{"id":38743,"date":"2025-11-06T22:16:13","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T22:16:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/38743\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T22:16:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T22:16:13","slug":"stage-notes-richard-a-freeman-is-now-dbdts-ad-uptown-players-season-opener-cast-and-crew","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/38743\/","title":{"rendered":"Stage Notes: Richard A. Freeman is now DBDT&#8217;s AD; Uptown Players&#8217; season opener cast and crew"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Opening this week:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" data-attachment-id=\"1000415289\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/dallasvoice.com\/stage-notes-richard-a-freeman-is-now-dbdts-ad-uptown-players-season-opener-cast-and-crew\/outsiders-tour-photo-5-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OUTSIDERS-Tour-photo-5-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1708&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1708\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Matthew Murphy&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS R5&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1758660218&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Matthew Murphy&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;22&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;4000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0015625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"OUTSIDERS Tour \u2013 photo 5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OUTSIDERS-Tour-photo-5-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OUTSIDERS-Tour-photo-5-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/OUTSIDERS-Tour-photo-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1000415289\"  \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dallas.broadway.com\/shows\/the-outsiders\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Broadway Dallas: The Outsiders, opened Tuesday-Nov. 16<\/a>, pictured.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cliburn.org\/concerts?utm_source=wordfly&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=2025%E2%80%932026ConcertsSeasonAnnouncePR&amp;utm_content=version_A\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Cliburn: Beatrice Rana, 7:30 p.m. today at Kimbell Art Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallassymphonyleague.com\/Savor-the-Symphony\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Symphony Orchestra League: Savor the Symphony: A Candlelight Tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein, 6 p.m. today at the Meyerson<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.axs.com\/uk\/events\/1024502\/jessica-kirson-tickets\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Jessica Kerson, 8 p.m. today at the Majestic Theatre<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.roverdramawerks.com\/upcoming\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Rover Dramawerks: The Dingdong, or Take Me, I\u2019m Yours!, today-Nov. 22<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/aftontickets.com\/event\/group\/p79pl60xky\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Second Chance Players: The Laramie Project, today-Nov. 22<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.undermain.org\/action\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Undermain Theatre: Action, today-Nov. 30<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attpac.org\/event\/catalyst-directors-choice-2025?pid=69004\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Black Dance Theatre: Catalyst, Friday and Saturday at the Wyly Theatre<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/fwsymphony.org\/concerts-tickets\/25-26-season\/pops-series\/rewind-music-of-the-80s\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FWSO Pops: REWIND: Music of the 80s, Friday and Saturday<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theatrearlington.org\/play-reading-club-2\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Theatre Arlngton: Play Reading Club: Latin History for Morons, Friday and Saturday<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/attpac.org\/event\/anne-plamondon-danse\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">TITAS\/Dance Unbound: Anne Plamondon Danse, Friday and Saturday at Moody Performance Hall<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallassymphony.org\/productions\/alsop-conducts-brahms\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Symphony Orchestra: Alsop Conducts Brahms, Friday-Sunday<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.eisemanncenter.com\/event\/?i=11166\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Eisemann Center Presents: Churchill, Friday-Sunday<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pegasusballet.org\/upcoming-performances\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pegasus Contemporary Ballet: The Egg, Friday-Sunday at The Addison Performing Arts Center<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dallasopera.org\/performance\/dialogues-of-the-carmelites\/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=The%202025%2F2026%20Season%20is%20Here%21%20%F0%9F%8E%89&amp;utm_campaign=25%2F26%20Season%20Announcement\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Dallas Opera: Dialogues of the Carmelites, Friday-Nov. 15<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/teatrodallas.org\/productions\/job\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Teatro Dallas: Job, Friday-Nov. 16 at the Latino Cultural Arts Center<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mainstageirving.com\/the-cat-and-the-canary\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">MainStage ILC: The Cat and the Canary, Friday-Nov. 22<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guitarsociety.org\/#\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Allegro Guitar Society: Leonela Alejandro, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/irvingsymphony.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Irving Symphony Orchestra: A Jazzy Affair, Saturday<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guitarsociety.org\/#\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Allegro Guitar Society: Leonela Alejandro, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9 at Kimbell Art Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.signupgenius.com\/go\/10C0E45A8AD2DA7F5C16-60018679-thefinal#\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">AUDITION: Pocket Sandwich Theatre: The Final Adventures of Hercules, Nov. 9 and 10<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/cliburn.org\/concerts?utm_source=wordfly&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=2025%E2%80%932026ConcertsSeasonAnnouncePR&amp;utm_content=version_A\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">The Cliburn: Sybarites String Quartet, 8 p.m. Nov. 11 at Tannahill\u2019s Tavern and Music Hall<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallassymphony.org\/productions\/jazz-at-lincoln-center-orchestra-with-wynton-marsalis\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">DSO: Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basshall.com\/juliet\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Broadway at the Bass: &amp; Juliet, Nov. 12-16<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Onstage now:<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" data-attachment-id=\"1000415332\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/dallasvoice.com\/stage-notes-richard-a-freeman-is-now-dbdts-ad-uptown-players-season-opener-cast-and-crew\/casawestside2025_0180\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CasaWestSide2025_0180-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1707&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2560,1707\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS R5m2&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1761872930&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;42&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;2500&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"CasaWestSide2025_0180\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CasaWestSide2025_0180-scaled.jpg?fit=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CasaWestSide2025_0180-scaled.jpg?fit=780%2C520&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CasaWestSide2025_0180.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1000415332\"  \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/amphibianstage.com\/shows\/the-birds\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amphibian Stage:\u00a0The Birds, through Sunday<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/casamanana.org\/events\/west-side-story\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Casa Manana:\u00a0West Side Story, through Sunday<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onstageinbedford.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Onstage in Bedford:\u00a0Break a Heist, through Sunday<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theatredenton.com\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Theatre Denton:\u00a0Dial M for Murder, through Sunday<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ci.ovationtix.com\/34587\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ochre House Theatre:\u00a0Libro de los Sue\u00f1os Olividados, through Nov. 13<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/artcentretheatre.ludus.com\/index.php?show_id=200495687\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Art Centre Theatre:\u00a0The Rocky Horror Show, through Nov. 15<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pocketsandwich.com\/death-the-musical\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Pocket Sandwich Theatre:\u00a0The Phantom of the Opera, through Nov. 15<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ticketleap.events\/tickets\/auriga-productions\/l-i-p-service-in-association-with-auriga-productions-presents-shakespeare-s-richard-iii\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Auriga Productions: Richard III, through Nov. 16 at the Bath House Cultural Center<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Richard A. Freeman, Jr. named Artistic Director Of Dallas Black Dance Theatre<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" data-attachment-id=\"1000415358\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/dallasvoice.com\/stage-notes-richard-a-freeman-is-now-dbdts-ad-uptown-players-season-opener-cast-and-crew\/unnamed-17-6\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/unnamed-17.jpg?fit=1809%2C2413&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1809,2413\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"unnamed (17)\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/unnamed-17.jpg?fit=225%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/unnamed-17.jpg?fit=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/unnamed-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1000415358\"  \/><\/p>\n<p>After <a href=\"https:\/\/dallasvoice.com\/stage-notes-the-dbdt-situation-in-a-nutshell-stolen-shakespeare-searches-for-new-home\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">a troubling year in 2024<\/a>, Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) has begun a new chapter. The DBDT Board of Directors announced this week the appointment of Richard A. Freeman, Jr. as Artistic Director. The former DBDT dancer, resident choreographer and arts leader is seen by the board as the next generation of artistic leadership for one of America\u2019s most acclaimed dance institutions as it heads into its 50th anniversary season.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRichard has been an integral part of\u00a0Dallas Black\u00a0Dance Theatre\u2019s artistic fabric for years, and his extraordinary leadership during his time as Interim Artistic Director made this decision clear,\u201d Heidi K. Murray, member of DBDT\u2019s Board of Directors said in Monday\u2019s press release. \u201cHis dedication to artistic excellence, his deep understanding of our mission, and his vision for the future of contemporary modern dance make him the ideal person to lead DBDT into this exciting new chapter. We are thrilled to welcome him as Artistic Director.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Prior to the announcement, Freeman served as the organization\u2019s Interim Arts Director. During that tenure for DBDT\u2019s 48th season and current 49th season, Freeman brought a notable artistic vision and leadership, guiding the company through its performances, community engagement and the discord the company suffered between dancers and previous leadership. <\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year, ahead of DBDT\u2019s The Big Dance gala fundraiser, he spoke to the Dallas Voice about his plan of action to bring back DBDT\u2019s respected reputation. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve remained focused on world-class, quality performances and rebuilding the trust of our community by getting back to the roots of our organization,\u201d he said in June. \u201cWe know actions speak louder than words, so we\u2019ve reaffirmed our commitment to our community through outreach programs, maintaining the highest excellence in artistry and championing accessible arts education for students of all backgrounds. My goal is to facilitate a culture where dancers feel free to express themselves in a welcoming and safe creative environment,\u201d<\/p>\n<p>His extensive experience within DBDT with his official appointment will ensure his leadership to him to steward the company\u2019s continued growth, artistic development and excellence.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cRichard embodies everything\u00a0Dallas Black\u00a0Dance Theatre stands for\u2014artistry, excellence, and a deep commitment to uplifting our community through dance,\u201d Ann M. Williams, Founder of\u00a0Dallas Black\u00a0Dance Theatre mentioned in the release. \u201cI have had the privilege of watching him grow from a gifted dancer into an inspiring leader and visionary artist. His dedication to preserving our legacy while boldly charting new artistic territory gives me tremendous confidence in DBDT\u2019s future. Richard understands what it means to carry this company forward, and I could not be more proud to see him step into this role.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As Artistic Director, Freeman will oversee all areas of DBDT\u2019s artistic operations while continuing to present world-class performances and expanding educational programming and community partnerships throughout\u00a0Dallas\u00a0and beyond. Of distinct note, his appointment also extends   the impressive LGBTQ+ representation of leadership in the Dallas Arts District that includes The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center and TITAS who call the area home. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cI am deeply honored to accept this role and to continue building on the incredible foundation established by the vision of Ann Williams,\u201d Freeman said in the announcement. \u201cThis company has a unique power to move, inspire, and unite communities through dance. I look forward to working with our talented dancers, staff, and board to create unforgettable artistic experiences and to nurture the next generation of dance artists.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Freeman officially assumed the role of Artistic Director on Oct. 24.<\/p>\n<p>Dallas Black kicks off its new 49th season this weekend with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbdt.com\/season-calendar\/directors-choice\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Director\u2019s Choice series, CATALYST<\/a>. DBDT\u2019s season premiere spotlights a curated program of all-female choreographers. World premiere commissions by Krystal Butler and Christen Reyes<br \/>will be featured alongside \u201cLost in Memory\u201d by 2023 Guggenheim Fellow Nejla Yatkin. Performances held at the Wyly Theatre on Friday and Saturday. <\/p>\n<p>DMA\u2019s Arts &amp; Letters Live presents Annie Leibovitz, Padma Lakshmi<\/p>\n<p>ICYMI, Dallas Museum of Art\u2019s Arts &amp; Letters Live program is bringing in some heavy hitters this month. <\/p>\n<p>On Nov. 12, renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz will showcase work from Women, a new collection featuring her most recent photos on this subject, accompanied by the republication of her landmark collection, together in a slipcased edition.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most influential photographers today,  her work is exhibited all over the world, and her distinctive portraits have appeared on the covers of Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, and Vogue. She is a Commandeur in the French government\u2019s Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and has been designated a Living Legend by the Library of Congress. She was recently inducted into the Acad\u00e9mie des Beaux-Arts.<\/p>\n<p>The event will be held at McFarlin Auditorium. For tickets, click <a href=\"https:\/\/dma.org\/programs\/event\/arts-letters-live-annie-leibovitz\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>In conversation with Priya Krishna, former New York Times restaurant critic, former Top Chef host and creator of the acclaimed  series Taste the Nation, Padma Lakshmi will discuss her new cookbook All American: Tales, Travels, and Recipes from Taste the Nation and Beyond which is described as a love letter to the people who create and evolve American cuisine every day and a joyful reflection of who we truly are as a nation, from one of our most essential culinarians. <\/p>\n<p>The event is sold out but live-streaming tickets are available <a href=\"https:\/\/dma.org\/programs\/event\/arts-letters-live-padma-lakshmi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Cast and crew announcements<\/p>\n<p>Uptown Players will begin its 24th season with a holiday world premiere <\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" data-attachment-id=\"1000415359\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/dallasvoice.com\/stage-notes-richard-a-freeman-is-now-dbdts-ad-uptown-players-season-opener-cast-and-crew\/carol-ann-and-cast-candy-cane\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Carol-Ann-and-Cast-Candy-Cane.png?fit=1920%2C1080&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1920,1080\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Carol Ann and Cast \u2013 Candy Cane\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Carol-Ann-and-Cast-Candy-Cane.png?fit=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Carol-Ann-and-Cast-Candy-Cane.png?fit=780%2C439&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Carol-Ann-and-Cast-Candy-Cane.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1000415359\"  \/>The cast of Uptown Players\u2019 world premiere Star of Wonder: A Carol Ann Christmas. (Courtesy Uptown Players)<\/p>\n<p>Uptown Players will open its new season with the original musical revue holiday comedy, Star of Wonder: A Carol Ann Christmas by Mark Waldrop. The larger-than-life diva who was first introduced in When Pigs Fly now gets her own showcase written by award-winning lyricist and playwright Mark Waldrop. The company announced its cast and team for the show earlier this week. <\/p>\n<p>When Carol Ann\u2019s beloved Melody Barn Theatre in Fargo, North Dakota, literally goes up in smoke after a freak curling-iron mishap, she heads south to Dallas\u2014determined to stage the dazzling holiday extravaganza she never got to finish.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStar of Wonder isn\u2019t just a holiday show\u2014it\u2019s a love letter to theater itself,\u201d says Craig Lynch, Executive Producer of Uptown Players. \u201cIt celebrates every messy, glitter-covered, laugh-till-you-cry thing we adore about putting on a show, and it captures the queer joy and camaraderie that define Uptown\u2019s spirit. It\u2019s bold, campy, heartfelt, and gloriously gay.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Directed by B.J. Cleveland, with music direction, arrangements, and orchestrations by Adam C. Wright and choreography by Alli Betsill, the production stars Micah Green reprising his role as Carol Ann Knipple alongside a cast of Uptown favorites including Peter DiCesare, Seth Paden, Jacob Hemsath, Ryan Michael Friedman, Laura Lites, Brett Warner, Lee Walter and Kylie Stewart.<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Cleveland and Wright, the creative team features choreography by Alli Besill. The design team includes Dennis Canright (set), Mia Lindemann (lighting), Suzi Cranford (costume), Brian Christensen (sound), Kennedy Smith (Properties) and Michael B. Morore (hair and makeup).<\/p>\n<p>The show runs Dec. 5-14. Tickets are available at <a href=\"https:\/\/uptownplayers.org\/show-details\/star-of-wonder-a-carol-ann-christmas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">UptownPlayers.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p>Casa Ma\u00f1ana announces the cast and creative for \u00a0Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"780\" height=\"975\" data-attachment-id=\"1000415267\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/dallasvoice.com\/stage-notes-richard-a-freeman-is-now-dbdts-ad-uptown-players-season-opener-cast-and-crew\/just-cast-announcements-4-scaled\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JUST-CAST-ANNOUNCEMENTS-4-scaled-1.webp?fit=1638%2C2048&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1638,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"JUST-CAST-ANNOUNCEMENTS-4-scaled\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-medium-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JUST-CAST-ANNOUNCEMENTS-4-scaled-1.webp?fit=240%2C300&amp;ssl=1\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dallasvoice.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JUST-CAST-ANNOUNCEMENTS-4-scaled-1.webp?fit=780%2C975&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/JUST-CAST-ANNOUNCEMENTS-4-scaled-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1000415267\"  \/>Casa Manana\u2019s cast for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.<\/p>\n<p>As the Fort Worth theater wraps up West Side Story this weekend, Casa Ma\u00f1ana will next get ready for the season with the\u00a0holiday\u00a0classic\u00a0Rudolph\u00a0the Red-Nosed Reindeer\u00a0. The show runs\u00a0Nov. 22-Dec. 23 . Tickets are on sale now.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>In this week\u2019s show announcement, CM also revealed the show\u2019s cast and crew for the show directed by B.J. Cleveland (yes, he\u2019s doing this one too!).<\/p>\n<p>Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer\u00a0stars\u00a0Simon Kowalski as Rudolph, David Allsup as Hermey, Braxton O. Johnson as Sam, Zak Reynolds as Yukon Cornelius and Addisen Bairrington as Clarice.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>The ensemble includes Lillian Bicheno, Patrick\u00a0Bilbow, Allison Bridgeman, Isabella Green, Hunter Hall, Dylan Markey, Giancarlo Marrero, Nathan Middleton, Grace Moore, Dominic\u00a0Pecikonis,\u00a0Ally Kay Ramsey, Gabrielle Rollins, Kristal Seid, Maximilian Swenson and Phillip Taylor. \u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<br \/>Along with Cleveland, the creative team includes Choreographer Laura West Strawser, and Music Director\u00a0Matthew Stern.\u00a0The show\u2019s designers include Samuel Rushen (lighting),\u00a0Kimberly V. Powers\u00a0(scenic),\u00a0Allan Branson (sound), Tammy Spencer (costume) and Catherine Petty-Rogers (wigs, hair and makeup).\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The run will include ASL interpretation and sensory-friendly performances. Tickets are available at <a href=\"https:\/\/casamanana.org\/events\/rudolph\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">CasaManana.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">\u2013Rich Lopez<\/p>\n<p>\n\tRelated<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Opening this week: Broadway Dallas: The Outsiders, opened Tuesday-Nov. 16, pictured. The Cliburn: Beatrice Rana, 7:30 p.m. today&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":38744,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[23976,23977,18323,20628,7748,102,21397,104,18516,103,6569,23978,1972,23979,23980,23981,23982,23983,2039,23984,23985,6529,2040,18327],"class_list":["post-38743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-adam-c-wright","tag-annie-leibovitz","tag-bj-cleveland","tag-casa-manana","tag-christmas","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-black-dance-theatre","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-museum-of-art","tag-dallas-news","tag-dance","tag-dma","tag-holidays","tag-lee-walter","tag-mark-waldrop","tag-micah-green","tag-padma-lakshmi","tag-peter-dicesare","tag-rich-lopez","tag-richard-a-freeman","tag-seth-paden","tag-stage","tag-stage-notes","tag-uptown-players"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38743","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38743"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38743\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38744"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38743"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38743"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38743"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}