The one absolute fact about Texas is that it feels like Texas should, or as outsiders want Texas to feel, which is the same thing," said the cowboy in the first production of Deep in the Heart of Texas in 1996. This original script by Kids Who Care Inc. continues to touch hearts both at home and on an international stage. From Aug. 1–4, about 150 students from all parts of the world will bring this production to life in the Scott Theater, which is also written as the setting of the opening act.
This play celebrates the raw grit of the men and women who settled Texas. "It's not John Wayne," said Deborah Jung, founding executive director of Kids Who Care Inc. "It's a rich historical piece that's also pretty hilarious," she explained.
In partnership with Sister Cities International, Kids Who Care Inc. has performed Deep in the Heart of Texas in countries including Italy and Germany, in addition to cities across the U.S. In the city center of Trier, Germany, Kids Who Care Inc. was scheduled to take the stage after a rock n" roll group. It started raining. Jung recalled hundreds of festival-goers tiptoeing away and umbrellas going up.
They stopped in their tracks after hearing a whooping "Yee-haw! Hi y"all." Deborah sensed they stayed because it was Texas. The play is as much Fort Worth as it is Texas, she said. And that is something to be proud of.
For tickets and performance dates and times, visit kidswhocare.org.
