Easter weekend in Dallas is full of great options both bunny-related and not. Among other things, we'll be treated to not one but two big name musicals, opera taking center stage in Fort Worth and great music from national and local stars.
Below are your 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, April 17
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Evita
The story of Eva Peron and her rise to power in Argentina is a compelling one, but also one that might have been just another chapter in a history book were it not for Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Tony Award-winning musical. Dallas Summer Musicals will present the production, containing famous songs like "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," at Music Hall at Fair Park through April 27.
An Evening with Neil Young
Neil Young is inarguably one of the most famous musicians of all time, but these days he's better known for being impersonated by Jimmy Fallon than his own history. But his musical output is still surprisingly strong, releasing 11 albums since the beginning of the 21st century, including 2014's A Letter Home. Young will put on two acoustic performances on Thursday and Friday at Meyerson Symphony Center.
Lexus Broadway Series: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Disney musicals like The Lion King and Aladdin dominate the Broadway scene nowadays, but it was Beauty and the Beast that started the Mouse House's reign there. The production, playing at Winspear Opera House through April 27, comes to Dallas almost 20 years to the day after its premiere on the Great White Way. It contains all the songs you know and love from the movie version, plus seven others you can only see on stage.
Friday, April 18
2014 Good Friday Children’s Concert and Activities
For any kids lucky enough to still have Good Friday off - the ice storm in December took away that privilege for many - the Dallas Arboretum will present a day full of fun activities like a petting zoo, face painting and two separate concerts by Eddie Coker. You'll also be able to take in the final days of Dallas Blooms, which officially ends on Sunday.
Billy Joe Shaver in concert with The Black Lillies
Texas is seemingly overflowing with legendary country musicians, but it's still a treat to get a visit from someone like Billy Joe Shaver. Though not as well known as singers like Willie Nelson or Charlie Daniels, his work with them and many others makes him just as influential as anybody else you'll come across. He'll play at The Kessler with The Black Lillies as opening act.
Saturday, April 19
Old 97's in concert with Black Joe Lewis, Slobberbone and Madison King
People of a certain age may be shocked to find out that 2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Old 97's first album, Hitchhike to Rhome. But this concert at Annette Strauss Square will be more than just nostalgia; it'll also be a release party for their latest album, Most Messed Up, which will be on sale there 10 days before it's available to the public. The concert will also feature Black Joe Lewis, Slobberbone and Madison King.
2014 Fort Worth Opera Festival
Every April is the Fort Worth Opera's time to shine, as they present a series of productions in their annual festival. This year's version at Bass Performance Hall kicks off this weekend by The Pearl Fishers (playing three times Saturday through May 2), With Blood, With Ink (playing 10 times Sunday through May 10) and Forte, an opera trio performing this Sunday only. Other productions include Cosi fan tutte (playing April 26-May 11) and Silent Night (playing May 4-10).
Sunday, April 20
Easter activities
Pretty much every restaurant in town will be offering a special Easter brunch, but if you're looking for a bit more, you can check out Easter in Lee Park, which features the always popular pooch parade along with a bunch of other activities in Robert E. Lee Park, or Omni Dallas presents Easter Fun, which will have live music and a petting zoo in addition to the brunch at Texas Spice.
Neil Young will play at Meyerson Symphony Center on April 17 and 18.
