Friday, July 25, 2008

Opening weekend for these 7 musicals and children’s shows (July 25-27)

By Shawn Parikh

This week brings quite a few shows to town, mainly some wonderful musicals and a ton of children's theater. Try and see some while you have the time:

• Jersey Boys, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how a group of blue-collar boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American pop music sensations of all time. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide - all before they were thirty. Purchase tickets ($25-124) online or by calling 214-631-ARTS.
• Menopause: The Musical. Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance, the musical pokes fun at things such as hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and eating binges. The show’s intended message is that menopause is a passage, but it should no longer be The Silent Passage. It is a stage in every woman’s life that is perfectly normal. Call 972-744-4650 for tickets or purchase online.
• Nine, presented by Irving Community Theater. Based on Italian director Federico Fellini’s comic masterpiece of biographical filmmaking, 8 1/2, Maury Yeston’s sultry and enchanting musical follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini as he prepares his latest picture and balances the numerous women in his life. As the Italian auteur sings to his various paramours, “I wouldn’t be lonely if I could be only with you…and you…and you.” Come be seduced by the torrid lust and artistic passion of the Tony Award-winning musical Nine. Purchase tickets ($12-17) online or by calling 972-252-2787.
• The Will Rogers Follies, presented by Garland Summer Musicals. It focuses on the life and career of famed humorist and performer Will Rogers, using as a backdrop the Ziegfeld Follies, which he often headlined, and describes every episode in his life in the form of a big production number. The Rogers character also performs rope tricks in between scenes. The revue contains snippets of Rogers' famous homespun style of wisdom and common sense and tries to convey the personality of this quintessentially American figure whose most famous quote was "I never met a man I didn't like." Call the Box Office at 972-205-2790 for tickets ($19-24).
• Seussical the Musical, presented by Garland Civic Theatre's Children on Stage. Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and all the Whos of Whoville. These classic, colorful tales are seamlessly brought together by Jojo, a young boy and “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks!” As each story unfolds you will marvel at how relevant and profound Seuss’ subtle themes are, making the musical one that appeals to all ages. Call 972-205-2790 to reserve tickets ($5-13).
• Frog Prince of Spamelot, presented by Plano Community Theatre. Call (972) 422-2575 for additional ticket information ($7-14).
• Willy Wonka, Junior!, presented by Denton Community Theatre's Theatre School, for this weekend only. Purchase tickets ($10) at the door.

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