The list of new events in and around Dallas this weekend may be shorter than usual, but they pack a collective punch. Choices include a powerhouse classical music concert, four theater productions (including a Tony Award winner), the continuation of the stay of a great dance troupe, the final days of a notable art exhibit, and a Japanese new year tradition.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, January 9
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Fabio Luisi Conducts Scheherazade
At this concert, audiences can travel to the world of the 1001 Arabian Nights in Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. The concert will also feature the Dallas premiere of Fountain of Youth, a commissioned work by Julia Wolfe. Plus, Lise Lindstrom sings Barber’s rarely performed Andromache’s Farewell. The concert, conducted by Fabio Luisi, will have four performances through Sunday at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
AT&T Performing Arts Center Broadway Series presents The Color Purple
Two years after its first visit to Dallas, the Tony Award-winning The Color Purple returns for a brief stay at Winspear Opera House. The musical features a soul-raising, Grammy-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues, giving an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story. It is a reimagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. There will be six more performances through Sunday.
Imprint Theatreworks presents Puffs (The Play)
Puffs is a clever and inventive play that gives audience a new look at a familiar adventure from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. The play will run at Stomping Ground Comedy Theater through January 25.
Friday, January 10
Theatre Arlington presents Ripcord
A sunny room on an upper floor is prime real estate in the Bristol Place Senior Living Facility, so when the cantankerous Abby is forced to share her quarters with new arrival Marilyn, she has no choice but to get rid of the infuriatingly chipper woman by any means necessary. A seemingly harmless bet between the old women quickly escalates into a dangerous game of one-upmanship. The play will run at Theatre Arlington through January 26.
Shakespeare Dallas presents Pride and Prejudice
Shakespeare Dallas will present Pride and Prejudice for its second annual Winter Season performance. The play is a tale about Elizabeth Bennet, whose four sisters and overzealous match-making mother keep the topic of marriage alive and lively. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense. The production will run through January 19 at Moody Performance Hall.
Saturday, January 11
Shen Yun
After two weeks at Winspear Opera House, Shen Yun travels up Central Expressway to Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson for three performances. The dance troupe lets audiences travel back to the magical world of ancient China, experience a lost culture through the breathtaking art of classical Chinese dance, and see legends come to life. There will be two performances on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Sunday, January 12
Dallas Museum of Art Presents Sheila Hicks: "Secret Structures, Looming Presence" closing day
The Dallas Museum of Art's first exhibition of works by pioneering fiber artist, designer, and weaver Sheila Hicks comes to an end on Sunday. The special display illuminates how the 84-year-old contemporary artist’s practice is inspired by the weaving traditions of indigenous artisans from Latin America. "Secret Structures, Looming Presence" pairs works from the museum’s collection of ancient Andean art with a selection of loom-woven, wrapped, twisted, and knotted fiberworks by the artist to offer a fresh examination of textile traditions through time.
Japan-America Society of DFW presents Mochitsuki New Year’s Celebration
Japan-America Society of DFW will celebrate the Year of the Rat with mochi (rice cakes), music and dance performances, and authentic cultural activities. At the event, taking place at Fujitsu Network Communications in Richardson, guests can learn about Japan’s rich New Year’s traditions, connect with the local Japanese community, and see a live demonstration on how mochi is made. It will include a special appearance by Consul General Hideo Fukushima.
Shen Yun will perform at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson, January 11 and 12.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival takes place every Friday-Sunday through May 25 in Waxahachie. Photo courtesy of Scarborough Renaissance Festival 
Festival of Joy returns to Klyde Warren Park. Photo courtesy of Festival of Joy 
Lone Star Smokeout Bbq & Country Music Festival will be at AT&T Stadium. Photo courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants 
Two guests at The Other Art Fair review a collection of curated works $500 and under. The Other Art Fair