Local theater takes center stage in and around Fort Worth this weekend, with four separate productions starting their run. Other choices include screenings of a new film, four concerts featuring three veterans and one up-and-comer, and a music festival with a charitable bent.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city’s best events.
Thursday, October 16
Stage West Theatre presents Ride the Cyclone
In this critically acclaimed cult musical, a freak roller coaster accident derails the lives of the entire St. Cassian High School chamber choir. Now dead, trapped in carnival limbo, they’re greeted by a mechanical fortune teller who proposes a talent show. The prize? One lucky winner will return to life. The play, making its regional premiere, is presented as a co-production with Theatre TCU. It will run through November 2 at Stage West.
Amphibian Stage presents The Birds
When killer birds start attacking, three strangers seek shelter in an isolated house. But as paranoia creeps in, they realize the biggest threat might not be coming from outside. Based on Daphne du Maurier’s story (the inspiration for Hitchcock’s famous film), The Birds brings a chilling and suspenseful look at human nature in the face of societal collapse. The production runs through November 9 at Amphibian Stage.
Friday, October 17
Magnolia at the Modern: Kiss of the Spider Woman
ValentÃn (Diego Luna), a political prisoner, shares a cell with Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez). The film will screen seven times through Sunday at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
Lyle Lovett in concert
A singer, composer and actor, Lyle Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 12 albums, most recently 12th of June in 2022. Among his many accolades, he has won four Grammy Awards, was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was named Texas State Musician. He’ll perform for one night only with his Large Band at Bass Performance Hall.
Theatre Denton presents Prodigal Son
Prodigal Son follows a troubled, but gifted, 17-year-old from the Bronx who transfers to a private school in New Hampshire. Two faculty members are at odds as they navigate through the student’s intelligence and loneliness. The production runs through October 26 at Theatre Denton.
Stolen Shakespeare Guild presents Richard III
Richard III is the gripping tale of power, betrayal, and ambition that follows the ruthless journey of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as he schemes, manipulates, and murders his way to the throne of England. Part of the Stolen Shakespeare Festival, the production will play in repertory with Twelfth Night through November 1 at Stolen Shakespeare Guild.
The Bellamy Brothers in concert
Howard and David Bellamy, aka the Bellamy Brothers, have been racking up hits for over 40 years. They’re best known for their heyday in the 1980s, when songs like “If I Said You Had a Beautiful Body Would You Hold It Against Me,” “Do You Love as Good as You Look,” and “Too Much is Not Enough” made them one of the biggest acts of the era. They’ll revisit their long and storied career at this concert at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Saturday, October 18
The National Life Group presents Do Good Fest
The Do Good Fest is a day of music, food, and good vibes with their biggest musical line-up yet, including Collective Soul, Tonic, Fastball and the Beats for Good grand prize winner. Visitors can also enjoy food trucks and the exclusive VIP Lounge. All proceeds from the event, taking place at Levitt Pavilion in Arlington, will benefit the Tarrant Area Food Bank to help end childhood hunger.
Alejandro Fernández in concert
After postponing his September concert due to illness, Mexican music icon Alejandro Fernández returns to Fort Worth as part of his new tour, De Rey a Rey, a tribute to the music of his late father, the legendary Vicente Fernández. The tour is a celebration of the Fernández legacy – music, family, Mexico, and the classic songs that are the soundtrack of Latino life. Fernández is also touring in support of his 2024 album, Te Llevo en la Sangre. The concert will be at Dickies Arena.
Ella Langley in concert
Country singer Ella Langley is just getting started in her career, having released her debut album, Hungover, in 2024. But she’s already made a big impression, with the two singles from that album – “You Look Like You Love Me” and “Weren’t for the Wind” – making the top 10 on the Billboard Country chart, and doing pretty well on the overall Hot 100. She’ll make her debut at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Photo by Evan Michael Woods