February may only have 28 days, but this short month is positively bursting with great theater. From star-crossed lovers to strutting drag queens, a Pulitzer Prize finalist to a campy nostalgic send-up, there’s so much to see this month.
The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Contemporary Theatre of Dallas, Feb. 6-March 1)
Sure, they’ve proven their prowess in other roles, but it’s still a treat to see Sara Shelby-Martin, Megan Kelly Bates, and Cara Statham Serber slap on the Lycra and fluff up their hair as the three reigning dames of Armadillo Acres. The trio first played these roles in WaterTower Theatre’s 2007 mounting of Trailer Park, and then made the holiday season a little naughty with a nice production of the Christmas version this past December (also at WaterTower). Now, at Contemporary, they will be under the direction of musical comedy master Michael Serrecchia and with Andy Baldwin reprising his 2007 turn as the Magic Marker-huffing boyfriend, Duke.
The Book of Mormon (AT&T Performing Arts Center, Feb. 10-22)
Did you miss this Tony-winning juggernaut when it came through Dallas in 2013? ATTPAC is giving you 16 more chances to say “hello!” to the boys and follow them to Africa, Orlando, and down under (no, not Australia) in this foul-mouthed exercise in hilarity from the creators of South Park.
The Echo Room Presents: Her Song (Echo Theatre, Feb. 10-21)
Stepping into The Bath House Cultural Center last February was like stepping back in time, as Echo Theatre transformed the space into a 1930s supper club, complete with The Matthew Tolentino Band performing live, intimate bar and cocktail-table seating, and a cast of local talent crooning the hits of female composers from the first half of the 20th century. The experience proved so popular that the company is bringing it back this year, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The Last Two People on Earth: An Apocalyptic Vaudeville (Eismann Center for the Performing Arts, Feb. 17-22)
Entertainment legend Mandy Patinkin and cabaret provocateur Taylor Mac star in this world premiere, directed and choreographed by Tony-winner Susan Stroman. The premise is that the two survivors of a world-destroying flood meet and discover that their common language is song and dance. Cue everything from Sondheim to Queen, Rodgers & Hammerstein to R.E.M., and does anyone want to carpool? Because I am definitely going to this.
Romeo & Juliet (Fun House Theatre and Film, Feb. 13-22)
Fun House has truly been luring the talent north, with accomplished directors and designers lining up to work with these remarkable kids. For this take on the Bard’s tragic romance, add musician Thiago Nascimento, who will be underscoring the doomed love affair with live, improvised music. If this show is anything like Fun House’s 2013 production of Hamlet (also directed by Jeff Swearingen), we’re all in for a classical treat.
The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence (Stage West, Feb. 19-March 22)
Runner-up to The Flick for last year’s Pulitzer Prize for drama, this intricate play by Madeleine George bends time as it takes on technology and communication. Three centuries and three different Watsons (not all human) converge via a cast of three.
Kinky Boots (Dallas Summer Musicals, Feb. 24-March 8)
Pop-rock star Cyndi Lauper dipped her toe into musical theater by composing the (Tony-winning) score to this (Tony-winning) musical about a down-on-his luck shoe manufacturer and the drag queen who pulls him and his factory out of a major slump. With sass, of course.