Through An Inclusive Lens: Diversity and divas populate Uptown Players’ 2024-25 season

Regional premieres abound for Uptown Players’ 23^rd season, offering Dallas audiences several new ways to view love, self-discovery, and diversity onstage. These are the cornerstones of Uptown Players, after all, which is known as Dallas-Fort Worth’s preeminent LGBTQ+ theater company. Its mission since 2001 has been to create greater positive public awareness and acceptance by bringing inclusive and engaging theater to the Dallas community.

Another goal is to have a really, really good time. Many of Uptown’s productions are big splashy affairs, with lots of glitz and glamour and glorious finales—and the 2024-25 season is no exception.

It all kicks off Dec. 6-15, 2024, with the regional premiere of Joe Godfrey’s A Queer Carol, a LGBTQ+ adaptation of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic A Christmas Carol. This contemporary retelling delves into the downward spiral of Ben Scrooge and Jake Marley, who were partners in life as well as in their interior design business. Set in modern-day Manhattan, the story also focuses on assistant Bob Cratchit, who endures the abuses of Scrooge while simultaneously trying to take care of his lover, Tim. And would it even be the holidays without an over-the-top drag queen as the Ghost of Christmas Present?

“This production speaks directly to the ongoing dialogue about the importance of diverse voices and stories,” says Uptown co-founder and executive producer Craig Lynch. “The casting will reflect the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring that a wide range of experiences and identities are represented onstage. It also brings a fresh perspective to a well-loved holiday story, making it resonate more deeply with contemporary audiences.”

The next production, another regional premiere, travels from Uptown’s home at the Kalita Humphreys Theater to Theatre Three, where in-the-round staging will create an environment that Lynch hopes will be both personal and communal. Harrison David Rivers’ we are continuous illustrates the difficult journey of acceptance between a devoutly Christian mother, her son, and his husband. It will run Feb. 7-23, 2025.

“In a time when many are reflecting on their personal histories and the legacy they wish to leave behind, this play provides a poignant exploration of what it means to stay true to oneself and one’s roots,” says Lynch. “Conflicting religious points of view on homosexuality, particularly in the Black community, creates a unique family dynamic. It’s particularly relevant in today’s world where questions of identity, heritage, and continuity are at the forefront of cultural conversations.”

The annual fundraising concert Broadway Our Way returns March 27-30, 2025, showcasing familiar Uptown performers in fresh interpretations of beloved and niche showtunes—all with a signature Uptown twist, of course.

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The cast of the Uptown Players production of The Prom. Photo by Mike Morgan.

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The cast of the Uptown Players production of The Prom. Photo by Mike Morgan.

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The cast of the Uptown Players production of The Prom. Photo by Mike Morgan.

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The cast of the Uptown Players production of The Boys in the Band. Photo by Mike Morgan.

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Then it’s time to lace up the roller skates for Douglas Carter Beane’s clever adaptation of the cult-classic film Xanadu, running April 25-May 4, 2025. The musical follows a magical Greek muse named Kira, who descends from Mount Olympus to Venice Beach, California, in 1980. Her mission is to ignite the creative spark in struggling artist Sonny Malone. But when Kira falls into forbidden love with this mortal, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) founding member Jeff Lynne, along with John Farrar, provides the groovy score.

“Xanadu is a perfect antidote to the times, offering a lighthearted, fun, and visually stunning escape that celebrates the power of creativity and love,” Lynch says. “It’s a show that brings joy and laughter, which feels especially needed right now. Its themes of following your dreams and embracing your individuality resonate strongly with our mission to promote self-expression and acceptance.”

The season closes July 18-Aug. 3, 2025, with another big musical, this one a regional premiere by Dan Gillespie Sells and Tom MacRae that got its start in London’s West End. Inspired by true events, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie tells the story of Jamie New, a sixteen-year-old boy from Sheffield who dreams of becoming a drag queen. His loving mom showers him with endless support, but it’s not all rainbows for Jamie as his deadbeat dad and some ignorant schoolkids attempt to rain on his sensational aspirations.

“Our production will focus on creating an authentic representation of Jamie’s world, with a strong emphasis on community and support,” says Lynch. “The show will feature a dynamic set and innovative costume design that highlights the vibrant and diverse world Jamie inhabits. This is a heartwarming and inspiring story about courage, acceptance, and the journey to finding one’s true self. In today’s climate, where conversations about gender identity and acceptance are more important than ever, this show offers a positive, uplifting message that encourages everyone to embrace their uniqueness.”

—LINDSEY WILSON