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SPARKtacular Carol Dalton, Bryce Williams, Leigh Williams, Nell Bush, Meg Bittner

On May 1st, SPARK! Dallas celebrated its 10th anniversary with a fundraiser, SPARKtacular, at Leigh and Bryce Williams’ home. More than 160 guests attended, bid on silent auction items, and enjoyed appetizers and beverages. Guitarist Matt Brooks played current and favorite hits.

It was a family affair for Honorary Chair Sarah Losinger whose children and spouses attended. At one creative station, attendees had their individual photos taken. Then, they matched them up with their birthday and colors to be added to an original artwork collage created for the event.

Event Co-Chairs were Nell and Shelby Bush & Carol and Sam Dalton.

Meg Bittner, SPARK! Dallas executive director, thanked everyone for coming. “There are two questions I want to answer for you. First WHY—why we are here. We raise money for scholarships for free or discounted rates to help children take field trips to learn about creativity seeing over 18,000 children a year. Maybe we find that one Picasso in the group. The second is HOW. You are the how to continue the creative process by your gifts. Thank you for helping us create that ‘spark’ in children.”

Nell Bush added, “We applaud the work of SPARK! Dallas and the difference it’s making in the lives of our children.”

Carol Dalton encouraged people, “Take a minute and bid on the fabulous items, such as original artwork and more, or make a donation.”

To learn more about supporting the organization, visit https://sparkdallas.org/.

About SPARK! Dallas: A nonprofit founded in 2010, SPARK! Dallas provides children from second grade to high school with a fully immersive creative environment with hands-on learning that develops their self-definition as creative individuals. Through an endless roster of workshops and pop-up activities, students exercise their creativity and learn from creative experts, innovators, and artists. The organization’s vision is to help students acquire creative skills to excel in school and compete in the workforce. SPARK! also hosts interactive camps, field trips and birthday parties. SPARK! is located in the historic South Side of Lamar building at 1409 Botham Jean Blvd, Ste 004, Dallas, Texas 75215. For more information, visit https://sparkdallas.org/ or call 214.421.7727.

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TWU Senior Fashion Showcase photo credit: Leo Gonzalez/Texas Woman's University

The runway came alive on the evening of Friday, May 2, at Texas Woman’s University’s annual Senior Fashion Showcase, held at the Blagg-Huey Library. Hosted by the Division of Fashion Design and Merchandising, the event spotlighted the creativity, collaboration, and talent of graduating students in both design and merchandising. The evening featured two major components: a curated pop-up retail market designed by merchandising students and a high-energy runway show presenting collections of original designs by senior design students.

This year’s theme, Chateau Bordeaux, was inspired by the long-awaited return of TWU Fashion’s study abroad experience in Paris. Thirty students will head to France this May, marking the program’s first international trip since the pandemic.

“It’s a class students can choose for an elective," said Anna Magie, PhD, professor and division head, fashion design and merchandising. "It's only a week long, but they see all of the fashion sites within a week. The Louvre has an exhibit this year they've never had before called Louvre Couture, an exhibit 200 years in the making.”

In addition to celebrating senior creativity, the event serves as a capstone for students across every year and discipline of the program. Seniors in design and merchandising presented their final collections and retail concepts, juniors managed event planning, sophomores operated the retail market, and first-year students provided volunteer support.


"All senior students in fashion design and merchandising showcased their work,” said Remy Odukomaiya, MFA, lecturer, fashion design and merchandising. “It's good for the department because it shows a more rounded view of what we do, that we don't only make garments. We are also in the business of fashion."

Magie added, “The showcase blends design and merchandising, working together as it will happen in industry. A lot of other schools just design in one program, merchandise in another, maybe even fashion marketing in another. But we're all intertwined here, so I think it helps students when they graduate.”

About TWU: Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery and health and wellbeing, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a $125 million fundraising effort to support programming, equipment, scholarships and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visit dreambig.twu.edu or twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook @TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram @txwomans, Twitter @txwomans, and LinkedIn @texaswomansuniversity. 

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TWU Vital Signs Melanie Contreras The Hope that Lies with COPD, 2025

Fourteen student artists from Texas Woman’s arts program will launch an inaugural group exhibit featuring works that explore the intersection of art and nursing, with a focus on health care issues faced by the elderly.

The exhibit, “Vital Signs: Art, Health, and Aging,” opens May 9 and runs through May 31 at the Janette Kennedy Gallery in Dallas (Southside on Lamar, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #105, Dallas, TX 75215). The exhibition is a collaborative project involving Dr. Aaron Loeb, assistant clinical professor at TWU’s Houston campus and Giovanni Valderas, a drawing and painting professor at TWU’s Denton campus.

The project will feature artwork created by TWU art students, each of whom will address an illness commonly affecting the aging population — such as heart disease, diabetes, or COPD —through their artwork. In collaboration with nursing students, the students will explore creative ways to visually chart the human experience, not only to represent the illness but also to convey hope.

“Through abstract artwork, the aim is to examine how the integration of artistic practices with nursing can help inform best practices for both fields,” Valderas said. “This exhibit will also highlight the value of an innovative learning environment where liberal arts and health sciences programs work together to deepen students' understanding of the intersections between art and science. Moreover, it aims to raise awareness within the broader community about the aging population, the illnesses they endure, and how we can promote a greater social responsibility through education.”

Exhibition Dates: May 9 – May 31, 2025

Reception: Sunday, May 31, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Location: The Janette Kennedy Gallery, 1409 Botham Jean Blvd #105, Dallas, 75215

Hours: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Sunday

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TWU Dallas Reception Dr. Carine Feyten, Michael Preciado, Avery Ellis-Byerly, Catherine Susser, Monica Christopher

On April 8, Texas Woman’s University (TWU) held a reception at Catherine and Sam Susser’s Preston Hollow home to introduce 100 Dallas community and business leaders to the university. TWU faculty, representatives and supporters also attended.

TWU Dallas President Monica Christopher thanked everyone for coming and recognized the 35 generous donors of the Dallas President’s Leadership Council (DPLC) and the nine founding members—all of whom are women. “If you remember two things tonight, TWU’s unique mission and commitment to student access and its excellence in our current health science programs. Our Occupational Therapy program is ranked #1 in Texas,* and our Physical Therapy program is ranked #2 in the state.” The TWU Dallas campus is located in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District and contributes to the workforce of North Texas. (*U.S. News & World Report)

TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten discussed how her predecessor, Dr. Ann Stuart, first promoted the idea of TWU being its own university system and the need for Dallas to stand on its own. TWU is now the seventh public university system. Feyten told how she met and hired Christopher as the inaugural president. “President Christopher is helping TWU open doors in Dallas to businesses, community organizations and supporters.”  

Catherine Susser, host, TWU Campaign Cabinet and DPLC Founding Member, said, “Two passions of mine drew me to TWU’s mission: education and healthcare.” I’ve been impressed to learn about the important health research that is taking place at TWU, especially at its Mike A. Myers Stroke Center.”

TWU Nursing undergraduate student Michael Preciado told about being a research intern at UT Southwestern and giving a presentation on his research at the American Heart Association’s Stroke Conference in February 2025—all because of his learning experiences at TWU. “I want to be a part of the TWU history.”

TWU Physical therapy doctoral student Avery Ellis-Byerly said that she selected TWU’s program because of its reputation, 100% pass rate and 100% employment rate. “I’m so grateful I said yes to TWU.” She will receive her doctorate in May 2025.

For more information about TWU and giving, visit https://twu.edu/advancement/.

ABOUT TWU
Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a $125 million comprehensive fundraising effort to support innovative programs, capital projects, student scholarships, and faculty endowments. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.edu ortwu.edu, or connect with TWU onFacebook@TexasWomansUniversity,Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, andLinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

 

 

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Teresa Charnock, Richard Graziano

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, kicked off Thrift Studio, presented by Amazon, with a Premiere Party that raised $107,000 on April 3. More than 300 attendees were the first to shop for furniture, artwork and accessories, while sipping beverages and enjoying appetizers.

The month-long pop is open to the public to shop for home furnishings and accessories at deeply discounted prices. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207, and there is no cost for admission.

The limited-time shopping event features a curated collection of designer-donated furniture, artwork and décor at inexpensive prices, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

“We replenish the studio daily, so there’s always something new to discover,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Every purchase helps us transform spaces into homes for families who are coming out of difficult situations and supports schools and nonprofits that need beautiful, functional spaces to further their mission.”

Thrift Studio features six new designers annually who install vignettes using their own donated inventory. The pop-up also includes a curated selection of general donated furniture and décor, as well as artwork collected at the Art+Color Party.

The 2025 designers include:

For more details on this year’s featured designers, visit here.

The 2025 Thrift Studio is chaired by Samantha Reitmayer Sano and Joslyn Taylor Swoon, the studio, and Art Chair Hannah Brown, Hannah Brown Art.

ABOUT THRIFT STUDIO:
Thrift Studio is a high-end pop-up shop and fundraiser benefiting Dwell with Dignity. The month-long event features designer showrooms curated by top interior designers, showcasing high-quality, donated home furnishings and décor available for purchase at deep discounts. Since its inception, Thrift Studio has become a must-attend event for Dallas’ design and philanthropic communities.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

 

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Beacon of Hope 2025 Kevin Hall, Vanita Halliburton Drew Robinson, Ellie (dog)

Grant Halliburton Foundation hosted its 16th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon on March 25 at the Omni Dallas Hotel. Nearly 600 guests gathered in support of the Foundation’s mission, helping to raise $300,000 for youth mental health and suicide prevention programs across North Texas.

The morning began with a vibrant welcome reception featuring music by DJ Lucy Wrubel, a celebratory champagne wall, and a variety of engaging activations. Guests connected over coffee, shared messages of encouragement on the “Post Your Hope” wall, and spent time with service dogs in training, Eric and Elvis, courtesy of Patriot Paws. Attendees also browsed an array of exciting raffle packages that included vacations, luxury shopping experiences, unique sports events, and more.

The 2025 luncheon began with a performance of A Million Dreams by Syncopation, the a cappella choir from Plano West Senior High School—alma mater of Grant Halliburton, the Foundation’s namesake.

Guests were welcomed by Jenny Anchondo, host and producer of CW33’s Inside DFW, followed by an opening invocation from Father Paul Klitze, rector of Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Guests enjoyed lunch while connecting with friends and supporters.

Luncheon chairs Chris and Brent Bolding expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Grant Halliburton Foundation staff, committee members and volunteers, as well as luncheon vice chairs Amy and Michael Roseman, and founding luncheon chair Barb Farmer.

Amy Halliburton McCloskey, co-founder of the Foundation, then presented her mother, Vanita Halliburton, co-founder and chairman emeritus of the Foundation, with the 2025 Beacon Award. In an emotional tribute, Amy spoke about her brother Grant, whose death in 2005 led to the founding of the organization, and the lasting legacy her mother built to support youth mental health. “My mom knew she wanted to do something in his memory to save other families from the tragedy of suicide and help them get the resources they so desperately need. She, my dad, Alan, and I co-founded Grant Halliburton Foundation in 2006 and set out to do just that—to help as many young people and their families as possible to find help, hope and peace of mind.”

A tribute video honored Vanita’s leadership in raising awareness and changing the conversation around mental health in North Texas. With her father, Alan Halliburton, by her side, McCloskey took the stage to present her with the 2025 Beacon Award—now renamed the Vanita Halliburton Beacon Award in her honor. Vanita received a standing ovation from the audience in recognition of her legacy and impact.

Vanita shared about Grant:

  • “As a teen, he once spent his entire savings ($65) on groceries for a friend’s single mom battling cancer and having financial troubles.
  • Another time, he jumped off the school bus to gather a boy’s crutch that some pranksters had thrown out the window. Then he ran between houses to hop back on that bus.”
  • She used that analogy about jumping off the bus to help others who need help—students, teachers, parents, staff, mothers, fathers.
  • “Sometimes, you have to jump off the bus to come alongside those who need help, information, and resources.”

The Foundation’s mission video played next, followed by remarks from Kevin Hall, president of Grant Halliburton Foundation. He reflected on the theme “We Are Grant Halliburton Foundation” and reminded the audience that hope is at the heart of all the Foundation does. “I love that video. We are not just an office or a staff. We are a movement—a collective force of educators, parents, students, volunteers and advocates who believe that mental health should never be an afterthought.” He added, “Vanita, your vision has shaped not only this organization, but also the lives of countless people who will feel your impact every single day. Because of you, WE are Grant Halliburton Foundation.”

The final video shared the Boldings’ story and their journey following the loss of their daughter, Eleanor. “We’re pretty sure that every person in this room knows someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or even suicidal thoughts. Please take a moment to remind them that they are not alone. There is help. There is hope,” Brent said. They asked for people to generously donate to stop the loss of lives.

Eric Nadel, Texas Rangers Radio Broadcaster, introduced a video that shared Drew Robinson’s story. In 2020, Robinson, then a Major League Baseball player, miraculously survived a suicide attempt, resulting in a new-found purpose of helping others and destigmatizing mental health. After playing 12 seasons of professional baseball, he retired following the 2021 season to pursue a full-time role as a mental health advocate, the first of its kind in MLB. Leveraging his tagline, Strength Isn’t Always Physical®, Robinson is dedicated to sharing his journey and showcasing vulnerability to prevent suicide and promote mental health care.

Nadel served as the moderator. Following are some takeaways from their conversation:

Thoughts and Depression:

  • Robinson: “Your mind is your servant, not your master. Use our minds to serve us, not tear us down. We control our minds (meditation helps).”
  • Nadel: “Choose the thoughts that are meaningful to you. Having gone through the black hole myself, it’s like your brain cells have gone out of control.”
  • Robinson: “I was feeling so off, so I got tested, and it was normal. I was the last person I was thinking about. I took care of things, and I was thinking of my family. People don’t fake being depressed. They fake being okay.”

Robinson’s Service Dog:

Robinson: “Ellie (his eight-year-old service dog) is a major antidepressant.”

Mental Health Advocate:

After Robinson’s suicide attempt, he pitched with one good eye for the San Francisco Giants. His situation opened a lot of doors with his teammates to have discussions of mental health and depression. The Giants saw that and offered him an opportunity to be an advocate off the field. He remarked that it’s been “a very fulfilling role.”

Gratitude:

Robinson: “I’m grateful I survived. I am using this horrible decision to help others.”

Nadel: “Be grateful for the little things. Talk about it (depression, anxiety) and get it off your chest.”

Nadel asked, “Why do you think you survived?” Robinson replied, “Because I’m supposed to help people.”

Robinson’s trifecta to maintaining his mental health:

Regular exercise, therapy and journaling.

About Grant Halliburton Foundation: Grant Halliburton Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of a Dallas teen who battled depression and bipolar disorder for several years before his suicide death at the age of 19. The Foundation that bears his name works to help families and young people recognize the signs of mental illness through a variety of avenues including education, conferences, collaboration and encouragement. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to more than 350,000 students, educators, parents and professionals. The Foundation also offers Here For Texas, which includes HereForTexas.com and the Here For Texas Mental Health Navigation Line. These free community tools aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and addiction information and resources. Learn more about the Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

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Dwell with Dignity 2025 photo: Aaron Dougherty

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, announces the return of its largest fundraiser, Thrift Studio, presented by Amazon. The event kicks off with an exclusive Premiere Party on April 3, followed by a month-long luxury designer pop-up shopping experience at deeply discounted prices from April 4–May 3 at 1833 E. Levee St., Dallas, TX 75207.

The Thrift Studio features six new designers annually who install vignettes using their own donated inventory in addition to general donated items to Dwell with Dignity and unique artwork collected at the Art+Color Party. The 2025 designers include:

For more details on this year’s talented designers, visit here.

The 2025 Thrift Studio is chaired by Samantha Reitmayer Sano and Joslyn Taylor, Swoon, the studio, as well as Art Chair Hannah Brown, Hannah Brown Art.

The Thrift Studio VIP Premiere Party on April 3 offers guests exclusive early access to the curated, designer-furnished pop-up shop before it opens to the public. The event will feature live entertainment, one-of-a-kind shopping opportunities and a chance to engage with the interior designers and supporters behind the transformation. The VIP entrance starts at 6 p.m., and tickets are $275. General admission entrance is at 7 p.m., and tickets are $175. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit here.

Following the Premiere Party, Thrift Studio will open to the public from April 4–May 3. Admission is free, and hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The limited-time shopping event features a curated collection of designer-donated furniture, artwork and décor at inexpensive prices, with 100 percent of proceeds supporting Dwell with Dignity’s mission.

“Thrift Studio isn’t just about shopping—it’s about design as a catalyst for stability and opportunity,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “Every piece sold helps fuel our work to transform houses into homes where families can thrive and turns community spaces into hubs of stability and connection for schools and nonprofit organizations.”

Since Amazon became the Presenting Sponsor of Thrift Studio three years ago, more than $1 million in merchandise sales have fueled Dwell with Dignity’s work, providing life-changing home transformations for 48 families and redesigning 17 community spaces into inspiring, functional environments that serve thousands.

“At Amazon, we’re committed to supporting organizations that provide real solutions to challenges faced by families in our community,” said Vickie Yakunin, Amazon’s head of community engagement in Texas. “We support Dwell with Dignity in a few different ways – through our partnership for Thrift Studio, with employee volunteers and by teaming up to support community partners.” With Amazon’s continued support, Thrift Studio will once again bring together the design community and mission-driven shoppers, making a lasting impact for families and neighborhoods across Dallas.

ABOUT THRIFT STUDIO:
Thrift Studio is a high-end pop-up shop and fundraiser benefiting Dwell with Dignity. The month-long event features designer showrooms curated by top interior designers, showcasing high-quality, donated home furnishings and décor available for purchase at deep discounts. Since its inception, Thrift Studio has become a must-attend event for Dallas’ design and philanthropic communities.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

 

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Nicole Small and Dr. Carine Feyten photo: Leo Gonzalez/TWU

Texas Woman’s University (TWU) hosted another successful Dallas Leadership Luncheon on March 6 at The Arts District Mansion, where the university recognized Nicole Small as the 2025 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award recipient. A signature fundraiser for TWU, the event supports scholarships for graduate students while celebrating leaders who have made a significant impact on education and the quality of life in the Dallas community. The presenting event sponsor was Luther King Capital Management.

The highlight of the luncheon was a moderated conversation with Small, who is the CEO of LH Capital, Inc. and Lyda Hill Philanthropies, and education philanthropist Abby Williams, who with her husband Todd Williams received the 2024 TWU Leadership Award. The event also featured the announcement of $77,000 in scholarship awards presented to the 32 graduate students selected for the 2025 class of Virginia Chandler Dykes Scholars. Six of those were recognized: Abi Rainey (College of Arts and Sciences), Bradaisea Ridge-Law (Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship), Dr. Savitha Sundar (College of Health Sciences/Occupational Therapy), Jenny Reynolds (College of Health Sciences), Kiara Whitney (Houston J. and Florence A. Doswell College of Nursing), and Christiana Parra (College of Professional Education).

Luncheon speakers were the program emcee, Lisa Rampy, Vice President of University Advancement and Alumni Engagement; Shannon Mantaro, Executive Director of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, the luncheon sponsor; Ralph Hawkins, event chair and a past Leadership Award recipient; and TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten.

The TWU Dallas Leadership Award is named in honor of the late Virginia Chandler Dykes, a TWU alumna and TWU Board of Regents member who was a noted healthcare leader and champion for education. Dykes’ sons Dr. Ron Chandler and Chuck Chandler attended, as was Virginia’s longtime friend, Patricia Crocker.

Since 2002, the event has raised $2.42 million for graduate student scholarships.  Returning as the event’s presenting sponsor was Luther King Capital Management.

Additional thanks to these sponsors:

Luncheon Sponsor: Texas Woman’s University's Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

VIP Reception Sponsor: Billingsley Company

Pioneer Platinum Sponsor: Lyda Hill Philanthropies

Pioneer Investors: Sue S. Bancroft, Carol & Don Glendenning & Leigh Glendenning Roberts

Pioneer Premier Partners: Children’s Health, Haynes Boone, The Hersh Foundation, The Hirsch Family Foundation, Nicole and Justin Small/Justin and Nicole Small Fund, Valeo Partners 

Learn more about the Dallas Leadership Luncheon at twu.edu/DallasLeadership.

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Jekyll & Hyde Julia Rose Hartman as Lucy Harris; Cameron Vargas as Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde; and Nicole Brady-Chen as Emma Carew (photo: Keith Warren)

Lyric Stage presents its third show of the season, Jekyll & Hyde, a dramatic and intense musical highlighting a talented cast of 22 local actors, at the Lyric Studios Space from March 28 to April 19. Tickets are now on sale.

Based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson, the performance features a thrilling score of pop-rock hits from multi-Grammy and Tony-nominated Frank Wildhorn and double-Oscar- and Grammy-winning Leslie Bricusse.

The story is about an evocative tale of two men – one, a doctor, passionate and romantic; the other, a terrifying madman – and two women – one, beautiful and trusting; the other, beautiful and trusting only herself. Both women are in love with the same man, and both are unaware of his dark secret. A devoted man of science, Dr. Henry Jekyll is driven to find a chemical breakthrough that can solve some of mankind's most challenging medical dilemmas. Rebuffed by the powers that be, he decides to make himself the subject of his own experimental treatments, accidentally unleashing his inner demons along with the man that the world would come to know as Mr. Hyde. The production is rated PG-13.

Location: Lyric Stage Studio, 1170 Quaker St., Dallas, TX 75207

Information:

https://www.lyricstage.org/season31

Tickets:

$30 to $50, are now on sale at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/tix/7561

Creative Team:

Producer – Catherine Carpenter Cox

Director - Michael Serrecchia

Musical Director - Larry Miller

Choreographer and Costumer– Tricia Guenther

Set, Lighting and Sound Designer – Scott Guenther

Cast:

Cameron Vargas – Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde

Julia Rose Hartman – Lucy Harris

Nicole Brady-Chen –  Emma Carew

Ben Meaders – Simon Stride

Hunter Lewis –  Gabriel John Utterson

AJ Martinez – Lord Savage

Christine Phelan – Lady Beaconsfield

Andy Searcy – Sir Archibald Proops

Hector Garcia – Sir Danvers Carew

James Williams – General Lord Glossop

Doug Fowler – Bishop Of Basingstoke

Jayden Russell – Nellie

Colton Daniel – Spider

Alexandru Istrate – Poole

Jacob Thomason – Ensemble

Madeline Carter – Ensemble

Sydney Hamil – Ensemble

Caitlin Martelle – Ensemble

Jessie Prince – Youth Ensemble

Justin Prince – Youth Ensemble

Wyatt Hartz – Youth Ensemble

Varsha Jagarlamudi – Youth Ensemble

About Lyric Stage:

Lyric Stage, a Dallas-based 501c3 not-for-profit professional musical theatre company, was established in 1993 with the mission of the development and preservation of the musical, a unique art form. In its thirty-year history, Lyric Stage has produced more than 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and two Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

Connect with Lyric Stage: Facebook or Instagram

SHOW DATES:

Fri., March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Sat., March 29, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sun., March 30, 2:00 p.m.

Fri., April 4, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., April 5, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sun., April 6, 2:00 p.m.

Fri., April 11, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., April 12, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

Sun., April 13, 2:00 p.m.

Fri., April 18, 7:30 p.m.

Sat., April 19, 2:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.

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BOMLA ribbon cutting Lawrence Stokes Jr., Library Media Specialist, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy; Chris Blackburn, Texas Counter Fitters Co-Founder; Jessica Vitela, Manager, Community Relations and Events, State Fair of Texas; Ashley Douglas, Vice President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / Southern Dallas Thrives / PepsiCo; Teresa Charnock, Executive Director, Dwell with Dignity; Kristyn Ampofo, Community Projects Designer, Dwell with Dignity; Nakia Douglas, Founding Principal, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy

Dwell with Dignity, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives through design, celebrated the grand reveal of its largest project to date: a library transformation at Dallas ISD’s Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy (BOMLA). The Eula Harris-Williams Library Media Center, which has been transformed into a vibrant hub for learning and growth, reflects the vision of more than 400 students who shared their ideas for the transformation.

“This library is a testament to what thoughtful design can achieve and the heart of what our work is about,” said Teresa Charnock, executive director of Dwell with Dignity. “It’s been an incredible honor to help bring the vision of the BOMLA community to life. Their creativity and insight have shaped a space that will serve as a foundation for learning, connection and growth for years to come.”

Members of the BOMLA community, including students, educators and local leaders, gathered to celebrate the library’s transformation. The event included remarks from Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA, and Chris Blackburn of Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, as well as performances by the BOMLA band and a tour of the transformed spaces.

Renovated spaces include:

  • Library: A welcoming environment with updated seating for reading, studying and group collaboration.
  • Campus Community Hub: A space where students can access uniforms, school supplies, toiletries and food, underwritten by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
  • Podcast Room: A creative studio for students to record and share their stories.
  • Student Success Center: A private space for college and career counseling, helping first-generation college-bound students prepare for the future.
  • Historical and Art Center: A showcase of Oak Cliff’s rich history through photography and student artwork.
  • STEM Learning Space: Featuring stones, gems and minerals donated by Texas Counter Fitters, this hands-on area introduces students to geology and STEM learning.

“This library is more than a transformation – it’s a testament to the potential within our students and the power of their voices,” said Nakia Douglas, founding principal of BOMLA. “It’s a space where their ideas come to life, and they can find the tools, inspiration and support to pursue their dreams with confidence.”

The transformation of the BOMLA library was a collaborative effort between Dwell with Dignity, BOMLA and key sponsors including Texas Counter Fitters, lead sponsor, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the State Fair of Texas. Their generous contributions and commitment to the BOMLA community helped turn the vision for this library into a reality.

ABOUT DWELL WITH DIGNITY:
Founded in 2009, Dwell with Dignity is a Dallas-based nonprofit with a mission to transform lives through design. By providing and installing interiors for family homes and community spaces for individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness, the transformations inspire people to lead their best lives and thrive in a safe, functional and beautiful environment. Dwell with Dignity has completed more than 250 home design projects and 50 community spaces, and in 2024 the organization served more than 3,000 people through their home and community projects. The nonprofit is backed by the support of over 100 designers, 1,100 dedicated volunteers and 150 sponsors and donors. Learn more at www.dwellwithdignity.org.

 

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Chris Blackburn, Founder and Owner, Texas Counter Fitters:
“The young men of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy are incredibly impressive. They are dedicated to their studies and shine outside the classroom as well, demonstrating talents in music, photography and art. We understand the power of having a beautiful space to inspire these young minds. That’s why we wanted to partner with Dwell with Dignity to transform the library AND create a brand new podcast room for the boys to tell their stories.”

Jessica Vitela, Manager, Community Relations and Events, State Fair of Texas:
“At the State Fair of Texas, our mission extends far beyond 24 days. We are deeply committed to strengthening our community through education, growth and opportunity. Supporting projects like this library reflects our dedication to creating spaces where students can learn, dream and prepare for a brighter future.”

Ashley Douglas, Vice President, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas / Southern Dallas Thrives / PepsiCo:
“United Way Metropolitan’s Southern Dallas Thrives initiative is excited to expand our campus-based Community Hub resources and services to Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy. Designed to holistically support sector scholars through targeted academic engagement and resources that help families thrive, we are thrilled to increase this network of support on the campus. Through this collaborative approach alongside community partners, we are committed to ensuring that our students remain positioned to continue to thrive.

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. D. Legington, M.Ed./CI, Visual Arts Educator, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:

“This transformation of the library space will provide new motivation, inspiration and opportunities for all of our stakeholders. Not to mention, it will create new resources for increasing levels of success for the BOMLA community. The possibilities are endless. Thanks go out to, Dwell with Dignity and the United Way for empowering the future of BOMLA.”

Mr. Lawrence Stokes Jr., Library Media Specialist, The Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy:
“This transformation of the library would put new life into the heartbeat of this school.  The library is the focus point of all small gatherings in the school. Its use goes far beyond our students, faculty and staff, but for our community and other visitors. "This 2025 Transformation gives us a heighten sense of pride and joy as the central hub of higher learning through reading, art, music, and technology. Thank you, Dwell with Dignity and United Way."