Dallas Summer Musicals first in the nation to bring back live Broadway shows

Patricia Blasquez, Director, Regional Marketing

After a year-long hiatus of live Broadway shows, Dallas Summer Musicals returns for its 2021-2022 season with Wicked. The organization shares lessons learned from 2020, preparations for its return to stage, and what to expect in the future.

Allison Bailey & Talia Suskauer in the North American Tour of WICKED. Photo by Joan Marcus

Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is reopening the doors at Fair Park’s Music Hall for the first time in more than a year. Broadway musical Wicked will open DSM’s 2021-2022 season on August 3, making Dallas the first city in the United States to resume live Broadway performances. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, May 21.

To ensure the health and safety of audiences, staff, cast and crew, DSM will continue to implement COVID-19 safety protocols in the theater. The organization is following CDC guidelines, adhering to local governmental orders and consulting with local health officials.

Below is the full lineup:

      • Wicked – Aug. 3 – Sep. 5
      • Hamilton – Nov. 16 – Dec. 5
      • Jersey Boys – Dec. 28 – Jan. 9
      • Hadestown – Jan. 18 – 30
      • Come From Away – Mar. 8 – 20
      • Jesus Christ Superstar – Apr. 5 – 17
      • Mean Girls – May 3 – 15
      • Oklahoma – May 31 – June 12
      • Disney’s Frozen – July 20 – Aug. 7

Richman says resiliency, flexibility, and creativity were the organization’s North Stars in 2020. Despite the severe impact of the pandemic on the performing arts industry, DSM was able to keep a number of their projects alive.

The annual High School Musical Theatre Awards, held virtually, awarded over $50,000 in college scholarships to talented and deserving student performers from 39 participating schools in the Dallas region.

In an effort to engage in social justice, DSM’s Black Art Matters video series highlighted the voices, talents, and challenging journeys of Dallas-based Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists.

“I’m particularly proud of our Black Art Matters video series which lives on YouTube,” said Richman. “We will continue to grow this project this year.”

DSM also formed a coalition of more than 20 nonprofit arts organizations to create a virtual concert series featuring live performances from Patti LuPone, Vanessa Williams, Laura Benanti, and Hamilton’s own Christopher Jackson. This program generated revenue for organizations all over the country – through selling access to the streaming concert as well as sponsorships.

Looking ahead, DSM plans to continue expanding its impact in Dallas through partnerships with education and community organizations. New initiatives will be announced soon. The organization is also planning the Music Hall’s 100th birthday in 2025.