The history of Dallas Summer Musicals dates back to 1941, when a summer season that began with the Sigmund Romberg operettaBlossom Time was presented in the Fair Park bandshell by a company called Opera Under the Stars. That first season of 12 shows was co-produced by a group of Dallas businesses and the Shubert organization. Due to the onset of World War II, no shows were staged the following year, but the summer theater resumed operation in 1943 when some local businessmen banded together and established a non-profit producing organization.

Over the years, the name of the summer season was changed to Fair Park Casino Operettas, Starlight Operettas, and State Fair Musicals (in 1951, when the season was moved indoors to the newly air conditioned State Fair Music Hall). The current name, Dallas Summer Musicals, was adopted in 1961. During the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s, several shows originally produced by DSM toured the country, and some went on to Broadway engagements. In 1998, Dallas Summer Musicals took over the management of the Music Hall and The Majestic Theatre.