Theater Preview

The 10 can't-miss shows in Dallas theater for June

Dance is where it's at this month, as most of the big musicals seem to be all about keeping rhythm with tap or flamenco shoes. But there are a few quiet plays in the mix, dealing with love and forgiveness. And did we mention murder? Shakespeare's on the summer bill, both in traditional form and satire, so get ready for the blood to flow.

Here are the 10 shows in order by start date:

Mothers and Sons
Uptown Theater, June 3-19
This Tony-nominated play from Terrence McNally is a heavy one, but Uptown Players has a knack for tackling serious subject matters such as AIDS and familial relationships with class and compassion. Twenty years after her son dies, the mother in question visits his partner, now remarried and with a young son, to try to smooth things over. Keep an eye out for 10-year-old Alex Prejean — Uptown also has a knack for plucking the best young actors in DFW and showcasing their astonishing talents in adult-centered dramas.

Outside Mullingar
WaterTower Theatre, June 3-26
Battling against Mothers and Sons for the best play Tony in 2014 was also this four-person romantic drama by John Patrick Shanley. Unrequited love of the decidedly somber sort plagues two farmers in the Midlands of Ireland, but it's that straightforwardness that makes the short play lyrical and real. Jeremy Schwartz and Jessica Cavanagh play the restrained lovers Anthony and Rosemary.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
AT&T Performing Arts Center, June 7-19
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. Jessie Mueller, who won the Tony for portraying King on Broadway, isn't part of the national tour — but her sister is. Look-alike sibling Abby Mueller takes over as 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."

Dreamgirls
Dallas Theater Center, June 10-July 24
London's West End is prepping for its premiere of the fictionalization of the female musical super-group the Supremes, but we have our own flashy production right here in Dallas. DTC is doing it up big, with Broadway actress Marisha Wallace starring as the troubled Effie White and Michael O. Mitchell directing the 1960s Motown-inspired score. He's the current music director for the famous Amateur Night at the Apollo, by the way.

Bullets Over Broadway
Dallas Summer Musicals, June 14-26
Surely the Music Hall at Fair Park has worked out its sound issues from the last tour and can better present this stage adaptation of Woody Allen's slapstick film. Hopefully there's a live orchestra, too, to accompany the cast of high-kicking cuties in this zany backstage romp.

House of Bard's
Fun House Theatre and Film, June 16-20
First it was Mamet, then Albee, now Underwood. Jeff Swearingen and the Fun House kids are mashing up politics with Shakespeare in their latest spoof, with the help of scholar M. Lance Lusk and dramaturg Kyle Eric Bradford. What to expect? Who knows — that's half the fun every time at Fun House.

Anything Goes
Lyric Stage, June 17-26
There have been plenty of productions of the tap-happy Cole Porter musical lately — on Broadway and off — but, in true Lyric Stage fashion, this one will be the first to revive the show in its original form since it originally closed on Broadway in 1935. Daron Cockerell stars as the vivacious nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, with Max Swarner, Andy Baldwin, Kelly Silverthorne, and Clayton Winters helping to populate the ship.

Buñuel Descending
Ochre House Theatre, June 22-July 2
This mixture of flamenco and storytelling has played the Expo Park theater before, to great acclaim. Now it's back, as part of Ochre House's longstanding collaboration with the Dallas Flamenco Festival, painting a picture of pioneering filmmaker Luis Buñuel; his wife, Jeanne Buñuel; and his friends and collaborators Salvador Dali and Federico Garcia Lorca as they form their own artistic fraternity called the Order of Toledo.

Richard III/She Stoops to Conquer
Shakespeare Dallas, June 22-July 23/June 15-July 22
Grab your picnic blanket and plastic tumbler of wine and head to Samuell Grand Amphitheater for this summer tradition. Brandon Potter is taking on the Shakespearean villain Richard III in one company, while Anastasia Munoz is dressing herself down to win at love as Kate in She Stoops to Conquer. The two plays will run in repertory.

42nd Street
Dallas Summer Musicals, June 28-July 10
It's the year of tap dancing, as evidenced by this classic backstage musical doing a shuffle-ball-change into the Music Hall right after Bullets Over Broadway and on the heels of Anything Goes at Lyric Stage. You might be familiar with the trope of the understudy suddenly getting to be the star, but this show is where that all originated.

Stephanie Cleghorn Jasso and Brandon Potter in Richard III at Shakespeare Dallas.

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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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