Boy On Billboard - March 13-16

Join us at GalleryDefi for a powerful evening of hope and healing featuring the new musical, Boy on Billboard! In a stellar celebration of new works and female writers, experience unforgettable new songs like “Wait With Me”, “Helping People”, “Music in the Sky” and more! Based on the true story of a local DFW family; James Apple, his sister, and his battle with mental illness, this work takes a fearless dive into a timely story of tragedy and hope. Following their recent New York City debut, this performance is produced and directed by Composer Lisa Apple, Playwright Meg Parker Wilson & Producer Heath Bromley in partnership with Gallery Defi.

The show takes us on a journey through the events that follow: On October 1st, 2010 James Apple, died of accidental suicide due to an undiagnosed mental illness, the day after his 24th birthday. Six months prior he had climbed to the top of a billboard in downtown Fort Worth, TX. For seven hours he paced back and forth, sat and stood, threatened to jump and conducted an orchestra he saw in his mind. The family stood in a trailer watching while the police and rescue team tried to coax him down. 

“James was full of life and lived each day to the fullest. We want this show to honor his life and who he was. I hope our story makes people feel seen and loved and know they are not forgotten or left behind,” says Lisa.

“We are thrilled to share ‘Boy on Billboard’ with our community,” says Meg. “This project is a labor of love, and we believe that it speaks to the experiences of many. Because it is based on a true story and exposes the realities of mental illness, we are seeing an incredible response.”

With your purchase, you will get a seat to ‘Boy on Billboard’ as well as the Gallery DeFi experience with the cast. The Dallas performance is a crucial step towards our 29-hour New York City reading! Your ticket purchase and support from art sales will directly fund hiring NYC talent, securing performance space, and gathering essential feedback from industry professionals.

Featuring: 

Jack Austin  (54 Below sings Glee, Under 20 Sing Over 20, TikTok)

Megan Demsky (National Tours: Maria u/s to Marla Schaffel "The Sound of Music", "Henry and Mudge" Theatreworks NYC)

Ashley Seal (Peppa “Peppa Pig Live” 2 National Tour Runs)

…and other local stars!