Theater Critic Picks

These are the 11 can't-miss shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for February

February's a short month, so that just means you've got to really make a plan when it comes to your theatergoing calendar. There are firsts and finals from which to choose, along with local revivals and national tours.

Here are the 11 shows to see, in order by start date:

A Chorus Line
Uptown Players, February 2-4
Local choreographer/director Jeremy Dumont has freshened up this musical theater icon, with all-new moves and a cast of young and lithe dancers who pull back the curtain on showbiz life during one grueling audition. Uptown is moving from the Kalita Humphreys Theater to the Moody Performance Hall for this one, and rumor has it that tickets are very, very scarce.

Frankenstein
Dallas Theater Center, February 2-March 4
DTC has enjoyed a partnership with the SMU Meadows School of the Arts when it comes to its grad students, but this is the first production where undergrads are also getting in on the action. Director Joel Ferrell points out that Mary Shelley was only 18 when she wrote her novel, and he sees the youth of this cast as an asset. And it's not just the cast: graduate student Amelia Bransky designed the set.

Three Sisters
Undermain Theatre, February 7-March 11
Acclaimed playwright Sarah Ruhl translates Chekhov's classic, about the daughters of a revered commander of a Russian military outpost who yearn to return to their cosmopolitan home in Moscow. With a five-week extended run, Undermain artistic director Katherine Owens leads a cast that includes Shannon Kearns, Jenny Ledel, Joanna Schellenberg, Bruce DuBose, Justin Duncan, and David Meglino.

We're Gonna Die
Jake Nice, February 8-10
DFW got a taste of Young Jean Lee's pop concert/autobiographical lament in 2017, when Jake Nice presented it before one of the closing performances of Lee's Straight White Men at Second Thought Theatre. He went on to mount it at other places around DFW, with local musician Sammy "Rat" Rios as the Singer, who returns for this engagement through the Elevator Project.

Thurgood
Bishop Arts Theatre Center, February 8-25
In partnership with Jubilee Theatre, which presented the show last February, this timely production examines the life of civil rights activist Thurgood Marshall, who, prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, worked as a lawyer for the NAACP. Still. Timely.

Her Song
Echo Theatre, February 9-24
It's the final year for this music and dance revue, which transports audiences back in time to a 1930s supper club for an evening of drinks, food, dancing, and songs from female composers of the early 20th century.

Cyrano
Amphibian Stage Productions, February 9-March 4
Playwright and actress Kate Hamill (perhaps you caught her adaptation of Pride and Prejudice at WaterTower Theatre last October?) stars as Roxane in this five-person adaptation of Edmond Rostand's famous love triangle. The "fast-paced romp" by Jason O’Connell and Brenda Withers challenges its actors to play characters of all genders, types and ages.

The Woman Who Knew Too Much
Ochre House, February 10-March 3
Company member and associate producer Kevin Grammer has penned and directed this troupe's latest original play, a "fantasy noir musical" about a woman who awakens with no memory ... but there's a very real possibility she might be an undercover spy.

Chicago
Performing Arts Fort Worth, February 16-18
Slick you hair for the national tour of this Kander and Ebb musical about celebrity culture, which is even more relevant now than when the play it's based on was first published in 1926. A wannabe starlet kills her lover in cold blood, then fights for both her freedom and more time in the press, all while surrounded by stunning dancers doing Bob Fosse's slinky choreography.

Gog and Magog: Two Clowns Trapped in Hell
Cara Mía Theatre, February 23-March 11
Husband-and-wife team David Lozano and Frida Espinosa Müller star as two clowns trapped in Hell’s kitchen, and their only hope of escape is cooking the perfect meal for God. The world premiere is co-produced with Prism Movement Theater (Jeffrey Colangelo directs), and is a wordless comedy in the tradition of Mump and Smoot and the Three Stooges.

On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan
Dallas Summer Musicals, February 27-March 11
Based on the life story of seven-time Grammy-winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time Grammy-winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan, this musical is a catalog of their chart-topping hits. If you feel like doing the conga to "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," "1-2-3," "Get On Your Feet," "Mi Tierra," "Don't Want To Lose You Now," and, yes, "Conga," there will be no judgment here.

Undermain Theatre has Sarah Ruhl's adaptation of Chekhov's Three Sisters.

Undermain Theatre presents Three Sisters

Photo by Katherine Owens

Undermain Theatre has Sarah Ruhl's adaptation of Chekhov's Three Sisters.

theater openings

Dance News

Dallas Black Dance Theatre makes interim artistic director permanent

Photo by Aleah Pilot

Richard A. Freeman Jr. became the new artistic director October 24, 2025.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has officially named Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as its new artistic director, ushering in a new era of leadership for the dance company as it approaches its 50th anniversary season.

Freeman, a longtime member of the DBDT family, has served as interim artistic director through the company’s recently completed 48th and current 49th seasons. His appointment, effective October 24, 2025, marks a natural progression for the former lead dancer, resident choreographer, and artistic project coordinator, whose career within DBDT spans more than a decade of creative and organizational leadership.

“Richard has been an integral part of Dallas Black Dance Theatre's artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as interim artistic director made this decision clear,” says Heidi K. Murray, a member of DBDT’s board of directors, in a release. “His dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter.”

DBDT founder Ann M. Williams echoed the sentiment, calling Freeman’s appointment a full-circle moment for both artist and company. “Richard embodies everything Dallas Black Dance Theatre stands for: artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,” she says in the release. “I have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT’s future.”

During his tenure as interim artistic director, Freeman guided DBDT through seasons marked by artistic innovation and expanded community engagement, but also staff shake-ups and legal issues.

In October 2024, accusations of retaliation surfaced after 10 DBDT dancers, its entire main company, were fired following their decision to unionize in May and demand better working conditions. This led to an unprecedented "Do Not Work" order by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Dallas City Council ultimately voted to withhold $248,000 in city funding due to labor violations, and DBDT later settled for $560,000 with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response, DBDT formed a 17-member advisory stakeholder task force co-chaired by Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas, Inc., and Shawn Williams, vice president of public affairs at Allyn. The group has been working with DBDT leadership to review the organization’s policies and practices, propose changes that foster an accountable environment, and put in place safeguards to prevent future concerns related to talent.

In September 2025, executive director Zenetta Drew announced her retirement after nearly four decades with the company. A national search for her replacement will start in early 2026. Williams retired in 2014.

As artistic director, Freeman will oversee all aspects of DBDT’s artistic operations, from performances to educational initiatives, and continue to expand its reach throughout Dallas and beyond.

“I am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,” Freeman says. “This company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.”

A native of Washington, D.C., Freeman began his training with the District of Columbia Youth Ensemble and the Washington Ballet before graduating from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. His performance credits span acclaimed companies and productions, including Elisa Monte Dance, Houston Grand Opera, Porgy and Bess, and The Wiz.

Freeman’s choreographic works have been featured by leading institutions such as Texas Ballet Theater School, Texas Christian University, and Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. He has also shared his expertise through master classes and workshops nationwide, reinforcing his commitment to DBDT’s educational mission.

Founded in 1976, Dallas Black Dance Theatre is the oldest and largest professional dance company in Dallas and one of the most acclaimed Black dance institutions in the U.S.

dallas black dance theatre dance