HIP-HOP, HOORAY

Broadway smash Hamilton returns to Dallas-Fort Worth at exciting new venue

The revolutionary musical Hamilton will take over Fort Worth's Bass Hall in June of 2020. Lin-Manuel Miranda's game-changer of a show will anchor Performing Arts Fort Worth's 2019-20 Broadway at the Bass season, the organization revealed February 6.

It's not the only big-name musical in the lineup, however. The Tony-nominated musical Come From Away, about the planes and people who landed on the tiny Canadian island of Newfoundland during the 9/11 attacks — and the new tour of Jesus Christ Superstar — are also on the docket.

"Our 2019-2020 season is a real blockbuster," says Dione Kennedy, president and CEO of Performing Arts Fort Worth. "These are some of the biggest and best titles Broadway has to offer. Many of them are still on Broadway and many will be making their Fort Worth debuts. It's a very, very exciting lineup."

The biggest buzz, no doubt, will surround Hamilton, which will get a healthy run at Bass Hall from June 9-28, 2020. The show is still selling out Broadway and has spawned sit-down productions in London, Chicago, and Puerto Rico, along with the national tour. (There was a frenzy in North Texas recently when tickets went on sale to a Dallas tour run, April 2-May 5, 2019.) Based on Ron Chernow's biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, the musical blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and traditional Broadway style to tell the story of an immigrant from the West Indies who helped build America.

The PAFW season begins with a Fort Worth favorite, Broadway stalwart The Phantom of the Opera. Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh's new North American tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical has a new scenic design, new choreography, and new staging, along with lots of special effects (yes, the famous chandelier is still there). The cast and orchestra total 52 people, making the show one of the largest productions now on tour. It plays September 24-October 5, 2019.

A snazzy Broadway version of a children's classic, composed by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, is next. Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory combines new songs with ones from the beloved original film version, as Charlie Bucket and other Golden Ticket-holders venture inside the mysterious candy man's factory. Expect Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and much more when this confection hits Fort Worth October 29-November 3, 2019.

Following is the new Broadway revival of Miss Saigon, playing December 3-8, 2019. The epic story of a young Vietnamese woman who connects with an American G.I. during the Vietnam War features stunning spectacle, a cast of 42, and a hit-packed score from the creators of Les Misérables.

Fort Worth's own Betty Buckley kicked off the national tour of Hello, Dolly!, though there's no official word yet if she'll still be starring when the show hits Fort Worth. But from January 14-19, 2020, you can expect to see why this revival recently won multiple Tony Awards in the hands of director Jerry Zaks and choreographer Warren Carlyle. The bold and enchanting Dolly Gallagher Levi is a widow, matchmaker, and professional meddler, who decides that the next match she needs to make is for herself.

On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. Come From Away takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. It runs July 7-12, 2020.

From August 11-16, 2020, get away from it all with Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville. Some of the most unforgettable songs from one of music's greatest storytellers form the basis for this hilarious and heartwarming musical.

The new production of Jesus Christ Superstar originated in London and won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. If the show sounds familiar, perhaps it's because you tuned into the wildly popular live TV version starring John Legend and Sara Bareilles? See it live (though minus the pop stars) August 25-30, 2020.

There's also already one title locked down for the 2020-21 season: Disney's The Lion King. More than 95 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of this incredible show, and now you can, too, when Fort Worth's best-loved musical returns to Bass Hall after nearly 20 years. The dates are still TBA, but 2019-2020 season ticket holders will have first access to these tickets when they renew their seats for the 2020-21 season.

Three add-on specials are also included in the upcoming season, beginning with Blue Man Group November 26-27, 2019. These euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy, and non-verbal communication have reached more than 35 million people worldwide since debuting in 1991.

The 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival, The Color Purple, goes up for one day only on January 5, 2020. A joyous American classic about a young woman's journey to love and triumph in the American South conquered Broadway with an all-new ravishingly re-conceived production.

Beautiful — The Carole King Musical finishes it all out March 20-22, 2020. The inspiring true story traces King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband, Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history.

"With all the anticipated excitement and demand, I want to remind the public that only season tickets are available at this time through our official ticketing outlets," Kennedy says. "Those outlets are: online at basshall.com; over the phone at 817-212-4450; and in person at the Bass Hall box office."

Current season ticket holders began renewing their seats on February 4, while new season tickets go on sale at 10 am on February 6. Season ticket holders who renew or purchase a new package will have first access to tickets for the season add-ons Blue Man Group, The Color Purple, and Beautiful — The Carole King Musical.

Tickets to individual shows in the 2019-20 lineup will go on sale at a later, unannounced date.

From August 11-16, 2020, get away from it all with Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville.

Photo courtesy of Performing Arts Fort Worth

From August 11-16, 2020, get away from it all with Jimmy Buffet's Escape to Margaritaville.

music theater

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.

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