Hot Summer Theater

These are the 10 can't-miss shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for June

UPDATE: Cara Mia Theatre Co. has made its staged reading of The Dreamers: Deferred Action invite-only, so we replaced it with another show. Don't worry, there were oh-so-many to choose from this month.

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The year is almost half over, but for a lot of theater companies, June is either the time to wrap up one season or start another. That explains why there are so many shows opening this month. This list is not definitive, but it does represent the plays and musicals we're especially looking forward to checking out.

Dallas Solo Fest, June 4-14
Audacity Theatre Lab
Back for its second year after a strong debut last summer, this annual festival of short plays showcasing solo performers takes over the Margo Jones Theatre in Fair Park for the month's first two weekends.

From Van Quattro's emotionally and physically brutal real-life account of his year as a semi-pro boxer, Standing Eight Count (which was well-received at the most recent Out of the Loop fringe festival in Addison), to local funnyman Jeff Swearingen's An American Asshole in France, to SMU grad Brigham Mosely's Mo[u]rnin' After, there's a strong contingent of local talent joining the visiting playwrights and performers.

Each show runs only about an hour, and the Margo Jones has a BYOB policy. You know, just in case that helps sway your decision to purchase tickets (which are $12 each, or $60 for a pass to all eight shows).

Precious Little, June 4-20
Echo Theatre
Echo Theatre is reserving the final slot of its 17th season for Pride Month, with Madeleine George's 90-minute play about a linguist working through some tough decisions. When Brodie finds out unsettling news about the artificially inseminated child she's carrying, she doesn't turn to her girlfriend for solace, but to a gorilla.

The three-person cast performing at the Bath House Cultural Center includes Sherry Jo Ward, Molly Welch and Lisa Fairchild, and they are led by on-the-rise director Kelsey Leigh Ervi. For tickets, call 214-904-0500 or visit the company's website.

Manicures & Monuments, June 5-28
WaterTower Theatre
Do you know the name Vicki Caroline Cheatwood? You should, because she's one of Dallas' most prolific local playwrights and dramaturgs. Her latest show, about a young manicurist-in-training who volunteers at an Oklahoma nursing home, promises laughs and maybe even a little lesson in understanding others. Mikaela Krantz, Pam Dougherty and Elly Lindsay lead the cast, with Susan Sargeant directing.

Cinderella, June 9-21
Dallas Summer Musicals
This princess is having a moment, is she not? In addition to the recent film, the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical has been around since 1957 (it was originally written for TV!), and the Broadway revival only closed earlier this year.

Even if you think princesses and fairy tales aren't for you, check out those Tony-winning costumes by William Ivey Long — and just wait for that magical moment when Cinderella transforms onstage into her ball gown. It's a jaw-dropper.

South Pacific, June 12-21
Lyric Stage
Janelle Lutz wowed audiences in Lyric's last show, the little-produced Lady in the Dark. Now she's back as the cockeyed optimist Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. Because Lyric is known for its lush orchestra, think of what a treat it will be to hear "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Nearly Was Mine" played by 38 musicians under the baton of music director Jay Dias.

This is the last of the "big five" Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals that Lyric will have produced with full orchestra and original orchestrations, and as executive producer Steven Jones says, "With South Pacific we will complete a major chapter in Lyric Stage's mission of preserving the American musical."

West Side Story, June 12-21
Garland Summer Musicals
Speaking of classics, GSM is opening this season with what many consider one of the most perfect musicals ever written. The 1950s version of Romeo & Juliet, set in gritty New York City with rival gangs keeping the star-crossed lovers apart, features a lush score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim.

This version will also have choreographer Jeremy Dumont re-creating Jerome Robbins' iconic — and notoriously difficult — dances. Can't wait for that dance at the gym.

Love's Labour's Lost and King Lear, June 11-28
Trinity Shakespeare Festival
While Shakespeare Dallas' Romeo & Juliet and The Compleat Wrks of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged) are going on outside at Samuell Grand Amphitheater, two more of the Bard's works are being staged on the TCU campus in Fort Worth with impressive sets, stunning costumes and glorious, glorious air conditioning.

This year, David Coffee is taking on the daunting role of the aging king, while Joel Ferrell is directing the lighthearted romp that is Love's. Worth the drive.

The Nance, June 19-July 5
Uptown Players
After his many years directing and acting on Dallas-Fort Worth stages, it seems like there's nothing B.J. Cleveland can't do, and that includes following in Nathan Lane's footsteps in this Tony-winning comedy. Headlining as a "nance" (a parody of a gay man) in the twilight era of burlesque, Chauncey Miles navigates the often dangerous world of 1930s New York as a man both hiding and showcasing his sexuality.

The Kountry Girls, June 25-July 19
Theatre Three
Sonny Franks has established his presence onstage as both a performer and musician, and now — with Ken Murchison and Andy Clendenen — he's adding composer to the list. Their world premiere musical about two small-town girls with big-city dreams will close out T3's 53rd season.

A Midsummer Night's Dream, June 29
Shakespeare in the Bar
More Shakespeare, you ask? Yes, but this time it's staged behind the Wild Detectives bookstore in Oak Cliff. Actress Katherine Bourne instigated this "under-rehearsed" series that's quickly gaining in popularity and cult status.

As of now, more than 3,000 people have RSVP'd on Facebook to this production. Even taking into account no-shows, you might want to get there well before the 9 pm start time (or try for the second showing at Community Beer Co. on July 6). Follow the group on Facebook for updates and info.

Sherry Jo Ward as Brodie in Precious Little at Echo Theatre.

Sherry Jo Ward in Precious Little at Echo Theatre

Photo by Kelsey Leigh Ervi

Sherry Jo Ward as Brodie in Precious Little at Echo Theatre.

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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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