Don't Throw Away Your Shot

Dallas Summer Musicals blows us all away with Hamilton and other Broadway hits

Dallas Summer Musicals has announced its 2017-18 season, along with two shows from the 2018-19 season, and it's a major turnaround from years past.

Broadway hits such as Waitress, School of Rock, The Color Purple, Les Miserables, and Disney's The Lion King populate the list, but the real coup is that the blockbuster musical Hamilton is slated to play the Music Hall at Fair Park the season after, along with Disney's Aladdin.

This lineup couldn't be more different from the current one, which was the final to be programmed by longtime DSM president Michael Jenkins before he was suddenly terminated last spring. Interim managing director David Hyslop was named, and soon inked a deal with booking partner Broadway Across America. That could explain why the Music Hall will soon be hosting a bevy of Tony winners and nominees, along with the hottest show in the world.

There is also, curiously, no mention of DSM partnering with Performing Arts Fort Worth, as it has in previous seasons. Broadway at the Bass has yet to announce its 2017-18 season. (UPDATE: The season was just announced, and DSM will co-present three shows with PAFW.)

The new era of Dallas Summer Musicals officially kicks off December 5-10, 2017, with a seasonal add-on: the return of Irving Berlin's White Christmas. The holiday show played the Music Hall in 2013, but Hyslop and crew probably figured it couldn't hurt to bring it (and its snow machines) back for another round.

The regular season lineup begins January 23-February 4, 2018, with the 2016 Tony Award winner for best revival, The Color Purple. Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides the basis for this stirring musical, which mixes jazz, gospel, ragtime, and blues.

Next up is On Your Feet!, a "Behind the Music"-esque show about how Emilio and Gloria Estefan triumphed over adversity and tragedy to reach the top of the pop world. Yes, you're probably going to sing along. It runs February 27-March 11, 2018.

Speaking of pop stars, Grammy winner Sara Bareilles made her Broadway debut by penning the score for Waitress, based on Adrienne Shelley's cult film. An all-female creative team brought the show to Broadway, and it's a showcase for the lucky actress portraying the aspiring baker looking a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. Performance dates are March 28-April 8.

The new production of Les Miserables that recently closed on Broadway is now heading out on tour, with new staging and re-imagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. But all your favorite songs are still there, from "I Dreamed a Dream" to "One Day More" to "On My Own." See it April 24-May 6, 2018.

Another musical stalwart, Disney's The Lion King, is also on tap. Its larger-than-life puppets and lush score by Elton John and Tim Rice have filled the Music Hall before, but not since 2013. See Julie Taymor's stunning and imaginative staging June 13-July 8, 2018.

Did you know The Phantom of the Opera has a sequel? Love Never Dies, Andrew Lloyd Webber's follow-up to his smash musical hit, premiered in London in 2010 but then mostly faded into obscurity (except for a 2012 DVD recording of the West End production). But now it's going on tour! So check in with the Phantom and Christine, who are now in Coney Island 10 years after the big showdown at the Paris Opera House. Performances are July 24-August 5, 2018.

Another Lloyd Webber show is up next: School of Rock, based on the Jack Black film about a substitute teacher who molds his private-school pupils into an awesome rock band. Yes, those kids are playing those instruments live, and no, you will never be that talented. The show closes out the season August 15-26.

Both Hamilton and Disney's Aladdin are awaiting official performance dates, but those eager to score tickets should sign up to become DSM subscribers now. According to the press release, "Only season-ticket holders who renew for the 2018-19 season will be able to guarantee their tickets for the engagements of both shows before tickets become available to the general public."

Dallas Summer Musicals’ seven-show season tickets start at $150 and are on sale now at www.DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 1-866-276-4884. Season tickets can also be purchased in person at the box office at 5959 Royal Ln., Suite 542, and at the Music Hall at Fair Park box office.

Currently, An American in Paris is playing the Music Hall January 31 through February 12.

Disney's The Lion King returns to the Music Hall June 13-July 8, 2018.

Photo by Joan Marcus

Disney's The Lion King returns to the Music Hall June 13-July 8, 2018.

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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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