Contemporary Theatre of Dallas putting on Mama’s Party every Monday

by J. Damany Daniel of I Live in Dallas

Mama's Party is a little bit open mic, a little bit showcase, and a whole lot of fun.

Every Monday, Lower Greenville is home to some of the best and brightest musical talent in the city of Dallas, but it's not coming from one of the countless bars that line its streets, and the songs aren't sung by some indie, pop-rock, jam band. No, these songs are sung by a group that the Dallas Observer has called the "Best Belters" in the city. This is Mama's Party.

Mama's Party is hosted by local teacher Amy Stevenson, affectionately known as "Mama" to all who come to her "home" every Monday. Every week, the Contemporary Theater of Dallas is where she opens up her doors to some of the best, but as yet, relatively undiscovered musical talent in Dallas. Now, when you get there at 7:30 p.m., don't expect to hear guitar driven melodies and hipster singers belting out the latest unknown love ballads to crowds of would be fans. No, this is a place where you are more inclined to hear "Go the Distance" from Disney's Hercules or "My Party Dress" from the musical Henry and Mudge than any angst-ridden refrain. You see, Mama's Party is a little bit open mic, a little bit showcase, and a whole lot of fun for those that tend to include Broadway (and off-Broadway) musicals in their iPod playlists.

Mama's Party is a great way for those who love the stage to feel safe and free to belt out their favorite renditions of Joseph Buquet or Carlotta to an audience that is supportive enough to hang on every note. Comprising this audience are extremely gracious student actors, lovers of the arts, and other Dallasites who have a genuine love for all things theatric and an insatiable desire to have their voices heard above the fray of the countless open mic experiences throughout the city -- and who are anxious to be a part of a different scene from the club and bar hopping that so many of their peers partake in. The fact that most of the $5 cover proceeds often go to local charities that benefit the arts, and the fact that you may just see members of the cast of whatever touring show Dallas Summer Musicals is currently hosting in Fair Park take the stage, make it relatively certain that you'll have one of the best (and most cultured) answers when your friends ask you on Tuesday, "What'd you do last night?"