Because Valentine's Day falls on a weekend again this year, you'd think the lineup would be heavy on the romance. Not so; those are limited to the actual day (Sunday). Other worthwhile events include three outstanding theater options, a live playing of a classic movie score, a convention with movie and TV stars, and a Chinese New Year celebration.
Below are the best options for your precious free time Thursday through Sunday. Don't like what you see? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, February 11
Undermain Theatre presents Long Day’s Journey Into Night
Thanks to Undermain Theatre, Long Day’s Journey Into Night is being produced in Dallas for the first time in more than two decades. The Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning play from Nobel Prize winner Eugene O'Neill is considered by many to be the greatest play of the 20th century and a centerpiece of modern drama. It runs through March 6.
Eric Bogosian: Bitter Honey – The Best of 100 (Monologues)
Between 1980 and 2000, Eric Bogosian wrote and performed in six full-length solo shows Off-Broadway. Bitter Honey is a nightly performance of a dozen of the 100 monologues Bogosian performed in those shows, picked at random, resulting in a unique show every night. Bogosian puts on four performances over three days at Wyly Theatre.
Friday, February 12
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents West Side Story
Dallas Theater Center is currently presenting a modern version of Romeo and Juliet, and now the Dallas Symphony Orchestra pays tribute to another version of the story, the Oscar-winning West Side Story. The electrifying score and memorable songs from the movie musical are performed live with the newly remastered film shown on the big screen in three performances at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Kitchen Dog Theater presents I'm Gonna Pray for You So Hard
Anybody who's ever had a contentious relationship with his or her parents can appreciate the story of Kitchen Dog Theater's latest play. It follows an actress whose sole aim in life is making her famous playwright father proud, and what transpires over the course of a boozy, drug-fueled evening as they debate whether to read the reviews of her new play. It plays at the Green Zone through March 12.
Saturday, February 13
Dallas Comic Con Fan Days
Dallas Comic Con Fan Days is a pop culture convention for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming, one that is packed with family-friendly activities and celebrities. Among the celebrity guests expected to attend are John Barrowman, Stephen Amell, and Katie Cassidy from Arrow; Danielle Panabaker and Robbie Amell from The Flash; and John Schneider, Tom Wopat, and Catherine Bach from The Dukes of Hazzard. The convention takes place Saturday and Sunday at Irving Convention Center.
Crow Collection of Asian Art presents Chinese New Year Festival
Say goodbye to the Year of the Ram and celebrate the Year of the Monkey, which officially started on February 8, at the Chinese New Year Festival at the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Highlights include traditional Chinese New Year art-making activities, calligraphy demonstrations, face painting, fortune telling, and much more. Also expect food trucks, lion dances, and a grand finale fireworks display.
Sunday, February 14
Truck Yard presents Stoplight Party on Valentine's Day
Most people who go out on Valentine's Day have already found love, but you're welcome at this party no matter what your relationship status is. In fact, that's the whole point, as attendees are asked to wear red (in a relationship), green (looking for a relationship), or yellow (confused) to the Truck Yard to encourage people to meet someone new. Even if you don't, you can still indulge in some great food and drinks.
Ricki Derek and Casablanca Valentine's Day double feature
The Granada Theater hosts a Valentine's Day double feature with a concert by crooner Ricki Derek and a screening of film classic Casablanca. Derek has been performing standards for more than 15 years in the area, and Valentine's Day is one of his specialties. After Derek and his band finish, the lights dim and Casablanca hits the big screen yet again.
Undermain Theatre presents Long Day's Journey Into Night through March 6.
The Callback Bar.Photo by Anna Dolmany
