Article: Is Dallas becoming a hub for new musicals?

Locally written plays mounted by Dallas theater companies have become commonplace. Are musicals the next frontier? There are signs, with readings and productions of new musicals in Dallas by local composers and writers from other cities gaining steam.

Behind the scenes, director Rebecca Lowrey has been helping theater artists develop musicals at her organization, MusicalWriters.com.

“I am on a mission to show the world that Dallas-Fort Worth is a vibrant hub for new musical creation and development,” Lowrey says as two of her group’s latest projects are about to hit local stages.

“We support musical writers all over the world through every step of the journey, from ‘page to stage.’ I believe that it's time to decentralize the notion that Broadway and New York City hold the monopoly on theater greatness. … The future of American regional theater depends on investing in new work and new creators.”

First up is a reading Sunday of Sell Me Yesterday by New York-based book writer and lyricist Stephanie Ren and Vancouver composer Michael Matlock. Described as a cross between Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Severance and Breaking Bad, it revolves around a new drug that enables users to relive their happiest memories.

“Sell Me Yesterday is a great example of what we're building,” Lowrey says. “The writing team has spent the past year in our Development Series, receiving dramaturgical support, table reads, branding and marketing guidance and ongoing feedback leading up to this very first staged reading. We're also thrilled to have assembled an incredible cast of local D-FW performers to help bring the piece to life.”

This fall, Cleavage, a musical further along in its development, will receive its second full production at Theatre Three. A previous production ran last year.

Conceived by Dallas plastic surgeon Ron Friedman and co-written with Laura Goodenow, it turns the history of breast implants into a musical comedy featuring such songs as “Melon-choly” and “Houston Rockets.”

"People hear the title and expect 'Hooters: The Musical,' ” Lowrey says. “Then they see it and discover it's funny, smart and incredibly heartfelt. It starts conversations, celebrates survivors and reminds us that laughter can be healing. We couldn't think of a better time to share it than during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”

https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/performing-arts/article/dallas-becoming-hub-new-musicals-22371648.php

Updated On: 8/8/26 at 03:17 PM