The arts are flourishing in North
Texas, with renowned museums, diverse theater and performing
arts groups, and first-class music venues. For those who
love the arts, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has much to
offer.
Leon McKenzie of
the freestyle dance group Diverse
Soulz performs at the Dance for the Planet Festival
in April at Annette Strauss Artist Square.
Michael Ainsworth/DMN
ARTS VENUES
Addison Conference and
Theatre Centre: A remarkable complex designed
by noted Dallas architect Gary Cunningham. Seating can
be reconfigured to suit each production. Home to nationally
recognized WaterTower Theatre.
15650 Addison Road, Addison. 972-450-6241
American Airlines Center:
Dallas Mavericks' and Dallas Stars' home games are at
this $420 million sports and entertainment complex. Also
hosts major concerts, Broadway shows, circuses and conventions.
2500 Victory Ave. 214-665-4299. www.americanairlinescenter.com
Annette Strauss Artist Square:
Downtown park named for a former Dallas mayor is an open-air
backdrop for festivals, concerts and theatrical productions.
1800 Leonard. 214-953-1977
ArtCentre of Plano:
Completed in 1995, the center is home to art exhibitions
and special events, including weddings. The 150-seat ArtCentre
Theatre is used as a second stage by Plano Repertory Theatre.
1039 E. 15th St., Plano. 972-423-7809. www.artcentreofplano.org
Bass Performance Hall:
The art of Europe meets the science of acoustics in downtown
Fort Worth. The 10-story concert hall in Sundance Square
is home to Fort Worth Symphony, Fort Worth Opera, Cliburn
Concerts recital series and Van Cliburn International
Piano Competition.
525 Commerce, Fort Worth. 817-212-4300. www.basshall.com
Bath House Cultural Center:
Dallas' first neighborhood performance and gallery hall.
A restored art deco bathhouse in East Dallas on White
Rock Lake. Known for multicultural art shows and small-group
theatrical performances; home of the annual Festival of
Independent Theatres (July).
521 E. Lawther. 214-670-8749. www.bathhousecultural.com
Black Academy of Arts and Letters:
In a corner of the Dallas Convention Center is the cluster
of the Naomi Bruton Theatre, Clarence Muse Café
Theatre and James E. Kemp Art Gallery. A year-round schedule
of plays, lectures, exhibits, concerts and film screenings
celebrates African, Caribbean and African-American cultures.
Northwest corner of Canton and Akard, in theater complex
of convention center.
214-743-2440. www.tbaal.org
Campus Theatre: Built
as a movie house in downtown Denton in 1949, it now houses
performances by Denton Community Theatre and Music Theatre
of Denton, among others. 214 W. Hickory, Denton. 940-382-1915.
www.campustheatre.com
Dallas Center for Contemporary
Art: Formerly the Dallas Visual Art Center. Free.
2801 Swiss. 214-821-2522. www.thecontemporary.net
Deep Ellum Live: One
of the oldest and largest music venues in Deep Ellum,
a renovated warehouse district three blocks east of downtown.
2727 Canton. 214-526-8077
An enthusiastic crowd listens to a performance
of the Ataris in April at Deep Ellum Live.
Barbara Davidson/DMN
Eisemann Center: A
gallery, two theaters and related spaces house a wide
range of local and touring arts events.
2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. 972-744-4650. www.eisemanncenter.com
Garland Center for the Performing
Arts: 300 N. Fifth, Garland. 972-205-2780
Ice House Cultural Center:
The city of Dallas venue is home to art and cultural events
with a Latin flavor.
1000 W. Page St. 214-670-7524. www.dallasculture.org/icehouse
Irving Arts Center:
Home to Carpenter Performance Hall, Theater in the Commons,
Dupree Theater, sculpture garden and four galleries.
3333 N. MacArthur, Irving. 972-252-7558. www.ci.irving.tx.us/Arts
Lakewood Theater: Art
deco treasure nestled in one of Dallas' most picturesque
areas. Restored 1938 movie palace hosts film festivals,
art exhibits and poetry readings. Popular film series
is 15-Cent Classics: On second Tuesday of each month,
Lakewood screens a film that debuted in late '30s and
'40s, charging original admission.
1825 Abrams Parkway. 214-827-5253 or 214-821-9084. www.lakewoodtheater.com
McKinney Avenue Contemporary:
The MAC presents new art in many disciplines in its galleries
and theaters. Kitchen Dog Theater is the resident performing
company. The Solo Series presents nationally known performance
artists.
3120 McKinney Ave. 214-953-1212. www.the-mac.org
Mesquite Arts Center:
A multiuse facility for cultural events and meetings,
the center's heart is a 492-seat concert hall.
1527 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite. 972-216-6444. www.cityofmesquite.com/artsweb/
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony
Center: Crown jewel of Dallas' music venues.
Designed by I.M. Pei, with acoustics by Russell Johnson;
cited by visiting artists as one of the acoustically finest
halls in America. Home of Dallas Symphony Orchestra and
Dallas Wind Symphony.
2301 Flora. 214-670-3600
Music Hall at Fair Park:
Home of Dallas Summer Musicals, Dallas Opera and Texas
Ballet Theater (formerly the Fort Worth Dallas Ballet).
909 First Ave. 214-565-1116. www.dsmmanagementgroup.org/
music_hall_desc.cfm
NextStage at Grand Prairie:
Dallas-Fort Worth's most high-tech performance space can
be configured to suit the performers on stage –
most pop music shows – and audience sizes of 2,200
to 6,350. Luxury suites and extensive concessions are
also part of the mix. 1001 NextStage Drive, Grand Prairie.
972-854-5111. www.nextstage.com
Old Bedford School:
Restored 1915 school building includes museum and auditorium,
with period seating, used as performance hall.
2400 School Lane, Bedford. 817-952-2290. www.oldbedfordschool.org
Plaza Theatre: City-owned
theater, building dating to 1918, renovated for use as
performance space.
521 W. State, Garland. 972-205-2780
Reunion Arena: Dallas'
sports and concert hall before American Airlines Center
opened. Built in 1980, considered an old-school concert
venue, but still hosts musical acts and sports events.
777 Sports St. 214-939-2770. www.reunionarena.org
Sammons Center for the Arts:
The old Turtle Creek Pump Station, with its grand staircase
and airy performance hall, is home to 12 arts groups.
But it's best known as the showplace for the Sammons Jazz
series. The monthly shows (7-10 p.m. the first Wednesday)
highlight the best in local players.
3630 Harry Hines. 214-520-7788. www.sammonsartcenter.org
Smirnoff Music Centre:
If in Dallas during the summer, most big-ticket national
pop acts end up at this outdoor arena in Fair Park. Bowl-shaped
amphitheater has reserved seating covered by the stage
awning and wraparound lawn seating.
1818 First Ave. 214-421-1111. www.smirnoffmusiccentre.com
South Dallas Cultural Center:
Neighborhood center focusing on African-American culture
houses a gallery, theater, dance studios, classrooms and
a digital recording studio.
3400 S. Fitzhugh. 214-939-2787. www.dallasculture.org/sdcc
Trinity River Arts Center:
Performance and exhibit space that supports youth outreach
programs. Houses Kim Dawson Theater and two galleries.
Home for some of Dallas' small, innovative theater companies.
2600 Stemmons, Suite 180. 214-630-5491. www.tracdallas.com
THEATER
Blacken Blues Theater: Playwright
and founder Willie Holmes addresses serious urban issues
with insightful humor. Company performs at African American
Museum, 3536 Grand, Fair Park, and at South Dallas Cultural
Center,
3400 S. Fitzhugh. 214-618-4522.
www.blackenblues.com
Casa Mañana:
Fort Worth's biggest theater, this silver geodesic dome
now looks more like a sci-fi antique than the House of
Tomorrow. But it's a showcase for well-rendered comedies
and polished musicals as well as the occasional drama
and children's theater. Undergoing renovations, scheduled
for completion soon.
3101 W. Lancaster, Fort Worth. 817-332-2272. www.casamanana.org
Circle Theatre: Well-established
nonprofit company performs in basement of Sanger Building
in Sundance Square. Offers wide range of plays, focusing
on comedy with a Southwestern connection. Strong production
values. Sometimes works with Equity actors. 230 W. Fourth,
Fort Worth. 817-877-3040.
www.circletheatre.com
CCCC Black Box Theatre:
Collin County Community College group performs regularly
at Spring Creek campus. 2800 E. Spring Creek, Plano. 972-881-5809
Creative Arts Theatre and School:
Nonprofit organization holds performances and offers classes
for ages 4 to adult.
1100 W. Randol Mill, Arlington. 817-265-8512. www.creativearts.org
Dallas Children's Theater:
In new space at Rosewood Center for Family Arts. Holds
classes for ages 3 to 17 in creative dramatics, musical
theater, amateur video and intense theater technique.
Also puts on a series of main-stage performances with
local adult actors.
5938 Skillman. 214-978-0110. www.dct.org
Dallas Summer Musicals: Now
in its 63rd year, the nonprofit group presents a season
of musical entertainment at Fair Park Music Hall. Most
shows are touring productions drawn from Broadway. DSM
also co-produces a winter drama series at the Majestic
Theatre. Box office: 214-691-7200. www.dallassummermusicals.com
Dallas Theater Center –
Kalita Humphreys Theater: Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, Kalita Humphreys Theater is the main home of Dallas Theater Center, the region's oldest theater company. 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd. 214-526-8210. www.dallastheatercenter.org
Dallas Theater Center –
Arts District Theater: Second home of Dallas
Theater Center. 2401 Flora. 214-526-8210. www.dallastheatercenter.org
Hip Pocket Theatre:
Like no other. Productions marked by the post-hippie sensibility
of founders Johnny and Diane Simons. Performs in the Oak
Acres Amphitheatre, complete with thrust stage and wonderful,
woodsy atmosphere.
1620 Las Vegas Trail North, Fort Worth. 817-246-9775.
www.hippocket.org
Jubilee Theatre: A
showcase for African-American performers, writers and
directors. Though there's the occasional drama or comedy,
the theater specializes in musicals composed in-house
by musical director Joe Rogers and his frequent collaborator,
artistic director Rudy Eastman.
506 Main, Fort Worth, in Sundance Square. 817-338-4411.
www.jubileetheatre.org
Kitchen Dog Theater:
One of Dallas' most accomplished companies. Founded by
five alumni of Southern Methodist University's graduate
acting program. Resident company of McKinney Avenue Contemporary.
3120 McKinney. 214-953-1055. www.kitchendogtheater.org
Lyric Stage: Award-winning
professional musical theater company. Performs at Irving
Arts Center,
3333 N. MacArthur, Irving. 972-594-1904. www.lyricstage.org
Mesquite Community Theatre:
1527 N. Galloway, Mesquite. 972-216-8122
Pegasus Theatre: Small
professional company taking comedy seriously. 214-821-6005.
www.pegasustheatre.com
Plano Children's Theatre:
Offers production and skill classes in performing arts
for ages 3 to 18. Program for children with special needs
is available. Children's theater series performed by adults
is also produced.
1301 Custer, Suite 832, Plano. 972-422-2575. www.planochildrenstheatre.com
Plano Repertory Theatre:
Started as a community theater in 1975, Plano Rep has
been expanding its horizons during the last decade. It
became the primary tenant of the new Courtyard Theater
last year.
1509 Ave. H, Plano. 972-422-7460. www.planorep.org
Pocket Sandwich Theatre:
This non-Equity showcase for comic theater, and sometimes
stand-up comedy, has kept its local audience large and
loyal by sticking to its guns and presenting the silliest
scripts it can find.
5400 E. Mockingbird, Suite 119. 214-821-1860. www.pocketsandwich.com
Stage West: The pinnacle
of Fort Worth theater, this venue produces eight to 10
shows a year, characterized by strong in-the-round production
values, impeccable acting.
3055 S. University, Fort Worth. 817-784-9378. www.alliedtheatre.org
Teatro Dallas: In 1985,
artistic director Cora Cardona co-founded this theater
troupe, which focuses on the Latino experience. A 1998
fire destroyed its Commerce Street home. It's opened a
new, 64-seat theater next to its offices.
1331 Record Crossing Road. 214-689-6492. www.teatrodallas.org
Adrian
Villegas performs in Barrio Daze, a one-man
play about life in the barrio, in April at Teatro Dallas
. Mei-Chun Jau/DMN
Theatre Arlington:
A community theater gradually evolving into a professional
company. Offers drama as well as comedy and musicals,
but still strictly mainstream fare.
305 W. Main, Arlington. 817-261-9628. www.theatrearlington.org
Theatre Three: One of Dallas' most enduring
survivors, this veteran Equity theater offers musicals,
lightweight revivals and elaborate dramas.
2800 Routh. 214-871-3300 or 214-871-2933.
www.theatre3dallas.com
Undermain Theatre:
Many theater patrons agree that Undermain, in Deep Ellum,
is Dallas' best theater company. Founded in 1983, it shows
the most consistent sensibility and artistic precision
of any theater; it has a point of view and sticks to it.
3200 Main. 214-747-1424 or 214-747-5515
WaterTower Theatre:
Though its home, the Addison Conference and Theatre Centre,
was originally founded as an avant-garde venue, WaterTower's
staple under artistic director Terry Martin is solid,
professional, mainstream fare.
15650 Addison Road, Addison. 972-450-6232. www.watertowertheatre.org
PERFORMING ARTS
Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico:
Celebrates the exuberance of a vibrant culture with mariachi
bands, brilliant costumes, stamping feet.
4422 Live Oak. 214-828-0181.
www.anmbf.org
Ballet Arlington: Brings
a Russian flavor to classics, aided by the import of major
Russian artists. Features award-winning ballerina Lucia
Lacarra.
817-465-4644. www.balletarlington.org
Bruce Wood Dance Company:
This company offers nothing but the nth degree of wit
and polish. Credit goes to Mr. Wood, one of the most talented
choreographers anywhere.
2260 College, Fort Worth. 817-926-9151. www.brucedance.org
Cliburn Concerts: The
Cliburn Foundation, in honor of Texas' most famous pianist,
presents this series, a major forum for big-name classical
artists. The foundation also runs the Van Cliburn International
Piano Competition, which pits brilliant young musicians
against one another every four years; the last was in
2001. Every two years, it hosts the International Piano
Competition for Outstanding Amateurs; the next is in June
2004. Concerts are at Bass Performance Hall,
525 Commerce, Fort Worth. 817-738-6536. www.cliburntix.org
Dallas Black Dance Theatre:
Formed in 1976, this dance company has developed an international
profile. Power and energy surge through just about every
work, with an occasional excursion into lyrical beauties.
214-871-2376. www.dbdt.com
Dallas Chamber Music Society:
972-392-3267. www.dcms.us
Dallas Opera: With
an illustrious history including performances by Maria
Callas and Jon Vickers, this company continues to be a
showcase for star singers, provocative directors and designers.
Home is Music Hall at Fair Park.
909 First Ave. 214-443-1043. www.dallasopera.org
Dallas Symphony Orchestra:
Even at pre-eminent European festivals, the DSO is treated
as an internationally significant ensemble. Music director
Andrew Litton has built a significant discography with
the orchestra. But no stereo system can capture the sumptuous
sound at DSO's home, the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
2301 Flora. 214-692-0203. www.dallassymphony.com
Dallas Wind Symphony:
Home is the Meyerson.
2301 Flora. 214-565-9463. www.dws.org
Fine Arts Chamber Players:
Professional classical musicians from Dallas Symphony
Orchestra, Dallas Opera Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony
and university faculties. Present free concerts at Dallas
Museum of Art and at Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park.
214-520-2219. www.fineartschamberplayers.org
Fort Worth Opera: Though
such stars as Beverly Sills and Placido Domingo once performed
with this company, its recent course has been rocky. But
the signing of dynamic Darren Keith Woods as general director
has produced some promising changes, such as the recent
Wild West version of Donizetti's Don Pasquale and this
fall's ghost opera The Turn of the Screw by Benjamin Britten.
The venue is Bass Performance Hall,
525 Commerce, Fort Worth. 817-731-0726. www.fwopera.org
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra:
Under music director Miguel Harth-Bedoya, the
symphony continues to broaden its repertory and raise
already commendable standards. And Bass Hall is a fine
place to savor the sounds.
525 Commerce. 817-665-6500. www.fwsymphony.org
Garland Symphony Orchestra:
Home is Garland Center for the Performing Arts, 300 N.
Fifth, Garland. 972-926-0611. www.garlandsymphony.org
Plano Symphony Orchestra:
Performs at Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson, and at Courtyard Theater, 1509 Ave. H, Plano. 972-473-7262. www.planosymphony.org
Richardson Community Band: Performs
at Eisemann Center,
2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. 972-851-9784.
www.richardsoncommunityband.org
Richardson Symphony Orchestra:
Longtime music director Anshel Brusilow leads the orchestra
in its new home at Eisemann Center,
2351 Performance Drive, Richardson. 972-234-4195. www.richardsonsymphony.org
Texas Ballet Theater (formerly
Fort Worth Dallas Ballet): From an all-Balanchine
repertory several years ago, the company has branched
into full-length classics and modern masterpieces. Having
Ben Stevenson, the force behind Houston Ballet's rise
to greatness, as artistic director gives the company a
leg up. Fort Worth performances at Bass Hall,
525 Commerce. Dallas performances at Music Hall at
Fair Park, 909 First Ave., and at Majestic Theater, 1925
Elm. 817-212-4280 or 214-739-4300
TITAS: Surprise is
the watchword for this performing arts presenter. By snagging
major forces such as Mark Morris, Pilobolus and Sankai
Juku, it breaks the boundaries of modern dance. Performs
at McFarlin Auditorium,
6405 Boaz, SMU campus, and at Music Hall at Fair Park,
909 First Ave. 214-528-6112. www.titas.org
Turtle Creek Chorale:
Internationally known 250-voice men's chorus. From Bach
to show tunes to original commissioned works, chorus performs
at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora, Dallas,
and at Eisemann Center, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson.
214-526-3214. www.turtlecreek.org
Voices of Change: Only
professional chamber group in Southwest dedicated to 20th-
and 21st-century music. 214-378-8670
Women's Chorus of Dallas: Ensemble
of more than 100 voices. From classical to spirituals
to native-language folk songs, chorus performs at Caruth
Auditorium in Owen Arts Center at SMU, 6101 Bishop, and
at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center,
2301 Flora. 214-520-7828. www.twcd.org
MICHAEL AINSWORTH/Staff Photographer MEI-CHUN
JAU/Staff Photographer BARBARA DAVIDSON/Staff Photographer
CHIP LITHERLAND/Staff Photographer CHRIS HAMILTON/Special
Contributor
