Theatre Wesleyan Presenting – Playmarket: Premiere Productions of Original Plays

Theatre Wesleyan Presenting – Playmarket: Premiere Productions of Original Plays

by | Aug 29, 2023 | Arts, Best in Fort Worth, Family Fun, Fort Worth News & Events, Theater

Theatre Wesleyan has announced the continuation of its long-running Playmarket program with the premiere of four original short plays. Playmarket: Premiere Productions of Original Plays will be presented at the Thad Smotherman Theatre at Texas Wesleyan University (1205 Binkley Street, 76105) for one weekend only from Thursday, September 28 through Sunday, October 1.

Playmarket: Premiere Productions will include, in alphabetical order:

  • • The Death of Seneca by Jonathan Burt ’23
  • • Dime Store Dinos by Parker County Theatre Company executive producer Lori Coughlin ’21
  • • The Ramifications of a Changed Man by Alexandra Flurry-Powell ’19
  • • Somewhere Between Floors by Lily Seavey ’23

The plays, written by Texas Wesleyan University theatre department graduates, will be presented as a single evening of theatre with an intermission after the first two plays; run time is to be determined.

Professor of Theatre Connie Whitt-Lambert, who established Playmarket in 1996 with the mission to develop and showcase original works, will direct. The cast, design team, and crew will include Texas Wesleyan theatre majors and minors pursuing Bachelor or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees, as well as alumni.

The production team includes Madison Whitney (stage manager), Colin Schwartz (technical director), Jennye James (scenic design coordinator), Zachary Gafford (lighting design coordinator), Ray Zafra (sound design), and lighting designers Trinity Chenault, Chad Rojas, and Nicole Ellis. Costumes will be designed by Abigale Hunt in collaboration with students from the Costume Design course, and props will be designed by students in the Properties Design course. Department Chair Joe Allen Brown serves as producer.

ABOUT PLAYMARKET: PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS

The Death of Seneca: This fact-inspired historical farce revolves around the dilemma of ancient Roman philosopher and playwright Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger (Henry Bates) when the Emperor Nero (Jaalen Williams) orders him to commit “a noble death to glorify Rome”. Seneca’s obsession with completing a new play, the lack of a good weapon, and his acting-obsessed servant’s frantic antics to save Seneca from the mercurial whims of an out-of-control ruler all create a sharp & witty look at this historic event. The cast also Page 2 of 2

includes Sadie Kuhn (Dramatis Personae), Ethan Brandt (Varus Silius), Abigale Hunt (Pompeia Paulina), Hayden Kirkbride (Varus Sirius), and Ian Kooistra (Marius Marius Marius). Dime Store Dinos: After being lost in the parking lot of a Mott’s Five and Dime, five small plastic dinosaurs prove they have what it takes to overcome adversity and find a way home. The cast includes John “Jack” O’Neil (Ted), Jackson Loya (Steggy), Abigaile Webb (Tracey), Douglas Fournier (Bruce), Grace Philipbar (Reggie), and Sharon Marie-Fron (Voice of Mom). An ensemble of Terror Grackles includes Roman Posner, Lillie Galvan, Oscar Cruz, and Hilary Colina. Jack Salvo House and K.J. Felder will provide voiceovers. The Ramifications of a Changed Man: Set in the early 1800’s, Braun (Chase Di Iulio) travels by horse-drawn carriage on his trading route. On his lonely path through the vast and desolate expanse of New Mexico desert, he happens upon a woman, Christina (Peri Zachmeyer), who is barefoot, delirious, and very alone. After convincing her to share his rations, he listens to her frightening story of rejection. After traumatic life-or-death conversations arise, Braun decides to shed his darkest and saddest secrets for the emptiness of the landscape to hear. Will Christina find the courage to listen? Somewhere Between Floors: What happens when two former fiancés (played by Nicole Davis and Nicholas Keel) find themselves stuck together in a broken elevator that might fall at any moment? After attempting to ignore each other they eventually begin to throw verbal jabs and rehash their life together. This ten-minute play takes us through their 9-year relationship, including the night that led to their breakup. Will they work it out before the elevator falls or will their agitated arguing bring about a more permanent end to their engagement?

PLAYMARKET: PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS PERFORMANCE DATES

Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 7:30pm

Friday, September 29, 2023 at 7:30pm

Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 7:30pm

Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 2:00pm Matinee

PLAYMARKET: PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Tickets are $5.00 and available online at txwes.edu/theatretickets or by calling (817) 531-4211. Tickets will also be available at the door in-person beginning one hour before each performance. Free tickets for Texas Wesleyan University students, provided by the Student Government Association, will not be available for Playmarket.

All plans and information are subject to change, and announcements will be made in the event of adjustments. Please check the Theatre Wesleyan Facebook for the most up-to-date details. Audience members who purchase their tickets in advance will receive any updates at the email address they provide upon checkout.

If you have questions, please contact the Theatre Wesleyan office at (817) 531-5867.

TBT Announces Live Orchestration For Dracula

TBT Announces Live Orchestration For Dracula

by | Aug 8, 2023 | Arts, Ballet, Dated, Family Fun, Opera, Theater

Texas Ballet Theater Announces Live Orchestration For Select Dracula Performances

Texas Ballet Theater is pleased to announce that its upcoming productions of ‘Dracula’ in Dallas will feature accompaniment by the Dallas Opera Orchestra. This collaboration is made possible by an anonymous donor. Performances are running September 15-17, 2023, at the AT&T Performing Arts Center Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

Michael Moricz will conduct the orchestra for four performances of the audience-favorite ballet, last performed by the nonprofit ballet company in 2015. The two organizations hope the fusion of ballet and live music will take Dracula to new heights.

“As the Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater, I am delighted to announce our collaboration with the Dallas Opera Orchestra for ‘Dracula’ in Dallas.” Said Tim O’Keefe, Artistic Director of Texas Ballet Theater. “This remarkable partnership combines the artistry of exceptional dancers with live orchestration, promising an enchanting experience for the audience. Additionally, I am excited to welcome back Michael Moricz as our guest conductor, and I look forward to the artistic synergy that he brings to this production.”

Welcoming the collaboration, Ian Derrer, The Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO of The Dallas Opera, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Texas Ballet Theater for their production of Dracula in Dallas. This natural and proven collaboration of renowned choreography with live orchestral accompaniment will greatly enhance the audience experience. We look forward to sharing the power of the performing arts and enriching the cultural landscape of North Texas.”

Dracula is suitable for mature audiences. Individual tickets range from $20 to $125. Patrons can purchase tickets online at https://texasballettheater.org/performance/dracula-2023/ or by contacting the Box Office at 877-828-9200 option 1.

Art Worth Coming October 2023

Art Worth Coming October 2023

by | Aug 7, 2023 | Arts, Best in Fort Worth, Dated, Family Fun, Festivals, Fort Worth News & Events

FORT WORTH’S NEW FALL ART FESTIVAL SET TO MARK SECOND YEAR  

RETURNING TO THE LAWN AT WRMC, OCTOBER 20, 21 & 22, 2023

Art Worth, a festival on the lawn at Will Rogers Memorial Center, will mark its second year, October 20, 21 & 22.  A celebration of visual arts and classical music, Art Worth will feature exhibitions by 80 Artists who have been selected from hundreds of applicants; these artists were chosen for their superlative level of skill, in 3-D disciplines ranging from glass and metal work to wood and clay, as well as 2-D media, such as painting, print-making, and photography. 

 In addition to Artists’ displays, Art Worth will also offer live-demonstrations of glass-blowing, metal pours, potters’ wheel, & wood-turning. The three-day event will also showcase Classical Music performances by area ensembles ranging from elementary and high schools to TCU’s Opera Studio and professional companies. A full selection of Food & Libations will be available, too! 

The second annual edition of Art Worth will take place Friday, October 20, and Saturday, October 21, from 10am to 6pm; open hours for Sunday, October 22, are from 11am to 4pm.  

The 80 invited artists were selected from hundreds of applicants by jurors, Janelle Montgomery (curator/researcher);  Pamela Summers (artist); Rebecca Low (gallery owner), and Amy Bishop (WRR radio host). Artists from across the United States, as well as North Texas, were chosen for the outdoor exhibition.    

Produced by ArtWorks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Art Worth is Fort Worth’s newest fine art and fine craft festival. The festival is free and open to the public. “We’re excited to stage this event in the heart of the Cultural District. Art Worth adds another dimension to the amazing arts resources with which we share this location; during our festival weekend, the assets of Fort Worth’s renowned museums will be augmented with art that is contemporary and accessible. We think Art Worth’s greatest value is the chance to meet the exhibiting artists; plus, see how some of their work is made through our demonstrations.” said Greg Belz, Executive Director for ArtWorks Foundation.  

Art Worth chose the lawn at Will Rogers Memorial Center for its verdant outdoor setting and proximity to renowned museums, restaurants, theaters, and other arts institutions sited in Fort Worth’s Cultural District. 

Art Worth’s goal is a heightened public appreciation for, and understanding of, the role that visual arts play in our daily lives. The festival presents opportunities for individuals to enjoy learning through demonstrations of fine craft skills and artist conversations, as well as to start or add to their own collections. There will also be live classical music and a range of food, wine and other libations offered. 

“Fort Worth is a proven Mecca for art festivals,” said Belz.  “Main Street is one of the nation’s best; our smaller festival is not intended to be as massive, but we do strive for the same level of quality presented in the spring. Our fall show provides a bookend to the Texas festival season, and a second chance for artists and buyers to meet each other.”  Art Worth’s location also provides ease of access to the entire North Texas community; there is ample parking within the blocks surrounding the site.

There is more about the festival on Art Worth’s website, or on  Art Worth’s  Instagram and Facebook pages.

ArtWorks Foundation exists to help artists grow in their business and their work through programs, exhibitions, and education initiatives in several southern states.

Back by Popular Demand, Book of Mormon Returns

Back by Popular Demand, Book of Mormon Returns

by | Jul 12, 2023 | Arts, Best in Fort Worth, Broadway, Live Music

Performing Arts Fort Worth, Broadway Dallas and Broadway Across America announced today that THE BOOK OF MORMON is returning to North Texas and tickets are on sale now. Back by popular demand, the hit Broadway musical will play Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall July 28-30 as part of the Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank. The tour will then play Dallas’ Music Hall at Fair Park from August 1-6 as part of the Germania Insurance Broadway Series presented by Broadway Dallas.

Tickets for the Fort Worth engagement are available at www.basshall.com or by calling 817-212-4280. For group sales discounts please visit www.basshall.com/groups.

Tickets for the Dallas engagement are available at BroadwayDallas.org or by calling 800-982-2787. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 214-426-4768 or emailing Groups@BroadwayDallas.org.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. The Broadway production is directed by Parker and two-time Tony Award® winner Casey Nicholaw and choreographed by Nicholaw. The tour is directed and choreographed by Jennifer Werner based on the original Broadway direction and choreography. Set design is by three-time Tony Award® winner Scott Pask, costume design is by Tony Award® winner Ann Roth, lighting design is by five-time Tony Award® winner Brian MacDevitt, sound design is by two-time Tony Award® winner Brian Ronan, and hair design is by Josh Marquette. Orchestrations are by Tony Award® winner Larry Hochman and two-time Tony Award® winner Stephen Oremus. Music supervision and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus. Casting is by Carrie Gardner.

Since opening on March 24, 2011, THE BOOK OF MORMON has become one of the most successful shows in Broadway history, breaking the Eugene O’Neill Theatre house record more than 50 times. In addition to nine Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the Grammy® for Best Musical Theatre Album, THE BOOK OF MORMON won five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the Drama League Award for Best Musical and four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Musical.

The West End production opened in February 2013, winning four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical, and breaking the record for the highest single day of sales in West End history. The first-ever UK and European tour launched in Manchester in June 2019, winning ‘Best Theatre Show’ at the Manchester Evening News City Life Awards before touring throughout the UK and Europe.

THE BOOK OF MORMON has been performed on three continents and has won over 30 international awards. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and in cities across the U.S. and the world.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of the 2011 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

NETWORKS PRESENTATIONS (Producer) is an industry-leading producer of touring theatrical productions, committed to delivering quality entertainment to audiences worldwide for more than 25 years. www.networkstours.com

Peppa Pig Theme Park Coming to Fort Worth

Peppa Pig Theme Park Coming to Fort Worth

by | Jul 6, 2023 | Family Fun, Parks and Trails

Merlin Entertainments, a global leader in location-based entertainment, in partnership with Hasbro, a toy and game company, officially broke ground on North America’s second Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills, Texas today. The groundbreaking event kicked off with short speeches from General Manager of Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth Jeremy Aguillen, North Richland Hills Mayor Oscar Trevino and Hasbro’s Vice President of Location Based Entertainment Matt Proulx and got down to the business of fun quickly, revealing one of the new theme park’s key attractions, Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster.

This family-friendly thrill ride is designed to be the perfect first roller coaster for brave little ones as they take a ride with Daddy Pig in his recognizable red car and go on an unexpected adventure when Mr. Bull’s “digging up the road” sends them on a curvy exploration of Daddy Pig’s new short cut!

Following the exciting announcement, six young children dressed in child-sized hardhats (complete with Peppa Pig ears) and safety vests, joined Peppa to break into a pile of pink sand with kid-sized shovels. 

Designed specifically for children through age six, Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth will be the ultimate theme park experience for little ones. The all-new theme park will feature multiple rides, interactive attractions, themed playscapes and shows when it opens in 2024. The first Peppa Pig Theme Park opened in Florida just steps away from LEGOLAND® Florida Resort in 2022 and has proved highly successful in providing oinktastic fun, unforgettable adventures, and cherished memories for families.

Merlin Entertainments operates more than 140 attractions in 25 countries and partners with some of the world’s most popular brands, including Hasbro. In Texas, Merlin Entertainments operates LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Peppa Pig World of Play in Grapevine, Texas and SEA LIFE Aquarium in San Antonio, Texas.

“When Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills opens in 2024, Merlin Entertainments’ footprint in Texas will include five interactive and immersive attractions. Following the incredible success of our current properties in Texas and Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida, along with the focus on family entertainment in North Richland Hills, it was an easy decision to build our next Peppa Pig Theme Park here,” said General Manager of Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth Jeremy Aguillen. “Both the City of North Richland Hills and Hasbro have been excellent partners in bringing this playful and popular early childhood brand to life.”

Guided by its Blueprint 2.0 strategy, Hasbro’s Location Based Entertainment Division is focused on creating more ways for families to engage with their brands. Peppa Pig Theme Park will provide the opportunity for preschoolers and their families to interact with a well-known character and her playgroup in a wholesome, fun-filled environment.

“We’re heartened to see the success Merlin has had with Peppa Pig Theme Park in Florida and are energized by their excitement and dedication to bring the experience to her fans and families in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,” said Matt Proulx, Vice President of Location Based Entertainment at Hasbro.  “As the brand approaches its 20th anniversary next year, we are proud to offer even more fun adventures with this new park and give kids another way to learn about and explore the world around them, which is exactly what this immersive theme park experience will bring to local and visiting families.”    

Just 12 miles from downtown Fort Worth and DFW Airport, North Richland Hills is an ideal location for the second ever Peppa Pig Theme Park. Centrally located in the heart of North Texas, the park will be accessible to Dallas-Fort Worth residents, but also to visitors as the area is a destination market for weekend travel from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and cities throughout Texas. Not only does the city offer several family-friendly amenities and activities already, including nearby NRH2O Family Water Park, but the Peppa Pig Theme Park will rejuvenate the area facing Highway 26 across from Tarrant County College.

“We appreciate the investment Merlin Entertainment is making to bring Peppa Pig Theme Park to North Richland Hills. They are not only making a significant capital investment to build the theme park, but they are also creating jobs and economic activity that will have an ongoing impact on our community,” said North Richland Hills Mayor Oscar Trevino.

Be among the first to receive exclusive updates and a sneak peek at the exciting offerings at Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth by signing up for emails at https://www.peppapigthemepark.com/dallas-ft-worth. Fans and parents of little ones won’t want to miss the latest details!

Oink, oink!

About Peppa Pig
Peppa Pig is a British preschool animated television series that has been airing for almost 20 years, across nine seasons in over 180 territories as of 2023. The series follows Peppa Pig, a cheeky little piggy who lives with her family – younger brother George, Mummy Pig and Daddy Pig – as well as her diverse community of friends. Globally successful, the brand connects with consumers across every touchpoint, from TV to theme parks to retail. As a lifelong friend, Peppa Pig encourages kids to jump in together and explore the world around them, while giving kids the confidence to treat every first step as a new adventure, from the everyday to the epic.

About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a global leader in location-based, family entertainment. As Europe’s number one and the world’s second-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin operates more than 140 attractions, 23 hotels and 6 holiday villages in 25 countries spanning four continents. Merlin’s purpose is to deliver memorable experiences to its millions of guests around the world, through its iconic brands and multiple attraction formats, and the commitment and passion of its employees.

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information and follow on Twitter @MerlinEntsNews.

About Hasbro
Hasbro is a toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.