Theater Critic Picks

These are the 18 can't-miss shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for June

For a quick second, I thought we'd broken a record with this month's lineup. Eighteen shows. And that's not even individually counting the several that comprise the Dallas Solo Festival. But alas, there is one previous roundup that featured more plays and musicals: June 2018. Must be something about early summer that makes DFW want to experience some culture.

Here are the 18 shows to see in order by start date:

The Producers
Casa Mañana, June 1-9
A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers out of millions of dollars. Winner of a record 12 Tony Awards, the show skewers Broadway traditions and is based on Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film.

Summer and Smoke
The Classics Theatre Project, June 1-22
One of Tennessee Williams' most subtle and tender works, the Mississippi-set Summer and Smoke follows Alma (Gretchen Hahn), the minister's daughter, and John Buchanan (Evan Michael Woods), the doctor's son, who are magnetically drawn to each other. The spiritual and physical romance that almost blooms between them is among the most engaging, romantic, and heartbreaking love stories in Williams' canon.

Drunk Enough to Say I Love You? and Here We Go
Second Thought Theatre, June 5-29
A double feature of two rarely produced Caryl Churchill plays, both of which are both directed by Alex Organ. The first is an examination of American identity through the characters of "Guy, a man" and his seducer, "Sam, a country." The second is a meditation on that most universal of human experiences: death.

Penny Candy
Dallas Theater Center, June 5-July 14
DTC playwright-in-residence Jonathan Norton based this world premiere on his own childhood growing up in Pleasant Grove, where he helped his father run a candy store out of their rundown, one-bedroom apartment.

Dallas Solo Fest
Audacity Theatre Lab, June 6-16
Eight unique one-person shows highlight the fifth year of this festival, which mix local solo performers with performers from around the country. The lineup includes Based On Actual Events by Jaye Lee Vocque; Brigham Mosley's Critical, Darling!; Cyrano A-Go-Go by Brad McEntire; Justin Lemieux's Girl Dad; Keeping Up With the Jorgensons by Jeremy Julian Greco; Carmel Clavin's The Marvelous Musical Mechanical Maiden; Melanie Moseley's Sexology: The Musical; and Who You Calling a Bitch!?! by Sacha Elie. Head here for a full schedule and lineup.

Aladdin
Dallas Summer Musicals, June 6-23
The national tour of this Disney stage hit stars two DFW natives: Clinton Greenspan as Aladdin and Major Attaway as the Genie (he will be returning to the role on Broadway later this year). You'll also find the Academy Award-winning score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice, as well as jaw-dropping dance numbers and even a flying carpet or two.

Reykjavík
Kitchen Dog Theater, June 6-30
Steve Yockey's latest world premiere is the headliner of KDT's New Works Festival. In the city of Reykjavík, we eavesdrop on the intertwined lives of lovers, hospitality workers, partygoers, and even a really handsome bird or two. This frank exploration of honesty in relationships offers a glimpse into a cold, dark, magical, and sometimes violent world where everyone still hopes to find joy beneath the glow of the Northern Lights.

The Armor Plays: Cinched and Strapped
Theatre Three, June 6-30
Two one-acts by another young female playwriting talent, Selina Fillinger, explore gender and rebellion by examining the past and exploring the future. The first is set during a 19th-century high-class dinner party. Fast forward several centuries to the second piece, which introduces hardened warriors in a dystopian future.

The Ballad of Little Jo
WaterTower Theatre, June 6-30
After giving birth to a son out of wedlock, Josephine Monaghan makes the difficult decision to leave him in the care of her sister and head out west in search of a new life. She finds herself stranded in a small Idaho mining town, disguises herself as a man called "Jo," and quickly finds a job mining silver. Things start looking up for Jo as she finds success as a man, but the dream of a better life starts to crack when news from back home in Boston reaches her.

Sweeney Todd
Circle Theatre, June 6-July 13
Stephen Sondheim's heart-pounding thriller is set on the seedy side streets of 19th-century London, telling the diabolical tale of an exiled barber's quest to avenge the wrongs done to him and his family by a lecherous judge.

The Play That Goes Wrong
AT&T Performing Arts Center Broadway Series, June 11-16
Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor, where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can't play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), this award-winning smash comedy was hit both on Broadway and in London.

Shakespeare in Love and As You Like It
Shakespeare Dallas, June 12-July 21
From one of the Bard's most comedic romances to the fictional romance of the Bard himself, Shakespeare Dallas' summer season is both modern and classic. Shakespeare in Love performs Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, while As You Like It runs Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Both are performed outdoors, so bring a blanket, sand chair, picnic, and beverages, if you're so inclined.

The Man of La Mancha
Lyric Stage, June 14-16
Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes' 17th-century masterpiece Don Quixote, this Tony-winner by Dale Wasserman, Joe Darion, and Mitch Leigh is one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
AT&T Performing Arts Center Broadway Series, June 18-23
Long before she was Carole King, chart-topping music legend, she was Carol Klein, Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. This inspiring true story follows 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.

Les Miserables
Broadway at the Bass, June 25-30
This new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon comes direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, it tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption.

Steve Yockey's Reykjavik headlines Kitchen Dog Theater's New Works Festival.

Photo by Matt Mrozek

Steve Yockey's Reykjavik headlines Kitchen Dog Theater's New Works Festival.

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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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