Even though music and theater dominate the list of events this weekend around Dallas, there's still an interesting variety from which to choose. The theater ranges from a one-man show, a Tony Award-winning play, and a revue by a Broadway star. The music includes a former boy band member, '90s one-hit wonders, a Regional Mexican band, a tribute to a dearly departed country singer, the start of a Beethoven series, and a rising rapper.
Below are the 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, July 6
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy
My Son the Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy tells the story of actor and comedian, Brad Zimmerman, who worked as a waiter for nearly three decades in pursuit of his acting dream, and his parents, who suffered through that decision. My Son the Waiter is a tale about the grit and passion required to "make it" as an artist and the sweet rewards that come from never giving up. The production runs through July 30 at Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts in Richardson.
Louis Tomlinson in concert
When boy bands break up, their members often have wildly varying degrees of solo success. But since One Direction went on "indefinite hiatus" in 2016, each member has done well, including Louis Tomlinson, who has put out two solo records - most recently 2022's Faith in the Future - both of which made the top 10 on the Billboard 200 (and even better in his native U.K.). He'll perform at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving.
Friday, July 7
Art Centre Theatre presents The Elephant Man
The Elephant Man is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the 19th century. A horribly deformed young man, he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. He is admitted to London’s Whitechapel Hospital and, under the care of physician Frederick Treves, evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream – to become a man like any other. The production runs through July 16 at Art Centre Theatre in Plano.
Improv Arlington presents Lavell Crawford
Audiences are becoming increasingly familiar with Lavell Crawford’s giant-sized talent from his numerous television appearances. Crawford gained national exposure on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, leading to his own half-hour standup special on Comedy Central. Crawford is perhaps best known for his recurring role on AMC’s Emmy Award-winning Breaking Bad, which he reprised on several occasions in the prequel series, Better Call Saul. He'll perform eight times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
I Love the '90s Tour with Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, All-4-One, 2 Live Crew, and Tone Loc
The 1990s was full of memorable hip-hop/R&B acts, some for their supreme talent, and some for their ability to craft singular earworm hits that maintain popularity 30 years later. The latter will be on display as performers like Vanilla Ice ("Ice Ice Baby"), Rob Base ("It Takes Two"), All-4-One ("I Swear"), 2 Live Crew ("Me So Horny"), and Tone Loc ("Wild Thing," "Funky Cold Medina") relive their glory days at this concert at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
Theatre Arlington presents Major Attaway: The Genie's Jukebox
Whether you know him from Disney's Aladdin on Broadway, Orange is the New Black on Netflix, One Piece, Borderlands 3, or his numerous credits as a director and actor at Theatre Arlington, Major Attaway is a star. For two nights only on Friday and Saturday at Theatre Arlington, he'll present his cabaret The Genie's Jukebox, an homage to his record-breaking run as the Genie in Aladdin.
The Home Edit presents "Summer of Fun" Tour
Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit, home organizers who help people on their Netflix show, are ready to see their friends and fans in person during their "Summer of Fun" tour. They’ll reveal some of their best tips for organizing and share candid (and funny) conversations about parenting, pop culture, business, and more. They'll be at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts.
Fuerza Regida in concert
Regional Mexican band Fuerza Regida ("Governed Force" in English) has made a big impact on their genre since forming in 2017 out of San Bernardino, California. They released their debut album, En Vivo Puros Corridos, in 2018, and have released six more in quick succession, including two in 2022 alone (Pa Que Hablen and Sigan Hablando), which yielded their first top 10 hits. They'll play at Dos Equis Pavilion.
RuPaul's Drag Race: "Werq the World" Tour
Asia O’Hara, Bosco, DeJa Skye, Jujubee, Lady Camden, Laganja, Vanessa Vanjie, and select finalists from Season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race will help free minds during the "Werq the World" Tour, the world’s largest drag production. The performance will take place at Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie.
Saturday, July 8
Amanda Shires and Asleep at the Wheel in concert
Singer-songwriter & multi-instrumentalist Amanda Shires will perform an exclusive live show celebrating the life and music of her dear friend and late, great pianist and singer, Bobbie Nelson. Joined by iconic band Asleep At the Wheel, they will perform selections from the forthcoming album, Loving You, a collaborative project with Amanda and Bobbie recorded prior to Nelson’s passing. The concert will be at Longhorn Ballroom.
Sunday, July 9
Fine Arts Chamber Players presents Basically Beethoven Festival
In its 42nd year, the Basically Beethoven Festival is a series of free chamber music concerts featuring many of Dallas’ top professional musicians as well as up-and-coming rising stars. Taking place over four consecutive Sundays in July at Moody Performance Hall, each performance features a different group of musicians. First up on Sunday will be Yolutra Trio and Metamorphosis Dallas.
Don Toliver in concert
Rapper Don Toliver is a relative newcomer to the genre, having released his debut album in 2020. In his short career, he's already worked with people like Kanye West, Travis Scott, Eminem, Kid Cudi, Justin Bieber, and more. All three of his albums, including his new release, Love Sick, have charted in the top 10 on the Billboard 200. He'll perform at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory.
Vanilla Ice and other '90s one-hit wonders will perform at at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on July 7.
The Elf Town Depot, with mayor Elfus standing guard.Photo courtesy of David and Melissa Loder
The Loders have been presenting Elf Town since 2011.Photo courtesy of David and Melissa Loder