Nostalgia is the theme of the events in Dallas-Fort Worth this weekend, as the majority of the ones worth seeing will transport you back in time in one form or another. You can see a piece of classic theater, two concerts featuring music legends, another concert with bands pretending to be legends and the final performances of a play about the world's most famous advice columnist.
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, June 11
Dallas Summer Musicals presents Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella
This national tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals, is actually an update of the original, which was a made-for-TV event in the 1950s. Although this version has some new characters and a somewhat new plot, it retains the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein's songs, making it the best of both worlds. It plays at Music Hall at Fair Park through June 21.
Johnny Mathis in concert
Texas-born Johnny Mathis, who's fast approaching the start of his seventh decade in the music business, returns to his home state for a retrospective concert featuring songs from throughout his illustrious career. Best known for songs like "Chances Are," "It's Not For Me To Say" and "Misty," the show at Winspear Opera House is sure to be a memorable one.
2015 Oak Cliff Film Festival
Although not as high profile as other local film festivals, this one still features a variety of new and classic movies that should appeal to any true movie lover. Know before you go, though, as screenings — taking place through Sunday — are held at multiple locations, including Texas Theatre, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, The Kessler, Jefferson Tower, El Sibil and Wild Detectives.
Friday, June 12
Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert with Eddie Money, Blue Oyster Cult and Stone Cold Sweat
There's hardly any other band that upholds the genre of Southern rock better than Lynyrd Skynyrd. Although they never had a No. 1 hit, the iconic nature of songs like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird," in addition to the tragic 1977 plane crash that killed several members, assures them of music immortality. They are joined at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie by Eddie Money, Blue Oyster Cult and Stone Cold Sweat.
Saturday, June 13
Perot Museum of Nature and Science presents Amazing Animals:Built to Survive
The latest traveling exhibit to come to the Perot Museum of Nature and Science focuses on the marvels of natural engineering in animals. In the interactive displays, visitors can do things like feel the pressure of a giraffe's heart, catch the wind with simulated wings and slow down the graceful gait of a sprinting cheetah, among other activities. The exhibit is on display through September 7.
2015 Throwback Tribute Festival
Think of any big band from the '60s, '70s or '80s, and the chances are pretty good that they are represented at the annual Throwback Tribute Festival at Gexa Energy Pavilion. Tributes to The Eagles (Into the West), Pearl Jam (Pearl Gem), Metallica (Kill 'em All), Def Leppard (Def Leggend), Aerosmith (Draw the Line) and more play at this special concert.
Sunday, June 14
Theatre Three presents The Lady With All the Answers
Sunday is your final opportunity to see the penultimate show in Theatre Three's 2014-2015 season, The Lady With All the Answers. Based on the life of renowned advice columnist Ann Landers, the play finds Landers struggling to write one of the most important columns of her career, one that may show she may not actually have all the answers.
Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation presents An Evening with Prince
With a high batting average and lots of home runs so far this season, Texas Rangers first baseman/DH Prince Fielder is more than living up to the promise of when he came to the team in 2014. At this charity event at Globe Life Park in Arlington, you can rub shoulders with Fielder and eat a great meal while raising money for an anti-bullying campaign backed by Fielder.
Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella runs at Music Hall at Fair Park through June 21.
Ride the roller coaster with Peppa Pig.
Photo courtesy of Merlin Entertainments