Theater Critic Picks

These are the 5 must-see shows in Dallas-Fort Worth theater for October

Denise Lee stars in a new adaptation of Shakespeare's "Othello" at Bishop Arts Theatre Center.

Photo by Bryan Chatlien

It may seem like slim pickings this month, but keep in mind that both The Rocky Horror Show at Dallas Theater Center and Theatre Three's Lizzie: The Musical got spooky season started onstage in September (and they both run through October 29, by the way).

In order of start date, here are five local shows to watch this month:

The Fly
Hip Pocket Theatre, October 6-29
Science played with the atom and a monster has emerged from the disastrous experiment. James Clavell wrote the screenplay for this special Halloween production, which has been adapted by Shawn Gann. Hip Pocket Theatre will use music, practical effects and whimsy to present The Fly.

The Visit
Amphibian Stage, October 12-November 12
A darkly comic tale from prolific German writer Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Visit tells the story of a wealthy philanthropist returning to her hometown to save it from financial ruin … but the money comes with a deadly request that will test the morals of the town’s inhabitants.

Othello
Bishop Arts Theatre Center, October 19-November 5
When a woman shatters a glass ceiling, what waits for her when she lands? Franky Gonzalez' adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello explores this question and centers on the difficulties of Imani Othello (Denise Lee), who has been named the first Black woman head coach of a major football team in Dallas.

Once Upon a Mattress
Stage West, October 19-November 5
By royal decree of the Queen, all princesses must pass a series of tests if they want to marry the hapless Prince. Even worse, throughout the kingdom no one may wed until the Prince finds a worthy wife. Many have tried, all have failed, and the Queen plans to keep it that way. But when a bold and undeniably charming new princess makes a splash at court, it seems the Queen has finally met her match. This is a co-production with Theatre TCU.

Little Shop of Horrors
Lyric Stage, October 26-29
In this delectable sci-fi-horror musical, with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, Seymour is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant. Little does Seymour know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for human blood.

theater

Season Announcement

Kitchen Dog Theater unleashes immersive 2025 season in new Dallas space

Kitchen Dog Theater presents Safe at Home

Photo by Jordan Fraker

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Seven years after announcing it had purchased a building in the Design District, Kitchen Dog Theater is finally ready to move into its new home.

The third and final production of its 2025 season — the theater company's 34th — will take place all around the new "Doghouse." The other two productions will follow the immersive format at non-traditional performance spaces that was established last season.

With three fully produced events that each run the gambit from captivating and gutsy to heartfelt and hilarious, the monthly New Works Festival Staged Readings Series returns, as does the 23rd annual PUP Fest, nurturing high school talent from all over DFW.

First up is the area premiere of Will Eno's Wakey, Wakey, directed by KDT's artistic director Tina Parker and starring KDT co-artistic director Christopher Carlos.

"Is it now? I thought I had more time." These first words in Will Eno's play are spoken by Guy, a man who knows, like all of us on some level, that he is about to die. The play questions why we are here and the journeys that everyone takes to eventually get to the same place. Performances will take place at Expo Park, 840 Exposition Avenue, and run February 7-23, 2025.

Production No. 2 is full of mystery: The title and performance location will be announced soon and run in March/April 2025.

The Happiness Gymby Ken Weitzman closes out the season in August 2025 (exact dates TBA).

This regional premiere is a joyous, experiential event based on the science of well-being. Participants take part in a curated theatrical experience meant to boost their sense of happiness, joy, and feelings of connection. This one-of-a-kind project will be the soft opening to Kitchen Dog’s new theater and will take place all over the entire facility, giving patrons unparalleled access to KDT’s new home.

From March to July 2025, the 26th annual 2025 New Works Festival will showcase four-to-five staged readings of the newest and most exciting local and regional playwrights working in contemporary theater today. Each reading will feature some of DFW's most accomplished actors and directors and will take place at different venues across DFW.

For its 23rd annual event, PUP Fest will feature six staged readings of jury-selected plays written by DFW high school students, featuring student actors directed by area professional directors. PUP Fest is the culminating event of Dallas Playwriting Arts Collective (D-PAC), a partnership with Dallas ISD and Junior Players. Performance location is TBA, but the event will happen June 7, 2025.

For more information, visit kitchendogtheater.org or call 214-953-1055.

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