There will be no shortage of theater productions to see this weekend, as one major Broadway show and three separate local productions will take to various stages around Dallas. You can also catch a sneak peek of a blockbuster movie, listen to some classical music from the composer himself, see if spring will be here soon, view a new art exhibit, or listen to some readings from celebrities.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, January 31
Twentieth Century Fox presents Alita: Battle Angel free screening
While we wait ever patiently for James Cameron's sequel to Avatar, whenever that will be, you can get an early taste of Alita: Battle Angel, which Cameron wrote alongside director Robert Rodriguez. The film, which doesn't officially come out until February 14, is an action-adventure epic about one young woman's journey to discover the truth of who she is and her fight to change the world. Claim your free tickets while they last for this screening at AMC NorthPark.
Dallas Summer Musicals presents The Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is still a mainstay on Broadway, as theatergoers can't get enough of the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical. The national tour of the outrageous comedy that follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word, will play at the Music Hall at Fair Park through Sunday.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents John Adams Conducts John Adams
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra will present one of the greatest living composers as he conducts his celebratory fanfare, Short Ride in a Fast Machine, along with his passionate Concerto for Violin. Debussy's Sacred & Profane Dances and Respighi's Roman Festivals round out the program. The concert, playing three times through Saturday at Meyerson Symphony Center, will feature violinist Leila Josefowicz and harpist Emily Levin.
Theatre Three presents The Manufactured Myth of Eveline Flynn
A brand-new musical by Dallasites Michael Federico and Ian Ferguson, this production follows a young woman named Eveline Flynn, whose very birth signaled a great change in the world. The Manufactured Myth of Eveline Flynn, which features songs spanning styles from contemporary musical theater to Abba-esque disco pop to intergalactic punk, will play at Theatre Three through February 24.
Second Thought Theatre presents Incognito
Second Thought Theatre will present the area premiere of Incognito, three interwoven stories spanning 60 years that focus on the center of the nervous system, the brain. As pathologist Thomas Harvey embarks on a quest to understand the mind that understood the universe, playwright Nick Payne weaves his journey into a fabric of stories centered on understanding the secrets of the human mind. The play will run through February 23.
Uptown Players presents Spring Awakening
The winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening follows the unforgettable journey of a group of students in late 19th century Germany as they move from adolescence into adulthood. With an electrifying score that swings from folk to rock, the landmark musical is an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll. The production will run at Moody Performance Hall through Sunday.
Saturday, February 2
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden presents Groundhog Day Celebration
As the Dallas Arboretum prepares for its annual Dallas Blooms, which opens on February 23, it will host its first Groundhog Day celebration. Colleen Coyle, WFAA Channel 8 meteorologist and emcee, and Robin Carreker, Dallas Arboretum Public Events board chair, will release Arboretum Annie to see if she sees her shadow. Afterwards, guests are welcome to take selfies with the groundhog, make groundhog crafts, and watch the iconic Groundhog Day movie with Bill Murray.
Nasher Sculpture Center presents Sterling Ruby: "Sculpture" opening day
Sterling Ruby: "Sculpture" is a large-scale exhibition dedicated to the sculptural work of the Los Angeles-based artist. Featuring nearly 30 large- and moderately-scaled sculptures spanning Ruby's career, this will be the first museum exhibition to survey the great variety of sculptural work of one the most significant contemporary artists working today. The exhibition will be on display through April 21.
DMA Arts & Letters Live — Selected Shorts: "All in the Family"
The latest event in the Art & Letters Live series is an opportunity to get up close and personal with some well-known actors. The evening of funny, moving, and insightful tales of family dynamics will feature Nate Corddry reading “The Baby” by Simon Rich, Melora Hardin reading “Love Is Not a Pie” by Amy Bloom, and Kaneza Schaal reading “Forgiveness in Families” by Alice Munro. The event will be at the Dallas Museum of Art.
The Book of Mormon will play at the Music Hall at Fair Park through February 3.
