It's not all hearts and swooning in February, especially onstage. From female music legends to theater festivals to lots of family dysfunction, there's a wide range of plays and musicals happening around Dallas and Fort Worth this month.
Take a look below — in order of start date — and plan your theatrical life:
Seven Guitars, through February 28
Jubilee Theatre
Newly named artistic director William Earl Ray is at the helm for Jubilee's production of this August Wilson classic. In 1948 Pittsburgh, a small group gathers to reminisce about the life of a local blues guitarist who passed away before achieving stardom.
Long Day's Journey Into Night, February 10-March 6
Undermain Theatre
It's been two decades since Eugene O'Neill's masterpiece has been produced locally, and what better company than Undermain to sink its teeth into this gripping drama? Bruce DuBose and Joana Schellenberg star at the heads of the Tyrone family, which O'Neill based on his own, and the plot follow the parents, their two sons, and Irish maid Cathleen, during one trying day.
Isaac's Eye, February 11-March 6
Amphibian Stage Productions
For its first mainstage play of the 2016 season, Amphibian is showing us the timelessness of rivalries and competition. Isaac Newton resorts to unscrupulous methods to prove one of his scientific theories correct (and a colleague wrong), but the price might be more than he's willing to pay.
Sticks and Bones, February 12-20
Fun House Theatre and Film
The kids at Fun House are tackling a "political season," and first up is David Rabe's satirical 1972 play. Jeff Swearingen directs a cast that ranges in age from 15-18, and to see them work through the Vietnam War and its after-effects will prove now more than ever how important the work they're doing at Fun House is.
A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline, February 12-21
Lyric Stage
Dallas treasure Julie Johnson puts a twang in her voice as the country music legend, charting Cline's rise to stardom through 20 of her best-known hits.
I'm Gonna Pray For You So Hard, February 12-March 12
Kitchen Dog Theater
Halley Feiffer's dark comedy is a thinly veiled dramatization of her tumultuous relationship with her famous father, cartoonist and satirist Jules Feiffer. Or so the gossip goes. At its heart, though, it's about a daughter (Jenny Ledel) who's desperate to earn the praise and respect of her difficult father (Barry Nash), and how their toxic relationship impacts them both.
The Echo Room Presents: Her Song, February 12-27
Echo Theatre
The Bath House Cultural Center once again is transported back in time to become the swank Echo Room, where crooners, songbirds, and dancers perform a catalog of hits written by women. This year features surprise guest stars, more food options from chef Doug Brown, and a more fully realized book, giving us insight into the fictional performers.
Teatro en Fuga: A Festival of New Works, February 20-March 5
Cara Mia Theatre Co.
The Latino theater company's resident ensemble members have penned three new theatrical pieces, ranging from a silent comedy to a futuristic survivor's tale to a dramatic retelling of a famous epic poem.
Out of the Loop Fringe Festival, February 25-March 6
WaterTower Theatre
The Loop has something for everyone, with its two weeks of theater, dance, music, cabaret, and even a circus. Local groups join visiting troupes to present one of the year's most varied arts events — and be sure to check out the art on display in the main lobby, along with the free concerts from local musicians between shows.
Rent, February 27-March 6
Casa Mañana
Jonathan Larson would have been 56 last week, but his rock opera about bohemians in the East Village will live on seemingly forever. Casa's cast mixes familiar local faces with imported talent, bringing this updated version of La Boheme to another round of audiences.
Rodney Garza in I Am Joaquin/Yo Soy Joaquin, part of Cara Mia Theatre Co.'s Teatro en Fuga: A Festival of New Works.
