The month of June heralds an array of theatrical productions perfect for queer theater enthusiasts seeking Pride-centric entertainment. With vibrant musicals, innovative dramas, and a touch of whimsy, local productions showcase the rich tapestry of LGBTQ stories.
Soul Rep Theatre is closing its 30th anniversary season with Jordan E. Cooper’s acclaimed play, Ain’t No Mo’. This Tony-nominated production marks Cooper’s Broadway debut, earning an impressive six Tony nominations in 2023, including recognition for Cooper as the youngest Black American playwright nominated for this prestigious award.
The narrative revolves around Peaches, a drag queen flight agent played by Keelan Singleton. As she prepares for a flight, she speaks with a friend about the final flight facilitated by a government initiative, which offers one-way tickets to Black individuals wishing to relocate to Africa.
Performances are scheduled for Fridays through Sundays at the Kalita Humphreys Theater. For ticket information, visit SoulRep.org.
Another notable show is Open by Echo Theatre, a one-woman play penned by Crystal Skillman. This regional premiere features Kirsten, a novice magician portrayed by Aren Hugo, who faces an extraordinary challenge: she must execute the impossible to save her partner, Jenny.
The production transforms a simple sleight of hand act into a powerful narrative of queer resilience as Kirsten reflects on love, strength, and vulnerability. Director Mikaela Baker characterizes the performance as a journey of overcoming fear and embracing identity, encouraging audiences to envision possibilities beyond their limitations.
Open will run from June 21 and is designed for an adult audience due to its explicit language and violent themes. More details can be found at EchoTheatre.org.
Theatre Three presents Xanadu the Musical, an adapted version of the previously staged campy musical by Uptown Players. This production challenges the conventions of musical theater by utilizing only five actors, while still delivering the flamboyance and joy characteristic of the original.
As the show follows the story of struggling artist Sonny Malone and the Greek muse Kira, Theatre Three has garnered pivotal community support through a fundraising campaign. They successfully raised $200,000 to secure their operational capacity and keep the production on track.
Xanadu the Musical opens on July 6 at Theatre Three and promises a delightful spectacle of roller disco memories and high camp. For tickets, visit Theatre3Dallas.com.
For fans of contemporary musicals, Moulin Rouge! The Musical will be playing at Bass Performance Hall from June 10 to June 15. This stage adaptation of the beloved film captures the essence of romance and unforgettable music, all while embracing themes of genderbending and vibrant choreography.
Finally, A Strange Loop is set to premiere at Circle Theatre, following its triumphant success at the 2022 Tonys. The musical centers on Usher, a Black queer musical theater writer navigating the complexities of creating a piece about a Black queer musical theater writer, mirroring his own life and identity struggles.
This thought-provoking production runs from June 19 to July 22 at Circle Theatre. For additional information, visit CircleTheatre.com.
This month, the stage is alive with narratives that resonate with diverse audiences while celebrating queer identities through theatrical artistry. Grab your tickets for these dazzling performances and don’t miss out on the stories that await!
image source from：https://dallasvoice.com/pride-on-stage-2/
