RICH LOPEZ | Staff writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
With Valentine’s Day falling on the weekend this year, what an ideal time for a memorable romantic date without having to stay out late on a school night!
Whether it’s just the two of you, a poly thing or even a solo night out, make that reservation and wear that sexy underwear, and for sure, consider making it a night at the theater.
There are a healthy number of shows going on or opening this weekend, but these particular ones will give you something to think or talk about over a post-show drink or dessert. And what’s hotter than intellectual, stimulating conversation? Right? Anybody? Hello?
Kitchen Dog Theater is back and kicks off its new season with the musical Pompeii!! in its new home, and Undermain Theatre opens The Skin of Our Teeth by that closet queen playwright Thornton Wilder.
But two shows in particular that open this week touch on queer love to varying effect, and one show might be more up your anti-Valentine’s alley.
Plus, you have a whole weekend so just have multiple date nights.
Bull in a China Shop at Amphibian Stage
This co-production by Fort Worth’s Amphibian Stage and Dallas’ Second Thought Theatre is a first, and the two are bringing to life Bryna Turner’s “queer power play.”
Set in 1901 New England, the play follows the real-life story of Mary Woolley and her lover, writer Jeannette Marks. The play begins with Woolley’s arrival at Mount Holyoke College, then follows her to witness Woolley become the first woman to serve as the school’s president despite her radical ideas about women’s rights, education and leadership.
A mix of high-stakes rebellion and tender love, the show stars Emily Scott Banks and Dani Nelson as Mary Woolley and Jeannette Marks and is directed by Kels Ervi.
Onstage now through March 11 at Amphibian Stage. The show will play in April at Second Thought. For tickets, visit AmphibianStage.com.
Romeo and Julian by Beacon Theater
A queer modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic love story couldn’t be more ideal for Valentine’s weekend. And in this version, the play follows the forbidden love between the sons of two rival religious leaders (one Southern Baptist and one Catholic) in the small town of Verona, Texas, where being gay is the gravest sin.
The two find refuge in each other and in a found family led by the dazzling drag matriarch Mother Laurence, who runs a queer sanctuary called The Church. This contemporary adaptation directed by Mario Estep mostly keeps Shakespeare’s language while updating appearance, themes and context to deliver a new rainbow perspective on a classic story about love, defiance and the families — in this case, chosen ones.
Onstage now through Feb. 22 at The Cox Playhouse. For tickets, visit TheBeaconTheatreTx.com.
Deer at Theatre Three
The lifeless, bloody new pet Cynthia names Doe takes over their lives but for the better? Ken and Cynthia may just rekindle their love over their unexpected bonding from the incident — or they just might kill each other.
The show was directed by Christie Vela who tapped deeply into the show’s biting humor with riveting performances by Chad Cline and Shannon McGrann. They fight and face-off throughout the show in the intimate Theatre Too space amid the moody set by Jeffrey Schmidt and Jenny Barrett’s gorgeous lighting that brings out the set’s rich tones while also complementing the dark cloud that hangs over the couple.
There’s blood action, too, thanks to Isa Flores. So mind where you sit unless you like getting splashed — which is something you may have to explain to your date.
Deer runs through Feb. 22. For tickets, visit Theatre3Dallas.com.