Burn The Floor Dances Into Dallas!

For immediate release

Media Contact: Jo Ann Holt

469-363-7371 or joannholt@gmail.com

BURN THE FLOOR IS COMING TO NORTH TEXAS

PRESENTED BY DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS

APRIL 5-17, 2011

AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

FEATURING

ANYA GARNIS, PASHA KOVALEV,

ROBBIE KMETONI, JANETTE MANRARA

AND KAREN HAUER

FROM TV’S “SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE”

ALSO FEATURING

VONZELL SOLOMON FROM “AMERICAN IDOL”

DALLAS, TX...BURN THE FLOOR is coming to North Texas, direct from Broadway. Brought by Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), presented by Comerica Bank, the tour features “So You Think You Can Dance” alums Anya Garnis, Pasha Kovalev, Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer. All five have been seen on TV’s “So You Think You Can Dance,” in the US (Anya & Pasha, Top 10 Finalists and Season 7 All Stars; Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer, Top 10 Finalists) and Australia (Robbie Kmetoni, 2010 Winner). Also featured is Vonzell Solomon as the show’s female vocalist. Vonzell was the second runner-up in the 4th season of “American Idol.”

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. BURN THE FLOOR, 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 the Music Hall at Fair Park stage in Dallas for two weeks only, Tuesday, April 5 through Sunday, April 17, 2011. Tickets are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets, priced from $15-$75, are also available by calling 1-800-982-ARTS, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 15 or more, call 214-426-GROUP.

With BURN THE FLOOR, you will feel, live on stage, all the passion, drama and sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous champion dancers in a true theatrical experience, a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times calls "Dazzling!" The Times (London) calls it “the summer’s hottest ticket”!

From Harlem's hot nights at The Savoy, where dances such as the Lindy, Foxtrot and Charleston were born, to the Latin Quarter where the Cha-Cha, Rumba and Salsa steamed up the stage, BURN THE FLOOR takes audiences on a journey through the passionate drama of dance.

The elegance of the Viennese Waltz, the exuberance of the Jive, the intensity of the Paso Doble - audiences will experience them all, as well as the Tango, Samba, Mambo, Quickstep and Swing.

BURN THE FLOOR is directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison.

Featured Dancers:

ANYA GARNIS (Dancer). Original Burn the Floor Broadway & West End cast member. On the TV show “SYTYCD,” Anya was handed a first-class ticket on the “Hot Tamale Train,” and her career has been sizzling ever since. Guest dancer on “Dancing with the Stars,” “Superstars of Dance” and the Academy Awards. Born in Latvia, she has been a ballroom superstar for the last ten years. “SYTYCD” season 7 as an All-Star professional this summer.

PASHA KOVALEV (Dancer). Original Burn the Floor Broadway & West End cast member. Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha started dancing at age 8. Following a successful career in ballroom competition, he has appeared on many TV shows including “So You Think You Can Dance”, “Dancing with the Stars”, and “Superstars of Dance”. “SYTYCD” season 7 as an All-Star professional this summer.

ROBBIE KMETONI (Dancer). Original Burn the Floor West End cast member. Robbie won season 3 of “So You Think You Can Dance” (Australia) at only 19. Specializing in Contemporary, Robbie is a versatile dancer having studied a wide variety of different styles, including Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop with Brent Street, Sydney Dance Company and Alvin Ailey. He has made numerous television appearances and performed at dance festivals across Australia and in the U.S. Robbie is thrilled to be making his professional touring debut with Jason Gilkison and Burn the Floor on the West End and U.S. tour.

JANETTE MANRARA (Dancer). Original Burn the Floor West End cast member. Janette began musical theatre at age 12 and formal dance training at 19, studying Ballroom, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz and Hip Hop & Salsa. Janette was a finalist from season 5 “So You Think You Can Dance” and toured with finalists. Appeared on the “82nd Annual Academy Awards” and danced with Jennifer Lopez on the “SYTYCD” finale. She is a principal dancer on Fox’s “Glee” and Glee Live Tour.

KAREN HAUER (Dancer). Original Burn the Floor Broadway & West End cast member. Born in Venezuela, Karen began to dance shortly after arriving in NYC at 8 years old. She attended LaGuardia HS of the Performing Arts. 2008 World Mambo Champion. “SYTYCD” (U.S.) top 12.

Featured Vocalist:

VONZELL SOLOMON (Vocalist), better known as "Baby V," is an international singer, songwriter, producer, recording artist, model and actress. She was the second runner-up in the 4th season of the FOX Television series “American Idol.” Following her amazing performances on “Idol,” she launched her own record label, Melodic Records. Vonzell is presently putting the finishing touches on her highly anticipated sophomore CD release. She is thrilled to be making her US Tour debut with this fabulous show, Burn the Floor! www.vonzellbabyvsolomon.com / twitter.com/vonzellsolomon.

For more information about the show, visit www.burnthefloor.com.

The following shows are also part of the DSM 2011 season at the Music Hall at Fair Park. Pick A Packs that include any three DSM shows are still available, starting as low as $36. For more information, please visit www.dallassummermusicals.org.

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.

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.

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.

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!”

WEST SIDE STORY, October 4-23, 2011, is also the 2011 State Fair of Texas musical. More than fifty years ago one musical changed theater forever. Now it's back, and 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 David Saint, using Tony Award-winning librettist Arthur Laurents’ Broadway direction, West Side Story remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The new Broadway cast album of West Side Story 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 and features such classics of the American musical theatre as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."

“So exciting IT MAKES YOU ACHE WITH PLEASURE” –John Lahr, The New Yorker

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments. For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

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.

Dallas Summer Musicals Sounds Better Than Ever!

Events and Announcements Media Contact:
Sharon Adams
Adams Communications Public Relations

214-343-4402

Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Technical Contact:
Barry Epstein
972.387.8702

BarryT21@aol.com

All new state-of-the-art sound concept literally targets each seat, making the musical experience at the Music Hall at Fair Park the best ever!

(Dallas, TX) January 19, 2011 – Dallas Summer Musicals sounds better than ever! The Music Hall at Fair Park is now outfitted with an all new, state-of-the-art sound concept. As the quality of sound improves through technological advances and the style of sound changes with each theatrical production, DSM’s goal is to ensure that every single patron enjoys each show and its unique style of music to the fullest. That’s why the new sound concept, new sound system enhancements and many other complementary acoustic improvements have been made.

Many people don’t realize that most Broadway theaters have 800 – 1,000 seats. The Music Hall has more than 3,400. Since most shows design the sound for the smaller theaters, it has been a challenge to distribute that sound to each patron. Now, that has all changed.
“Over the past two years, through a very precise design and strategy, we have added additional electronics and 15 additional speakers which are carefully and individually optimized. Now, this new system, including 40 loud speakers, seamlessly integrates with each show’s system. This ensures that we maintain all of the acoustic nuances originally designed by the director as part of the show,” said Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, DSM.

Part of the challenge was to preserve the art deco look of the Music Hall, a Nationally Registered Landmark building, while transforming its acoustics to complement the need of modern electronic sound systems. Thousands of square feet of acoustic materials have been added to the side walls, the front of the balcony and even the rear walls, doors and certain exit areas, including space-age technology licensed by NASA and new materials that adapt themselves to the surrounding environment.

The research team on this project includes Acoustic Dimensions, a world class acoustic and sound consulting firm; Richard Thomas, Professor of Visual and Performing Arts at Purdue University; air conditioning specialists, and Barry Epstein, a member of the DSM board with over 50 patents in electronics. All of these experts coordinated efforts to the overall scheme. In addition to that, Epstein analyzes each show for continued improvement. The very latest in computer analysis is used in every step of the process.

Finally, patrons may see Greg Moxley, resident sound engineer and third generation in his family to work at the Music Hall, walking around with a special lap top during the shows. He is not playing games. The lap top is part of the sound system remote control and many may see Greg fine-tuning during a show.
Join in the experience as Dallas Summer Musicals continues to bring the Best of Broadway home to Texas for over 70 years and now, presents the best sound ever in the Music Hall at Fair Park!

Comments:
”I have seen Phantom 8 times. The Phantom sound tonight at the Music Hall was the best I have ever heard.” – John Garcia (PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, March 2010).

DSM’s 2011 Season: The 2011 season begins on March 15, 2011 with Tommy Tune’s STEPS IN TIME through March 20; BURN THE FLOOR plays April 5 – 17; NINE TO FIVE THE MUSICAL, May 18 – 29; STOMP, June 7 – 12; MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, June 14 – 26; GUYS AND DOLLS, July 19 – 31; WEST SIDE STORY, October 4 – 23. Season tickets are now on sale. You can see five shows for $75 total.

Season tickets, priced from $75-$380 are available at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center. Subscribers may also order tickets to the season specials 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. 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.

The Music Hall at Fair Park Celebrates 85 Years at Fair Park
DSM is celebrating the anniversary October 2010 through October 2011
Nestled among the greatest concentration of genuine exposition art deco architecture in the world, the Music Hall at Fair Park made its grand theatrical debut on October 10, 1925, with the musical premiere of Sigmund Romberg’s THE STUDENT PRINCE. However, the real star of the show was the Grand Hall itself, which was dedicated “to the good, the true, and the beautiful” and made possible by the cooperation of the Board of City Commissioners, the Park Board, and officers and directors of the State Fair of Texas.

About Dallas Summer Musicals
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 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.

Season sponsors for Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, are The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and Texas Instruments.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.
Visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org

DSM is proud to announce: Barry Epstein to receive a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from Purdue University in recognition of outstanding achievements in professional and related fields of endeavor on February 25, 2011 and in recognition of his technical, entrepreneurial and management success and his outstanding support of education. The Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award is presented to engineering alumni who have distinguished themselves in any field of endeavor that reflects favorably on Purdue University, the engineering profession, or society in general. The College of Engineering has over 81,000 living alumni. The distinction of DEA has been bestowed upon [more than 400] of these outstanding individuals. [For more information on Barry, his involvement with DSM and this award, please contact him directly at 972.387.8702 or BarryT21@aol.com]

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Michael Steindorf Named DSM Board Chairman for 2011

local attorney michael steindorf takes over as new chairman of the board of dallas summer musicals

Dallas, TX… Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc., (DSM) presented by Comerica Bank, and the largest producer of live theatrical entertainment in the Southwest, has named Michael Steindorf, a local attorney, Chairman of its 2011 board of directors. Steindorf was installed as Board Chairman at DSM’s annual meeting in December 2010.

Steindorf is a partner at the international law firm of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., where he has specialized in business litigation for 23 years. He became involved with DSM several years ago as a result of handling a pro bono legal matter on the company’s behalf, but his interest in Dallas Summer Musicals goes back much further. At age 15, Steindorf mowed yards all summer to earn money to take a date to see DSM’s 1971 production of Camelot starring Robert Goulet. He was prompted to continue his more recent involvement with DSM because of its many programs aimed at children, including the Stage Right program created in partnership with the Dallas Police Department to help bring at-risk students to the shows.

DSM President and Managing Director Michael Jenkins said, “We are very fortunate to have someone like Michael Steindorf take the helm of Dallas Summer Musicals in these challenging economic times. He combines legal and business expertise with a passionate commitment to the arts and an understanding of the needs of a non-profit organization such as DSM.”

Steindorf is a 1978 graduate of Texas A&M and 1980 graduate of Baylor Law School. He serves as a member of the State Bar of Texas Standing Committee on Racial Diversity in the Profession and is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He has been listed among The Best Lawyers in America and as a Texas Super Lawyer in Business Litigation for many years. Steindorf is also a past member of the board of directors of the North Texas Food Bank and board of trustees of the Dallas Opera.

“Dallas Summer Musicals has been putting smiles on Dallas faces for a long time and it is an honor to have the opportunity to lead the organization as it enters its 71st season in 2011,” said Steindorf. “DSM belongs to the people of Dallas, and like a treasured family heirloom, we have to safeguard it and make sure that it is passed along in good condition to the next generation. As a non-profit, we work year around to bring the best that Broadway has to offer to Dallas at an affordable ticket price. With the help of sponsors, subscribers, volunteers and the community at large, we plan to continue this tradition for many years in the future.”

Steindorf and his wife, Dallas native Victoria, live in Highland Park and are longtime members of Park Cities Presbyterian Church. The Steindorfs have three children and a new granddaughter.

Immediate Past Chairman of Dallas Summer Musicals is Gary Griffith, with Darrel Jordan 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 2011:

Vice President – Audit, Dorsey Baskin; Vice President – Community Outreach, Laura Estrada; Vice President – Development, Karl Chiao; Vice President – Finance, Michael S. Albright; Vice President – Investment, Ted Munselle; Vice President – Marketing, Brice Beaird; Vice President – Nominating, Gary Griffith; Vice President – Personnel & Compensation, Steve Watson; Secretary, Steven C. Metzger; and Treasurer, Richard L. Rogers.

The 2011 executive committee members are Michael S. Albright, Ruth Altshuler, Dorsey Baskin, Brice Beaird, Ed Blessing, Ed Bratton, Karl Chiao, Diana Childress, O. Paul Corley, Jr., O. Paul Corley, Sr., Terry R. Dallas, Laura V. Estrada, Jay Fox, Christine Gancarz, Stanley D. Gardner, Rick Graham, Gary E. Griffith, Charles L. Gummer, Darrell Jordan, Sheffie Kadane III, Rebecca Kay, Glenda Kemple, Marvin Lane, Meredy McClure, John McCoy, Bill Melton, 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, Kenneth D. Sandstad, Kip Sowden, Donald K. Spies, Michael C. Steindorf, Paul A. Stotts, Sandra K. Thomas, 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, Charles L. Gummer, Steven C. Metzger, Charles Pistor, Bud Porter, Dick Quisenberry, Ken Sandstad, Donald K. Spies, Paul A. Stotts, and Kit Williams. Past chairmen J. Frank Miller III and Douglas Perry are deceased.

Now celebrating its 71st 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. 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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ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN ROCKS THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK MARCH 27, 2011

Dallas, TX…The UK’s hottest and most successful rock show, “One Night of Queen,” performed by Gary Mullen and The Works and celebrating the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen, is coming to the Music Hall at Fair Park for one night only Sunday, March 27, 2011.

In 1985, following their appearance on Live Aid, Queen was internationally acclaimed as the best live band on earth, with Freddie Mercury as the greatest live performer of his generation. Few performers could ever hope to match his unique talent.

Since winning ITV’s “Stars in their Eyes,” Gary Mullen has been recognized world-wide as the closest thing to Freddie. His voice, persona, and portrayal sends shivers down the spine and leaves listeners’ with their hair standing on end. He and his band “The Works” recreate the excitement and atmosphere of a live Queen concert to unmatched perfection.

Nine years of touring has seen One Night of Queen build a reputation for regularly selling out large theaters and concert halls across the UK, Europe and the World. In 2009 the show performed in England, Scotland, Wales, Denmark, and the USA, where they sold out in more than 75 cities. For more information, visit www.garymullenandtheworks.com.

“Mullen brought legendary Queen front man Freddie Mercury back to life in a two-hour energy-filled concert that had toddlers to grandparents dancing in the aisles.” The Salt Lake Tribune.

“We’ve seen a lot of Tribute bands in our lives, but nothing that in any way, shape or form comes close to One Night of Queen.” Out on the Town Magazine, Pennsylvania.

The show features fantastic hits such as “We Will Rock You,” “We Are the Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Radio GaGa,” “It’s a Kind of Magic,” and many more.

This phenomenal live concert will thrill anyone who likes hot rock, and it’s available for one night only at the Music Hall at Fair Park, Sunday, March 27, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, priced from $25-$70, call 1-800-982-ARTS or visit The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center in Dallas. Tickets are also available for purchase online through www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit www.liveatthemusichall.com.

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For media inquiries, including photos and interview requests, please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com.