We narrow down a year’s worth of performing and visual arts into one fantastic must-see events calendar
The stage version of the acclaimed best seller ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ wowed Broadway audiences in 2014, and will make its local debut in Dallas this January.
There’s so much offered by the North Texas arts community, it’s easy to get lost in it all. So once again, we’ve curated a list of the best of the best. Culled from all the currently-announced events around the Metroplex from now until next summer, we’ve narrowed down the standouts to four or five must-see shows each for Autumn, Winter/Spring and Summer. And always check out Dallas Voice for updates, late-comers and the hottest goings-on year round.
AUTUMN
Camelot at the Irving Arts Center, Sept. 9–18. On the cusp of an historic presidential election, Lyric Stage revives this charming chestnut of the JFK era, often dismissed as sentimental but with a lush score and great opportunity for design indulgence. And if there’s one company that knows how to go overboard on old-school B’way, it’s Lyric. Presented by Lyric Stage.
Moby-Dick at the Winspear Opera House, Nov. 4–20. Gay composer Jake Heggie wowed audiences a few years ago with this world premiere opera, which prepares for a triumphal return. Presented by Dallas Opera.
Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, Nov. 4–20. It’s been about a decade since a local troupe has produced Tony Kushner’s muscular dissection of AIDS during the Reagan Era — a sobering, gorgeous, literary and frequently humorous look at society at a crossroads. Presented by Uptown Players.
Bruce Wood: Six at City Performance Hall, Nov. 11–12. Any time you can see this company perform, it’s cause to celebrate. Presented by Bruce Wood Dance Project.
WINTER/SPRING
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Winspear Opera House, Jan. 11–22. Novelist Mark Haddon’s 2003 book, about an autistic boy who investigates the death of a neighbor’s dog, was adapted to the stage with award-winning results. Presented by ATTPAC.
An American in Paris at Fair Park Music Hall, Jan. 31–Feb. 12 and Bass Performance Hall, Feb. 14–19. Gay dancer/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon won a Tony for his lush stage version of the Gershwins’ movie musical. Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals and Performing Arts Fort Worth.
The Illusionists at the Fair Park Music Hall, Feb. 28–March 5. This return engagement is an eye-popping feast for lovers of magic, legerdemain, showmanship and comedy. Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals.
Passing Strange at Theatre 3, March 2–26. Underground musician and playwright Stew went Uptown in 2008 with this autobiographical musical, one of the smartest and rockingest shows of the decade. Presented by Theatre 3.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the City Performance Hall, March 31–April 1. One of the most acclaimed contemporary dance troupes returns. Presented by TITAS.
SUMMER
New Works Festival at the Trinity River Arts Center, June 9–July 1. The festival this year was as good as its ever been, so our hopes are high for next year’s centerpiece production, Br’er Cotton. Presented by Kitchen Dog Theater.
Hood at the Wyly Theatre, June 29–Aug. 6. Playwright Doug Beane and hubbie composer Lewis Flinn team again for a comic riff on a classic tale — Robin Hood — in this world premiere musical. Presented by Dallas Theater Center.
La Cage aux Folles at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, July 14–30. Uptown Players has finally gotten around to producing the musical practically designed for their audience — this empowering comic drag gem. Presented by UP.
The Life and (Cruel) Times of Conchita Zaragoza: A Mambo Musical at the Stone Cottage Theatre, July 14–Aug. 6. Mark-Brian Sonna produces sassy comedies with a Latin flair, so we’re looking forward to this flamboyantly titled show. Presented by MBS Productions.
Sunday in the Park with George at the Addison Theatre Centre, July 28–Aug. 20. This rarely-performed piece from Stephen Sondheim has one of his brightest scores, and will finally get a big local production. Presented by WaterTower Theatre.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition August 12, 2016.
