The first season for DVA Productions, a group that was founded by Fort Worth actress and singer Sheran Goodspeed Keyton, has been announced. DVA has done shows off and on in the past few years, recently using the space owned by Pantagleize Theatre.
Now, they're branching out with a full season, heavy on works that are similar to DVA's past (a jazz diva and the blues figure prominently). But there's also a suprise in the play The Laramie Project, about the murder of gay youth Matthew Shepard in Wyoming.
All shows will take place at Pantagleize Theatre, 1400 Henderson Street Bldg. No. 3, Fort Worth.
Here's the lineup (descriptions from the DVA news release):
Billie's Blues
November 11-20, 2011
Written by diannetucker, directed by Sheran Goodspeed Keyton
This original stage play is our tribute to the incomparable Billie Holiday. It premiered in January 2011 at Tuckers' Blues in Dallas, TX; and has since been performed at The Iridium in New York City. Critics and audiences rave, calling this show a must see! Blues Diva Tamara Stovall Peterson wows the audience as Billie Holiday. Her voice is "velvety smooth with a passionate edge." Accompanying her is Grammy Award-nominated blues legend Lucky Peterson. The two will perform Billie's Blues while on hiatus from their 12-month world tour. The show also features narration by Tyrone King. These Billie Holiday stories, which span her incredible life and her untimely death, are creatively told in her own words.
The Laramie Project
March 2-11, 2012
Written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project
Directed by Sheran Goodspeed Keyton
On October 6th of 1998 Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die tied to a fence in the outskirts of Laramie, Wyoming. He died 6 days later. His torture and murder became a watershed historical moment in America that highlighted many of the fault lines in our culture. A month after the murder, the members of Tectonic Theater Project traveled to Laramie and conducted interviews with the people of the town. From these interviews they wrote the play The Laramie Project. The piece has been seen by more than 30 million people around the country. On the heels of Black History Month and the beginning of Women's History Month, DVA Productions uses this show to promote tolerance and oppose hatred toward any group. Please join us for the opening night of this performance where the pre-show speech will be given by Councilman Joel Burns.
A Big Girl's Guide to Love
May 18-27, 2012
Written by Jennifer Porter Kennard, Directed by Sheran Goodspeed Keyton
Sloane Davis is a big beautiful fish in a little pond. A well-educated, independent woman; successful by all standards...except in her love life. Navigating the dating scene is hard enough without dealing with "well-intentioned" friends, family, and even strangers...and battling her inner child. Will Sloane find the love that truly deserves her? This play is a step by step guide for women of all sizes on balancing family, career and LOVE. It's an original comedy that will leave you in stitches.
I'm Every Woman 2: Divas and Duets
July 20-29, 2012
Conceived by Sheran Goodspeed Keyton
DVA Productions closes their 2011-2012 Inaugural Season with a fresh new take on an old DVA hit. Audiences leapt to their feet singing and dancing during the 2009 production of I'm Every Woman: A Tribute To Great Women In Music. Now DVA brings you I'm Every Woman 2: Divas and Duets. This piece is a lively, entertaining, concert-style show that includes more than 15 of the greatest songs of all times. Complete high energy choreography, the show will feature music from greats such as Patsy Cline, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Barbara Streisand, and many more! The music will spark nostalgia, make the audience want to clap and sing along, and take them to a place in life where all great memories began. It is broadway! It is a juke-joint! It is a speak-easy! It is an old Baptist church!
Tickets range from $15-20. Season tickets and group rates are available. For more information visit us online at www.dvaproductions.org or by calling 817-313-3052. 
