.


For more details about the Dallas program, visit the website at http://dallassummermusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm

Link to the national program website here: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

About Dallas Summer Musicals
Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region. Dallas Summer Musicals season sponsors are American Airlines, The Dallas Morning News, Metro PCS, WFAA Channel 8, and Texas Instruments. Visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org

Media Contact:
Jo Ann Holt
or 469-363-7371
CAST ANNOUNCED FOR
NATIONAL TOUR COMES TO THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK FEBRUARY 14-26, PRESENTED BY DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS
After a nationwide search of over 3,000 performers, the producers of Bring It On: The Musical have announced the cast for the National Tour, which will be presented by Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park February 14-26.
Single tickets, priced from $15-$75, are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center. Tickets are also available by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 15 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.
“Assembling this extraordinary company has been an incredibly exciting – and thorough – endeavor,” said Tony® Award-winning director/choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. “We found an amazing group that sings, dances, stunts and cheers. They are a talented group of newcomers, led by two dynamic leading ladies. I can't wait for audiences to see them.”Leading the cast are Taylor Louderman and Adrienne Warren. Louderman, playing the role of Campbell, is a 20 year-old newcomer from the University of Michigan. Warren, previously seen in the National Tour of Dreamgirls at the Ahmanson Theatre, portrays Danielle, a role she originated in Bring It On: The Musical’s developmental production at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.
Ryann Redmond, a 2011 graduate of NYU, recreates the role of Bridget that she originated in the Alliance Theatre Production. Elle McLemore (Disney’s “Suite Life on Deck”) plays Eva, and Jason Gotay (Broadway’s Rising Stars and Rent) stars as Randall.
Also starring are Ariana DeBose (Hairspray, “So You Think You Can Dance”) as Nitika, Gregory Haney (Memphis) as La Cienega, Neil Haskell (“So You Think You Can Dance”) as Steven, Janet Krupin as Kylar, Kate Rockwell (Legally Blonde) as Skylar and Nick Womack as Twig.
Additional cast members include Calli Alden, Nikki Bohne, Dexter Carr, Shonica Gooden, Haley Hannah, Rod Harrelson, Casey Jamerson, Dominique Johnson, Michael Mindlin, Adrianna Parson, and Bettis Richardson.
The ensemble also features some of the nation’s most skilled competitive cheerleaders. Their combined achievements include over 25 national and 50 team titles in gymnastics and choreography. They were selected in collaboration with Varsity, the global leader in competitive cheerleading. Those members include Antwan Bethea, Danielle Carlacci, Michael Naone-Carter, Courtney Corbeille, Dahlston Delgado, Brooklyn Freitag, Melody Mills, David Ranck, Billie Sue Roe, Sheldon Tucker and Lauren Whitt.Bring It On: The Musical is the explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top high school rivalries. Set against the world of competitive cheerleading, this powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something - or someone - you really care about.
Bring It On: The Musical combines an exciting fresh sound, gravity-defying choreography, and a thrilling story to create a total theatrical event worth cheering for.Bring It On: The Musical unites some of the freshest and funniest creative minds on Broadway with libretto by Tony® Award-winner Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q), music and lyrics by Tony® Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (In the Heights), music by Pulitzer and Tony® Award-winning composer Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), lyrics by Broadway lyricist Amanda Green (High Fidelity) and music supervision by Tony® and Grammy® Award-winner Alex Lacamoire (Wicked). The production is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler (In the Heights).
Bring It On: The Musical is produced by Universal Pictures Stage Productions / Glenn Ross; Beacon Communications /Armyan Bernstein and Charlie Lyons; and Kristin Caskey and Mike Isaacson, Executive Producers.
Members of the artistic design team that help bring this production to life are David Korins, Set Designer; Andrea Lauer, Costume Designer; Jason Lyons, Lighting Designer; Brian Ronan, Sound Designer; Charles G. LaPointe, Hair Designer; and Jeff Sugg, Video Designer.
When the musical comedy premiered in its developmental production at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta earlier this year, Wendell Brock of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution called Bring It On: The Musical “one high-energy drink with fiercely funny writing, catchy hip-hop tunes and an explosively original mix of singing, acting, dancing and cheer.” Audrey S. Belle of AOL.com raved that Bring It On: The Musical “is guaranteed to be everything you wished for, nothing like you expected, but exactly what you will love!”
To learn more about the cast of Bring It On: The Musical, visit the Facebook page at Facebook.com/BringItOnTheMusical.
DSM 2012 SEASON CONTINUES AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, March 6-18, 2012. The night Rock ‘n’ Roll began, the smash hit Broadway musical is inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the “father of rock ‘n’ roll,” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock ‘n’ roll band for one unforgettable night.
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, April 10-22, 2012. Winner of three 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, this hilarious new production was the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night. LA CAGE, starring George Hamilton, tells the story of Georges, owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges’ son brings the conservative parents of his fiancĂ©e home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly. LA CAGE is a tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together….stay fabulous…and above all else, stay true to themselves.
RAIN: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES, April 24-29, 2012. Direct from Broadway, the internationally-acclaimed Beatles concert returns by popular demand as a subscriber’s special. RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles’ discography live on stage, including the most complex and challenging songs the Fab Four recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance as infectious as it is transporting. From the early hits to later classics, this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends.
MEMPHIS, THE MUSICAL, May 15-27, 2012. From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs, and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves, filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical.
MAMMA MIA!, May 29-June 3, 2012. The subscriber’s special features a mother, a daughter, 3 possible dads and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. Over 50 million people around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music based on the songs of ABBA that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel good show. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone’s having the time of their lives. With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA is the world’s #1 show.
PETER PAN, STARRING CATHY RIGBY, July 10-22, 2012. Tony Award® nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production of PETER PAN. Discover the magic all over again of this two-time Emmy® Award winning and two-time Tony Award® nominated production. The New York Times says, “Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized.” Filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook, the legend you thought you knew is now the adventure you never dreamed possible.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY, October 2-21, 2012. THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a smash-hit musical comedy that brings the darkly delirious world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley, and, of course, Lurch to spooky and spectacular life. Direct from Broadway, this magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys’ authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (The Wild Party), choreographer Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and Olivier Award-winning director/designers Phelim McDermott and Julian Crouch (Shockheaded Peter), with creative consultation by four-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Zaks. THE ADDAMS FAMILY is also the 2012 State Fair of Texas musical.
Mini-packs of any three or more season shows are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Dallas. Subscribers may also order tickets to the season specials RAIN and MAMMA MIA! ($12-$70 each), and may order by mail or in person at The Box Office, by phoning 214-346-3300, by faxing 214-691-7386, or online at www.dallassummermusicals.org. For groups, please call 214-426-GROUP.
In 2013, DSM will continue its 73-year tradition of bringing the Best of Broadway to North Texas, setting the standard in musical theatre entertainment with such terrific straight-from-Broadway musicals as DISNEY’S THE LION KING, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, WICKED, and MARY POPPINS.
Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals are The Dallas Morning News, Metro PCS, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments.
Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region. DSM is the largest producer and presenter of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, the second oldest summer theatre organization in the United States, and the fourth largest nonprofit theatre 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.
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 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, please 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 469-363-7371 or email joannholt@gmail.com.