DSM News Room

Mamma Mia! Returns to Dallas!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:44:00 +0000

MAMMA MIA!
WALKS DOWN THE AISLE OF THE
MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

THE GLOBAL SMASH HIT WILL RETURN
TO DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS
FOR ONE WEEK ONLY!

Dallas, TX….Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals for one week only May 29-June 3, 2012.

Seen by over 50 million people around the world, Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus’ global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA!, is celebrating over 4,000 performances in its tenth smash hit year at Broadway’s Winter Garden Theatre and remains among Broadway’s top selling musicals. The current North American Tour has played over 3,700 performances in over 150 cities with 145 repeat visits. The original West End production of MAMMA MIA! is now in its thirteenth year and has celebrated over 5,000 performances in London and the international tour has visited more than 50 foreign cities and been seen by 4 million people. The blockbuster feature film adaptation of MAMMA MIA!, produced by Judy Craymer and Gary Goetzman, is the most successful movie musical of all time grossing $600 million worldwide.

With a worldwide gross of over $2 Billion, MAMMA MIA! is acclaimed by the Associated Press as "quite simply, a phenomenon."

An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she’s raised alone. For Sophie’s wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends—practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya - from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own.

On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna’s past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities.

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs from “Dancing Queen” and “S.O.S.” to “Money, Money, Money” and “Take a Chance on Me,” MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

Single tickets for MAMMA MIA! are priced from $15-$75, available through 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 10 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

The performance schedule for MAMMA MIA! at the Music Hall at Fair Park is Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1 at 8 p.m., with two performances each on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3 at 2 and 8 p.m.

Produced by Judy Craymer, Richard East and Björn Ulvaeus for Littlestar in association with Universal, the creative team responsible for bringing MAMMA MIA! to theatrical life includes some of the most gifted and celebrated talents of musical theatre and opera. With music and lyrics by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, MAMMA MIA! is written by Catherine Johnson and directed by Phyllida Lloyd. MAMMA MIA! has choreography by Anthony Van Laast, production design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound design by Andrew Bruce and Bobby Aitken, and musical supervision, additional material and arrangements by Martin Koch.

The special edition cast recording of MAMMA MIA! is available on Decca Broadway.For information about MAMMA MIA! go to www.mammamianorthamerica.com.

Dallas Summer Musicals mini-packs of three or more shows are still on sale at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Dallas. DSM 2012 season shows continue with 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 please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com.

Memphis is coming to Dallas!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 20:25:00 +0000

FOUR-TIME TONY® AWARD WINNER MEMPHIS

IS COMING TO DALLAS

Dallas, TX… MEMPHIS, the 2010 Tony® Award Winner for Best Musical, and the show that’s currently blowing the roof off Broadway, opens at the Music Hall at Fair Park May 15-27, 2012 for a limited engagement, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals.

Single tickets are on sale now, priced from $15-$75, 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 10 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

Critically acclaimed MEMPHIS won four 2010 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score (David Bryan and Joe DiPietro), Best Book (Joe DiPietro), and Best Orchestrations (David Bryan and Daryl Waters). MEMPHIS won four Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Performance by an Actress (Montego Glover), Outstanding Music (David Bryan) and Outstanding Orchestration (David Bryan and Daryl Waters). MEMPHIS has also won four Outer Critic Circle Awards including Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Score (David Bryan & Joe DiPietro), Outstanding Actress (Montego Glover) and Outstanding Choreography (Sergio Trujillo).

MEMPHIS takes place in the smoky halls and underground clubs of the segregated 50’s, where a young white DJ named Huey Calhoun fell in love with everything he shouldn’t: rock and roll and an electrifying black singer. MEMPHIS is an original story about the cultural revolution that erupted when his vision met her voice, and the music changed forever. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.

The show features a brand new Tony winning score with music by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change), who also pens the musical’s book. Bryan and DiPietro also collaborated on the award-winning off-Broadway hit, The Toxic Avenger.

MEMPHIS is based on a concept by the late George W. George (producer of the Tony nominated Bedroom Farce and the film My Dinner With Andre), with direction by Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu) and choreography by Sergio Trujillo, who is currently represented by three shows on Broadway (Memphis, Jersey Boys and The Addams Family). Scenic Design for MEMPHIS is by Tony® Award winner David Gallo (The Drowsy Chaperone, Reasons to Be Pretty), Costume Design is by Tony nominee Paul Tazewell (In The Heights), Lighting Design is by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley (Jersey Boys) and Sound Design is by Ken Travis (The Threepenny Opera).

David Richardson of WOR Radio calls MEMPHIS “The biggest hit on Broadway” while Charles Isherwood of the New York Times says, “David Bryan evokes the powerhouse funk of James Brown, the hot guitar riffs of Chuck Berry, the smooth harmonies of the Temptations, the silken, bouncy pop of the great girl groups of the period.” The New York Post raves “Of such thrills, Broadway is made,” Newsday calls the show “A smash! An extraordinary show,” the Daily News promises that MEMPHIS will “Blast you out the door humming and happy” and NY1’s Roma Torre cheers, “MEMPHIS ROCKS!”

The national tour of MEMPHIS will be produced by Junkyard Dog Productions, Barbara and Buddy Freitag, and Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff, with Latitude Link, Jim and Susan Blair, Demos Bizar Entertainment, Land Line Productions, Richard Winkler, Alex and Katya Lukianov, David Copley, Dancap Productions, Inc., 2 Guys Productions, Patty Baker, and Dan Frishwasser, in association with Eric and Marsi Gardiner, Linda and Bill Potter, Broadway Across America, Memphis Orpheum Group, Vijay and Sita Vashee, Apples and Oranges Productions, Brian and Betty Dovey, John Yonover and Ron Yonover, Loraine Boyle/Chase Mishkin, Remmel T. Dickinson, Shadowcatcher Entertainment, and JockoProductions, Scott and Kayla Union. For more information, visit www.memphisthemusical.com.

MEMPHIS will run May 15-27, 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. and an evening performance at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 20, plus an added matinee at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24.

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 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 please contact Jo Ann Holt at joannholt@gmail.com.

Finalists Announced for DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 20:44:00 +0000

Revealed! Dallas Summer Musicals 1st High School Musical Theatre Awards Finalists

Winners will be announced and finalists will perform at the red carpet extravaganza on Saturday, May 5, 2012 at The Music Hall at Fair Park

(Dallas, TX – April 9, 2012) Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals and Tracy Jordan, Director of Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards program (DSM HSMTA) presented by Comerica Bank, today announced the awards finalists in a special appearance on WFAA-TV’s DAYBREAK. See attached listings for details.

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. If you love theatre, you do not want to miss this show!

Slated for Saturday, May 5th at The Music Hall at Fair Park, top nominated schools will perform a number from their show, nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress will be showcased and the winners will be announced at the red carpet extravaganza as show biz professionals and celebrities come together to celebrate and spotlight excellence in area high school musical productions. Bring your cameras! The celebration begins at 6:00 p.m. with paparazzi at the red carpet reception. The show begins at 7:30 p.m.

One of the award presentations will be made, in person, by Cathy Rigby, a former Olympic champion, who visits Dallas again when she stars in PETER PAN, running July 10 – 22 as part of DSM’s regular season at The Music Hall.

“This will be an exciting night, not only for DSM, but for the performers and their families,” Jordan said. “Thirty high schools participated in our first-ever musical theatre awards program. It was a diverse list of high schools from as far away as Granbury, McKinney, Corsicana and all across the Metroplex. The musicals were 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.”

Jenkins, who has been involved in the production side of musicals for over 50 years and travels the world scouting shows for DSM’s seasons, said, “I was overwhelmed with pride when I saw the level of talent in performance and production in our high school musicals. We are thrilled to bring this program to Dallas. It has been in research and development for the past four years. 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. I’d also like to thank our chairs, Gail and Bill Plummer and DSM HSMTA media sponsors, WFAA-TV Channel 8 and The Dallas Morning News.”

A visionary leader in Dallas’ entertainment community, Michael’s resumé includes six (6) Tony® Awards, two (2) Drama Desk Awards® , a Dallas Fort Worth Theatre Critics Forum Award, and 38 nominations for both him and DSM.

Tracy continued, “Due to the kind generosity of the many sponsors and underwriters, DSM will be awarding eight (8) $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.

The process: Three judges visited each school and judged 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 were submitted to the accounting firm of Grant-Thornton and the finalists determined.

Tickets are priced from $20 to $50. Visit the web site at: http://dallassummermusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm or Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in the Preston/Royal Shopping Center or call (214) 691-7200 for more information.

For more details about the Dallas program, visit the website at http://dallassummermusicals.org/HSMAwards.shtm . Updates. photos and comments are posted continuously on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DSM-High-School-Musical-Theatre-Awards 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 ###

Direct from Broadway, RAIN Returns!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:07:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:02:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 21:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:44:00 +0000

……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

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:00:00 +0000

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.

###

Darrell E. Jordan named Chairman of the Board

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:44:00 +0000

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.

# # #

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

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Media Contact:

Jo Ann Holt

joannholt@gmail.com

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.

“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 fiancée 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.

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.

# # #

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 2012 Season Tickets On Sale Now!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:59:00 +0000

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS ANNOUNCES 2012 SEASON
AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

Dallas, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) announced their 72nd season lineup, with eight touring Broadway productions coming to the Music Hall at Fair Park in 2012. 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, “We are offering something for everyone in the family this season, plus our subscribers receive such affordable prices that it’s possible to bring the whole family to enjoy a really memorable experience at the Music Hall at Fair Park. DSM subscribers can see six shows for the price of five this season.”

“Many of the shows, like MEMPHIS, MAMMA MIA!, RAIN, and THE ADDAMS FAMILY are still hot tickets on Broadway, while MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES just ended highly successful NY engagements to tour. We welcome Hollywood legend George Hamilton as the French nightclub owner, Georges, in LA CAGE, and beloved Olympics star Cathy Rigby in a new production of PETER PAN. Our family-friendly season kicks off with an explosive new show, BRING IT ON, THE MUSICAL, that will leave audiences cheering for more.”

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.

DSM 2012 SEASON AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

BRING IT ON, THE MUSICAL, February 14-26, 2012.
An explosive new musical comedy that raises the stakes on over-the-top high school rivalries, BRING IT ON! is set against the world of competitive cheerleading. The powerhouse new show hilariously proves that winning isn’t everything when it means losing something, or someone, you really care about. This entirely original musical comedy combines an exciting new sound, gravity-defying choreography, and a thrilling story to create a total theatrical event worth cheering for. Game On!

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 fiancée 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.

Season tickets, priced from $75-$375, are on sale Monday, September 12 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.

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 2013, DSM will continue its 72-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.

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.

# # #

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.

Sept. 30th is Deadline for DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:11:00 +0000

DSM Special Events and Announcements 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

Three important dates for Dallas Metropolitan Area High Schools:

September 30 is Deadline to Register for the Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards for the 2011 – 2012 School Year

* Thursday, August 25: Join us for a showing of the movie Most Valuable Players at the Studio Movie Grill at Royal Lane and I-75 Central Expressway (admission rates apply) and

* Saturday, August 27: Orientation: The Music Hall at Fair Park for an orientation conference on the DSM HSMTA participation details. All Dallas metropolitan area high schools encouraged to participate!

(Dallas, TX – August 9, 2011) September 30, 2011 is the deadline to register for the Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards (DSM HSMTA) for the 2011 – 2012 school year. All Dallas metropolitan area high schools are encouraged to participate, including public and private schools. Each school can register for one musical to be judged. If they want to submit another one, the fee is $300.

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. In addition, DSM will be awarding scholarships of not less than $1,000 to several deserving students.

Tracy Jordan, DSM HSMTA director agrees with Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, DSM when he says, “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.”

Eligible school districts include Collin County, Denton County, Kaufman County, Ellis County, Rockwall County, Highland Park ISD. Fort Worth has the Betty Buckley Awards, so high schools from Tarrant County are not eligible.

Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress will receive an all expenses 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. Scholarships will include the opportunity for merit and need-based assistance to attend NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, New Studio on Broadway: Acting and Music Theatre contingent upon acceptance into the New Studio and New York University.

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 in Spring 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 web site here: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

Thursday, Aug. 25 @ 7:30pm at the Studio Movie Grill at I-75 and Royal Lane is showing a special presentation of the movie Most Valuable Players. This is a great documentary that follows three high schools as they compete in the Freddy Awards at the State Theater in Pennsylvania. The film captures the excitement and enthusiasm of the competition. Join us for this fun event to kick off our inaugural season. (Regular Studio Movie Grill admission applies. To view the trailer click on www.mostvaluableplayersmovie.com
Admission prices and categories are below.

Tracy Jordan, the DSM HSMTA coordinator, will conduct a Q & A after the movie.

For regular seating link below – remember to PICK AUGUST 25TH on drop down menu: https://smg.tstickets.com/%28S%28qfl1go554lcjsw453wiiavfp%29%29/ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=6

Adult (Sun to Thurs) $9.50. Student (11 plus w/ ID) $8.25. Senior (55 plus) $8.00. Child (10 and under) $7.00

Or RESERVED SEATING PRICES are available can be linked directly here: https://smg.tstickets.com/%28S%28qfl1go554lcjsw453wiiavfp%29%29/ticketing.aspx?TheatreID=6&ShowDate=08/25/2011

SMG Dallas/Royal
11170 N Central Expressway (at Royal Lane. Northeast corner.)
Dallas, TX 75243

Saturday, August 27 at 10:00 AM:
Tracy Jordan, director for the DSM HSMTA program, will host a musical teachers orientation conference on Saturday, August 27 beginning promptly at 10:00 AM at The Music Hall at Fair Park.

The orientation conference will acquaint teachers with all aspects of the DSM HSMTA awards program. There will be a Q & A session afterwards.

Attendance is mandatory for those high school musical teachers who have already signed up to participate in the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards program.

All area high school musical teachers are welcome to attend. There is no admission fee. We ask that you contact Tracy Jordan to let him know you are coming, so he can have information packets waiting for you: Direct: 214-413-3951 and email at tjordan@dallassummermusicals.org

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 is presented by Comerica Bank. Season sponsors are American Airlines, Dallas Morning News, Metro PCS, WFAA Channel 8, and Texas Instruments. Visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org

#
For hi res photos, please contact Sharon Adams, ACPR: 972.773.9289 or adamscomm1@aol.com

Guys and Dolls coming to Dallas!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:35:00 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jo Ann Holt, DSM publicist

469-363-7371 or joannholt@gmail.com

Guys and Dolls

Big League Productions, Inc. launches sparkling new National Touring

production of Broadway’s best loved musical for summer 2011.

Dallas, TX…With a cast of Broadway stars and a first class creative team, this brand new production of GUYS AND DOLLS will visit the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals for two weeks only beginning July 19, 2011.

Tickets, ranging from $20-$85, are on sale now at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Preston Royal Shopping Center; or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available by calling 1-800-982-ARTS, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 15 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

Bustling with gamblers, gangsters, and sassy showgirls, GUYS AND DOLLS celebrates Broadway’s golden era with one of the greatest scores ever written for a musical by the legendary Frank Loesser, masterfully witty book and lyrics by Joe Swerling and comedy legend Abe Burrows, and the glorious Damon Runyon’s comic book world of 1940s Times Square New York City.

GUYS AND DOLLS originally conquered Broadway in 1951 as the winner of 5 TonyÓ Awards including Best New Musical and again in 1992 with 4 TonyÓ Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. The New York Times calls it “The show that defines Broadway dazzle!”

This brand new production boasts a cast of Broadway’s most celebrated rising stars, including Ben Crawford (Shrek as Shrek) as Sky Masterson, Steve Rosen (Spamalot, Farnsworth Invention, Peter and the Starcatchers) as Nathan Detroit, Erin Davie (A Little Night Music, Grey Gardens, Curtains) as Sarah Brown, and Megan Sikora (Curtains, Promises Promises, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying) as Miss Adelaide.

The creative team is led by award winning director Gordon Greenberg (Broadway In Chicago’s Working, Disney’s Believe, Off-Broadway’s Jacques Brel!…, Paper Mill & Huntington’s Pirates!) and choreographer Patti Columbo (Broadway’s Peter Pan, Disney’s Believe, National Tours of Seussical, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and Peter Pan), and lighting designer Charlie Morrison (National tours of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Miss Saigon, Meredith Willson’s The Music Man.)

GUYS AND DOLLS, an oddball romantic comedy considered by many to be the perfect musical, soars with the spirit of Broadway as it introduces us to a cast of vivid characters who are legends in the canon: Sarah Brown, the upright but uptight "mission doll," out to reform the evil-doers of Time Square; Sky Masterson, the slick, high-rolling gambler who woos her on a bet to Cuba and ends up falling in love; Adelaide, the chronically ill nightclub performer whose condition is brought on by the fact she's been engaged to the same man for 14 years; and Nathan Detroit, her devoted fiancé, desperate as always to find a spot for his infamous floating crap game.

The show features classic standards such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “Adelaide’s Lament,” “My Time of Day,” and “Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat,” which have been sung by musical superstars throughout the years. A movie version of GUYS AND DOLLS was released in 1953 starring Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra.

The show is produced by Big League Productions, Inc. from New York City which has been touring great Broadway musicals and attractions worldwide since 1991. Featured productions have included CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, MISS SAIGON, MEREDITH WILLSON’S THE MUSIC MAN, THE WHO’S TOMMY, and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS to name a few.

From music theater aficionados to SOPRANOS’ fans, everyone is sure to be entertained by GUYS AND DOLLS.

GUYS AND DOLLS opens a two week run at the Music Hall at Fair Park from Tuesday, July 19 through Sunday, July 31, with the following schedule:

Tuesday, July 19, 8 p.m. opening night

Wednesday, July 20, 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 21, 8 p.m.

Friday, July 22, 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 23, 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 24, 2 and 8 p.m.

Monday, July 25, No performance

Tuesday, July 26, 8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 27, 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 28, 2 and 8 p.m.

Friday, July 29, 8 p.m.

Saturday, July 30, 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 31, 2 p.m.

DSM’s 2011 season will conclude with WEST SIDE STORY, October 4-23, 2011, also the 2011 State Fair of Texas musical. More than 50 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, Metro PCS, 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.

# # #

Spamalot Returns to Dallas!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:29:00 +0000

BACK TO TAUNT DALLAS FOR A SECOND TIME!
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT

Tony Award Winner, Best Musical 2005
The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical of 2005, Monty Python's Spamalot, will return to the fair city of Dallas, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals for a two- week engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park from Tuesday, June 14-Sunday, June 26, 2011.

Lovingly "ripped-off" from the internationally famous comedy team's most popular motion picture, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot is the winner of three 2005 Tony® Awards including Best Musical and Best Director (Mike Nichols), as well as the Drama Desk® and Outer Critics Circle® awards for Best Musical.

The original cast recording of Monty Python’s Spamalot won the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album.

Based on the Tony Award winning direction of Mike Nichols and the riotous choreography of Casey Nicholaw, Monty Python's Spamalot features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez.

Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Monty Python's Spamalot features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

Monty Python's Spamalot is produced by Stephen B. Kane, Michael McFadden and Phoenix Entertainment.

Mike Nichols has been acclaimed as one of the great American directors in film, theater and television. He has won the Academy Award and eight Tony Awards. He recently received the Directors' Guild of America Award for Lifetime Achievement as well as a DGA Award for the direction of the HBO adaptation of Angels in America.

Casey Nicholaw’s outstanding work on Monty Python’s Spamalot earned him nominations for the Tony Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award. He followed up Monty Python’s Spamalot with another smash hit Broadway musical, The Drowsy Chaperone for which he earned numerous nominations as director and choreographer.

Aside from his work with Monty Python in films and on TV, Eric Idle has written a West End play, Pass the Butler; three novels, including The Road to Mars, The Rutles - A Mockumentary; and many songs too rude to mention. He has sung opera, acted in movies, appeared on television and crossed America performing comedy on The Greedy Bastard Tour. His diary of his 15,000 mile journey by bus was recently published by Harper Collins, and his long awaited sequel The Rutles2: Can't Buy Me Lunch was released by Warner Video in March. There's no saying what he might do next...

John Du Prez has composed over 20 feature film scores including A Fish Called Wanda, A Private Function, The Meaning of Life, Personal Services, UHF, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles I, II & III. He has worked with Eric Idle since 1978.

Monty Python isn't a person, but a group of British actors and writers (and one American) that performed their famous comedy show Monty Python's Flying Circus on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, with subsequent international fame and success.

www.MontyPythonsSpamalot.com

Tickets, priced from $15-$75, are available at the Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, #542 in Preston Royal Shopping Center; or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available by calling 1-800-982-ARTS, or purchase online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 15 or more, please call 214-426-GROUP.

SPAMALOT returns to the Music Hall at Fair Park from Tuesday, June 14 through Sunday, June 26, on the following schedule:

Tuesday, June 14, 8 p.m. opening night
Wednesday, June 15, 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 16, 8 p.m.
Friday, June 17, 8 p.m.
Saturday, June 18, 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 19, 2 and 8 p.m.
Monday, June 20, No performance
Tuesday, June 21, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 22, 8 p.m.
Thursday, June 23, 2 and 8 p.m.
Friday, June 24, 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday, June 26, 2 p.m. closing show

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.

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, Metrocrest PC, 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.

Michael Jenkins Named Outstanding Presenter

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Thu, 19 May 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Dallas, TX…Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director of Dallas Summer Musicals, received the prestigious Outstanding Achievement in Presenter Manager (Samuel J. L’Hommedieu) Award at the Broadway League’s 2011 Spring Road Conference held in NYC last week.

Under his leadership, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) has produced or invested in 123 Broadway productions, and presented 438 national tours. Jenkins is a leader in his community, founding programs that bring Broadway and the arts to special needs and at-risk youth in the Dallas area.
Executive Director of The Broadway League Charlotte St. Martin presented the award to Jenkins for demonstrating excellence in management. Honorees of the Broadway League Awards, honoring excellence and achievement for Touring Broadway, were greeted by George Hamilton at the opening session of the Spring Road Conference.

The Broadway League is the national trade association for the Broadway industry. Members include theatre owners and operators, producers, presenters and general managers in New York and more than 250 other North American cities, as well as suppliers of goods and services to the theatre industry. Each year, League members bring Broadway to more than 30 million people in New York and on tour across the U. S. and Canada.

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.

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 DSM, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

# # #

For media information or to schedule an interview, please call Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371, or email joannholt@gmail.com.

Pick-A-Pack Still Available

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:54:00 +0000

MEDIA CONTACT: Jo Ann Holt

469-363-7371 or joannholt@gmail.com

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS, PRESENTED BY COMERICA BANK,

ANNOUNCES PICK-A-PACK STILL AVAILABLE FOR THREE SHOWS

Dallas, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), presented by Comerica Bank, has announced the sale of special mini-packs will continue through the final shows of the 2011 season. See 3 shows starting as low as $36. Pick-A-Pack that includes any three musicals and receive the best seats and lowest prices, plus other benefits such as lost ticket replacement or ticket exchange.

To order, visit www.dallassummermusicals.org and download a Pick-A-Pack order form. Orders may be placed in person at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center in Dallas. Credit card orders may be phoned in to 214-346-3300 or faxed to 214-691-7386. There is a $10 per order processing fee, with an additional convenience charge of $3 per ticket for phone orders.

Single tickets, ranging from $15-$85, are also on sale at The Box Office or any Ticketmaster outlet, or by calling 1-800-982-ARTS, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of 15 or more, call 214-426-GROUP. The following shows, presented at the Music Hall at Fair Park, are still available for purchase.

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 one of the greatest jam sessions ever, and the recent Broadwy revival of 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.

# # #

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.

DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Launches for the 2011 - 2012 School Year

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:22:00 +0000

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

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

Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards Launches for the 2011 – 2012 School Year

All Dallas Metropolitan Area High Schools Encouraged to Participate!

This is a national program, with over 30 cities participating.

Based on Broadway’s Tony Awards®, the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards are designed to recognize and reward excellence in the production of high school musical theatre in 15 categories. See # 5 below.
All Dallas metropolitan area high schools (private and public) are invited to participate. Fort Worth has their “Betty Buckley” Awards, and we do not want to compete with them, so no Tarrant County. Eligible school districts include Collin County, Denton County, Kaufman County, Ellis County, Rockwall County, Highland Park ISD.
Each school can register for 1 musical to be judged. If they want to submit another one, the fee is $300. (Kansas City does that, as well.)

Link to the national web site: http://www.nhsmta.com/pages/frequently-asked-questions

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.

The top eight finalists in each category will be announced.

DSM will be awarding scholarships of not less than $1,000 to a number of deserving students.

Deadline for registration is September 30, 2011.

Ballots are submitted to the accounting firm of Grant-Thornton and announced the night of the awards ceremony.

Awards Ceremony: Spring 2012: Top eight schools will perform a production number from their show. It will be at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Winners of the Best Performance by an Actor and Actress will receive an all expenses 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 up to a full four year scholarship to the NYU Tisch School of Drama, valued at up to $100,000.

###

9 to 5: The Musical in Dallas May 18-29!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:15:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jo Ann Holt at 469-363-7371

or joannholt@gmail.com

The First National Tour of

9 to 5: The Musical

Starring

DEE HOTY

MAMIE PARRIS

JOSEPH MAHOWALD, KRISTINE ZBORNIK

and DIANA DEGARMO

Dallas, TX…The producers of 9 to 5: The Musical have announced the cast for the First National Tour, brought to the Music Hall at Fair Park by Dallas Summer Musicals, presented by Comerica Bank, May 18-29. Tickets, priced from $20-$85, are on sale now at The Box Office, 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center, or any Ticketmaster outlet; online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1-800-982-ARTS.

9 to 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This is the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there's 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.

This 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). The touring production

will be directed and choreographed by Tony nominated, Jeff Calhoun. "I met Dolly Parton as a chorus kid dancing in the film ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ only a few years after ‘9 to 5’ was already a hit movie. It was a thrill to work with her then and an honor and privilege to be entrusted to direct and choreograph this exciting new tour of 9 to 5: The Musical” said Mr. Calhoun. The co–choreographer is Lisa Stevens, scenic design by Ken Foy, costume design by five time Tony Award® winner, William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award® and Drama Desk Award winner, Ken Billington, sound design by Steve Kennedy, orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin music supervision by Stephen Oremus and casting by Telsey + Company.

9 to 5: The Musical is based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. The tour is produced by special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and by Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Fox Theatricals and Theatre Under The Stars. For more information, visit www.9to5themusical.com.

Dee Hoty will play the role of Violet. She has earned three Tony nominations for her starring roles in Footloose, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public and The Will Rogers Follies. Dee starred on Broadway and in eight major U.S. cities as Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! Performing on and off-Broadway, she toured the country and has been involved in many pre-Broadway workshops. She has appeared in “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and numerous television and film appearances.

The role of Judy will be played by Mamie Parris whose Broadway credits include the Tony-Nominated revival of Ragtime, 110 In the Shade and the Tony-winning musical The Drowsy Chaperone. She turned the road pink in the First National Tour of Legally Blonde the Musical, has sung with the Radio City Rockettes, toured with country music icon Kenny Rogers, and participated in over a dozen readings with students of the BMI-Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

Joseph Mahowald is the unsuspecting Franklin Hart, Jr. Joseph has appeared on Broadway in title roles in Jekyll & Hyde, Javert in Les Miz and Chiefton O’Flaherty in The Pirate Queen. He has performed off-Broadway and in several national tours, was a soloist with major symphonies around the world and has been on all the NY soaps. Some of his extensive regional credits include being a founding member of the artistic company of Tennessee Repertory and appeared in leading roles in numerous productions.

Comic, actress and cabaret performer Kristine Zbornik has been cast for the role of Roz. Kristine performed on Broadway in A Catered Affair and Off-Broadway in Forbidden Broadway, Mama Mia and Man of LaMancha.

“American Idol” finalist, Diana DeGarmo has been cast in the role of Doralee Rhodes, made famous by the queen of country music and iconic songwriter, musician, movie star and entrepreneur Dolly Parton. Diana gained overnight fame, at age 16, as a runner-up on the third season of television’s No. 1 series, “American Idol”. Broadway credits include Hair, Hairspray and Brooklyn: The Musical and starred in the off-Broadway musical The Toxic Avenger. DeGarmo was born in Birmingham, AL, raised in Snellville, GA, and currently has a home and resides in Nashville where she continues to co-write and perform in and around the area.

Rounding out the cast is Jane Blass, Patrick Boyd, Paul Castree, Holly Davis, Janet Dickinson Madeleine Doherty, Marjorie Failoni, Gregg Goodbrod, K.J. Hippensteel, Jesse J.P. Johnson, Michelle Marmolejo, April Nixon, Ryah Nixon, Rick Pessagno, Wayne Schroder, Micah Shepard and Travis Waldschmidt.

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.

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 DSM, visit their website at www.dallassummermusicals.org or call (214) 421-5678.

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Burn The Floor Dances Into Dallas!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 16:49:00 +0000

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.

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.

Dallas Summer Musicals Sounds Better Than Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 17:27:00 +0000

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]

###

Michael Steindorf Named DSM Board Chairman for 2011

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 21:13:00 +0000

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.

# # #

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

Dallas Summer Musicals Announces the 2011 Season

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:24:00 +0000

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS, PRESENTED BY COMERICA BANK,

ANNOUNCES 71^ST SEASON OF THE BEST OF BROADWAY

Dallas, TX…Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), presented by Comerica Bank, has announced their 71^st 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 71^st 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.

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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Dallas Summer Musicals Awarded 6 Major Theatrical Awards

noreply@blogger.com (DSM Columnists) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:02:00 +0000

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.

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 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

Participating members of 2008-2009 Dallas-Fort Worth Theater Critics Forum: Glenn Arbery, People Newspapers and D Magazine; Martha Heimberg, Turtle Creek News; Arnold Wayne Jones, Dallas Voice; Elaine Liner, Dallas Observer; Mark Lowry and Perry Stewart, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Lawson Taitte, The Dallas Morning News.

The article is located here: http://www.guidelive.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/columnists/ltaitte/stories/DN-forumawards0910gl.State.Edition1.14d7579.html

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