Theater Critic Picks

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

The State Fair of Texas doesn't begin until September 29, so that leaves your September free to catch up on all the new shows opening in Dallas and Fort Worth. Fill your mind and soul with culture before it's time to fill your belly with Corny Dogs and Funnel Cake Bacon Queso Burgers.

Here are the 10 shows to see, in order by start date:

So Go the Ghost of Mexico, Part Two
Undermain Theatre, September 6-October 1
Matthew Paul Olmos' new work, the second play in a three-part trilogy, focuses on two warring gangs undergoing a power shift. But here's the twist: it's all women. Stephanie Cleghorn Jasso returns after starring in part one last year, though this story doesn't focus on her previous character, a 20-year-old criminology student who became police chief of a small town in Chihuahua.

Cedar Springs or Big Scary Animals
Theatre Three, September 7-October 1
Artistic director Jeffrey Schmidt promised that Theatre Three would devote more resources to nurturing new work from local artists this season, and first up is a new work from Matt Lyle. It centers on an older white couple from the country that unknowingly moves to "the gayborhood" to be closer to their granddaughter in Dallas.

Ruined
Echo Theatre, September 8-23
Dallas favorites Denise Lee and Tyrees Allen star in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage, which follows bar owner Mama Nadi as she gives three young women refuge and an unsavory means of survival in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Casa Mañana, September 9-17
Dallas native Olivia Sharber, who later performed as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and danced in the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, made her Casa debut in Joseph in 2010. Now she returns — along with DFW performers Alexandra Cassens, Emmie Kivell, Jacob Rivera-Sanchez, Michael Anthony Sylvester, and Seth Womack — in this dramatized parable of (you guessed it) Joseph and his dazzling coat of many colors.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Performing Arts Fort Worth, September 12-17
This bio-musical makes extensive use of Carole King's song catalog, telling the story of the songwriter and performer's early life in jukebox fashion. Chilina Kennedy plays the iconic King, who penned such hits as "One Fine Day," "Will You Love Me Tomorrow," and "(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman."

Fun Home
AT&T Performing Arts Center Broadway Series, September 13-24
The Tony Award-winner for best musical in 2015 is based on Alison Bechdel’s bestselling graphic memoir, and explores her complicated family relationships and sexual self-discovery. Former Miss America Kate Shindle stars as Alison, and if you're lucky you might see former DFW performer Anthony Fortino, who's touring with the show as an understudy.

In the Tall Grass
TeCo Theatrical Productions, September 14-24
Incredibly timely and still terribly sad, Paul Kalburgi's play was written in response to the murder of Shade Schuler, a 22-year-old transgender woman whose decomposed body was found dumped in a field in the Medical District of Dallas in July 2015. It's told through verbatim first-hand testimonies of transgender women of color in Dallas. This replaces the PlayPride LGBT Competition, which will return in 2018.

Deferred Action
Cara Mía Theatre Co., September 14-29
Cara Mía's 2016 collaboration with Dallas Theater Center gets another life on tour, traveling first to Southern Methodist University (September 14-17), then University of North Texas in Denton (September 21-23), and then to Cara Mía's home at the Latino Cultural Center (September 27-29). The powerful play sheds light on the reception immigrants receive when entering and living in America, focusing here on one man's experience as he grows up undocumented.

Titus Andronicus
Shakespeare Dallas, September 20-October 15
Believed to be Shakespeare's first tragedy, this violent tale follows Titus (played by executive director Raphael Parry), a general in the Roman army who is engaged in a cycle of revenge with Tamora, Queen of the Goths. A warning: Don't bring a pie as part of your al fresco picnic at the Samuel Grand Amphitheatre.

Hair
Dallas Theater Center, September 22-October 22
Beanbags. Sandwiches. A slide in the Wyly Theatre. A bunch of nude hippies. Kevin Moriarty's immersive staging of this groundbreaking rock musical brings the Age of Aquarius into the 21st century, when the themes of peace, love, and freedom are more relevant than ever.

The national tour of Fun Home stops by the Winspear Opera House.

Photo by Joan Marcus

The national tour of Fun Home stops by the Winspear Opera House.

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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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