Smashing Philanthropy

Dallas Theater Center lures wicked hot Smash star to headline 2015 gala

Dallas Theater Center has announced its headliners for Centerstage 2015, and anyone who misses Smash is sure to want a seat. Blonde bombshell Megan Hilty, who played Ivy Lynn on the NBC musical drama, will share the spotlight with performer Seth Rudetsky for the May 9 fundraising gala at Wyly Theatre.

In addition to her work on Smash, Hilty earned acclaim as Glinda in Wicked and as Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical. Recently she starred alongside Sean Hayes in NBC’s 2014 comedy Sean Saves the World. On June 8 she will appear in a one-night-only concert of Smash’s original musical Bombshell in New York for the Actors Fund.

Rudetsky, the afternoon host on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio’s On Broadway as well as the host of Seth Speaks on Sirius/XM Stars, has played piano for more than a dozen Broadway shows, including Ragtime, Les Miz and Phantom. He was the artistic producer/music director for the first five annual Actors Fund fall concerts, including Dreamgirls with Audra McDonald and Hair with Jennifer Hudson.

In addition to talent, these two have a sense of humor.

“I’m so excited to play Dallas,” Hilty said in a release. “The last time I was there, I was 12 and bought cowboy boots and a bunch of fake hair. I’m running low on both of those things, so I can’t wait to go back! Oh yeah — it’ll be fun to sing too!”

“Megan Hilty is a rare combination of beautiful and funny and an amazing singer,” Rudetsky added. “Even though I’m jealous of her, I can’t wait to perform our show in Dallas. I’ve done Dallas shows before and that town loves theater!”

Centerstage 2015 supports DTC’s innovative artistic programming as well as its award-winning education programs like Project Discovery. The gala begins with cocktails at 6:30 pm, followed by dinner and a special performance from Hilty and Rudetsky. DJ Lucy Wrubel is spinning at the after party, naturally.

Individual tickets are $1,000; underwriting levels start at $2,500. For more information, email Robin.Rose@DallasTheaterCenter.org or call 214-252-3915.

Budget Cuts

Funding cuts force Dallas Children's Theater to trim 2025-26 season

Dallas Children's Theater presents James and the Giant Peach

Photo courtesy of Dallas Children's Theater

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The upcoming 2025-26 season for Dallas Children's Theater is shrinking, according to a new communication from its leadership.

A June 2 email signed by executive director Samantha Turner, board president Leah Mora, and recently appointed artistic director Emily Ernst informs supporters that due to "the significant financial challenges of the current environment," DCT will be reducing the upcoming season from five mainstage shows to three.

The email doesn't specifically call out the government's cuts to arts funding, but it is heavily implied, especially since other theaters have recently experienced financial difficulties due to the federal cuts.

"We remain deeply committed to artistic excellence and to the 90,000 young people and families we serve annually," reads the email. "Though we will have fewer performances, we will continue to provide meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire children, nurture their imagination, and encourage connection with the world around them."

The 2025-26 will retain the previously announced world premiere of The Pigeon Gets a Big Time Holiday Extravaganza! (November 22-December 21, 2025), as well as The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show (January 24-February 22, 2026) and Moon Mouse: A Space Odyssey (March 27-29, 2026), and add a new developmental workshop envisioned by Ernst.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley and Jungalbook will no longer be produced, and ticket-holders will be receiving instructions on ticket options.

DCT Academy classes, a vital part of the theater’s work, will continue through the summer, concluding August 8. After that, Academy sessions will be temporarily paused. Families enrolled for the fall semester will receive a separate email with next steps.

"Although our performances are well attended and our community support is strong, ticket sales cover only a small portion of the true cost of producing theater," the email explains. "At the same time, our operating costs have steadily increased while funding levels have remained flat. This financial pressure requires immediate action to keep DCT viable — not just for this season, but for the years ahead."

Tickets for the 2025-26 season are on sale now.

children families dallas childrens theater childrens theater arts funding theater

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