Theater will take center stage in and around Fort Worth this weekend, including the national tour of a Broadway musical and four local productions. Other choices include two comedians, four concerts, and the final days of a notable art exhibition.
Below are the best ways to spend your free time this weekend. If you want more options, check out the calendar for an even longer list of the city’s best events.
Thursday, July 31
Broadway at the Bass presents Shucked
Shucked is a Tony Award-winning musical comedy about an unlikely hero, an unscrupulous con artist, and a battle for the heart and soil of a small town. Maizy and Beau are getting hitched, when the corn that protects their small community starts to die. The town needs answers. But who will dare to venture beyond the borders of Cob County? Featuring songs like “Woman of the World,” “Somebody Will,” and “Independently Owned” from the songwriting team of Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, the production runs through Sunday at Bass Performance Hall.
Amphibian Stage presents The Heart Sellers
Thanksgiving, 1973: Jane and Luna are new to America, a bit lost, and definitely homesick. When they meet by chance, a simple grocery store run turns into a night of laughter, wine, and instant connection. From a botched frozen turkey to dreams of Disneyland, The Heart Sellers beautifully captures the highs and lows of new beginnings. Lloyd Suh’s new comedy uplifts the importance of community, the immigrant experience, and the paths we take to make a new home. The production runs through August 17 at Amphibian Stage.
Friday, August 1
Onstage in Bedford presents Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood
Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood begins with a young man who believes in nothing but a good time who then comes face to face with the kind of greed and inhumanity that won’t let him sleep at night. Suddenly he’s an outlaw hiding in Sherwood Forest where he joins up with a band of followers, including Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian Fitzwalter. The classic story of courage is filled, like its hero, with thrills, romance, and a deep belief in social justice. The production runs through August 17 at Onstage in Bedford.
Improv Arlington presents Marcus D. Wiley
The son of a preacher, Marcus D. Wiley’s charismatic style of delivery is clean, captivating, funny, and knowledgeable. He provides lots of laughter along with a guaranteed message on being a better you. Wiley recently released his third hour special, Marriage Is Major Surgery. He’ll perform five times through Sunday at Improv Arlington.
Taylor Craig Mills: Go Forth EP Release Show
Singer Taylor Craig Mills, whose music channels the introspection of artists like Glen Hansard, David Ford, and Richard Ashcroft, returns to the stage with Go Forth, a new four-song EP blending hard-won experience, heartfelt storytelling, and minimalist arrangements. To celebrate the release, Mills will perform an intimate live show at The Post with longtime collaborator Jeremy Hull. The evening will also feature an opening set by Joe Bill Rose of Holy Moly.
Casa Mañana presents The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
As a son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson has newly discovered demigod powers he can’t control, monsters on his trail, and a mission to find Zeus’ lightning bolt and prevent a war between the Greek gods. The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is adapted from the New York Times bestselling young adult novels by Rick Riordan and features a thrilling original rock score. The production, running through Sunday at Casa Mañana, will be performed by Casa Mañana’s Apprentice Program.
Hyena’s presents Erik Griffin
Erik Griffin, a first-generation American-born comedian/actor, is hard-working, ambitious, talented, and most importantly “funny” according to his mother. Griffin made the decision in 2003 to quit his job and plunge headlong into making comedy his full-time occupation. This challenge paid off and Griffin has enjoyed a long career on both comedy club stages and on screen. He’ll perform four times through Saturday at Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub.
Hip Pocket Theatre presents Old Mother West Wind
Old Mother West Wind makes its return to Hip Pocket Theatre in celebration of the upcoming 50th anniversary season. First produced in the theatre’s third season, the company will revisit the Simons and Balentine legacy production. A soulful balm for these unsteady days, Old Mother West Wind comes down from the purple hills to teach us all, young and old, to love each other. The production runs through August 24 at Hip Pocket Theatre.
Roger Creager in concert
Country singer Roger Creager has been plugging away at his singing career for over 20 years, but it’s only in the last 10 that he’s started to get some national acclaim. Creager has released seven albums in his career, including 2014’s Road Show, which made it to No. 20 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. He’ll play at Billy Bob’s Texas.
Saturday, August 2
My Chemical Romance in concert
Rock band My Chemical Romance has mostly been out of the public eye since their last major tour in 2011. They released four albums in the 2000s, peaking with The Black Parade in 2006, which went to No. 2 on the Billboard 200. They’re putting on a big show at Globe Life Field in Arlington to celebrate that album by playing it in its entirety, along with other hits. They will be joined by special guest Garbage.
Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Mike Ryan in concert
Singer Mike Ryan made his return to Billy Bob’s Texas in 2023 after a seven-year absence, and now he’s become a regular again, playing there multiple times in the past two years, including this concert. The San Antonio native is a favorite all around Texas, playing at multiple festivals and concert venues.
Sunday, August 3
Arlington Museum of Art presents M.C. Escher: “Infinite Variations” closing day
Sunday will be the final day to view M.C. Escher: “Infinite Variations at the Arlington Museum of Art. With over 150 works spanning the career of the graphic designer, the exhibition explores the metamorphic work of one of the most famous printmakers in modern times. It includes some of the artist’s finest works, starting with his early bookplates, to landscapes, tessellations, and impossible worlds.