Dallas Theater Center reveals final show of 2008-2009 season

by Shawn Parikh

When Dallas Theater Center announced their lineup for the 2008-2009 season months ago, they had stated that their final show was to be a "world premiere of a family musical." It has just been disclosed that they have selected Sarah, Plain and Tall as the production to fill the final slot of their season.

Based on the beloved Newbery Award-winning novel by Patricia MacLachlan, the musical has a book by Julia Jordan, music by Lawrence O’Keefe, and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (composer and lyricist of the Broadway hit Legally Blonde). Living in 19th-century Kansas, widower Jacob Whitting struggles to make a good home for his two children on their Kansas farm. When he puts a personal ad in the paper looking for a wife to fill the painful void in their midst, he receives a reply from the strong-willed and unconventional Sarah Wheaton, a fisherwoman from Maine, who describes herself as “plain and tall – and not mild-mannered.” With courage, patience, love and understanding they all learn to overcome fear and loneliness, rebuild their lives and create a new family together.

Directed by Joe Calarco, the production will preview from April 22-26, and then officially run from from April 28 - May 24. Purchase tickets online or by calling 214-522-8499.