In show-stopping style, The Firehouse Theatre announced its 2020 season with glam and glitz.

Firehouse’s Curtain Call Gala brought guys and gals glittering with sequins, bejeweled headpieces, sharp fedoras and shimmering flapper gowns to the Vouv Event Space in Dallas, transforming it into a glamorous soiree reminiscent of the Gatsby opulence of the Roaring ‘20s. Guests could partake from sparkling spirits (giggle juice if you know your onions) or cut a rug in a swanky speakeasy filled with velvety tunes from Denise Lee and her Band, recent headliner of the theatre’s successful presentation of “Cats.” Partygoers were then enthralled with live dance and performances from each new piece coming to the main stage.

Operating under the self-given commission to “Do Something” in 2020, Firehouse will “do something you love” to open the season. Enter the “Drowsy Chaperone” (Jan 1- Feb 23), a “musical within a comedy” and Firehouse Theatre fan-favorite. Much of the original cast from its opening five years ago are reprising their roles, including the enigmatic songstress Janelle Lutz.

An agile scarecrow and bouncing Dorothy came skipping onto the gala stage next. Singing an upbeat “Ease on Down the Road,” they heralded “The Wiz,” (March 19-April 5) in their endeavor to “do something different.” The Tony Award-winning, family-friendly musical beautifully blends rock, soul and gospel for a compelling re-telling of the timeless tale set in the urban fantasy Land of Oz.

From different to loud, as a well-known guitar riff echoed out, announcing the play that will “do something loud.” Set in the 1980s, “Rock of Ages” is an exciting jukebox musical and runs May 7-24. Electric energy crackled to life in a five-person harmony of the famous Journey ballad, “Don’t Stop Believing,” with the cast proudly sporting big hair and equally “loud” neon hot pants.

The Farmers Branch theatre wants to also “do something classic” with a production of “Singing in the Rain” (July 15-August 9). Dancers in yellow raincoats and umbrellas danced onstage, with the leading lady and actor duetting a mash-up of the original film’s namesake tune along with Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” It’s a goliath undertaking, but a stage adaptation the Firehouse Theatre is sure to handle in what is poised to be another knock-out performance.

Another stage adaptation will “do something new,” as “Amelie” comes to Firehouse Sept 3-20. Based on the acclaimed French film, the offbeat love story brings characters that are eccentric, imaginative and also charming.

“Do something daring” translates to a production of the satirical, politically incorrect musical comedy “Urinetown” (October 1-18). In a gritty town that’s suffered a 20-year drought, the federal government has banned private toilets. Inevitably, an avaricious company monetizes the use of public bathrooms for its residents, providing comical commentary of modern-day bureaucracy.

We then have “The 39 Steps” (November 5-15) which will “do something funny.” This fast-paced, suspenseful parody of the 1935 Hitchcock film starts with a mundane mister who meets a woman who says she is a spy. Once she returns home with him, she is murdered, and the mystery begins, the plot thickens, and hilarity ensues.

With the holiday season in mind, the theatre decided to “do something festive” with its production of “Elf the Musical” (December 2-20). For those who’ve not seen the 2003 movie, you’ll be delighted to meet Buddy, the perpetually childlike man who is, in fact, one of Santa’s helpers, as he sets off for New York City to find his biological father.

Why wait for the 2020 season? “Side Show” is currently playing at The Firehouse Theatre through November 10.

Cover photo Kris Ikejiri

N.L.Thi-Hamrick is devoted to all things that bring joy: good food, writing freely, lots of smiles, and pursuing things that make you feel worthwhile.