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Archives for : Dallas Summer Musicals

Disney’s FROZEN Presented by Dallas Summer Musicals

Tickets to Disney’s Frozen, The Hit Broadway Musical, Go On Sale Friday, March 6, 2020. The Spectacular New Musical Will Play an Exclusive Four-Week Engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park June 17 – July 12, 2020

Dallas, TX (March 4, 2020)Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) are pleased to announce tickets to Disney’s Frozen will go on sale Friday, March 6, 2020. From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, will play an exclusive four-week premiere engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with performances playing through Sunday, July 12, 2020. Opening night is set for Thursday, June 18 at 7:30pm.  

Single tickets for Disney’s Frozen start at $20 (pricing subject to change) and are available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 800-982-2787. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Frozen

Frozen has joined Disney Theatrical hits The Lion King and Aladdin on tour across North America, and the critics agree, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has emerged as the biggest hit musical of the last two Broadway seasons, breaking four house records at the legendary St. James Theatre, its New York home where it is currently celebrating its second smash year.

“Disney’s struck gold! Sumptuous sets, gorgeous costumes, and plenty of special effects to wow the audience!” raves the New York Post. “With the magic, the dancing, and all those iconic tunes, Frozen was born to be a stage musical!” exclaims the Evening Standard, and The Telegraph declares, “Frozen will burn up Broadway for years to come!”

In addition to the North American tour and Broadway companies, Frozen’s global footprint will soon expand to include London, Australia, Japan, and Hamburg.

A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first.

Frozen is melting hearts on Broadway and across the country in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Joining them on a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards are Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).

The design team for Frozen includes scenic and costume design by two-time Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram, lighting design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, sound design by seven-time Tony nominee Peter Hylenski, video design by Tony winner Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, makeup design by Anne Ford-Coates, and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.

Two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus is music supervisor and creates vocal, incidental and dance arrangements. He is joined on the music team by Tony nominee Dave Metzger (orchestrations), Chris Montan (executive music producer), David Chase (additional dance arrangements), and Faith Seetoo (music director).

An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.

Frozen is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.

For information or to register for advance ticket access notifications, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Movie Review: “Late Night”

This week I review “Late Night”, a new film written by and starring Mindy Kaling. Emma Thompson stars a late night talk show host whose on the verge of losing her once successful show. It’s funny, heartfelt, and a comedy everyone should check out.

“Late Night” opens in select theaters June 7 everywhere June 14.

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DSM Announces Performer Lineup for 2018 Gala: Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Shoshana Bean

DALLAS SUMMER MUSICALS UNVEILS TALENT TRIFECTA
JANE LYNCH, MATTHEW MORRISON AND SHOSHANA BEAN TO PERFORM AT
DSM’s 2018 GALA

Image result for jane lynch and matthew morrison

Mark your calendars for An Evening with the Best of Broadway on November 3, 2018. All proceeds support Dallas Summer Musicals and its education and community programs.

Dallas, TX (June 7, 2018) – After much anticipation, Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) has finally revealed the talent lineup for its unforgettable annual Gala, An Evening with the Best of Broadway. At a launch party held this week, 2018 DSM Gala Co-Chairs Cara Owens and John Clutts unveiled, to much excitement, a talented trifecta of performers for the event, including notable actors Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison, famed for their work in the musical-comedy television series Glee and renowned Broadway performer Shoshana Bean. Surprise special guests, to be announced at a later date, will join the star-studded lineup for a spectacular evening of Broadway.

“We are ecstatic to announce this lineup of powerhouse names set to perform at the 2018 DSM Gala,” said Owens. “Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Shoshana Bean all possess an exceptional breadth of talent that will wow every guest in attendance,” agreed Clutts.

The 2018 DSM Gala lineup showcases three artists who have each risen through the ranks to achieve their independent success. These versatile performers have garnered immeasurable success and recognition through their work on Broadway and in the television, film and music industries.

Lynch, who will serve as the event’s emcee, is renowned for her comedic timing and versatile range. She is best known for starring alongside Morrison in the hit television show Glee as the one-liner powerhouse coach “Sue Sylvester”. For her role as Sylvester, Lynch won numerous awards, including the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role and the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. In addition to her role on Glee, Lynch has garnered a long list of film and television credits, including roles in Julie & Julia, The Three Stooges, Talladega Nights and more. Lynch made her Broadway debut in 2013 as “Miss Hannigan” in a production of Annie.

Morrison has also accumulated a vast collection of reputable career spotlights, receiving his big break after winning the role of “Link Larkin” in 2002 the original Broadway cast of Hairspray. He was nominated for a Tony® Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza and most recently appeared on Broadway as “J.M. Barrie” in Finding Neverland for which he received two Drama Desk Award nominations. His other Broadway credits include roles in Footloose, 10 Million Miles and the Tony® Award-winning revival of South Pacific. Alongside Lynch, Morrison rose to fame for his role as glee club director “Will Schuester” in Glee.

Bean is highly regarded in the Broadway community for her varied and versatile performances. She is best known for being the first to take over the role of “Elphaba” in the original Broadway production of Wicked, following the departure of Idina Menzel. Her most recent Broadway credits include “Fanny Brice” in Funny Girl and “Cee-Cee Bloom” in the new musical adaptation of Beaches, for which she earned a Jeff Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical. Bean has lent her voice to countless films and television shows and her four independent solo albums have all topped the iTunes charts, with her latest album Spectrum landing at #1 on the Billboard Jazz Charts.

An Evening with the Best of Broadway is an annual celebration of DSM and the magic of musical theatre. Proceeds will support the non-profit Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the very best of Broadway to North Texas and its education and community programs. DSM brings the beauty of musical theatre to many through programs such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Vets, Seats for Kids, Kid’s Club, Hear Us Now!™ and the DSM Community Performance.

Guests will enjoy an incredible culinary experience, luxury auction items and an unforgettable evening of musical entertainment. This will be a wonderful opportunity to indulge in everything you love about Broadway and the DSM experience at the historic Music Hall at Fair Park.

Gala giving opportunities are available online at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org. For more information please call the DSM Development office at 214-426-6333.

“Waitress” at Music Hall at Fair Park

Waitress the Musical

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) are thrilled to announce Waitress will play the Music Hall at Fair Park for a limited two-week engagement March 28 – April 8, 2018.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Dangereuse Liasons, Waiting For Godot) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune. “Waitress is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don’t miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

For more tour information, please visit http://waitressthemusical.com

Single tickets for the Dallas engagement of Waitress, starting at $20 (pricing subject to change), are now on sale at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1 (800) 745-3000. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King On Sale Now!

Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King On Sale Now! 

Performances Begin on June 13, 2018 and Play for 4 Weeks

Through July 7, 2018 at the Music Hall at Fair Park

Disney Theatrical Productions, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King go on sale to the public today. Disney’s The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall at Fair Park stage on June 13, 2018 for a limited 4 week engagement through July 7, 2018.

Beginning today, tickets will be available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by calling Ticketmaster at (866) 270-2717. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.VIP Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Dallas Summer Musicals and Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Dallas Summer Musicals is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers.  Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its 4th return to the Music Hall at Fair Park.

About The Lion King

In its 20th year, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 95 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.  Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Scheveningen; Sapporo and on tour across North America, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe.

Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.

Dallas Performing Arts Organizations Elevate the Arts this Holiday Season!

Dallas, TX (December 1, 2017) – AT&T Performing Arts Center (AT&T PAC), Dallas Summer Musicals
(DSM), Dallas Theater Center (DTC) and Texas Ballet Theater (TBT) today announced a new holiday
collaboration to elevate the arts by offering a buy one get one free offer to four holiday productions.
Celebrate Holiday Classics allows people to experience the magic of Broadway, ballet and theatre at an
affordable price.

“The holidays are a time of opportunity and together we wanted to help our patrons create memories
that will last a lifetime by making each of our productions more accessible to the public,” said Kenneth
T. Novice, president of Dallas Summer Musicals. “We live in a world-class city with a thriving arts
community and our goal is to make the magic of the performing arts widely available through
collaborations such as Celebrate Holiday Classics.”

“As arts organizations, we felt this was an opportunity for all of us together to make an offer so even
more people can enjoy the wonderful tradition of taking in a show during the holidays,” said Doug
Curtis, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center.

For a limited time, patrons can purchase a buy one ticket get one ticket free offer to four holiday classics
presented by the different participating organizations. The Celebrate Holiday Classics offer can be
applied online with the use of unique offer codes December 2-3, 2017 through the corresponding
website of every organization or in person December 2, 2017 at the AT&T PAC box office from 2:00-8:30
p.m.

“Dallas Theater Center is very pleased to be collaborating with three of the leading arts institutions in
North Texas in a program designed to bring families together during the holidays,” said Jeff Woodward,
managing director of Dallas Theater Center. “As those that are able to attend our production of A
Christmas Carol find out, even Ebenezer Scrooge would approve of this wonderful partnership.”

Celebrate Holiday Classics programming includes:

– DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL presented by AT&T PAC
– IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS presented by DSM
– A CHRISTMAS CAROL presented by DTC
– THE NUTCRACKER presented by TBT

“Texas Ballet Theater is excited to be part of this collaboration with our fellow arts organizations in
Dallas,” said Vanessa Logan, executive director of Texas Ballet Theater. “Ben Stevenson’s Nutcracker is
the first ballet for many, which becomes a cherished holiday tradition for the whole family. It provides
an opportunity to share the art of dance through a story we all know and love.”

“We support the arts because it is part of who we are,” said Monica Sales, public relations manager of
Klyde Warren Park. “We are the backyard of the arts district and it is important for us to provide a
diverse array of programming to share with all of our patrons.”

Celebrate Holiday Classics Details:

Purchase Period:
– December 2-3, 2017

Purchase Points:
– In Person (December 2 only)
o At the AT&T PAC box office from 2:00-8:30 p.m.
– Online (December 2-3)
o A CHRISTMAS CAROL (www.DallasTheaterCenter.org)
Offer Code: BOGODTC
o DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL (www.ATTPAC.org)
Offer Code: BOGOATT
o IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS (www.DallasSummerMusicals.org)
Offer Code: BOGODSM
o THE NUTCRACKER (www.TexasBalletTheater.org)
Offer Code: BOGOTBT

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS The Most Awarded Musical of 2015 Makes North Texas Debut!

an-american-in-paris

MOST AWARDED MUSICAL OF 2015 MAKES NORTH TEXAS DEBUT

JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AT THE MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK

& FEBRUARY 14-19 AT BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (December 19, 2016) – AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, the most awarded new musical of 2015 and winner of four Tony Awards®, will play the Music Hall at Fair Park January 31 – February 12, 2017, for two weeks presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. This lavish modern classic will then head to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall February 14-19, 2017, for one week presented by Performing Arts Fort Worth.

Inspired by the Academy-Award winning film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Directed and choreographed by 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and a book by Craig Lucas.

Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin will be played by Garen Scribner and Sara Esty, who performed these leading roles on Broadway. Joining them are Etai Benson (Wicked) as Adam Hochberg; Emily Ferranti (Wicked, Dreamgirls) as Milo Davenport; Gayton Scott (Gypsy, The Women) as Madame Baurel; andNick Spangler (The Book of Mormon, Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) as Henri Baurel.

Leigh-Ann Esty (Miami City Ballet) and Ryan Steele (Newsies, Matilda) join the cast as the Lise and Jerry alternates. Rounding out the ensemble are:Karolina Blonski, Brittany Bohn, Stephen Brower, Randy Castillo, Jessica Cohen, Jace Coronado, Barton Cowperthwaite, Alexa De Barr, Ashlee Dupré, Erika Hebron, Christopher M. Howard, Colby Q. Lindeman, Nathalie Marrable, Tom Mattingly, Caitlin Meighan, Alida Michal, Don Noble,Sayiga Eugene Peabody, Alexandra Pernice, David Prottas, Danielle Santos, Lucas Segovia, Kyle Vaughn, Laurie Wells, Dana Winkle, Erica Wongand Blake Zelesnikar.

The creative team is also comprised of Tony Award-winners Bob Crowley (set and costume designer) and Natasha Katz (lighting designer); Jon Weston (sound designer); 59 Productions (projection designer); Rob Fisher (musical score adaption, arrangement and supervision); Todd Ellison (musical supervisor); David Andrews Rogers (musical director/conductor); Christopher Austin and Bill Elliott (orchestrations); Sam Davis (dance arrangements); Telsey + Company/Rachel Hoffman, C.S.A. (casting); Rick Steiger (production supervisor); Dontee Kiehn (associate director); and Sean Kelly (associate choreographer).

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four 2015 Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Best Musical, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and two Theatre World Awards. The musical was included on the Year’s Best lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, the Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy Award.

The score of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “‘S’Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”

The production opened to widespread critical acclaim at the Palace Theatre on Broadway on April 12, 2015 after its world premiere at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris November 22, 2014-January 4, 2015. The New York production closed on October 9, 2016 after playing more than 600 performances. A West End production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will start in March 2017 at the Dominion Theatre.

The producers are Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan and Roy Furman by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, Pittsburgh CLO and Théâtre du Châtelet.

For more information, visit www.AnAmericanInParisBroadway.com.

Single tickets for the Dallas engagement of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, starting at $25, are now on sale at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount, priority seating, and many more benefits. Please call 214-426-4768 or emailGroups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Single tickets for the Fort Worth engagement of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, starting at $44, are now on sale. To charge tickets by phone, call 817-212-4280 in Fort Worth; 1-877-212-4280 (toll free) outside Fort Worth; or order online at www.basshall.com. Tickets are also available at the Bass Performance Hall ticket office at 525 Commerce Street. For group sales, call 817-212-4248.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ 2016-2017 season will continue with the explosive and vigorously choreographed STOMP, Feb. 14-19, 2017; followed by THE ILLUSIONISTS, Feb. 28 – Mar. 5, 2017; LET IT BE, Mar. 7-19, 2017; KINKY BOOTS, Mar. 28 – Apr. 9, 2017; CIRCUS 1903 – THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS, May 23 – June 4, 2017; and closing the season will be THE BODYGUARD, July 18-30, 2017.

Musical Review: “Mamma Mia!” will have you Rocking Out like a Dancing Queen

Mamma Mia makes it almost impossible for you not to jump out of your chair and dance along to the music!

The first time I saw this musical was in theaters with Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried as the leading ladies.  I remember how much fun I had while watching that film.  The music, the color, the dancing, it was a blast!  But, that was before I got to experience the live Broadway musical performance in which I was truly able to feel the energy and joy of this story by such a talented cast.

For those who don’t know the story or haven’t seen popular film, let me sum it up.  Three months before Sophie’s (Chelsea Williams) wedding day she decides to send out a letter to three men, one of whom could possibly be her father, in hopes that she will have her dad walk her down the aisle.  Surprisingly enough, all three men agree to come only because they believe Donna (Rebecca Mason-Wygall), Sophie’s mother, sent the invites.  The day before her wedding the three men arrive and they reluctantly agree to not tell Donna what Sophie did and just act like they are in town coincidently.  When Donna finally runs into her past lovers, old feelings return and a possible relationship is rekindled.  As Sophie struggles to figure out which man is her father, she begins to discover a realization in herself.

Talk about a vibrant cast, from the leads to the chorus, everyone involved gave their all while on that stage.  Once you hear t the soft, angelic, voice of Chelsea Williams in the opening number, goose bumps will appear and eyes will be glued to that riveting star.  That is until you meet Rebecca Mason-Wygall.  Her sultry voice will awe you in the hypnotic “Money, Money, Money” number.  The two women make for a fantastic mother/daughter pairing.

Even though these ladies lead the show, each cast member managed to have plenty of “star” moments.  Each of the three men had no problem making a fool of himself for this ridiculously entertaining story.  Mark A. Harmon, who plays Harry Bright, lets loose as the “head banging” British gentleman.  Michael Colavolpe gives a raunchy comedic performance as Bill Austin.  And with a voice that demands to be heard, Jeff Drushal solidifies the fact that Pierce Brosnan should probably leave the singing to the pros.  Expect plenty of laughs anytime Gabrielle Mirabella and Carly Sakolove make an appearance.  The two play Tanya and Rosie, Donna’s long time best friends.  They are immature, outlandish and downright hilarious!  And boys, Tanya’s got a pair of legs that goes on for days.

After an already exciting start, Act II comes back with a bang.  The entire musical flies by, but if you’re sad to watch it end (like me), don’t fret; you will be treated with THREE encore performances.  And this time, everyone is already standing from the deserved ovations, so you can feel free to foolishly dance (like me).

Mamma Mia is running at the Dallas Music Hall at Fair Park through Sunday, June 15.

Rating: 4.5/5

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Musical Review: White Christmas Illuminates The Stage With Color And Joy At Fair Park

Though we may not be wishing for a “white” Christmas this year after the Icepocalypse weekend,  Dallas Summer Musicals has brought snow to Dallas in a safe and fun way for the entire family to enjoy.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is a holiday classic, and if you have seen the film, the stage adaptation follows the same storyline.  The story of two showbiz buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, as they team up in business and romance with a sister act to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.

The musical showcases a slew of talented performers.  Featuring James Clow as “Bob Wallace,” David Elder as “Phil Davis,” Trista Moldovan as “Betty Haynes” and Meredith Patterson as “Judy Haynes.”  All four are no strangers to the theater, having done numerous Broadway shows.  Each principal character brought a stand out factor to their performances.  Davis and Patterson bring constant laughs with their hilarious tumultuous relationship.  They also kill it in one of the best tap dancing performances I have ever seen at the top of the second act.  But, I will come back to that in a moment.  Moldovan gives jaw dropping power ballad solos that will leave you in awe.  Clow not only has an amazing singing voice, but he also has an incredible speaking voice that makes you feel as if you have traveled back to 1954.  Also appearing in the play is Ruth Williamson as “Martha Watson,” Joseph Costa as “General Waverly,” and the unbelievably too young to be that talented, 9 year-old Shannon Harrington as “Susan Waverly.”  This is Harrington’s second year in a row playing Susan for the national Broadway tour.  I can only imagine where this kid will be at age 16, but something tells me a Tony Award could be involved.

The production of the play was phenomenal.  Director, Norb Joerder deserves enormous praise, as does his entire cast and crew, for the dazzling set design and the quick background changes as each scene passed.  I’m still amazed by how many different set designs Anna Louizos produced, and by how well crafted they were.  Speaking of quick changes, I wish I had counted how many costume changes there were, but I would have lost track.   Costume designer, Carrie Robbins, might just be the scene stealer of the whole show with her numerous eye-widening outfits.   Designed with a variety of color and different styles from short shorts to winter evening wear.  It was like a 1950’s mini fashion show; you can’t wait to see what they will be wearing next!

The musical moves quickly, and at the beginning of Act II the time will really fly.  It starts with my favorite scene out of the show, an impressive tap dance number led by Phil and Judy along with the Chorus. Truly breath-taking choreography.

White Christmas is the perfect show to take your family to during this Christmas break.  There’s laughter, there’s love, there’s music, and best of all there’s snow!

WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL is performing at Dallas Summer Musicals at the Music Hall at Fair Park thru December 29th.

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com