West on Silver Creek Road and past Brewer High School — the route to Hip Pocket Theatre might as well be “the second star to the right and straight on til morning.” The experimental, rural theater isn’t altogether unlike Peter Pan’s Neverland.
When creator Johnny Simons, costume designer Diane Simons, and composer Douglas Balentine set out from Casa Manaña in the 1970s — with only the cash in their hip pockets — their goal was to produce theater like no one had seen before. Nearly 50 years later, the founding trio’s legacy is still making magic on the shores of Lake Worth.
The small outdoor theater — in its third location at 1950 Silver Creek Rd. — is now run by Johnny and Diane Simons’ daughters Lake and Lorca, alongside a team of volunteers, who produce a mix of original compositions and classic re-tellings.
Sharing the site with wildflowers, field mice, and birds of prey, the “always under construction” outdoor venue is composed of salvaged materials — like painted wagon wheels and rusting corrugated tin roofing — twinkly lights, and a lot of storytelling.
“This is an imagination place,” Quinten McGown, Hip Pocket’s Board of Directors treasurer, said. “We’re trying to help people maintain their imaginations at a time when everyone says we shouldn’t have one.”
Hip Pocket Theatre raised its curtain on its 49th season in May, premiering Sam Shepard’s “The Mad Dog Blues.” Right now through Sunday, July 13, it’ll be performing Federico Garcia Lorca’s “The Billy Club Puppets.” Grab tickets for the 9 p.m. showtime. Pro tip: Pack a seat cushion and bug spray.
Don’t forget to show up early or stay after the show for live music by local artists in the BackYard picnic-style bar. Here’s a look at the rest of the season:
- “Old Mother West Wind"| Friday, Aug. 1-Sunday, Aug. 24
- “Heartbreak House” | Friday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 28
- Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” | Friday, Oct. 10-Sunday, Nov. 2
Explore other secret spots in Fort Worth with our Hidden Gem series.
