Countdown begins for grand opening of Dallas Center for the Performing Arts

by Laura Seewoester

Photo by Laura Seewoester

Pretty soon, this construction site will be an urban park dedicated to the performing arts. The Meyerson is straight ahead, that's the Wyly theater on the left, and the Winspear Opera House on the right.

The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts has come a long way since the campaign began in 2000. That's apparent every time you drive by the Arts District and notice something new on one of the structures. (Note the new red glass being installed on the Winspear Opera House.) The DCPA announced Tuesday that the Grand Opening celebrations will take place October 12, 2009, with a week of activities involving opera, theater, dance, music, broadway and ballet.

In addition to the Wyly Theater and the Winspear Opera House, the center will include the Annette Strauss Artist Square, and all facilities will be laced throughout the 10-acre Elaine D. and Charles A. Sammons Park. Throw in the top architects that designed each structure and Dallas' top performing arts companies and suddenly the City of Dallas has something truly extraordinary. (I know I'm going to be thinking about that new opera house when I go see Marriage of Figaro this year.)

Photo by Laura Seewoester

James Earl Jones was the surprise guest speaker at the DCPA's announcement event. What better way to bring live performance into the city than with someone who has truly mastered the craft himself.

The resident companies offering programs include the Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Texas Ballet Theater, Dallas Black Dance Theater and Ballet Folklorico. The completion of the project, however, is really only the beginning compared to the performances to come. In addition to the week of grand opening festivities, expect a full year of "firsts" for each of the performance venues.