The Balcony Club is having a special shindig tonight that will include a performance by Glennda Hill & The Balcony Club All-Stars and a buffet of Almost Famous BBQ from 6 to 9 pm. What’s the occasion? The little club above Lakewood Theater is turning 21, which means it’s finally of legal drinking age. Being an inanimate object and all, the Balcony Club can’t do any drinking for itself, so you’ll have to do most of the heavy lifting there. I suspect that won’t be a problem.
If you’re feeling inspired by Ms. Hill’s silky vocals (and/or a bit of liquid courage) afterward, hop downstairs to the Lakewood for a bit of late-night karaoke in the Arcade Bar.
You remember, not so long ago, when the Dr. Seuss masterpiece How the Grinch Stole Christmas came to TV but once a year? Now it’s on, it seems, daily between Halloween and New Year’s. As a result, we’ve lost something as a country, haven’t we?
What kind of future are we leaving to our children, asking them to grow up in a nation where hearing “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is no longer a rare treat?
Thankfully, you can make the experience special all over again. The stage-musical version of the greatest-secular-Christmas-story-ever-told comes to the Winspear Opera House tonight. It runs through Sunday, but don’t wait too long. You’ve still got to fit in your Congressionally-mandated annual viewing of It’s a Wonderful Life too.
Is your heart two sizes too small for all this holiday cheer? Fine. Here are other things to do in Dallas.
Before we get into what to do after you’ve stopped typing for the day, I want to give you a heads-up about next Friday morning’s bike ride to City Hall. All riders are welcome–even those of us with big-ass Pee-wee Herman-style cruisers–and several meet-up groups have formed for cyclists who want to ride in a pack to the starting point (Union Station).
Moving on. Vampire Weekend is in town tonight. If you want my opinion–and if you’re still reading at this point it’s possible you do–these kids produce some seriously fun, feel-good music that should help get you through the rest of the week. Witness “Oxford Comma” and “A Punk.”

However, let’s just say you’re feeling blue. You’ve accepted it, and you don’t expect anything–not even puppies or a free bag of Skittles–to pull you up from the pit of despair. Then you, friend, should check out two Edward Albee plays, The American Dream and The Sandbox, which open tonight at Bath House Cultural Center. Albee also brought us the incredible but soul-crushing Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? so be prepared for lingering melancholy. That said, I think it will be worth it to see these short works brought to life.
Check out these other things to do in Dallas, and have a great night.
Greetings, FrontBurner readers. Even though I discovered today that a local oldies station deems Madonna’s “Borderline” appropriate for its lineup, this is shaping up to be a lovely day. Here’s how you should spend it:
Food: Sullivan’s Steakhouse has created a special menu in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and has pledged to donate $5 from every meal sold to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. If you’re feeling indulgent, you could order the asparagus bisque, an 8-ounce fillet, horseradish mashed potatoes, and bananas foster. However, if you’re worried about the link between fat and meat consumption and a host of ailments, you might want to explore the healthier options available (grilled salmon, steamed broccoli, and berries, among other items).
Fun: Check out a free show chronicling the life and music of Etta James tonight at South Side by Lamar. Here’s a little ditty to get you in the mood. Be aware that you can’t buy tickets for this performance, so get there early if you want a seat.
Fitness: Go for a walk, folks. It doesn’t get much lovelier than this.
Looking for something else? Browse these other great things to do in Dallas, and have a great night.
Let me just say this first: if you’re the type who likes to raise hell before, during, and after a football match, look here, and be sure to download our iPhone app so you can plan where to get into fights on the go.
This afternoon, Manolo Blahnik’s going to be at Neiman Marcus from 1 to 3 p.m. If you buy shoes or a copy of his new book, he’ll reward you with his signature. Isn’t that nice of him?
Tonight, ladies, gather your gaggle for opening night of Cinderella. Meanwhile, the menfolk will be drinking beer, belching, and scratching themselves in inappropriate places at the Ballpark in Arlington. Go Rangers. Or, you could go meet the artists who created those murals in the tunnels leading to Deep Ellum.
Tuesday already? My, how the time flies. First off, today I entreat you to weigh in on our 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas and Texture of Dallas contests. Why? Because you’ll be supporting the democratic process. Also, 13 contestants remain in the running, and 13 is an unlucky number.
Tonight, grab a fork and your thinking cap for the Dallas Philosophers Forum at Chic From Barcelona. Participants will debate the role of philosophy in modern society. UNT professor Adam Briggle will tell you that in an age when it’s not unheard of to break up via text message or reveal to your husband that you’re pregnant via iPhone, philosophy is more important than ever. Actually, the discussion will focus more on policy, but I thought I’d take this opportunity to remind you that the world’s going to hell in a handbasket.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the Blue Man Group, which begins its Dallas tour tonight at the Winspear Opera House. Bonus points to readers who blue themselves before the show. Heck, bonus points to readers who catch that reference.
Browse these other great things to do in Dallas.
If you’re like certain family members who shall remain nameless, last night’s football game left a decidedly acrid taste in your mouth. And sadly, if you were hoping to cleanse your palate at York Street’s Taste of the NFL event, you’re out of luck. The restaurant has had to postpone its dinner at the last moment, but it plans to reschedule in November. I’ll keep you posted.
Those who aren’t so much into the football (cough, cough) can probably withstand a little drama tonight. I recommend you take in Three Hotels at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. I must warn you, though: if you’re looking for feel-good theater, this piece about work-related marital tensions and other hardships that befall two former Peace Corps members probably isn’t for you. If you’re up for a challenge, however, don’t miss it.
Sound a little heavy for a Monday night? Then you and your delicate psyche should get out of work a little early and check out Into the Night, a whimsical exhibit depicting the nightstands of celebrities. On your way home, pick up a couple of Happy Meals and a juice box (or a box of wine, which when you think about it actually sort of is a juice box) and maybe a couple of video games. Have fun.
Browse these other Things to Do in Dallas.
Well, what do you know? It’s roughly noon on Friday. Too bad you’re at work, eh? Put aside your spreadsheet for a moment, please. We need to discuss your weekend.
Today
First of all, AnimeFest begins today. About 0.5% of you now have a quickened pulse and dilated pupils, and you’ll have no use for the rest of this post. Have a great weekend. The remainder of you, take heed:
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See what Sally Nystuen Vahle taught our interns over at the Wyly Theater.
Good day to you, FrontBurner readers. My name’s Samantha, and I’m your new events editor. It’s outstanding to be back in Dallas after a three-year tour in New York, where I worked on Wall Street and in midtown, met a handful of friendly celebrities, and learned that it’s possible — but not advisable — to live in fewer than 300 square feet. With one’s cat.
During my second round of interviews here at D, Christine Allison told me that Dallas has undergone significant changes since my departure: “It’s a whole new city,” she said. She’s right, and I’m excited to help you discover all that it offers.
My first order of business as your social sherpa is to declare this a day of beauty and romance. And I have the perfect lineup for you. (more…)
Shakespeare Dallas opened Cymbeline way back in mid-June. our review on FrontRow says “This script is the closest thing to the Monty Python version of a Shakespeare mash-up.” In other words, it’s totally awesome.
Now that the actors have had a few weeks to work out the kinks, and the forecast doesn’t call for scorching heat, it’s the great time to head out to Samuell-Grand Amphitheater to check it out. A few suggestions for first-timers: bring a picnic basket, $10 (the suggested donation for admission), and hope it doesn’t rain.
If the weather won’t cooperate (or you just don’t feel like Shakespeare on a Tuesday), sing your blues away with a little karaoke at The Alcove from 7 to 10 pm. You might want to start your warm-ups now, lest you pop a vocal chord trying to hit the high notes in “Don’t Stop Believing.” Best of all? If you get cold feet just before your big number, the Alcove has plenty of beer and wine to get you sufficiently sauced before you get onstage.
Want more? It’s all here.
Everyone is talking about It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…It’s Superman, the Dallas Theater Center’s latest production that opened last Friday. Tim Rogers gave a little non-review review on FrontRow yesterday, and he gave it two thumbs (almost all the way) up. But I think seeing it tonight is a good idea. Here’s why. 1) Not everyone has seen it yet, so you can avoid knowing what happens before you actually go. 2) The show starts at 7 tonight (instead of 8 pm, as it does many other nights) so you won’t be out too late on a week night. 3) There are still good seats available. I like Tim’s idea of sitting in one of the balconies so your kid can run back and forth between you and your spouse. I also like this idea because I can spy on all the people sitting below me and pick out which one is the most attractive (sadly, yes, a game I play). Tickets for the balcony start at $15.
Alternatively, Frank Sinatra “tribute” performer David Hallam is performing at the Pocket Sandwich Theatre tonight. This guy usually does his act on cruises and in Las Vegas. So he’s good. They have cocktails and food (yes, pocket sammies) so you can grab your lady and pretend like it’s 1961 and you are still allowed to smoke inside and you’re wearing a much cooler suit and you work for Sterling, Cooper, Draper, and Pryce. Or something like that.
Wake up! There’s so much to do, you’re going to need to get an early start. First of all, you must visit a bar very, very early today. And I mean, like, right now. Ready? Okay, the U.S. is playing Slovenia in a World Cup match up this morning at 9 am, so skip the cereal and get breakfast at your favorite watering hole. The Gingerman, Vickery Park, Idle Rich, Trinity Hall, and the Old Monk are opening at 8:30 am today. With the proper amount of Listerine and a doctor’s note (written by the bartender, duh), your boss will be none the wiser. And hopefully mine won’t be either (hi, Jason).
Later tonight, the highly anticipated Mark Morris Dance Group (read Danna Reubin’s interview with Morris on FrontRow) will perform at the Winspear. Crafty girls and guys will want to DIY-it at the free Etsy Dallas Craft Party, happening at the Make Shop & Studio in Oak Cliff.
On Saturday, It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Superman is opening at the Wyly, Whoopi Goldberg will be at the Meyerson, and thousands of costumed and painted techno music lovers will be in Fair Park for the Electric Daisy Carnival. Get this: carnival rides are free! Take that, State Fair. (Wait. They won’t have corny dogs. Big Tex, I’m yours again).
Sunday is Father’s Day. I’ve summed up your options over here. For more things to do this weekend, push this button.
Do you want to see the naughty puppet-featuring, Tony Award-winning musical for free on Sunday? Then get thee to FrontRow.
Did you see this article on Deep Ellum in the New York Times a couple of weeks back? If you did, you might have noticed the reference to La Grange, a newish bar in the space that used to be Cafe Istanbul. In addition to live music, the bar also shows movies on Wednesday nights. Tonight’s selection? Better Off Dead. Popcorn is free and wine is half off, but I’m most excited about getting my hands on one of those liquored up snow cones everyone has been talking about since last weekend, when they were selling them at the HomeGrown Festival. I’m not sure how much they cost, but it’s probably around two dollars.
Also, Wicked opens tonight at the Music Hall at Fair Park. This time you can dine on the Wicked Wedge of the West and pick through Elphaba’s Entree Extravaganza at the Dining Room pre-show. Also, I didn’t know this, but you can take drinks into the Music Hall. Are you listening, Meyerson? Everything is better when I’m not parched.