Monday, June 9
Lev Aronson Legacy Cello Festival Last year, Thornton founded the Lev Aronson Legacy Festival to memorialize the man who changed countless lives with music. This year the festival returns to the camp of Southern Methodist University June 9-14, with performances by former students - including Kirshbaum and Thornton. Performances happen each night this week at 7 p.m. Full schedule here.
Staged Reading of Mississippi Goddamn Playwright Jonathan Norton found inspiration for his newest play Mississippi Goddamn on a trip to the titular state where he was reminded of the history of a civil rights activist Medgar Evers. Growing up in the South, it seemed wrong to Norton how rarely he'd heard the story of the Evers family and he thought, "There's a play in there somewhere."
He's been workshopping this play for the past few months, thanks to the support of generous local grants, with a full production slated for next year. He's been inviting local actors, directors and audience members to hear the play and give feedback. Then, he burrows down somewhere quiet for a few months making edits. He's back with the newest version for a staged reading at the South Dallas Cultural Center at 7 p.m. Monday. Hear the story that turned Norton's head and stick around for the talkback. Earlier this week, we chatted with him this week about the show, the story and playwriting in Dallas.
Good People WaterTower Theatre opens Good People, the newest play by award-winning playwright David Lindsay -Abaire. The play explores classism through the lens of a woman who loses her job at the Dollar Store and seeks financial help from her ex-boyfriend, who finds himself much more successful. More info at watertowertheatre.org.
Tuesday, June 10
Trinity Shakespeare Festival The eye of heaven is certainly beginning to shine too hot as we make the slow climb to summer's summit. In due order, Shakespeare season is back. The annual onslaught of iambic pentameter anchors summer stages with productions of his most beloved works at theaters across the Metroplex. Like in years past, the Trinity Shakespeare Festival launches in Fort Worth this weekend presenting two classics, The Tempest and The Comedy of Errors in rotation. This critically acclaimed festival features the city's finest actors reciting theater's finer dialogue on the more than fine Texas Christian University (2800 S. University Dr.) campus. In comparison to a summer's day in Texas, the fest is certainly more lovely and temperate. Snag tickets to previews, which begin at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday night. More information available at trinityshakes.org.
The Dance of Reality Alejandro Jodorowsky's 2013 independent autobiographical film, The Dance of Reality (La danza de la realidad) uses metaphor, mythology, and poetry to bring to life his idea that life is a dance created by our imaginations. See it at 9:20 p.m Tuesday at The Texas Theatre.
Classical Open Mic Head to Buzzbrew's on Lemmon Ave at 8 p.m. Tuesday for the weekly Classical Open Mic. Musicians from all over the metroplex socialize, tell jokes and perform songs of their choosing. Grab a beer or a coffee and enjoy one of the most enjoyable approaches to classical music in the city.
Wednesday, June 11
Mike Block and the Obscure Dignitaries at Cello Festival Concert and special reception featuring Mike Block, cellist from Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble plus Dallas-based world music group, Obscure Dignitaries take the stage for an energetic and global experience at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets are $20.
Stella & Dot Trunk Show at RE Gallery Art you can wear is the focus of Wednesday night at RE Gallery, which hosts a Stella & Dot Trunk Show. More info at regallerystudio.com.
