Direct from Broadway, RAIN Returns!

DIRECT FROM BROADWAY!



RETURNS TO THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK
APRIL 24 - 29, 2012

Dallas, TX…Direct from their phenomenally successful Broadway engagement, the internationally-acclaimed Beatles concert, RAIN – A Tribute To The Beatles, returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park April 24-29, 2012, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals.


As “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” (Associated Press), RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles' discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves 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 that’s as infectious as it is transporting. From the early hits to later classics (I Want To Hold Your Hand, Hard Day’s Night, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Let It Be, Come Together, Hey Jude and more), this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!


“The Beatles are back!” - Variety


“The audience is enraptured. They get a chance to sing along, twist and shout!” –The New York Times


“Just turn off your mind, relax and float downstream for a quick fix of nostalgic cheer!” - Entertainment Weekly


“A fun-filled family crowd-pleaser!” – Toronto Star


“A two-hour homage to pop music’s most brilliant gem.” – Los Angeles Times


“On their feet, with arms raised high above their heads, all in the audience were swaying and singing along in blissed-out, nostalgia-powered unison! -- Chicago Sun-Times


“The enraptured audience relives the soundtrack of its life!” -- Chicago Tribune


“RAIN creates musical nirvana…makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! A thrilling bit of time-warping nostalgia...Boomer Heaven!” --Fort Worth Star-Telegram


“Uncanny! RAIN are a quartet of fine musicians in their own right…as The Beatles, they triumph!” -- The Boston Herald


“An adoring Valentine to The Beatles!” -- The Washington Post


“RAIN is a spectacular extravaganza…did the audience love it? Yeah, yeah, yeah!” -- The Philadelphia Inquirer.


“Parents (and grandparents) and kids were on their feet bopping like crazy!” -- The Courier Post


Like The Beatles, the onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but electrifying performers in their own right; visit www.raintribute.com. Become a fan of RAIN on Facebook and follow RAIN on Twitter @raintribute.


Single tickets are priced from $15-$75, and are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center. Mini-packs of three or more shows are also still available for purchase at The Box Office. 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.


RAIN A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES will run April 24-29, 2012 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.


Dallas Summer Musicals mini-packs of three or more shows are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Dallas. DSM 2012 season shows continue with MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL (May 15-27); MAMMA MIA! (May 29-June 3); PETER PAN, STARRING CATHY RIGBY, (July 10-22); and THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY, October 2-21, 2012.


For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals and the 2012 season, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.


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For media information, including jpegs, B-roll, to schedule an interview, or request reviewer’s passes, please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com or 469-363-7371.

La Cage Aux Folles Brings Fabulous to Dallas Summer Musicals!

WINNER! 3 TONY AWARDS!
WINNER! 3 DRAMA DESK AWARDS!
WINNER! 4 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS!
WINNER! DRAMA LEAGUE AWARD!

STARRING GEORGE HAMILTON and CHRISTOPHER SIEBER


Coming to Dallas Summer Musicals for a limited engagement

Dallas, TX…The critically acclaimed production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber, arrives at the Music Hall at Fair Park Tuesday, April 10-22, 2012, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals as part of their 2012 season. Tickets are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center.


Mini-packs of three or more shows are also still available for purchase at The Box Office. Tickets are priced from $15-$75, and 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.


LA CAGE AUX FOLLES recently made Tony® Awards history as the first show to ever win the Tony Award three times for best production. The classic musical comedy by Jerry Herman and Harvey Fierstein originally won six Tony Awards in 1984, including Best Musical. A Broadway revival won two 2005 Tony Awards including the Best Revival of a Musical prize. The new, freshly reconceived LA CAGE won three 2010 Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Director of a Musical (Terry Johnson).


LA CAGE AUX FOLLES tells the story of Georges (George Hamilton) the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin (Christopher Sieber), who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges' son brings his fiancée's conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly!


LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is a tuneful and touching tale of one family's struggle to stay together... stay fabulous... and above all else, stay true to themselves! LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, David Babani and Fran and Barry Weissler in association with NETworks Presentations.


LA CAGE AUX FOLLES features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the play by Jean Poiret.


The creative team includes director Terry Johnson, who won a 2010 Tony Award for his LA CAGE direction, choreographer Lynne Page, set designer Tim Shortall, costume designer Matthew Wright, lighting designer Nick Richings, sound designer Jonathan Deans and orchestrator/musical supervisor Todd Ellison.


The new production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES played from November 23, 2007 to March 8, 2008 at the Menier Chocolate Factory, earning across the board raves and moving to the West End’s Playhouse Theatre on October 30, 2008, where it was nominated for seven 2009 Olivier Awards, winning for Best Musical Revival and Best Actor in a Musical for Douglas Hodge and won the 2009 Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Musical.


LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is a production not to be missed and reviewers agree. The Associated Press raves it is “Riotously funny! LA CAGE could not be more timely or enjoyable.” Variety called it “Funny, heartwarming and terrific!” Time Out New York sums it up: “Five Stars (out of five)! The Musical Revival of the Year! A Sensation!”


LA CAGE AUX FOLLES will run April 10-22, 2012 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. Performances are Tuesday through Sunday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. There is an additional matinee performance Thursday, April 19 at 2 p.m., and there is no evening performance Sunday, April 22.


Dallas Summer Musicals mini-packs of three or more shows are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Dallas. DSM 2012 season shows continue with RAIN, A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES (April 24-29); MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL (May 15-27); MAMMA MIA! (May 29-June 3); PETER PAN, STARRING CATHY RIGBY, (July 10-22); and THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY, October 2-21, 2012.


For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals and the 2012 season, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.


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For media information, including jpegs, B-roll, to schedule an interview, or request reviewer’s passes, please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com or 469-363-7371.

UNT Business Students Shine Modern Light on MDQ Members

Trivia Treat!

University of North Texas’ College of Business Shines Modern Light on the Business of the Members of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals

(March 2, 2012 – Dallas, TX) Students from the University of North Texas’ College of Business embraced the challenge from Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) to shine a modern light on the business of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET’s four rock ‘n’ roll icons: Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, who came together through an auspicious twist of fate on December 4, 1956. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history and is the basis for this electrifying musical.

“These four artists and their musical creations generated a large sum of revenue throughout their lives and beyond,” said Vicki L. Goodwin, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Management, College of Business, University of North Texas. “Putting an exact figure on something like this is difficult, but from our students’ research we found that during the mid-fifties artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis could earn as much as $10,000 per performance; a large sum of money in an era when a new home cost roughly $11,000 (approximately $90,000 today) and a new car cost $1,900 (approximately $16,700 today) (Source: www.thepeoplehistory.com).” Fresh from Broadway, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET comes to the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals, March 6-18.

**To see their full research, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org/shows_milliondollar.shtm**

Cast members include: Derek Keeling as Johnny Cash, Cody Slaughter as Elvis Presley, Martin Kaye as Jerry Lee Lewis and Lee Ferris as Carl Perkins. Dallas native, Christopher Ryan Grant, is thrilled to be playing back in his home town as the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Sam Phillips. The cast also features Kelly Lamont as Dyanne, and musicians Billy Shaffer (Fluke, drums), and Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins, bass).

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.

Mini-packs of any three or more season shows are also on sale at a discount 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.

Million Dollar Quartet to perform at House of Blues

……MEDIA ADVISORY….MEDIA ADVISORY….MEDIA ADVISORY….REPORTERS/TV/VIDEO CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHERS WELCOME.

Dallas Summer Musicals and the House of Blues will present a special concert/showcase at the House of Blues, 2200 N. Lamar Street in Dallas, Wednesday, March 7 from 5-6 p.m., featuring a sneak peek at the musical by the talented cast members of the national touring production Million Dollar Quartet.


Following the performance, cast members will meet and greet the invited audience, and be available for media interviews and photos at that time. To schedule an interview slot, email joannholt@gmail.com.


The international smash hit musical, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is playing at the Music Hall at Fair Park through March 18, 2012. The show is set on December 4, 1956, when an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” who was responsible for launching the careers of each icon, brought the four legendary musicians together at the Sun Records storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time. The resulting evening became known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions in history.


MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock, gospel, R&B and country hits including; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.


Portraying these icons are Derek Keeling as Johnny Cash, Cody Slaughter as Elvis Presley, Martin Kaye as Jerry Lee Lewis and Lee Ferris as Carl Perkins. Christopher Ryan Grant will play the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Sam Phillips. The cast also features Kelly Lamont as Dyanne, and musicians Billy Shaffer (Fluke, drums), and Chuck Zayas (Jay Perkins, bass). Rounding out the company is: Austin Cook, Scott F. Moreau, John Michael Presney, David Sonneborn, Alyssa Marie, and Billy Woodward. The show is directed by Eric Schaeffer and features a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. The design team includes: Derek McLane (scenic design), Howell Binkley (lighting design), Jane Greenwood (costume design), Kai Harada (sound design) and Chuck Mead (musical arrangements and supervision).


MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET won a Tony Award® for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical and received a Tony Award® nomination for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical (Colin Escott & Floyd Mutrux). The show received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance.


MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will run March 6-18, 2012 at the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.


Dallas Summer Musicals mini-packs are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Dallas. DSM 2012 season shows continue with LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (April 10-22); RAIN, (April 24-29); MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL (May 15-27); MAMMA MIA! (May 29-June 3); PETER PAN, STARRING CATHY RIGBY, (July 10-22); and THE ADDAMS FAMILY, A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY, October 2-21, 2012. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals and the 2012 season, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.


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DSM Awarded 6 Major Theatrical Awards

DSM Special Events and Announcements
Contact: Sharon Adams
214-343-4402
Adamscomm1@aol.com

Dallas Summer Musicals Shows
PR: Jo Ann Holt
214-421-5678 ext 109
joannholt@charter.net

Dallas Summer Musicals Awarded 6 Major Theatrical Awards

Achievement by a southwest regional non-profit theatre group is unprecedented

(July 30, 2010) It all began in June 2007 when Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals and Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) were bestowed with the incredible honor of winning the 2007 Tony Award® for Best Special Theatrical Event for Jay Johnson: The Two and Only. He joined the esteemed group of Broadway and Hollywood stars on stage to bring two medallions back to Big D, accepting a Tony Award® both on behalf of DSM and himself as a producer of the award-winning show. The DSM medallion is proudly showcased in the lobby of its rightful home at The Music Hall at Fair Park.

The news for 2008 was even better! Boeing-Boeing, produced in part by Dallas Summer Musicals and Michael Jenkins, won two Tony Awards®, one for Best Revival of a Play and one for Best Performance of a Leading Actor in a Play, Mark Rylance. Both Dallas Summer Musicals and Michael Jenkins played a huge part in producing this hilarious play revival on Broadway, resulting in Jenkins bringing home two more Tony Awards® to Dallas.

Boeing-Boeing continued to win awards, being named the winner of two 2007 – 2008 Drama Desk Awards® for Outstanding Revival of a Play: Boeing-Boeing by Marc Camoletti and Outstanding Actor in a Play: Mark Rylance, resulting in two Drama Desk Awards brought home to Dallas, one for Dallas Summer Musicals as a producer and one for Michael Jenkins as a producer.

The Drowsy Chaperone and Jersey Boys each earned a Dallas Fort Worth Theatre Critics Forum Award in the Touring Production category, resulting in six major theatrical awards to DSM and Jenkins in 2008.

A visionary leader in Dallas’ entertainment community, Michael A. Jenkins consistently brings the “Best of Broadway” to DSM. The 2010-2011 upcoming season is no different with a sensational line-up in the final stages of determination.

“We guarantee our Dallas audience always has the most current shows,” Jenkins said. “DSM is committed to bringing 71 productions, plays and musicals, to Dallas between 2010 and 2013 to the Music Hall at Fair Park.”

Dallas Summer Musicals is a producer or major investor in many musicals and plays on stage now in London, such as the recent production of Legally Blonde and Boeing Boeing and on Broadway, including the Broadway production of Guys & Dolls.

“DSM also has major interests in many other future shows, including 9 to 5, based on the film, and A Christmas Story,” Jenkins added. “The newest show, Vanities, is one of the most successful plays of all time. It’s been made into a musical and will open on Broadway this fall.”

About Dallas Summer Musicals

Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is the preeminent non-profit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region. Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Comerica Bank. Season sponsors are American Airlines, Park Place Motorcars Dallas, and WFAA Channel 8. Visit the website at http://www.dallassummermusicals.org/

About The Tony Awards®

The Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards are bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement. The Tony is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and the annual telecast is considered one of the most prestigious programs on television. The Tonys are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

The Drama Desk was founded in 1949 to explore key issues in the theater and to bring together critics and writers in an organization to support the ongoing development of theater in New York. The organization began presenting its awards in 1955, and it is the only critics organization to honor achievement in the theater with competition between Broadway, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions in the same categories.

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