The 2013 Dallas Summer Musicals season has been fully released and looks to be bringing some wonderful productions. This season marks the 73rd year of DSM which is the 2nd longest summer theater program in the US. Click thru for a breakdown of the musicals, video of two special guest singers, and audio interviews with those lovely ladies.
Since 1941, the DSM has brought the best musicals from Broadway, London, and around the world. This season brings back three classic (and hugely successful) productions accompanied with 4 new(ish) musicals making their first foray into Dallas. Next February opens the season with a high-flying look into the real life con-man Frank W. Abagnale Jr. in Dreamworks’ Catch Me If You Can. Troika Entertainment is handling the national tour which officially kicks off in October in Providence. The hit musical garnered 4 Tony’s and 6 Drama Desk awards and re-teams the fine folks behind Hairspray and The Full Monty. I’ll let the DSM show y’all whats coming.
That iconic well dressed lady is back and as she herself proclaims, “Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way.” The preview had a real treat as talented singer Q. Smith sang one of Walt Disney’s favorite songs, “Feed The Birds”.
I was able to sit down and chat with Q about the production and much more. 1st up we chatted about being on this fun tour.
Mary Poppins’ Q Smith – Best Tour MP
I asked about singing Walt’s favorite song.
Mary Poppins’ Q Smith – Walt Disney
Q,Smith’s run on the tour is coming to an end and she talked about having to say goodbye to this tour.
Mary Poppins’ Q Smith – Bittersweet Tour End
But no worries, she’s returning to the Big Apple for a very specific reason. She shared the wonderful news, but she wanted to keep it a secret so she can surprise her parents in person. You’ll just have to trust me that Q is going on to bigger things! After Mary Poppins graces us in late March, get prepared for the spectacular Wicked!
April showers won’t keep you away as you’ll be coming back again and again thru into May for this wonderful production. Variety magazine called Wicked, ““a cultural phenomenon”. No red ruby sleepers needed for this journey into Oz. Though a tall hat wouldn’t hurt..
After the “green” witch and the white witch have told us all their secrets another lovely lady will tells us all about hers. And by lovely lady, I mean a big Australian bus filled with a ton of the most beautiful costumes every created.
In fact, the DSM folks allowed a few of those award winning costumes to be showcased in the preview.
From those lovely costumes to much simpler choices in attire.
Feisty Deloris Van Cartier will become just ‘one of the ladies’ under the leadership of Mother Superior. From heavenly thoughts to naughty nights the Dallas Summer Musicals is bringing the most provocative production of the 2013′s season, Flashdance.
I do believe Flashdance will make the temperatures inside Music Hall mirror those outside ,as June 25th – July 7 are sure to be 100 plus every night. From hot dance numbers in small skimpy clothes and/or tight spandex we jump to possibly the wildest costumed show of all time.
Julie Taymor‘s iconic take on the Disney blockbuster is mixed with amazing costumes, incredible songs (by Elton John & Tim Rice), and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
There is a reason why Lion King is the highest grossing musical of all-time, it’s downright incredible.
The Dallas Summer Musicals other special guest was the wonderful Buyi Zama who plays Rafiki in The Lion King. Enjoy!!!
I was able to chat with Buyi about the production and we started things off by discussing what it’s like to sing “Circle of Life”.
Lion King’s Buyi Zama – Power of Singing Circle of Life
Of course, I asked Buyi about Julie Taymor.
Lion King’s Buyi Zama – Julie Taymor
We kept talking about Julie’s influence on the Disney classic.
Lion King’s Buyi Zama – Julie Taymor Baboon Face
And then we discussed Buyi’s mother and also about how excited she is to come back next year to Dallas.
Lion King’s Buyi Zama – Mom & State Fair
Buyi was so amazing and she even had a special shout out to my parents, who like Buyi are South African. Mom and Dad – this is the clip you want to CLICK ON!
Lion King’s Buyi Zama – Hi to my Parents
Q.Smith of Mary Poppins and Buyi Zama of Lion King were so wonderful and I wish them the best. Thank you both.
To close things out here is the full line-up courtesy of Dallas Summer Musicals. See ya next year!!