Theater Critic Picks
These are the 12 must-see shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for January
The holiday shows are over, but that doesn't mean theaters aren't still gifting us with great shows.
Refresh your theatergoing palate with new works, Broadway concerts, big musicals, and beloved classics — after all, is it even January in Dallas without the return of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change at Theatre Three?
In order of start date, here are 12 local shows to watch this month:
Death Express!
Pegasus Theatre, through January 21
It’s “all aboard!” for murder in Harry Hunsacker's latest Living Black & White adventure from Kurt Kleinmann. The action occurs on the Trans-Continental Express from Los Angeles to New York. Inept but endearing detective Harry Hunsacker and his paid-by-the-hour friend and assistant, Nigel Grouse (along with Lt. Foster of the real police) find themselves trapped on a train headed for murder.
Ann Hampton Callaway Sings the '70s and Inspired Originals
Irving Arts Center, January 5
The Tony-nominated Broadway star leads a night of rousing and beautiful classics, including songs from Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and John Lennon.
Elm Thicket
Soul Rep Theatre Company, January 11-20
Soul Rep Theatre Company co-founder and noted Dallas playwright Anyika McMillan-Herod presents her newest play as part of the ATTPAC Elevator Project. A serio-comedy set in 2020 in Dallas’ Elm Thicket community, where McMillan-Herod grew up, centers around two middle aged neighbors’ attempt to explore love and friendship while facing a complicated history, world pandemic, social unrest, and neighborhood gentrification.
The Producers
Lyric Stage, January 11-20
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 (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: The show is a smash hit.
Dog Man: The Musical
TheaterWorksUSA, January 11-28
This heartwarming and hysterical production is based on the worldwide bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey. It follows the chronicles of a canine superhero who loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?
Jagged Little Pill
AT&T Performing Arts Center, January 12-15
This new musical is based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music, and is an electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family.
Marjorie Prime
Stage West, January 18-February 11
In the near future, Marjorie and her daughter are worried that her memory may be fading. That is, until the appearance of Walter, a mysterious and charming young visitor who arrives to help Marjorie uncover the intricacies of her own past. But a secret truth is about to blur the lines between human and machine in this 2015 Pulitzer Prize finalist.
I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change
Theatre Three, January 18-February 25
Presented as a series of vignettes, this touching musical comedy is about all of love’s greatest challenges: dating, sex, marriage, and family. The production will take place in the Theatre Too space.
The 39 Steps
MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, January 19-February 3
London, 1935. The rather dull Richard Hannay encounters a woman who claims to be a spy. But when she’s suddenly murdered, Richard finds himself the focus of a nationwide manhunt led by a mysterious organization called “The 39 Steps.” Over 150 zany characters are played by a ridiculously talented cast of four) in this Hitchcockian whodunit.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Broadway Dallas, January 23-February 4
An uplifting comeback story like no other, this is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, featuring her much-love songs.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Wyly Theatre, January 30-February 4
An all-male cast brings Miami’s sassiest seniors to the stage for one more hurrah. Sophia is out on bail after being busted by the DEA for running a drug ring for retirees. Blanche and Rose have founded CreakN, a thriving sex app for seniors. And Dorothy is trying to hold it all together with help from a new (much) younger sex-crazed lover.
Disney's Aladdin
Broadway at the Bass, January 31-February 4
Discover a whole new world at Disney's Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy, and breathtaking spectacle.