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Bezos Academy Denton Amy O’Keefe, TWU Executive Director of Campus Alliance for Resource Education; Sabrina Watkins, Director of Partnerships for Bezos Academy; TWU Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten; Jason Tomlinson, TWU Vice President of Finance and Administration; Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth

Officials from Texas Woman’s University (TWU), the City of Denton and the Bezos Academy broke ground April 25 on a $6 million tuition-free preschool that will benefit TWU’s student-parents and Denton families.

Bezos Academy Denton will be built on university-owned land at 1820 Frame St., just north of University Drive and east of North Bell Avenue. Leaders from Texas Woman’s, the City of Denton and Bezos Academy offered brief remarks.

“This partnership will have a transformational impact for families in and around Texas Woman’s who struggle with childcare costs,” TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten said. “Texas Woman’s, the Bezos Academy and the city of Denton are committed to providing greater childcare access and developing lifelong learners for members of the Denton community.”

“Right now, about one in five college students in America is a parent, and half of them have children under five,” added Mike George, Bezos Academy president. “Bringing tuition-free, full-day preschools to colleges and universities is a win-win for these parents and their kids. Thanks to Texas Woman’s University for helping us make sure that more children can get access to the great start that Bezos Academy preschools provide.”

The preschool will feature six classrooms with capacity for 120 students between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. Twenty percent of seats will be reserved for children within the TWU community, with the other 80% serving Denton families. The preschool will offer full-day, year-round programming. The City of Denton became a partner in the construction project after approving $1.5 million toward the cost of constructing the facility.

“The groundbreaking of our Bezos Academy represents a significant investment in delivering childcare solutions for working families,” Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth said. “There is a collective commitment to fostering early childhood development by removing financial barriers, which has a positive impact on our residents for generations to come.”

The preschool is scheduled to be completed in 2025. Once the school opening date is set, more information and an application for the lottery-based selection process will be posted at www.bezosacademy.org.

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Kevin Berthia, Courtney Hubbard, Natalie Hatchett,

Grant Halliburton Foundation held its 15th annual Beacon of Hope Community Luncheon at the Omni Dallas Hotel on April 19where nearly 700 people attended to raise funds for the nonprofit. The event raised more than $350,000—a record for the nonprofit organization.

During the reception, guests enjoyed the champagne wall and mental wellness activities. While DJ Lucy Wrubel played entertaining tunes, guests wrote and drew on the Hope wall, bid on a raffle packages, and made connections at the Beacon Brews Coffee House.

The luncheon kicked off with the L.D. Bell High School (Hurst) Bell Tones and Decibelles singing “You Will be Found” from the Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen.

Jenny Anchondo, host and producer of CW33’s “Inside DFW,” welcomed everyone. Rev. Katie Newsome, executive director and lead pastor of Union Coffee, gave the invocation. Guests ate lunch and visited at their tables.

Anchondo introduced The Beacon Award honoree through a video. This year’s honoree was Eric Nadel, Voice of the Texas Rangers, who was open about his struggles with depression and mental health issues during last year’s baseball season. Nadel spoke openly about his struggles and came back the last couple of months of the season—just in time to commentate the Rangers winning the World Series.

Next, attendees watched a video about Grant Halliburton Foundation and its work. Foundation President Kevin Hall spoke next. “We envision a world where suicide is no longer a leading cause of death for young people and where everyone affected by mental illness has the support and resources they need.” He discussed all the services that the Foundation provides in English and Spanish.

The 2024 luncheon co-chairs, Natalie Hatchett and Courtney Hubbard, thanked sponsors including presenting sponsor Emily Lewis, Vice Chairs Chris and Brent Bolding, Founding Luncheon Chair Barb Farmer and the others for their support.

A video told of Hatchett and Hubbard’s close friendship spanning three decades with all of life’s milestones. Hatchett shared openly about her son Preston having mental health issues and depression. He died by suicide at age 20 in 2021. After the video and many tears from them and the audience, the co-chairs asked for people to support Grant Halliburton Foundation by giving hope. Many people were moved to give generously.

Katie Norris, producer and founder of nonprofit Fotolanthropy, introduced the featured speakers Kevin Berthia, suicide prevention advocate and suicide attempt survivor, and Kevin Briggs, California Highway Patrolman and author of Guardian of the Golden Gate: Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair. Fotolanthropy is creating 92 Minutes, a feature documentary, on their powerful story. She showed a short clip of the film, and then the Kevins spoke about the day they met in 2005 on the Golden Gate Bridge when Berthia was about to take his life.

Though both came from different neighborhoods, they both had trying circumstances, suicides, mental illness and depression as a common bond. When Berthia was on the Golden Gate Bridge to end his life, he said, “This voice distracted me. His voice was of hope, peace, compassion. It’s the first time I talked about me, the real me.” That day marked Berthia’s 11th suicide attempt. With Briggs asking him questions about his life, after 92 minutes, Berthia chose to come back over the rail. This moment was captured by a photographer resulting in an image shared globally. Fast forward to 2013, Berthia attempted suicide 22 times.

In 2013, Briggs won an award for his service as a California Highway Patrol, and he asked Berthia’s mom if Kevin would present this award. Berthia reluctantly agreed to do it and to tell his story, which he had not done. Berthia said, “A woman came up to me afterwards and said she hadn’t slept in five years and told me my story gave her hope. She said, ‘I now know how Jacob (her son) felt, and I can sleep tonight.” This moment was a pivotal one for Berthia.

Since 2013, Briggs and Berthia have shared their story connection, hope and listening to encourage people to live life to the fullest.  

The Beacon of Hope Luncheon supports Grant Halliburton Foundation’s work to provide education, resources and support for children, teen and young adult mental health.In the last 18 years, the Foundation has provided mental health education, training and support to nearly 325,000 students, educators, parents and professionals, thanks to funds raised from the Beacon of Hope Luncheon. To learn more, visit GrantHalliburton.org/boh.

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 325,000 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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Lyric 24-25 Season Announcement

Lyric Stage, a theatre company dedicated to the development and preservation of the musical, announces its 31st season. The company will produce three shows at its intimate Lyric Studio Space: Forever Plaid - Plaid Tidings, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, and Jekyll & Hyde. Lyric Stage will produce the final production, Guys & Dolls, at the Moody Performance Hall in partnership with Turtle Creek Chorale.

In addition to the season, Lyric Stage will also produce a new series of free summer concerts on the lawn behind the studio space called Lyric Under the Stars. Shows will take place on June 22nd & 29th and July 13th & 20th at 8:30 p.m. 

FOREVER PLAID - PLAID TIDINGS

November 29 to December 22, 2024 | Lyric Stage Studio

Lyric Stage opens its 31st season with this holiday classic by Stewart Ross. It will be presented at the Lyric Studios Space with both general admission and reserved café tables. 

At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren't sure why they've returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they're needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show – this time, featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the "Day-O" in Excelsis! The production is rated G and is fun for the whole family.

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL

January 31 to February 23, 2025 | Lyric Stage Studio

To honor Black History Month, Lyric Stage will present Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. The performance will be presented at the Lyric Studios Space with both general admission and reserved café tables.

In 1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Billie Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime. Through her brilliant voice and sometimes haunting songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all time shares her loves and her losses. The production is rated R.

JEKYLL & HYDE

March 28 to April 19, 2025 | Lyric Stage Studio

The third show is Jekyll & Hyde. Presented at the Lyric Studios Space and 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.

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 in love with the same man and both 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.

GUYS & DOLLS

August 15-17, 2025 | The Moody Performance Hall

The final show of the season for Lyric Stage is a co-production with the amazing artists from Turtle Creek Chorale presented at The Moody Performance Hall with a full orchestra and large cast

Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys & Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Olivier’s. The production is rated PG.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s general manager, said, “Lyric Stage looks forward to sharing these exciting productions with the community. Our talented actors and actresses are dedicated to entertaining you with compelling and engaging performances crafted under the guidance of Executive Producer Catherine Carpenter Cox.”

For more information, visit https://www.lyricstage.org/season31.

Tickets, which range in price from $35 to $65, will be available on soon.

Lyric Stage is located at 1170 Quaker St., Dallas, TX 75207.

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 over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

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Jim Keyes

Methodist Health System Foundation is proud to announce James W. Keyes as the recipient of the 2024 Robert S. Folsom Leadership Award. Mr. Keyes is a business and civic leader, philanthropist, author, artist, musician, and commercial pilot. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose demonstrated commitment to, and excellence in, community leadership emulates the achievements of former Dallas Mayor Robert S. Folsom.

The award will be presented at a dinner on Friday, May 17, 2024, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Anatole Hotel’s Chantilly Ballroom.

Methodist Health System Foundation President James M. Johnston said, “We are honored to celebrate Jim Keyes. Like Bob Folsom, Jim has had a lifelong commitment to education, has been a global business leader, and has provided leadership and support of many philanthropic endeavors in Dallas and beyond.”

Mr. Keyes has designated that proceeds from this year’s Folsom event benefit the transformation of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. This will better ensure that every newborn in Methodist Dallas’ service area in the city’s southern sector has the opportunity to thrive with advanced lifesaving neonatal services.

Major underwriters of $10,000 or more will be invited to a patron party hosted by Kathryn and Craig Hall on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at their stunning home in the Hall Arts Residences located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.

Methodist also announces the esteemed leadership of the 2024 Folsom event to include co-chairs Nancy Ann and Ray Hunt, Lottye and Bobby Lyle, and Carolyn and David Miller.

Last year alone, Methodist Health System provided more than $182 million in unreimbursed charity care. The Folsom event has been recognized as one of Dallas’ largest fundraising events and has raised more than $22 million since 2005 to benefit Methodist Health System’s programs and services.

Past Folsom Leadership Award recipients include Robert S. Folsom (2005), Nancy Ann Hunt (2006), Troy Aikman (2007), first lady Laura Bush (2008), the late Norman Brinker (2009), Pat and Emmitt Smith (2010), Trevor Rees-Jones (2011), Mike Boone (2012), Rev. Mark Craig (2013), Dr. Bobby B. Lyle (2014), Jack Lowe, Jr., (2015),  Dr. R. Gerald Turner (2016), David B. Miller (2017), Texas Sen. Royce West, (2018), Michael S. Rawlings (2019), Linda and Mitch Hart (2021), and Mary and Rich Templeton (2023).

About Methodist Health System

Methodist Health System (Methodist) is a faith-based organization with a Mission to improve and save lives through compassionate, quality healthcare. For nearly a century, Dallas-based Methodist Health System has been a trusted choice for health and wellness, offering nationally recognized medical services, a network of 12 hospitals (through ownership and affiliation), and more than two-dozen clinics located throughout the region. Methodist has renowned teaching programs, innovative research, and a strong commitment to the community. The non-profit Methodist Health System provided more than $182 million in charity care in fiscal year 2023.  Additional information is available at MethodistHealthSystem.org.

About Methodist Health System Foundation

Methodist Health System Foundation is a nonprofit foundation led by community and civic leaders who donate their time, service, and expertise to raise funds for hospital projects.

If you are interested in supporting the Robert S. Folsom Award, please contact Methodist Health System Foundation Vice President Joy Duncan at 214-947-4585 or joyduncan@mhd.com. More information is available at Methodisthealthsystem.org/RobertSFolsomLeadershipAward.

 

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Todd Williams, Abby Williams, Dr. Carine Feyten

Texas Woman’s University presented the 2024 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to Abigail “Abby” and Todd Williams at the Dallas Leadership Luncheon on March 21 at noon at The Arts District Mansion. Abigail "Abby" Williams is founder and CEO of United to Learn, a Dallas-based education non-profit organization; and her husband Todd Williams is founding chairman and CEO of The Commit Partnership, the nation’s largest education collective impact organization.

The award recognizes exceptional leaders who have made significant contributions through their commitment to furthering education and the quality of life in the Dallas community.

TWU’s Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Alumni Engagement Lisa Rampy welcomed guests that included a half dozen representatives from the office of elected officials, TWU Foundation board members, and members of the university’s Board of Regents.

The program that followed included recognition of the current Virginia Chandler Dykes scholarship recipients Jennifer Conner/College of Arts and Science, Ruth George/College of Business, Alondra Ammon/College of Health Sciences, Kelsie Barta/College of Nursing, and Gladys Elena Roa Albert/College of Professional Education.

Arcilia Acosta, advisory council chair for TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute, past Virginia Chandler Dykes Award recipient) and Carcon Industries and & Construction CEO, gave remarks. Attendees watched a commemorative video remembering Virginia Chandler Dykes and recognition of her family. Event Committee Chair was Ralph Hawkins, former chairman of the board for HKS Architects.

TWU Chancellor and President Carine M. Feyten, Ph.D. communicated important TWU updates, such as the university’s recent launch of the Dream Big $125 million anniversary fundraising campaign, the recent appointment of Monica Christopher as the inaugural president of TWU Dallas, and the TWU Pioneers’ historic advancement to the Final Four for women’s basketball.

The program’s highlight was an intriguing conversation with Abby and Todd Williams led by Early Matters Dallas Board Chair and personal friend, Regen Horchow. Horchow asked thought-provoking questions about the couple’s views on education and earlier transformative life experiences and influential life figures.

Abby Williams thanked presenting sponsor, Luther King Capital Management, who “heavily endowed my scholarship at SMU.” She added, “Ensuring access to a quality education is our life’s mission, so Todd and I are excited to have the opportunity to support Texas Woman’s University graduate programs, which is doing exactly that for countless students every day. Scholarships didn’t just pay my tuition and fees; they changed my life’s trajectory.”

Since the TWU alumna and Board of Regent member Virginia Chandler Dykes created the luncheon in 2002, the event has generated more than $1.3 million to benefit TWU graduate students.

This year’s affair was sponsored by many generous donors:

Presenting Sponsor: Luther King Capital Management

Luncheon Sponsor: TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership

VIP Reception Sponsor: Lucy and Henry Billingsley

Pioneer Investors: Sue S. Bancroft, H-E-B

Pioneer Premier Partner: The Hersh Foundation

Pioneer Partners: Children’s Health System of Texas, Monica and Brent Christopher, Locke Lord LLP

Maroon & White Patrons: Alpine Group, Baylor Scott & White Health, Carcon Industries/STL Engineers, Dallas Regional Chamber, Goldman Sachs Gives, Nancy E. Perot and Rod C. Jones, Dr. Sheila Kellagher, Lyda Hill Philanthropies/LH Capital Inc., Elizabeth Martin, Parkland Health Foundation, Southwest Medical Foundation, Texas Women’s Foundation, Dr. Melissa D. Tonn and William J. Minick, III, Valeo Partners LLC, TWU Regent Mary P. Wilson and William R. Wilson, Jr., Young Women’s Preparatory Network.

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Sweeney Todd

Lyric Stage, a theatre company dedicated to the development and preservation of the musical, presents Sweeney Todd from March 15 to April 7. These performances will be presented at Lyric Stage’s new studio stage. Tickets are now available. Opening night, March 15, is sold out.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns home to London after 15 years of exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. Sweeney Todd has won numerous awards including eight Tony nominations with two of those wins in 2023. It was a finalist for 2023’s Tony’s Best Revival of a Musical.

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s general manager, said, “This is Lyric's second production in our new studio space, an intimate and immersive experience for audiences, putting them right in the heart of the theatre magic. Sweeney Todd is also the final production in Lyric's show-stopping 30th anniversary season, crafted under the guidance of Executive Producer Catherine Carpenter Cox.”

Lyric Stage’s performance times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Student rush tickets are available for $25 beginning 90 minutes before each performance. Tickets may be purchased online, at the door, or by calling the box office at 214-871-5000. 

Lyric Stage

1170 Quaker St.

Dallas, TX 75207

March 15-April 7, 2024

Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35 and $25 for students
Ticket link:  https://www.lyricstage.org/sweeney

The cast includes Jonah Munroe as Sweeney Todd; Mary Gilbreath Grim as Mrs. Lovett; Cameron Vargas as Anthony Hope; Isabella Zambrano as Johanna; Ethan Rodriguez-Mullins as Tobias Ragg; Evan Faris as Judge Turpin; Anthony Ortega as The Beadle; Sarah Powell as the Beggar Woman; Ryan Michael Friedman as Adolfo Pirelli; The Ensemble includes Madeleine Norton, Maya Hernandez-Pearson, Shane Duckett, Daniel Hernandez, Rowan Gilvie, Kenneth Lane, Jayden Russell, Keith Warren; Kids Ensemble include Jessie Prince, Wyatt Hartz and Joshua Brown. 

Michael Serrecchia serves as Director; Megan Kelly Bates is the Assistant Director/Choreographer; Hans Grim serves as Music Director; Breianna Bairrington serves as Costume & Wigs Designer; Tricia Guenther serves as Costume & Wigs Assistant Designer; Scott Guenther serves as Production Designer and General Manager, and Catherine Carpenter Cox serves as Executive Producer.

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 over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

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Rhett Miller

WHO/WHAT:

Haynes Boone will present the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit benefiting GrantHalliburton Foundation on Thursday, May 16, at The Kessler Theater featuring headliner Rhett Miller. KXT 91.7 is the media sponsor.

Tickets are on sale and going fast, with standing-room-only tickets remaining. Sponsorships are sold out. Celebrating its 12thannual concert, the Eric Nadel Birthday Benefit is the namesake’s way of giving back to help further mental health efforts. A mental health advocate, Nadel is best known as the longtime radio voice of the Texas Rangers, the 2023 World Series Champions.

The event features Dallas native Rhett Miller, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and best known as the frontman of the Dallas-based alt-country band the Old 97’s. He is also a long-time mental health advocate. Opening the show is Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Leslie Mendelson, who drew worldwide attention for her collaboration with Jackson Browne on “Human Touch,” written and performed for the 2019 documentary film “5B.”

The fundraiser event also features a live and silent auction to help raise funds to support the work of Grant Halliburton Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides mental health education, training, and support to North Texas children, teens, and families. For more information, visit GrantHalliburton.org.

 

WHEN:

Thursday, May 16, 2024

7:00 p.m. Doors open

7:45 p.m. Leslie Mendelson, opener, performs

9:00 p.m. Rhett Miller, headliner, performs

 

WHERE: The Kessler Theater, 1230 W. Davis St., Dallas

 

INFORMATION/TICKETS: GrantHalliburton.org/ericnadel.

 

Talent Bios:

Rhett Miller, a Dallas native, is best-known as the frontman of the Dallas-based alt-country band the Old 97’s, although he has also pursued a critically acclaimed solo career and toured relentlessly for many years. Most of Miller’s solo albums are dominated by cool, melodic pop tunes with a drier and more confessional bent than his work with the band.

 

An accomplished author, Miller has written two children’s books, “No More Poems! A Book in Verse That Just Gets Worse” and “The Baby-Changing Station” as well as numerous articles for national publications including “Rolling Stone,” “Salon,” and “The Atlantic.” He also hosts a popular podcast, “Wheels Off,” a show about the messy reality of the creative life. A long-time mental health advocate, Rhett appeared in 2016 as part of the Okay to Say campaign, encouraging the use of therapy to address mental health issues.

 

Leslie Mendelson, a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, drew worldwide attention for her collaboration with Jackson Browne on “Human Touch,” written and performed for the 2019 documentary film “5B.” She then toured with Browne, which included a performance at Austin City Limits. Her collaborations with Bob Weir are frequently streamed on YouTube and she has opened shows for Roger Daltrey and The Who, among many others. Leslie will tour extensively this year to support her soon-to-be-released album, “After the Party,” which includes the singles “Other Girls” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll on the Radio.”

 

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 through education, resources, and support. Since 2006, the Foundation has provided mental health and suicide prevention education and training to more than 325,000 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, available in English and Spanish, aim to offer easy access for North Texans seeking mental health and substance use information and resources. Learn more about Grant Halliburton Foundation at GrantHalliburton.org.

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Lyric Stage Presents Sweeney Todd

Lyric Stage, a theatre company dedicated to the development and preservation of the musical, presents Sweeney Todd from March 15 to April 7. These performances will be presented at Lyric Stage’s new studio stage. Tickets are now available.

 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is the unsettling tale of a Victorian-era barber who returns home to London after 15 years of exile to take revenge on the corrupt judge who ruined his life. Sweeney Todd has won numerous awards including eight Tony nominations with two of those wins in 2023. It was a finalist for 2023’s Tony’s Best Revival of a Musical.

 

Scott Guenther, Lyric Stage’s general manager, said, “This is Lyric's second production in our new studio space, an intimate and immersive experience for audiences, putting them right in the heart of the theatre magic. Sweeney Todd is also the final production in Lyric's show-stopping 30th anniversary season, crafted under the guidance of Executive Producer Catherine Carpenter Cox.” 

 

Lyric Stage’s performance times are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35. Student rush tickets are available for $25 beginning 90 minutes before each performance. Tickets may be purchased online, at the door, or by calling the box office at 214-871-5000. 

 

Lyric Stage

1170 Quaker St.

Dallas, TX 75207

March 15-April 7, 2024

Friday, Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday & Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets: $35 and $25 for students
Ticket link:  https://www.lyricstage.org/sweeney

The cast includes Jonah Munroe as Sweeney Todd; Mary Gilbreath Grim as Mrs. Lovett; Cameron Vargas as Anthony Hope; Isabella Zambrano as Johanna; Ethan Rodriguez-Mullins as Tobias Ragg; Evan Faris as Judge Turpin; Anthony Ortega as The Beadle; Sarah Powell as the Beggar Woman; Ryan Michael Friedman as Adolfo Pirelli; The Ensemble includes Madeleine Norton, Maya Hernandez-Pearson, Shane Duckett, Daniel Hernandez, Rowan Gilvie, Jayden Russell, Keith Warren; Kids Ensemble include Jessie Prince, Wyatt Hartz and Joshua Brown. 

Michael Serrecchia serves as Director; Hans Grim serves as Music Director; Breianna Bairrington serves as Costume & Wigs Designer; Tricia Guenther serves as Costume & Wigs Assistant Designer; Scott Guenther serves as Production Designer and General Manager, and Catherine Carpenter Cox serves as Executive Producer.

 

Media is invited to preview night on Thursday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m., Please contact Lyric Stage, marketing@lyricstage.org or 972-435-7469 - to request tickets and/or to coordinate a feature.

 

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 over 125 productions, which include 21 world-premiere musicals and 2 Off-Broadway shows. For more information, visit www.lyricstage.org

 

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Todd and Abby Williams photo credit: Simon Luna

Texas Woman’s University will present the 2024 Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award to Abigail “Abby” and Todd Williams at the Dallas Leadership Luncheon, set for Thursday, March 21 at noon at The Arts District Mansion.

The luncheon is a TWU signature event that generates funds for TWU graduate student scholarships and pays tribute to the life and contributions of Virginia Chandler Dykes (1930-2022), the luncheon founder, who was a distinguished TWU alumna, donor and member of the university’s board of regents.

“The Dallas Leadership Luncheon is a favorite moment for us each year,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said. “Not only is it an opportunity to recognize outstanding Dallas leaders like Abby and Todd Williams; it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our amazing graduate programs and the importance of providing access to graduate studies for students from all walks of life.”

About the 2024 award recipients: Philanthropists Abigail “Abby” and Todd Williams have spent their careers as public education advocates. Founder and CEO of Dallas-based education nonprofit United to Learn (U2L), Abby Williams and the U2L team are changing lives by transforming the relationship between community and schools. U2L is focused on accelerating literacy student achievement across 75 Dallas ISD elementary schools with plans to expand to all District Title 1 elementaries over the next two years. Key to this model is mobilizing community partnerships with business, high schools, faith-based organizations, individuals and groups. Todd Williams is the founding Chairman and CEO of The Commit Partnership, the nation’s largest educational collective impact organization with over 200 institutions and educating more than 790,000 students with a focus on improving post-secondary completion and economic mobility levels across the north Texas region and the state overall.

In 2007, Abby and Todd helped found a K-12 free tuition public charter school operated by Uplift Education that educates 1,500 primarily low-income children in northwest Dallas. Together, the couple also served as the founding chairs of Teach for America DFW’s Regional Advisory Board. Abby and Todd have successfully advocated locally and in the Texas Legislature for investments in education and have sponsored hundreds of scholarships to increase college accessibility for local students.

“Ensuring access to a quality education is our life’s mission, so Todd and I are excited to have the opportunity to support Texas Woman’s University graduate programs, which is doing exactly that for countless students every day,” said Abby Williams. “My mother, a single parent who worked tirelessly to provide for and encourage my siblings and me, also trusted in the transformative power of education to break the cycle of poverty for us and put her faith in generous benefactors who might support me through that process. Scholarships didn’t just pay my tuition and fees; they changed my life’s trajectory.”

About the Luncheon:  Established in 2002, the Virginia Chandler Dykes Leadership Award is presented annually at the Dallas Leadership Luncheon to a Dallas leader(s) who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life in the community and to furthering the importance of education.

The award honors the life work of Virginia Chandler Dykes as an outstanding healthcare provider whose professional and civic achievements represent a lifetime committed to helping others. Recent award recipients include Lucy Billingsley (2023), Arcilia Acosta (2022), Cynt Marshall (2021), and Jennifer Staubach Gates (2020). Here’s more about Virginia Chandler Dykes.

The Dallas Leadership Luncheon will take place at noon on March 21 at The Arts District Mansion (2101 Ross Ave., Dallas 75201), following a VIP reception at 11 a.m. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit Texas Woman’s graduate student scholarships.

This year’s presenting luncheon sponsor is Luther King Capital Management. The event chair is Ralph Hawkins; committee members are Arcilia Acosta, Lucy Billingsley, and TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten.

To reserve tables or tickets: Individual tickets for the Dallas Leadership Luncheon are $175; couple tickets are $300. Table sponsorships begin at $1,500.

To learn more or make a ticket purchase, call 940.898.3870 or visit twu.edu/DallasLeadership

HANDOUT IMAGE (Abby and Todd Williams): Download here.

Photo credit: Simon Luna

About TWU
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Hope Cottage Dr. Latasha Jarrett, Chief Medical Officer at HHM Health; Stephanie Bohan, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Cottage; Lauren Haskins of The George and Fay Young Foundation; Michael Marvin, CeCe's son; Brian Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer at HHM Health

Hope Cottage, a North Texas nonprofit with a 106-year history of transforming lives by uniting and strengthening families, opened a new maternal medical clinic today to provide affordable, comprehensive healthcare for underserved pregnant individuals. Located at Hope Cottage in East Dallas near downtown, CeCe’s Place operates through a strategic partnership between Hope Cottage and HHM Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and nonprofit that provides cost-efficient medical services. Funded by a gift from The George and Fay Young Foundation, the clinic is named after the Youngs’ late daughter, Carol Young Marvin, who they adopted through Hope Cottage.

Leadership from Hope Cottage and HHM Health celebrated the clinic opening with a ribbon-cutting and tours alongside friends, funders and community representatives.

“Texas is in a maternal health crisis. We hope that CeCe’s Place can be a model, bringing affordable prenatal and postnatal care, along with comprehensive support for mothers, under one roof. Our goal is to create a loving and supportive environment where women can easily access the services they need to have healthy pregnancies and give their children strong starts in life,” said Stephanie Bohan, Chief Executive Officer of Hope Cottage.

Texas ranks 49th in the nation for women’s health, according to a study from the Commonwealth Fund analyzing publicly available data. Thirty percent of women received no early prenatal care in the first trimester, putting Texas last on this measure. The 2022 Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee report estimated that 90 percent of maternal deaths in Texas may have been preventable and named increasing access to health services during pregnancy as a top recommendation for improving outcomes for mothers and babies. Additionally, KFF published research stating that Medicaid covers about half of all births in Texas, demonstrating the significant need for affordable care.

“HHM Health recognizes the need for better women’s healthcare in the great state of Texas. So many of our patients are part of vulnerable communities, lack sufficient resources and often don’t know where to turn. We have made a commitment to continue to step up and be that resource for women in Dallas. Partnering with Hope Cottage allows us to reach more mothers and help them deliver safely,” said Brian Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer at HHM Health.

CeCe’s Place is located at Hope Cottage’s location at 609 Texas Street in the Wilson District, adjacent to Deep Ellum and downtown Dallas. On-site, HHM Health will offer low-cost pregnancy testing, Medicaid enrollment and prenatal/postnatal care. In coordination, Hope Cottage will provide mothers with parenting education, case management and referral to community resources during and after their pregnancies, as well as adoption information and counseling for those who wish to explore that option. Women served at the clinic will be referred to Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas for labor and delivery. After delivery, HHM Health will continue to care for mothers at its Women’s Health Center in Vickery Meadow or CeCe’s Place and babies at its Pediatric Clinic off Walnut Hill Lane.

Prenatal care appointments at CeCe’s Place can be made by calling (972) 354-8713 or emailing info@cecesplace.org. The clinic is open Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and plans to expand its hours and days in the future based on demand. HHM Health accepts Medicaid and a number of private health insurance plans, plus provides assistance with Medicaid enrollment.

The new clinic is HHM Health’s seventh location, with other clinics in East Dallas on Greenville Avenue, in Vickery Meadow off Pineland Drive, a pediatric office off Walnut Hill Lane, a clinic in Oak Cliff at Trinity Basin Preparatory Jefferson Campus, and two DISD locations at DISD Kiosco Youth & Family Clinic and DISD Redbird Youth & Family Clinic. HHM Health’s nine service lines include women’s health, pediatrics, adult/family medicine, diet/nutrition, vision, dental, behavioral health, imaging and 340B pharmacy.

CeCe’s Place will feature unique pieces of art from award-winning Dallas-based artists and founder of DAUM Gallery, Taylor Daum, and internationally-recognized artist Leah Ellermeier, whose original acrylic on canvas titled “The Power of Love” will hang in the clinic lobby.

ABOUT HOPE COTTAGE

Hope Cottage transforms lives with the love of family through adoption, foster care, education and parenting support. The Dallas-based organization offers a full continuum of services to nurture the healthy relationships essential for families and communities to thrive. Founded in 1918 as a children’s home, Hope Cottage has connected thousands of children with loving forever families through adoption. The organization has grown over the decades to respond to community needs – from the pressing need for safe, caring foster homes, to education and support for families in crisis. For more information about Hope Cottage, visit www.hopecottage.org or connect on Facebook @HopeCottage or Instagram @Hope_Cottage.

ABOUT HHM HEALTH

HHM Health is a nonprofit community health organization that provides quality healthcare to all its neighbors with love, compassion and respect. They accept patients with no insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, ACA plans and commercial insurance. They ensure everyone can be seen.