DAD intern Michele Loftus gives you her “Must See, Must Hear, Must Taste” list for this Friday’s Summer Block Party.
Summer already feels like it’s here so you know what that means…it’s time for the Arts District Summer Block Party! Join us this Friday night (June 17th) in the Dallas Arts District from 6pm-midnight. I’m giving you the goods some of the evening’s highlights, including where to eat, what to see, what to do, and some great deals that are not to be missed. Continue reading
Filed under Events, Free Things to Do, Performing Arts
by James Wallace
Beatlemania invaded the Dallas Arts District last night, as Twist and Shout – the aptly named Beatles tribute band – plugged in and turned it up to 11 at the Meyerson Symphony Center presented by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. And a twisting and a shouting there was, as young and old alike were literally dancing anywhere they could – in their seats, at the lip of the stage, and even up and down the aisles – as was the case for one particular fan who was really feeling the “Revolution.”
But hey, why not? After all, we are talking about the music of what is arguably the most influential, well-known, and well-loved band in the history of music. As front man (and McCartney carbon copy) Tony Kishman stated from the stage, Twist and Shout provides an experience to relive the magic of the Fab Four as well as the opportunity to experience something new, hearing songs live that the band never got around to playing in such a way. And that’s just what the night was; a night of old and new, for those who saw the Beatles live when they were young and, even if just for this one night, were transported back in time to what it was like to be a screaming, dancing (and maybe even crying) fan. And for those who are young now but are just as inspired and in love with the music of The Beatles as their parents.
If The Beatles set out to make people “Come Together” with their music, then Twist and Shout continues the pilgrimage.
This is exactly the type of entertainment you can’t find anywhere else in DFW but the Dallas Arts District. You can enjoy a meal at a hip new (and delicious) boutique burger joint like The Commissary at One Arts Plaza then take the complimentary Art Cart over to the show. You don’t even need a “Ticket To Ride!”
Stay tuned to TheDallasArtsDistrict.org for more performances like this, as well as all other events in the Arts District. There’s something for everyone on every night!
Filed under Events, Performing Arts
Curious about that hole in the ground next to the Wyly? In a couple years it will be the newest addition to the Arts District, the City Performance Hall. Still confused? Here’s some information on its plans, purpose, and what it means for the city of Dallas and the District.
The City Performance Hall will eventually fill the needs of approximately 70-80 active arts and cultural organizations that have yet to find a permanent home in Dallas, hindering their development. These are the groups that have to rent the bigger venues on off nights, such as the Winspear or the Meyerson, and must travel around looking for available space throughout their seasons. This includes small theater, musical, and dance groups. The design also saves some space for art galleries, an education wing, retail, and a few small gardens.
So what kind of attendance should be expected at the venue? In a study by the Office of Cultural Affairs done in 2009, it was estimated that 5.6 million people attended events within the 120 organizations they support, such as the DMA and Meyerson. Of this group, there are about 900,000 people that attend the smaller performances–this is their target audience.
Origins of the Hall’s conception can be traced back to the 1970s with the Carr Lynch study and the Sasaki Plan for a unified arts district in Dallas. In 2006, $38 million of taxpayer money was set aside to create and build Phase I of the structure. Expected completion date is early 2012, and booking may start as soon as the fall of 2011. The building was designed in conjunction with Skidmore, Owens, & Merrill (SOM) out of Chicago, after a thorough amount of research with artists, performers, and civic leaders.
Phase I of the structure features a 750 seat theater, equipped with first-rate lighting and sound systems. The Hall was designed with a tight budget, using reinforced concrete as the main building material to give off an austere look, both internally and externally. It was also designed with sustainability in mind. The Hall’s structure will contain highly recycled and regional content. A transparent front is planned, similar to that of the Nasher, activating Flora street. Phase II will include two multipurpose 200 seat theaters and the education wing. Parking for the facility (what you currently see as you pass by the site) will be subterranean.
Maria Munoz-Blanco of the Office of Cultural Affairs believes the addition of the City Performance Hall will provide for the “long term health for the city’s cultural center.” It will bring a much needed community presence to the arts district. The groups that perform at the Hall will eventually have a faithful following, and it affords a greater opportunity for up and coming groups to make a name for themselves in Dallas. Just as each organization in the District has made the arts more accessible, so too will the City Performance Hall.
For more information visit these resources:
Office of Cultural Affairs
SOM
Architype Review
All images from SOM.com
-ML
Filed under Performing Arts
When I was an undergrad, Thursday nights usually signified the start of the weekend for my friends and me. Most of us either had only one class on Friday or none at all. Naturally then, it’s welcoming (and a bit nostalgic) to see this night of the week so alive with activity again, while still being able to make it home by 10pm. If you’ve been thinking about spending your Thursday evenings in the Arts District, but are not really sure what it’s all about, here’s a little of what to expect. I started at the east end of the District and gradually worked my way west, toward the DMA.
Dinner at One Arts Plaza
First stop was a light dinner at Fedora Italian. Try to get there before the pre show rush, around 5:30-6:00, if you don’t have a reservation. We were one of maybe 4 other parties in the place, and, by time we left, it was packed. My friend and I split a pizza and each had our own salad. To our surprise the salads were better! I recommend the Insalata di Rucola (Arugula, Red wine Vinaigrette, goat Cheese, black Currants). Service was nice and quick, and we were out of there by 6:15. Before the tip, our tab was around $14 each. One Arts also has live, local music from 7-10, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday nights, and from 8-10 on Saturdays. Check out local Booker T. Washington student, Tiger Darrow performing June 12, 19, and 25th.
Obvious suggestion: If you wanted to do dinner after Patio Sessions or any of the other events, definitely make reservations on nights when there are performances.
For a full schedule of local artists, check out One Arts Plaza’s event page.
Patio Sessions at Sammons Park 5:30-7:30
Logically, we headed for the Winspear next. First thing I noticed was a mix of ages. A lot of people brought their kids, who were playing in the little pool and running around the lawn, while the adults sipped drinks on the patio. There is a snack table set up outside with wine, beer, and soft drinks. They also have chips, crackers, and the like for sale. The live music comes from one of the patios above, which is nice, because it’s not right in your face while you are trying to unwind. Unless you are buying anything at the concessions, this event is completely free.
Only con: The solar canopy’s louvers do not provide much shade, so you may want to bring an umbrella.
Jazz in the Atrium 6-8
We got to the DMA around 6:45. It was crowded, but not in an obtrusive way. When you first walk in, you can hear jazz floating through the hallways of the museum. The musicians are set right in front of the big windows and the Chihuly installation in the atrium. The way light pours down and shines through the glass sculpture onto the artist and audience is really copasetic. There were lots of different people, mostly middle aged, and there were barely any open tables since we got there late. My friend and I each had a glass of wine for around $7, but the cafe is open as well.
Best part: If you get bored at any time, you are free to look around the museum’s collection until 9pm or partake in one of the museum’s interactive Thursday night specials, all included in the price of admission.
Jazz Under the Stars 8-9
Dallas residents really take advantage of these free concerts, as the lawn of the DMA was completely packed by the time it started. When we got to the museum around 6:45, people were already getting set with their blankets and coolers–come early if you want a decent seat. If you can save a spot and you get antsy before the show starts, head across the street to the Crow Collection for a quick look at their current and permanent exhibitions, it’s free. Once the show starts, concession tables are set up, but you needn’t spend a dime since you can bring your own stuff. It’s nice way to end the evening because you get to sit around outside, when the Texas heat finally starts to cool down.
Best part: The location is great to take in some inspiring views of the city as the sun sets, while jamming to some local jazz in a chilled out atmosphere.
To plan your own Thursday night in the District, visit our website.
-ML
Filed under Free Things to Do, Performing Arts, Uncategorized
Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman…what can I say about it that hasn’t been said before? Probably not much, and since my experience with the theater is limited, that really narrows it down. Salesman is the classic tragedy of a failed American dream, seen through the eyes and mind of Willy Loman, a salesman from Brooklyn. Jeffrey DeMunn portrays Loman as a disoriented, emotional mess that comes to the realization that the old way of doing things no longer stands. He overly pushes the outward appearance of things rather than the substance that should back them up, and his unwillingness to change leads to his eventual downfall.
Worriedly trying bring him back to reality is Linda, his wife, played by DTC member Sally Nystuen Vahle. The pair have two grown sons, Biff and Happy, who haven’t quite measured up to their own dreams, much less those their father has pushed onto them. This creates tension between Loman and Biff. When the two aren’t going at it face to face, they are dramatically doing it behind each other’s back. The interactions were thrilling to watch. I thought the guy that played Biff was great. Matthew Gray, local DTC member, could hold his own with a clear voice during those heated scenes with his onstage family.
There were a couple obvious things that stuck out in DTC’s production. First, the cast is multiracial, which struck me, counterintuitively so, at first. Does the audience have to be colorblind, or does this factor add something to a play with a traditionally white cast? On the one hand, it can force the audience to see through race and focus in on the talent of the actors. On the other hand, it can provide a little room to deviate from the traditional roles for the parts. For example, Liz Mikel zestfully portrayed Loman’s on-the-road lover as a busty black woman that, I thought, made for an all the more clandestine affair. After doing a little research, I didn’t find too many productions with similar takes. I did find a 2008 production from Oberlin College, one of the first schools in the country to admit female and black students. The interesting twist with it was that Loman’s mistress was played by a white woman, while the rest of the cast was predominately African American.
Now on to the setting. First, the stage crew is continually seen throughout the performance, moving props around and even sitting on them in the middle of scenes. While they were completely dressed in black, I still thought it was a bit distracting in that it took my eyes away from the action for a moment. Scene changes simply consisted of the crew moving around the different sets, even while dialogue was still going on elsewhere on the stage. Next, the set of the production was very minimal. I could probably count on my hands the number of props used. Since my experience with theater is slim, I went in with an open mind, and I didn’t really think twice about it. While the setting was vague, the essentials were there and served their lesser purpose. If the acting is done right, does a highly emotional production like Salesman need to impress its audience with an elaborate setting? I don’t think it’s a necessity.
Death of a Salesman is playing through May 16 at the Wyly. Might want to grab a cup of coffee beforehand if you are going to one of the 8pm shows, the play runs about three hours.
-ML
Filed under Performing Arts
