How it all started informs who we are today…

Hip Pocket Theatre has been a vital part of the performing arts in Texas since 1976, when founders Johnny Simons, Diane Simons, and Douglas Balentine first staged their interdisciplinary plays under the stars in Fort Worth. Since its founding, the theater has grown its global reach and capacity for genre-defying programming, while staying true to the bold, playful, and magical.

We honor Johnny, Diane, Douglas, and the many individuals who came together over and over again to create this magical place.

”This place in space is of a sacredness.”

Photo by John Carlisle Moore, 1970’s Hip Pocket company at HWY 80 location.

Douglas Balentine and Johnny Simons, two of our founders.

 
 

Photo by Loli Kantor. Diane Simons, founder, with Dick Harris, actor & friend

  • Hip Pocket Theatre Production History 1976-Present

    1976

    THE THREE CUCKOLDS adapted by Leon Katz and Johnny Simons at Highway 80 location.

    1977

    COWTOWN! by Johnny Simons and Douglas Balentine at Highway 80 location.

    MAD DOG BLUES by Sam Shephard
    directed by Johnny Simons at Highway 80 location.


    A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM by Stephen Sondheim directed by Johnny Simons
    at Highway 80 location.


    TARZAN OF THE APES (Edgar Rice Burroughs) adapted by Johnny Simons and Douglas Balentine
    at Highway 80 location.


    TOMMY (Peter Townsend) adapted by Johnny Simons at Highway 80 location.

    IN WATERMELON SUGAR (Richard Brautigan) adapted by Johnny Simons
    at Highway 80 location.


    NOVA’S SHADY GROVE by Johnny Simons and Douglas Balentine
    at Highway 80 location.


    1978

    EVEN IF YOU CAN STOP THE YELLOW CLAW, MY DEADLY TIDAL WAVE WILL STILL DESTROY NEW YORK! Collaborative script at Highway 80 location.

    THE LOVE OF DON PERLIMPLIN AND BELISA IN THE GARDEN by Frederico Garcia Lorca directed b y Johnny Simons at Highway 80 location.

    OLD MOTHER WEST WIND (Thornton Burgess) adapted by Simons and Balentine at Highway 80 location.

    PETER PAN by James M. Barrie directed by Johnny Simons at Highway 80 location.

    THE RETURN OF TARZAN (Edgar Rice Burroughs) adapted by Simons and Balentine at Highway 80 location.

    VAN GOGH/ GAUGUIN by Simons and Balentine at Highway 80 location.

    THE LAKE WORTH MONSTER by Simons and Balentine at Highway 80 location.

    A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Charles Dickens) adapted by Johnny Simons at Highway 80 location.

    1979

    THE CLUB by Eve Merriam. Directed by Diane Simons at Highway 80 location.

    TARTUFFE by Moliere at Highway 80 location.

    THE VELDT by Ray Bradbury at Highway 80 location.

    PRINCE REYNARD by Larry Oliver and Art Davis at Highway 80 location.

    ANTAMOSO AND THE BEAR by Simons and Balentine at Highway 80 location.

    THE FROGS by Aristophanes at Oak Acres location.

    THE BILLY CLUB PUPPETS by Frederico Garcia Lorca at Oak Acres location.

    1980

    RAGGEDY FARM by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    CAPTIVE WILD WOMEN by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    CHARLIE CHAN IN THE HOUSE OF TOMORROW by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    WAR OF THE WORLDS (H.G. Wells) adapted by James Maynard at Oak Acres location.

    1981

    RETURN OF THE CREATURE by Simons and Balentine at Casino Beach

    PINOCCHIO COMMEDIA (Carlo Collodi) adapted by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    THE BUTTERFLY’S EVIL SPELL by Frederico Garcia Lorca at Oak Acres location.

    HEARTS OF THE CITY by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    KING KONG (Marion C. Cooper) adapted by Simons and Maynard at Oak Acres location.

    A SAGA OF BILLY THE KID by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    1982

    THE IMPRESSARIO by Gianlorenzo Bernini at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    RAGGEDY FARM by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    CLOWN ALLEY, CIRCUS DAYS by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    SEX KITTENS GO TO COLLEGE by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    COWTOWN! By Simons and Balentine at the White Elephant Beer Garden.

    SPANISH BRABANTER, PART I by G.A. Bredero at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    1983

    SPANISH BRABANTER, PART II by G.A. Bredero at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    LA FONTAINE’S FABLES IN MIME AND SONG adapted by Simons and Balentine at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    ELDER OAKS by Simons and Balentine, performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

    TARZAN OF THE OAKS by Simons and Balentine, performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

    ELY GREEN AND THE ROYAL FLYING CORPS O’ COWTOWN! By Simons and Balentine, performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall in London and Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

    WORKSONG by Artist in Residence-The Talking Band, New York at Oak Acres location.

    EVEN IF YOU CAN STOP THE YELLOW CLAW, MY DEADLY TIDAL WAVE WILL STILL DESTROY NEW YORK! II collaborative script at Oak Acres location.

    A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Charles Dickens) adapted by Simons at the Kimbell Art Museum

    1984

    THE BEGGAR’S OPERA (John Gay) adapted by Simons and Gary Meyer at the Kimbell Art Museum

    BARBEQUE JOINTS,CHILI DOGS AND BRAZEN HUSSIES by Simons, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    COWBOY MOUTH AND COWBOYS 2 by Sam Shepard, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    MIND MIMES by Simons, Omni Theatre.

    THE HEAD, HANDS AND TOE SHOW by Simons

    THE MALTESE FALCON (Dashiel Hammett) adapted by Simons at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    UNDERNEATH THE TOP DOWN (A COWTOWN BRIGADOON) by Simons
    at Oak Acres location.


    MIRANDOLINA (MISTRESS OF THE INN) by Carlo Goldini at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN by Maynard at Oak Acres location.

    TALES OF ARABIAN NIGHTS adapted by Simons at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    1985

    THE THREE CUCKOLDS adapted by Leon Katz, at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    ADVENTURES WITH JUNE AND SCOTTY by Simons Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    KEROUAC: A REMEMBRANCE by John Murphy and Johnny Simons, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE (Zane Grey) adapted by Simons and Maynard

    THE HEAD, HANDS AND TOE SHOW by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    A DATE WITH JUDY by Johnny Simons
    at Oak Acres location.


    R. CRUMB COMIX by Robert Crumb and Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE (Phillip Wylie and Edwin Balmer) adapted by Maynard at Oak Acres location.

    THE SECOND SHEPHERD’S PLAY (Anonymous), at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    1986

    THE MANDRAKE by Niccolo Machivalli, at the Kimbell Art Museum.

    THE MEEMA SEXTET by Simons, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    FREAKS adapted by Maynard and Simons, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE (Zane Grey) adapted by Simons and Maynard, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    PETER PAN by James M. Barrie
    at Oak Acres location.


    ON BEAST BEACH by Johnny Simons
    at Oak Acres location.


    OLD TARZAN by Simons and Balentine
    at Oak Acres location.


    IN WATERMELON SUGAR (Richard Brautigan) adapted by Simons
    at Oak Acres location.


    1987

    LUCY AND DESI VS. THE KILLER SHREWS by Maynard, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    NOVA’S SHADY GROVE by Simons and Balentine, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    THE REAL STORY OF DUCY THE PUCY by Simons, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder
    at Oak Acres location.


    WOMEN IN SLIPS by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    VAN GOGH/GAUGUIN by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    A BOWL OF RED (Frank X. Tolbert) adapted by Simons and Balentine

    PUPPETMASTER by Balentine at Caravan of Dreams.

    1988

    THE LADY VANISHES adapted by Maynard, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    LIVE FROM FT. WORTH, IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT! Collaborative script, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    WILD MAN OF THE NAVIDAD by Simons and Balentine, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    TARZAN OF THE APES by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    WIDOWS by Ariel Dorfman at Oak Acres location.

    A LIL’ GREEN FALL by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    MAD DOG BLUES by Sam Shepherd at Oak Acres location.

    OLD COOTS READ GENESIS 1 THROUGH 8 (KING JAMES VERSION) adapted by Simons at Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    PETRUSHKA adapted by Cynthia Griffin Davis and Art Davis

    1989

    THE SCARECROW (Percy Mackaye) adapted by Leah Buchanan and Blake Newman, Upstairs at the White Elephant.

    ADVENTURES OF THE SHADOW STARRING LAMONT CRANSTON AND MARGO LANE by Simons, Upstairs at the White Elephant

    DREAMS, SCHEMES AND IMAGININGS by Art and Cindy Davis

    YOUNG DOWDS by Simons and Balentine, Upstairs at the White Elephant

    ATTACK OF THE B-GIRLS by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    LAKE WORTH MONSTER by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    “EVEN IF YOU CAN STOP THE YELLOW CLAW, MY DEADLY TIDAL WAVE WILL STILL DESTROY NEW YORK!” III collaborative script at Oak Acres location.

    LA FONTAINE’S FABLES IN MIME AND SONG adapted by Simons and Balentine, Kimbell Art Museum

    1990

    R. CRUMB COMIX by Robert Crumb and Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    SHAZAM! By Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    KURU by Josh Manheimer directed by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    A COVEY OF ONES (evening of one-acts) at Oak Acres location.

    MOLEMO! By Simons at Oak Acres location.

    BLOB by Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    TOM SAWYER (A BANJO COMMEDIA) (Mark Twain) adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    1991

    COWTOWN! By Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    PINNOCHIO COMMEDIA adapted by Simons directed by David Yeakle at Oak Acres location.

    PICNIC by William Inge directed by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    THE BUTTERFLY’S EVIL SPELL by Frederico Garcia Lorca at Oak Acres location.

    THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN (Mary Shelley) adapted by David Yeakle at Oak Acres location.

    1992

    A SAGA OF BILLY THE KID by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by William Shakespeare directed by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    BABY DOLL by Tennessee Williams directed by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    NIGHTMARE ALLEY STARRING TYRONE POWER by Simons and Steve Carter at Oak Acres location.

    SLEEPY HOLLOW, A HEADLESS TALE (Washington Irving) adapted by Simons and Joe Rogers at Oak Acres location.

    1993

    HUZZYTOWN by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare directed by Sharon Benge at Oak Acres location.

    ST. JOAN OF THE STOCKYARDS by Bertolt Brecht directed by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    THE SCARFISH VIBRATO by Simons, music by James Hinkle at Oak Acres location.

    EVERYMAN (Anonymous) at Oak Acres location.

    1994

    HARLIQUINADE by Simons

    THE NOSE SHOW! A one man pantomime by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    FLYING SAUCERS, A MODERN MYTH OF THINGS SEEN IN THE SKIES BY C.G. JUNG adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    GIRLS FROM GIRDLEVILLE GREET MEN IN BVD’S by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    LAKE OF THE APES by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    ADVENTURES WITH JESUS, LUKE 1-21 adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    THE THREE CUCKOLDS adapted by Leon Katz and Simons

    HUBCAPS AFIRE OVER HOLLYWOOD by Pete Gooch, music by Steve Carter directed by Gooch at Oak Acres location.

    THE BIG FAT CHRISTMAS GOOSE by Michael H. Price directed by Johnny Simons

    1995

    THE HEAD, HANDS AND TOE SHOW by Simons

    DAUGHTERS OF ZEEACK by Simons, music arrangements by Michael Appleby, Jazz Cafe on Magnolia

    MOUNTEBANKS CHANGING PLACE, A Harlequinade by Johnny Simons, Jazz Cafe on Magnolia

    TREASURE ISLAND ( Robert Lewis Stevenson), adapted by Johnny Simons Jazz Cafe on Magnolia

    SWANK CITY by Pete Gooch and Jim Toler Jazz Cafe on Magnolia

    THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (Edmund H. North and Harry Bates), adapted by James Maynard at Oak Acres location.

    A BOWL OF RED (Frank Tolbert), adapted by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    1996

    FOLK MIME TALES by Gary Cunningham

    RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE (Zane Grey), adapted by Simons and James Maynard at Oak Acres location.

    “EVERY MAN HIS OWN FOOTBALL!” THE DIVINE MADNESS OF DADA CABARET by Pete Gooch and Steve Carter at Oak Acres location.

    LYSISTRATA by Aristophanes directed by LouAnn Hoyle at Oak Acres location.


    THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH by Thornton Wilder directed by Andrew Gaupp at Oak Acres location.

    EGGHEADS by Joseph Sidbell at Oak Acres location.

    1997

    THE NOSES AND THE TOESES AND THE SHOULDA, COULDA, WOULDAS by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    DAUGHTERS OF ZEEACK by Simons, music arrangements by Michael Appleby at Oak Acres location.

    ADVENTURES OF WITH JUNE AND SCOTTY by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    THE MEEMA SEXTET by Simons

    OLD COOTS READ GENESIS, 1-8 KING JAMES VERSION adapted by Johnny Simons

    1998

    A FROG IN HIS THROAT by Georges Feydeau, adapted by Eric Cougar at Oak Acres location.

    RHINOCEROS by Eugene Ionesco directed by John Moore at Oak Acres location.


    FATTY IN BABYLON by Pete Gooch at Oak Acres location.

    INKYPOD by Lake Simons, with original music by Michael Bodycomb at Oak Acres location.

    IN WATERMELON SUGAR (Richard Brautigan), adapted by Simons, with original music by James Hinkle at Oak Acres location.

    1999

    COWTOWN! “ A BUNCH O WILDNESS” by Simons and Balentine at Oak Acres location.

    SUCH AND SUCH FESTIVAL, an evening of original works at Oak Acres location.

    OLD RIVER HIGH by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    R. CRUMB COMIX 3 (Robert Crumb) adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    DOGMAN by Lake Simons, directed by Lake Simons, with original music by Michael Bodycomb at Oak Acres location.

    LILITH OF THE LAKE by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    2000

    PINOCCHIO COMMEDIA by Simons, directed by Lake Simons, with original music by Michael Pellechia at Oak Acres location.

    SUCH AND SUCH FESTIVAL, an evening of original works at Oak Acres location.

    THE RAINMAKER by N. Richard Nash, directed by Sharon Benge at Oak Acres location.

    WAITING FOR GODOT by Samuel Beckett, directed by Tony Medlin at Oak Acres location.

    TOBACCO ROAD by Erskin Caldwell, adapted by Jack Kirkland, directed by Andrew Gaupp at Oak Acres location.

    EL MALEFICIO DE LA MARIPOSA by Frederico Garcia Lorca, directed by Gregory Vore at Oak Acres location.

    2001

    THE PANTALONE FOLLIES by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    SUCH AND SUCH FESTIVAL 2 , an evening of original works at Oak Acres location.

    ON THE ROAD by Jack Kerouac, adapted by Simons, with original music by Michael Bodycomb at Oak Acres location.

    THREE OLD CUCKS (Leon Katz), adapted by Simons and Ted Kairys at Oak Acres location.

    LAKE SUITE, by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    UNC’ BILLY POSSUM (Thornton W. Burgess), adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    EL TIGRE by E. Thomalen, directed by Diane Simons, produced with University of Texas at Arlington

    2002

    PREVIEW FOR THE SPACEFLEET LANDING ON EARTH IN 2001 A.D. BY URIEL, COSMIC VISIONARY, adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    MOLEMO! By Simons at Oak Acres location.

    PAPER PLANE written and directed by Lake Simons and Harold Lehmann at Oak Acres location.

    SAVAGE LOVE by Sam Shepherd and Joseph Chaikin, directed by Gabriel Roth at Oak Acres location.

    LA STRADA – Screenplay by Frederico Fellini, Ennio Flaiano, Tullio Pinelli, adapted and directed by Tony Medlin at Oak Acres location.

    BEYOND BLUE HOLE by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    KAFKA- A HUNGER ARTIST by Franz Kafka, adapted by Simons at Oak Acres location.

    2003

    CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR’S COURT by Mark Twain, adapted by Johnny Simons, directed by Tony Medlin at Oak Acres location.

    BAD GIRLS IN THE BIG CITY, adapted by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    ALICE IN WONDERLAND by Lewis Carroll, adapted by Lake Simons and John Dyer, directed by Lake Simons, with original music by John Dyer at Oak Acres location.

    A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by William Shakespeare, directed by Tony Medlin, produced by the Fort Worth Symphony at Bass Hall

    PINKY AND B.B. IN PARADISE by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    MR. WEAVER’S BACKYARD CIRCUS PRESENTS “HIAWATHA” BY HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW, adapted by Johnny Simons at Oak Acres location.

    2004: At Silver Creek location.

    WHAT’S INSIDE THE EGG? written and directed by Lake Simons, with original music by John Dyer

    RETURN TO GIRDLEVILLE WITH MEN IN BVD’S adapted by Johnny Simons

    UP IN AUNTIE’S ATTIC by Johnny Simons, with original music by John Dyer

    HONKY TONK written and directed by Gregory Vore

    YETI SONGS FROM MOUNT ANALOGUE by Renee Daumal, adapted by Johnny Simons

    2005

    MARS NEEDS WOMEN by Larry Buchanan, adapted by Johnny Simons

    MR. PEABODY AND THE MERMAID by Nunnally Johnson, adapted and directed by Lake Simons with music by Joey Carter and
    John Dyer


    ALLEY OOP by V.T. Hamlin, adapted by Johnny Simons, with music by Michael H. Price, puppetry bu Basil Twist

    RUBY ANN’S RAPTURE by Johnny Simons

    THE WOLFMAN by Curt Siodmak, adapted by Johnny Simons, with music by Michael H. Price

    2006

    THE DIARIES OF ADAM AND EVE by Mark Twain, adapted by Johnny Simons

    THE REAL TRUE STORY OF DUCY THE PUCY by Johnny Simons with music arrangement by Douglas Balentine

    R. CRUMB COMIX , by Robert Crumb, adapted by Johnny Simons with music by Michael H. Price

    HOW I FIXED MY ENGINE WITH ROSE WATER, inspired by THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint- Exupery, adapted and devised by Lake Simons, John Dyer, Erin Orr, Rima Fand, and Brendan McMann with music by John Dyer & Rima Fand

    COWTOWN PUPPETRY FESTIVAL directed by Erin Orr, Sophia Michahelles and Alex Kahn

    IN WATERMELON SUGAR by Richard Brautigan, adapted by Johnny Simons

    2007

    A WISEPECKER CHRISTMAS (created by Spike Jones) by Johnny Simons with music by Tchaikovsky

    TRIO MOLEMO written and direct by Johnny Simons, Lake Simons and Lorca Simons

    CRAZED CAGED RAGE written and directed by Johnny Simons with music by Stravinsky

    THE DOGGIES AND THE KITTY written and directed by Johnny Simons with music by The Lake Rats

    COWTOWN PUPPETRY FESTIVAL- THE LOST GARDEN PARTY directed and created by Chris M. Green and Erin K. Orr

    AURORA EPHEMERALA adapted by Johnny Simons with music by Michael H. Price

    2008

    COOTIE PANCAKE written and directed by Johnny Simons

    THE WATER BEARER’S DREAM written by Lorca Simons, directed by Gabriel Roth

    DREAMS DO NOT CARE written and directed by Johnny Simons

    THE ISLAND OF DR. MOREAU by H.G. Wells, adapted and directed by Johnny Simons, costumes and puppetry by Basil Twist

    COWTOWN PUPPETRY FESTIVAL written and directed by Chris M. Green, Erin K. Orr and Lake Simons

    THE LAST LAKE RAT written and directed by Johnny Simons

    2009

    HOWL by Allen Ginsberg, adapted and directed by Johnny Simons

    THE PROPHET by Kahlil Gibran, adapted and directed by Johnny Simons

    THE UGLY BROTHERS PRESENT A PERFECTLY LOVELY PLAY FEATURING THE QUIVER SISTERS AND THEIR PRETTY LITTLE WAYS written and directed by Johnny Simons

    COWTOWN PUPPETRY FESTIVAL written and directed by Chris M. Green, Erin K. Orr and Lake Simons

    WHITE ELEPHANT by Lake Simons and John Dyer

    A PRINCESS OF MARS by Edgar Riche Burroughs, adapted and directed by Johnny Simons

    2010

    THE ANGEL PLAY- A SUICIDE BURLESQUE by Johnny Simons


    ETIQUETTE UNRAVELED by Lake Simons
 and Chad Lynch

    EDWARD ABBEY- WILD AND IRON SKY by John Carlisle Moore, adapted by Johnny Simons


    LOWDOWN WAX by Lake Simons with music by The Squirrel Nut Zippers


    CIRCUS SALOME adapted by David Yeakle


    ON THE ORGINS OF THE SPECIFICS- THE MUSICAL By John Carlisle Moore, with music by Joe Rogers


    2011

    GIRLS FROM GIRDLEVILLE DEFEND MEN IN BVD’S FROM BULLIES IN BREIFS by Johnny Simons


    WIND SET-UP by Lake Simons
 and John Dyer

    SIDDHARTHA by Herman Hesse, adapted by Johnny Simons


    THE BUTTERFLY’S EVIL SPELL by Frederico Garcia Lorca directed by Johnny Simons


    PARADOXICAL ABDUCTION ON SILVER CREEK- TOP SECRET/EYES ONLY written and directed by Johnny Simons


    2012

    TOM SAWYER (A BANJO COMMEDIA) by Mark Twain, adapted by Johnny Simons

    MOBY DICK by Herman Melville, adapted by Lake Simons and John Dyer, directed by Lake Simons with music by John Dyer

    SHEENA, QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE by Will Eisner and Jerry Iger, adapted by Johnny Simons from GOLDEN AGE SHEENA with music by Michael H. Price

    THE HAWKLINE MONSTER (A GOTHIC WESTERN) by Richard Brautigan adapted by Johnny Simons with music by Darren Kobetich

    SOLO MOLEMO! AND THE LONG, TALL SALLYS! By Johnny Simons with Julie Ballew and Gracie Tune

    2013

    ARCHY & MEHITABEL (SHINBONE ALLEY) By Joe Darion and Mel Brooks (based on the stories of Don Marquis). Directed by Sharon Benge. Music by Joe Rogers. Artistic Design by Michael H. Price.

    ALICE IN WONDERLAND Adapted by Lake Simons and John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    A TEMPEST Adapted and Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    SASSAFRASS, POPPY COCK, AND PRITTLEPRATTLE WITH LUM AND ABNER, Adapted and Directed by Johnny Simons and based on the classic radio show. Music by Michael H. Price.

    FUZZBUG FOLLIES By Johnny Simons

    2014

    PINOCCHIO COMMEDIA By Johnny Simons

    ROSE NOSE RHAPSODY By Lake Simons and John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    NEKKID WITH THE CATS, A WISEPECKER CONUNDRUM by Johnny Simons

    THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI Adapted and Directed by Johnny Simons

    2015

    THE ENCHANTED LAKE By Johnny Simons.

    TREE POP By Lake Simons and John Dyer. Music by John Dyer.

    LILI Adapted by James Maynard. Directed by John Murphy. Puppetry by James Maynard.

    THE KILLER SHREWS Adapted and Directed by Johnny Simons. Music by Michael H. Price.

    2016

    MR. WEAVER’S BACKYARD CIRCUS PRESENTS: A CONNECTICUT YANKEE IN KING ARTHUR’S COURT By Johnny Simons

    THE DISTANT ECHO OF ANCIENT YOUTH by Johnny Simons

    DON QUIXOTE adapted by Lake Simons and John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    THE LAKE WORTH MONSTER: A MUSICAL ODYSSEY by Simons and Balentine. Puppetry by Basil Twist and James Maynard.

    2017

    FLASH GORDON CONQUERS THE UNIVERSE Adapted and Directed by Johnny Simons

    IN WATERMELON SUGAR by Richard Brautigan. Adapted and Directed by John Murphy. Designed by James Maynard.

    THE LAND OF OZ by L. Frank Baum. Adapted and Directed by Lake Simons and John Dyer. Music by John Dyer.

    LUKE OF THE LAKE AND WILL OF THE WOODS, A CARTOON FANTASY By Johnny Simons

    2018

    THE GREAT MARK TWAIN SHENANIGAN AND BEWHISKERED BALLET By Johnny Simons

    A FRAGILE DANCE OF ELDERS INTO THE GREAT BEYOND By Johnny Simons

    LOOP THE LOOP By Lake Simons and John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS by Kenneth Grahame. Adapted and Directed by John Murphy. Designed by James Maynard.

    THRIVE By Ellen Mahoney Crouse. Directed by JoAnn Gracey.

    2019

    SEVEN SINATRA VERONICAS By Johnny Simons

    LOVE LETTERS TO A RAVEN By Lorca Simons. Directed by Lorca and Lake Simons.

    ARCADIA DARLING By Lake Simons and John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    BABY SNOOKS Adapted and Directed by JoAnn Gracey

    THE MONKEY WRENCH GANG By Edward Abbey. Adapted and Directed by Johnny Simons. Music by Darrin Kobetich.

    2020

    Season canceled due to pandemic

    2021

    CURMUDGEON BOOGIE (INTO THE SHADOWS) By Johnny Simons

    PIXIE POSY By Lake Simons and John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons. Music by John Dyer.

    WALKING ON WIRE (STORIES FROM THE FEET) By Lorca Simons. Directed by Lake and Lorca Simons

    THE SLAM BANG STORY OF ICHAMORE TWERPWHISTLE By Grainger Esch. Directed by Grainger Esch.

    ELECTRA By Sophocles. Translation by Kenneth McLeish. Directed by Krista Scott. Co-Production with TCU.

    2022

    PINOCCHIO COMMEDIA by Johnny Simons. Directed by David Yeakle.

    DIARIES OF ADAM AND EVE by Mark Twain. Directed by Yvonne Duque- Guererro. Music by Darrin Kobetich.

    WHEN WE WERE VERY YOUNG by A.A. Milne. Adapted by Lake Simons and John Dyer. Music by John Dyer. Directed by Lake Simons.

    SAVAGE LOVE by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin. Directed by Lorca Simons.

    THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW adapted by Johnny Simons. Directed by JoAnn Gracey. Music by Joe Rogers.

    2023

    RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE by Johnny Simons and James Maynard. Directed by JoAnn Gracey. Music and Lyrics by Joe Rogers.

    EL MALEFICIO DE LA MARIPOSA/Butterfly’s Evil Spell by Federico Garcia Lorca. Directed by Yvonne Duque-Guerrero with music by Darrin Kobetich.

    WHITE ELEPHANT by Lake Simons and John Dyer

    TESTING GROUND 3+3 with RED by JoAnn Gracey and directed by Erica Harkins, MARIPOSA SKYWAY by Rob Bosquez and Directed by Madelyn Weynand, and CONCRETE SHOES by Shelby Griffin and directed by Christina Cranshaw.

    OLD AND IN THE WAY by Johnny Simons

    THE FLY by James Clavell and Adapted and Directed by Shawn Gann

    2024

    A Twisty Intergalactic Spectacle by Basil Twist, Ken Ard and Joe Rogers.

    A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare directed by Yvonne Duque-Guerreo music by Darrin Kobetich

    Raft Project (My Shapes Are In Turmoil) by Lake Simons and John Dyer at Southsider Preservation Hall

    Big Love by Charles Mee directed by Emily Scott Banks

    Metamorphosis adapted and directed by Christina Cranshaw music by Clint Niosi

    Production 1977-1979 -Performed at Hip Pocket Theatre Hwy 80 W, Fort Worth, TX

    Production 1979-1994, 1996-2003- performed at Oak Acres Amphitheatre, Fort Worth, TX

Photo by Joe Reese. Tommy by The Who & directed by Johnny Simons.

 

Photo by Joe Reese. Hearts of the City by Simons and Balentine.

Photo by Michael Bodycomb. Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein by James Maynard and directed by Johnny Simons.

Photo by Loli Kantor. Pantalone Follies, By Johnny Simons.

Photo by Michael Bodycomb. Girls From Girdleville Greet Men In BVD’s.

 
 

Photo by Joe Reese. June and Scotty by Johnny Simons.

Photo by Joe Reese. Wizard of Oz, directed by Johnny Simons

 

Photo by Michael Bodycomb. Midsummer Night’s Dream, by William Shakespeare and directed by Johnny Simons

Photo by Michael Bodycomb. Kerouac, A Remembrance by John Murphy and Johnny Simons.

Photo by Joe Reese. Lake Worth Monster, Simons and Balentine.

 
 

Photo by Joe Reese. Tarzan of the Oaks, Simons and Balentine

Billy Club Puppets by Garcia Lorca & directed by Johnny Simons

Photo by Lex Jenkins. Preview for the Spacefleet Landing On Earth In 2001 A.D. Bb URIEL, COSMIC VISIONARY, adapted by Johnny Simons.

 

Photo by Michael Bodycomb. Three Cuckolds, directed by Johnny Simons

Photo by Loli Kantor. Curmudgeon Boogie, (Into the Shadows) by Johnny Simons.

Photo by Loli Kantor. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare & directed by Tony Medlin

Photo by Shannon Atkinson Cahoon. Pinocchio Commedia by Johnny Simons.

 

Photo by Shannon Atkinson. Hawkline Monster by Richard Brautigan & directed by Johnny Simons