Theater, comedy, and music are almost equally represented in this week's list of the best things to do in and around Dallas. The theater includes a kids show, a hyper-local production, a local production of a Broadway musical, and a national tour of a Broadway musical. The comedy side features two live podcasts and two actors/comedians. Musically, you can take in a symphony concert or two separate events with well-known R&B stars.
Below are more best ways to spend your precious free time this weekend. Want more options? Lucky for you, we have a much longer list of the city's best events.
Thursday, January 11
TheaterWorksUSA presents Dog Man: The Musical
Based on the worldwide bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical follows the chronicles of a canine superhero who loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime? The production runs through January 28 at Wyly Theatre.
Pod Meets World Live: The Kids Wanna Jump! Tour
Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle host Pod Meets World, a podcast where they rewatch, and earnestly react, to the ‘90s sitcom they starred in, Boy Meets World, now 30 years later. They'll present a live version of the show, which turned an innocent attempt for friends to watch their teenage selves on TV into a worldwide phenomenon. The event takes place at Majestic Theatre.
Soul Rep Theatre Company presents Elm Thicket
Elm Thicket is a serio-comedy set in 2020 in Dallas’ Elm Thicket community where playwright (and Soul Rep Theatre Company co-founder) Anyika McMillan-Herod grew up. It centers around two middle-aged neighbors’ attempt to explore love and friendship while facing a complicated history, world pandemic, social unrest, and neighborhood gentrification. The production, part of AT&T Performing Arts Center's Elevator Project, runs through January 20 at Wyly Theatre.
Lyric Stage presents The Producers
A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry: the show is a smash hit. The production runs through January 20 at Moody Performance Hall.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents "Prokofiev Symphony No. 5"
Dallas Symphony Orchestra's latest concert, "Prokofiev Symphony No. 5," features conductor Dmitry Matvienko and DSO Principal Flute David Buck. Selections for the concert include Lyadov's The Enchanted Lake, Nielsen's Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, and Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5. There will be performances on Thursday and Friday at the Meyerson Symphony Center.
Friday, January 12
Improv Arlington presents Brandon T. Jackson
Brandon T. Jackson is a multifaceted young actor carving his own path in Hollywood. He started out in stand-up comedy and has evolved into a young film and television star who is perhaps best known for his role in Tropic Thunder. He has also starred in Thunderstruck, the third incarnation of Fox’s Big Momma’s House franchise, and Warner Bros.’ Lottery Ticket. He'll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Two Funny Mamas: Sherri Shepherd & Kym Whitley
Comedic actresses Sherri Shepherd and Kym Whitley blend their comedic power and chemistry to deliver their award-winning podcast, Two Funny Mamas, that speaks to culture, sisterhood, moms, and working women everywhere. Nothing is off limits when these two funny ladies get together to talk about life, love, motherhood, singleness, relationships, dating, pop culture, sex (or the lack thereof), and everything in between. The live version of the podcast will be at Majestic Theatre.
Arlington Music Hall presents Pauly Shore
Pauly Shore tasted stardom in the 1990s thanks to his MTV show Totally Pauly, as well as starring roles in films like Jury Duty, In the Army Now, Bio-Dome, Encino Man, Son In Law, and A Goofy Movie. Apart from actively touring the country with his stand-up comedy, Shore is working on a documentary of his life that spans the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. He'll perform at Arlington Music Hall.
AT&T Performing Arts Center presents Jagged Little Pill
Jagged Little Pill is a new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music, an electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family. The national touring production, featuring a book by Oscar-winning writer Diabolo Cody, will have five performances through Sunday at Winspear Opera House.
Saturday, January 13
Smooth Winter Groove VIII with Kem, Eric Benét, and Leela James
The first of two R&B ensemble concerts at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie this weekend, Smooth Winter Groove VIII will feature performances by Kem, Eric Benét, and Leela James. Kem is arguably the most successful of the three, with three top 5 albums on the Billboard 200 and two No. 1 albums on the Billboard R&B chart. Kem's most recent album is Love Always Wins in 2020, Benét's most recent album is Eric Benét in 2016, and James' most recent album is Thought U Knew in 2023.
Sunday, January 14
The R&B '90s Kick Back with Keith Sweat, Bobby Brown, Jon B., and Troop
More big names will be on hand for The R&B '90s Kick Back at Texas Trust CU Theatre, featuring performances by Keith Sweat, Bobby Brown, Jon B., and Troop. Sweat's most recent album is Playing for Keeps in 2018, Brown's most recent album is The Masterpiece in 2012, Jon B.'s most recent album is Comfortable Swagg in 2012, and Troop's most recent albums is Mayday in 1998.
TheaterWorksUSA presents Dog Man: The Musical at Wyly Theatre, January 11-28.
Figure skater Mariah Bell. Getty Images 