Former Birdville Educators Bring AMON! The Ultimate Texan “Home” for Special Mid-Cities Engagement
After a celebrated Dallas run, actor Kelvin Dilks and director Connie Sanchez return to the community where they inspired generations of students
For actor Kelvin Dilks and director Connie Sanchez, this isn't just another stop on a successful theatrical tour.
It's a homecoming.
After introducing Dallas audiences at the Winspear Opera House to AMON! The Ultimate Texan, Dilks and Sanchez are returning to the community where they spent years teaching, mentoring and inspiring Birdville ISD students. Presented by Mid-Cities Arts Collective (MAC), the award-winning play will be performed July 18-19 and July 25-26 at the Platinum Music Complex in North Richland Hills.
For both educators, bringing the production home carries special meaning.
"Birdville gave us so much," said Dilks. "This community shaped our lives and our careers. Being able to bring this production back here feels less like another engagement and more like saying thank you."
Sanchez agreed.
"Education and the arts have always gone hand in hand," she said. "So many of our former students discovered confidence, creativity and joy through theater. To return with a production that has been embraced across Texas—and now share it with friends, former students and neighbors—is incredibly rewarding."
Written by longtime Texas journalist Dave Lieber, AMON! The Ultimate Texan tells the remarkable story of publisher, broadcaster, aviation pioneer and civic leader Amon G. Carter Sr. Through humor, storytelling and history, Dilks brings one of Texas' most colorful personalities vividly to life in a performance that has entertained audiences throughout the state.
The Mid-Cities performances also reflect the mission of Mid-Cities Arts Collective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing outstanding arts experiences directly to Northeast Tarrant County.
"One of our goals is to make high-quality live theater accessible close to home," said MAC leader Tron Sutton. "Residents shouldn't have to drive to Dallas or Fort Worth to enjoy exceptional performances. We're proud to welcome Kelvin, Connie and AMON! to North Richland Hills."
Dilks hopes the performances will become something of a reunion.
"We'd love to see former students, fellow educators, neighbors and friends," he said. "Whether you knew us years ago or are simply looking for a wonderful afternoon at the theater, we'd love to welcome you."
All four performances begin at 2:30 p.m.
Performance Dates
Saturday, July 18
Sunday, July 19
Saturday, July 25
Sunday, July 26
Location
Mid-Cities Arts Collective
Platinum Music Complex
7301 NE Loop 820
North Richland Hills, Texas
Tickets are available at www.amonplay.com.
About Mid-Cities Arts Collective
Mid-Cities Arts Collective (MAC) was created to expand arts opportunities throughout Northeast Tarrant County by bringing outstanding performances, artists and cultural experiences directly to local audiences. Its productions are presented at the Platinum Music Complex in North Richland Hills.
Contact
For media information, interviews, or photographs call Barbara Griffith at 817-602-5011 or write to Griffith.barbara@att.net
WATCH: Nudity, bashing Dallas and 214 vs. 817. It’s Episode #1 of The Dave Lieber Show with guests Kelvin Dilks and Connie Sanchez.
AMON! The Ultimate Texan is the story of one of the most amazing Texans who ever lived. Born in a log cabin and with only an eighth grade education, Amon G. Carter Sr. became Texas’ most powerful media overlord. Presidents put up with him because he owned the largest newspaper, radio and television station in Texas. He had a big heart, but a bigger sense for business and for the future. He was one of a kind and this play – and its companion book – by popular newspaper columnist Dave Lieber bring the story of this remarkable Texan back to life.
A Special Video Message from Amon
VIDEO: The message about community offered by the subject of my first play - Amon G. Carter Sr., aka Mr. Fort Worth - is more relevant today than when he uttered it.
‘Let’s Bring Amon Home’ Project A Success
After 73 performances, it’s safe to say that AMON! The Ultimate Texan about Fort Worth’s founding father Amon G. Carter Sr. was one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s, er, excuse us, Fort Worth/Dallas’ (you’re welcome, Amon) top theatrical events of the year.
We’ve only just begun. We’ve performed in 11 Texas cities. We’re exploring many venues for future shows.
Our goal is to take this show everywhere.
This is the play and the companion book’s official website. You can buy tickets here, and ask questions. You can visit the NEWS tab up top and see what audiences and the press say about our play that when you’re not laughing, you’re crying.
The play features actor Kelvin Dilks as Amon. The play is directed by Connie Sanchez, who also did stage and costume design as well script supervision. The play was written by The Dallas Morning News Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber, who also serves as producer.
Stay tuned for more AMON! news.
“Amon Carter really is our Alexander Hamilton. He’s our consequential figure that we’ve forgotten who he is and what he did for us. “”