The 411: A hub for contemporary new media works, Zhulong Gallery welcomed enthusiasts and fellow artists to an intimate reception for Lauren Woods. The conceptual artist’s solo show addresses issues of identity and representation of the black body through powerful videos — a mix of procured and original footage — and sound runs. Attendees had the opportunity to chat with Woods about the inspiration and meaning behind her pieces. The exhibition runs until January 24.
Who: Zhulong Gallery director Aja Martin and assistant director Jessica Ingle, Jeremy Strick, Justine Ludwig, Hanh Ho, Anne Bothwell, Vicki Meek, Tearlach Hutcheson, Mari and Joshua King, Carmen Menza, Justin Adu, Harold Steward, Michael Just, Leigh Merrill, Paho Mann, Don Weempe, Erin Stafford, Elissa Stafford, Dan Pritchett, Janeil Engelstad, Beatriz Balanta-Rodriguez, Pam Miller, AJ Medina, Eric Oliver Jr., and Linda Snorina.
"Mary Poppins" was the big summer musical of 2024.
Following the announcement last fall that going forward, WaterTower Theatre will occupy less space in the Addison Conference and Theatre Centre, the theater company has found a solution to its venue problem.
It's launching WaterTower Summer Musicals, to be performed at the Dallas College Brookhaven Campus Theatre in Farmers Branch.
An email to newsletter subscribers sent on January 1 — and a Facebook post from WTT on December 31, 2024 — states that the first production will be Andrew Lloyd Webber's School of Rock, set for summer 2025. It will be directed by JC Schuster, music directed by Cody Dry, and choreographed by Alli Betsill.
Both communications include a video that begins with producing artistic director Shane Peterman on the Brookhaven stage, spotlighting the venue's 650 very nice-looking seats.
He and several WTT employees go on to note the success of WTT's last two summer productions, Mary Poppins and the world-premiere Goin' Hollywood, as well as Brookhaven's plentiful free parking and spacious lobby.
"And as for the Addison Theatre Center, don't worry," says Brian Gonzales, director of audience and benefactor development, in the video. "The Addison Theatre Center is still our home, and our partnership with the town of Addison is still as strong as ever. Think of Brookhaven as an extension of the WaterTower family, allowing us to bring the summer musicals to an even bigger stage."
Also found on WTT's website is a job posting for an associate producing artistic director — the same position that Elizabeth Kensek was abruptly terminated from in August 2024.
At the time, WTT explained her layoff this way: "...modifications at the Addison Theatre Centre, directed by the Town’s leadership, have led us to consolidate roles and departments for greater efficiency. This unfortunately resulted in some layoffs and structural shifts."
Applications for the position will be accepted through January 17.
WaterTower Theatre is currently presenting The Play That Goes Wrong, co-produced with Stage West in Fort Worth. The show has recently been extended through January 19, a week past its original closing date.
