New Interview: Steven Jones, Founding Producer of Lyric Stage

by Shawn Parikh

Founder of prestigious musical theater company talks about the Dallas Summer Musicals controversy and their season opener, Carousel.

I got a chance to talk to Steven Jones for a few minutes who is the Founding Producer of Lyric Stage, the only locally-produced, professional musical theater company in Dallas. I have always been wondering about their "tiff" with the Dallas Summer Musicals earlier this summer, and with their new season just opening with the production of Carousel, now was the perfect time to get an interview.

I ask about how he founded Lyric Stage, its place in DFW, and why it is still the only locally-produced professional musical theater company in Dallas. Since it has been around for 15 years, I ask him what attributes to their success.

As for the production of Carousel, I ask why it was chosen and how it relates to today. The company is producing the show the way Rodgers & Hammerstein intended it, with a 40-piece orchestra, and I ask him how they came about this and what the obstacles are to work with such a large cast and orchestra.

Finally, I get to ask him about the whole deal with the Dallas Summer Musicals and why Lyric Stage's ad was cut out of DSM's Spamalot program. He even says what you can do to get to the bottom of it.

Carousel runs until September 16, so purchase tickets online or by calling 972-252-2787.