I will head to my first show of the year on Wednesday night (tonight) as Shakespeare Dallas opens Measure for Measure indoors at Theatre Three for a Shakespeare in the round experience. The company brought back its winter show which seems appropriate with the temperatures outside. The show runs through Jan. 26.
Before starting this new year of productions, I couldn’t let go of a few shows that have remained in my thoughts since walking out from those venues. By now, we’ve all gotten the Best Of lists by area critics and outlets. If you want to call this that, fine, but really, I’m compelled to give these shows some space one last time before moving on. A number of shows last year left big impressions, but through some wicked talent and innovative craft, this handful of productions have been happily seared into my memory. And big thanks to all the DFW theaters for the creativity, bravery and inspiration they brought to the local arts landscape in 2024.
OK, now, in no particular order…
Review: Second Thought’s Heroes is a well-crafted but frightening play about conservatives
Second Thought Theatre delivered big in Will Arbery’s Heroes of the Fourth Turning. The play centered on four younger Catholic conservatives debating and arguing over their beliefs. So fun! The cast brought the show to life with gripping depth amid Arbery’s dramatic and sometimes terrifying story. Had this played closer to the election, it might have resonated with an even more weight, but only because the cast nailed all the right tones under Jay Duffer’s superb direction.
Review: Amphibian’s Juan Garcia brings comical joy through a hot mess of characters
This explosion of a show was my introduction to Amphibian after all this time. The show was also the last of founding Artistic Director Kathleen Culebro who stepped down at the end of 2024. She also wrote this production which was a gorgeous exit for Culebro. Directed by Evan Michael Woods, The Amazing, Fabulous, and Spectacular Untruths of Juan Garcia used every color in the box for its cast and set while also making a somewhat complicated story with a hefty amount of characters into a show that was entertaining and quirky.
Review: Circle’s Imposter! Hypocrite! Tartuffe! world premiere delivers an enthralling experience
I have to admit — if there was one show I wish I could see again for the first time, it’s Ashley H. White’s adaptation of Moliere’s Tartuffe. Her mix of wit and drama and comedy was unparalleled as was her direction. To add, the show was cast to perfection and the production was lifted by its creative team particularly Jessie Wallace’s and Jeff Stanfield’s costumes and set respectively as well as Adam C. Wright hitting all the perfect notes as Music Director.
Review: Say ‘yes’ to a date at Uptown Players’ exuberant musical The Prom
To me, this show is synonymous with queer joy and Uptown Players served that up in this gloriously fun production. But if you know The Prom, the story hinges on the main character Emma, a teenage lesbian in love with her secret girlfriend Alyssa. Maya Michalski carried the show with a layered and mature performance buoyed by a stellar cast. The happy tears throughout the audience at the show’s big finale were an added bonus.
Review: Venus in Fur is a provocative and well-acted intro to T3’s new season
In the few times I’ve seen actor Carson Wright, he’s been a solid and strong actor. In this ultra-sexy play at Theatre Three, Wright propelled his craft into new territory. Add in Catherine D. DuBord’s vivacious and formidable performance and the result was a fiery mix of sensual power.
Staged inside Good Records, this onsite play by Kitchen Dog Theater was a cozy affair. Bob Bartlett’s rom-com lets Gen X have a moment for romance amid some cool music selections. The realness of these characters felt so natural by this cast of three as they navigated love a little bit later in life with the enthusiasm of a teenager. The power of music certainly helped.
–Rich Lopez