After #AmonOnTour, our play returns home.
NEXT SHOWS - Theatre Arlington
Four performances: Jan. 9, 10, 11, 2026.
(TICKET info coming.)
If you’ve heard about the true-to-life comedy from friends, come enjoy the award-winning play as it makes its Arlington debut. (Photo courtesy of Mary Couts Burnett Library at Texas Christian University.)
The Legend Returns: “AMON! The Ultimate Texan” Rides into Theatre Arlington January 9–11
ARLINGTON, TX — Texas history takes center stage this January when AMON! The Ultimate Texan — the acclaimed one-man play about legendary Fort Worth newspaperman Amon G. Carter — comes to Theatre Arlington for a four-show limited engagement, January 9–11, 2026.
Written by Dallas Morning News columnist Dave Lieber and starring Kelvin Dilks as the larger-than-life Amon Carter, the award-winning play celebrates the wit, vision, and unstoppable spirit of the man often called “Mr. Fort Worth.” Through humor, storytelling, and a few of Carter’s own tall tales, audiences meet a Texas original who shaped the state’s media, business, and civic landscape.
Carter founded the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, launched WBAP radio and television, and spent decades promoting Fort Worth and West Texas to the world. Lieber’s play — based on extensive research and archival materials — captures Carter’s trademark charm and his determination to make his city and state shine.
“Amon Carter was bold, funny, and relentless — and he built an empire by believing in Texas,” says playwright Dave Lieber. “We created this play to show how one man’s vision and humor helped define an entire region. It’s part history, part inspiration, and a whole lot of Texas pride.”
AMON! The Ultimate Texan, directed by Connie Sanchez, has delighted audiences across North Texas and beyond with its blend of laughter, nostalgia, and authenticity.
At Theatre Arlington, audiences can expect a vibrant performance that blends theatrical storytelling with historic insight. Founded in 1973, Theatre Arlington is one of the oldest and most respected community theaters in North Texas. Located in the heart of Arlington’s Downtown Cultural Arts District, it presents a full season of plays and musicals. https://theatrearlington.org/season-extras/
Dates and times: January 9–11, 2026 (four performances)
· Friday, January 9 at 7 p.m.
· Saturday, January 10 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
· Sunday, January 11 at 3 p.m.
Venue: Theatre Arlington, 305 W. Main Street, Arlington, TX
Tickets will go on sale soon. Watch this space.
Website: https://www.amonplay.com/
Follow Amon! The Ultimate Texan on Facebook at Amon Carter Play or visit facebook.com/groups/1675498099423559.
Dave Lieber is the Watchdog columnist for The Dallas Morning News and an award-winning author, speaker, and storyteller. His work often champions ordinary Texans and celebrates the state’s unique character. AMON! The Ultimate Texan reflects his long-term fascination with Amon G. Carter’s life and legacy.
Kelvin Dilks brings Amon Carter to life with humor, vigor, and heartfelt authenticity. His performance has been widely praised for capturing Carter’s commanding personality and his deep love for Texas.
Additional photos and video clips are available upon request.
Media contact: Barbara Griffith
WATCH: Nudity, bashing Dallas and 214 vs. 817. It’s Episode #1 of The Dave Lieber Show with guests Kelvin Dilks and Connie Sanchez.
AMON! The Ultimate Texan is the story of one of the most amazing Texans who ever lived. Born in a log cabin and with only an eighth grade education, Amon G. Carter Sr. became Texas’ most powerful media overlord. Presidents put up with him because he owned the largest newspaper, radio and television station in Texas. He had a big heart, but a bigger sense for business and for the future. He was one of a kind and this play – and its companion book – by popular newspaper columnist Dave Lieber bring the story of this remarkable Texan back to life.
A Special Video Message from Amon
VIDEO: The message about community offered by the subject of my first play - Amon G. Carter Sr., aka Mr. Fort Worth - is more relevant today than when he uttered it.
‘Let’s Bring Amon Home’ Project A Success
After 66 performances, it’s safe to say that AMON! The Ultimate Texan about Fort Worth’s founding father Amon G. Carter Sr. was one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s, er, excuse us, Fort Worth/Dallas’ (you’re welcome, Amon) top theatrical events of the year.
We’ve only just begun. We’ve performed in 11 Texas cities. We’re exploring many venues for future shows.
Our goal is to take this show everywhere.
This is the play and the companion book’s official website. You can buy tickets here, and ask questions. You can visit the NEWS tab up top and see what audiences and the press say about our play that when you’re not laughing, you’re crying.
The play features actor Kelvin Dilks as Amon. The play is directed by Connie Sanchez, who also did stage and costume design as well script supervision. The play was written by The Dallas Morning News Watchdog columnist Dave Lieber, who also serves as producer.
Stay tuned for more AMON! news.
“Amon Carter really is our Alexander Hamilton. He’s our consequential figure that we’ve forgotten who he is and what he did for us. “”