For most theater companies, summer marks the end of a season. This can mean an opportunity to explore a more unique play or throw a festival of staged readings, but for every company it is the chance to cap off the season in a glorious crescendo. Other companies, like Shakespeare Dallas, only operate during the Summer. The months of June and July play host to some exciting theater in Dallas, with area premieres, adaptations and hit musicals stealing the stage.
NOUVEAU 47 THEATRE
After a well-received staged reading, N47 will be mounting Anastasia Munoz’s adaptation of the Medieval morality play “The Summoning of Everyman.” The unique twist? There will be two directors staging the play in their own styles. This will be part of the New Works/New Voices festival that begins May 12 on the Margo Jones Stage in the Magnolia Lounge. Nouveau47.com
OCHRE HOUSE THEATER
Artistic Director Matthew Posey never slows down. The original, upcoming dark musical, “The Butcher,” is being described as a “gritty, light opera.” It’s the story of a butcher and his wife who find themselves caught up in greed and intrigue. Posey is promising a talking pig, dark curses and disembowled humans. “The Butcher” opens May 14. ochrehousetheater.com
WATERTOWER THEATRE
The area premiere of “Shooting Star” will take the WaterTower stage May 30, starring Diana Sheehan and SMU professor James Crawford. It’s the story of college sweethearts who are reunited 25 years later when they are snowed in at the same airport. “Shooting Star” will be mounted on the main stage in Addison Theatre Center. Watertowertheatre.org
SECOND THOUGHT THEATRE
This theater company continues its tradition of bringing new, provocative work to the Dallas stage with Christopher Shinn’s “Dying City.” The play focuses on Kelly who is dealing with her husband’s death in Iraq, when his twin brother shows up at her apartment. “Dying City” opens June 16 at the Studio Theatre stage in the Addison Theatre Center. Secondthoughttheatre.com
DALLAS THEATER CENTER
DTC is collaborating with Dallas Black Dance Theatre to produce the upbeat musical, “The Wiz.” This fun take on the classic story of “The Wizard of Oz” will fill the Wyly Theatre beginning July 8. dallastheatercenter.org
BROKEN GEARS
Broken Gears Project Theatre will be staging a newly translated production of “The Hand” by German Madrid. This production was well-received in its original Spanish and is an exciting venture for this burgeoning company. There is talk of using a unique take on directing this two-actor show, which will open June 9. brokengearsprojecttheatre.com
LEXUS BROADWAY SERIES
The Tony-award winning musical “Billy Elliot” will be dancing through the Winspear Opera House June 8 through July 3. This is a must-see show of the summer. Attpac.org
KITCHEN DOG THEATER
As part of its New Works festival, KDT will be presenting the world premiere of “Ponzi” by Elaine Romero. This timely play tells the story of an heiress who takes a naïve woman under her wing for selfish reasons. “Ponzi” opens May 27. kitchendogtheater.org
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
This Dallas tradition presents its 40th season of the Bard under the stars in the Samuell Grand Amphitheatre. The summer season consists of “As You Like It,” directed by Rene Moreno, and “Cyrano de Bergerac,” directed by Artistic Director Raphael Parry. Shows begin June 15. Shakespearedallas.org
UPTOWN PLAYERS
Uptown Players snagged the regional premiere of the hit musical “Next to Normal” about a family going through an incredibly rough patch. It takes the Kalita Humphries Stage June 10. uptownplayers.org
