Theater Critic Picks

These are the 4 can't-miss shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for May

Matt Lyle's new play is getting a free livestreamed reading from Theatre Three.

Photo courtesy of Theatre Three

UPDATE: Luckenbooth Theatre's streaming production of Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret. was canceled on May 5.

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COVID-19 can stop a lot of things, but it can't stop the performing arts. Though some movies theaters and restaurants have opened back up, live stage shows still aren't happening. But that doesn't mean you can't watch some plays at home and support your local theaters.

These Dallas-Fort Worth theater companies have found creative ways to still deliver their programming, and some are even free (though we highly suggest donating the ticket price — or more — if you're in a position to do so).

Here are four local shows to stream this month:

The Texas Devil
Theatre Three, livestreaming May 5 at 7 pm
In honor of North Texas Giving Tuesday Now, T3 is hosting a free livestream on Facebook of award-winning local playwright Matt Lyle's new work. The working reading, featuring local actors, will also have the playwright and director (Jeffrey Schmidt) answer questions and participate in discussion during the reading. The plot: A statue of Robert E. Lee. A small-town lawyer doing the right thing. A fumbled football. A Daughter of the Confederacy and her idiot husband. Some Oxycontin. A fair and balanced television news personality. A crippling existential crisis. Two Satanists. And one Texas Devil.

The Dreams of Our Youth
The Classics Theatre Project, livestreaming May 1-2, 8-9, 15-16
Just like last month, when actor Van Quattro stepped up to perform The Imaginary Invalid via free solo livestream from his house, TCTP has another venerable local actor tackling a play alone. Chris Messersmith will take on literary legend Mark Twain with ruminations on his life and career, performed for free on the theater's YouTube channel.

Shelter in Place: A Quarantined New Play Festival
Taphouse Theatre, streaming May 16-17
This new-ish Fort Worth theater company normally performs in local bars and businesses — so it's readjusting right now, just like all of us. Last month it invited local playwrights to send in their quarantine-inspired new works for online readings, and now it's time for round two. All the readings will be livestreamed on TT's Facebook page and then be saved to its YouTube channel (where the round one readings already live).

Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.
Luckenbooth Theatre, streaming May 1-31
A rehearsal was filmed of this group's second show of its fifth season, so now audiences can enjoy a stage adaptation of Judy Blume's classic novel about growing up. Tickets to the virtual show are $25, and once you purchase on the website you will receive a link and instructions on how to view (and can only play the show once).

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Looking for other arts-related events and activities you can enjoy online? This list is constantly being updated with new virtual happenings.

theater music

Musical Theater

Broadway Dallas launches intimate Club 909 cabaret shows at Fair Park

Photo courtesy of Reeve Carney

Broadway star Reeve Carney will be the inaugural performer at Broadway Dallas' Club 909.

Broadway Dallas, which hosts the national tours of Broadway shows, is expanding its offerings with Club 909, an all-new cabaret concept at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

According to a release, the new venue, located in the Music Hall's transformed Crystal Terrace, will open with a performance by Grammy Award winner and Broadway star Reeve Carney, September 3-5.

It marks Broadway Dallas' first dedicated cabaret programming in the organization's 85-year history.

Carney is best known for originating the role of “Orpheus” in the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. He is currently starring as “Jay Gatsby” in The Great Gatsby on Broadway.

At Club 909, he will present “Reeve Carney: Broadway Divas," featuring his takes on Broadway's most iconic songs, selections from the Great American Songbook, and original music from his debut album, Youth Is Wasted.

Club 909 will be an intimate venue, seating only 200 guests per evening in a cabaret-style setting complete with full tableside service, including specialty drinks and chef-created light bites. The menu comes from Broadway Dallas' restaurant partner Culinaire.

In addition to the ticket price for the Club 909 show, a $30 food and beverage minimum will be charged per person.

Seating is general admission and includes table and bar seating. A limited number of reserved VIP seats are also available.

Seating is decided on the night of the show at the discretion of house management, the release says. Guests may be seated at shared tables with other attendees, and large parties may not be able to be seated together.

"Broadway Dallas has always believed that musical theater has the power to move, uplift, and connect us, and cabaret is one of the purest expressions of that power," said Ken Novice, President & CEO of Broadway Dallas, in a statement. "Club 909 gives us the opportunity to offer our audiences something deeply personal and intimate"

Tickets for the debut event, which go on sale on Friday, July 17, start at $75 and will be available at BroadwayDallas.org or by calling 800-982-2728.

A very limited number of VIP seats are also available and include a meet and greet with Carney.

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