2018
Behind the Scenes at OSP’s Richard III
by Kae Koger*
L to R: Alexis Ward as Queen Margaret, Alyssa Fantel as Queen Elizabeth, Tyler Woods as King… Continue reading
Lyric Theatre Stages World Premiere Musical When We’re Gone
Kat Metcalfe as Rosie and John Furey as Todd in Lyric Theatre’s world premiere production When We’re Gone. Photo by KO Rinearson.
Lyric Theatre of OKC has a history of unique story offerings. Their New Works Initiative has brought the world premieres of Triangle (2014), Bernice Bobs Her Hair (2015) and Mann… And Wife (2016). The tradition continues with their final show of the 2018 season, When We’re Gone. The Lyric is debuting this show, a new rock musical with an old twist. Set in 1349, in the (quite literally) plagued city of London, When We’re Gone features… Continue reading
Hilarious Heresy in The Pollard’s “An Act of God”
Brenda Williams
The Pollard Theatre in Guthrie, Oklahoma kicks off its 32nd season with David Javerbaum’s popular controversial comedy “An Act of God” starring Brenda Williams. Javerbaum is an award-winning comedy writer known for his prolific work as a staff writer on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His first book, The Last Testament: A Memoir by God was released in 2011 with “An Act of God” premiering in 2015. Both were formed from a series of tweets @thetweetofGod. The Pollard Theatre is a professional regional theatre of noted excellence and Timothy Stewart is… Continue reading
“The Foreigner” Sparkles at Jewel Box Theatre
Barrett Davidson as Charlie Baker (red cup) Chris Harris as Betty Meeks (platter) and Matthew Percival as Ellard Simms (silver cup) Photo Courtesy of Jewel Box Theatre
Larry Shue is the author of “The Nerd” and “The Foreigner” two of the most popular award winning plays of the 1980’s. The Jewel Box Theatre begins their 61st season with “The Foreigner” to delighted audiences. Chuck Tweed directs and Barrett Davidson in the role of Charlie Baker. There are many ‘sweet’ bits in “The Foreigner” and Tweed is well-known in Oklahoma theatrical circles as an ideal ‘bit’ man.… Continue reading
VZD’s Presents SAINT MONROE and LOCUST GROVE
Oklahoma Art Scene and Hurd was created as a vehicle to ‘criticize’ art for the benefit of the public. With a background in theatre that’s where we began. We have always intended to branch out into the arts. Will Hurd is one of the better known Southwest Colorists in the nation, and I have yet to ‘review’ his art although working as his agent for 40 years I am certainly qualified to do so, and I intend to cover his next opening. But that’s nepotism!!! That’s right. But it’s my blog! I… Continue reading
It’s the Perfect Time for Perfect Timing in “Sense and Sensibility” at Shakespeare in the Park
Wil Rogers (lighted), Becca Mitchell, Madeline Dannenberg and David Fletcher-Hall. Photo Courtesy of Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park
Shakespeare in the Park is presenting “Sense and Sensibility,” Jane Austen’s beloved tale of two young sisters attempt to find happiness within the strict confines of moral behavior in 19th century England. The code of conduct that women in this Victorian era had to adhere to wasn’t always easy. She had one choice; a good marriage. That meant a woman had to, within a very few short years, love and inspire love in the richest man she could find.… Continue reading
A Departure, A New Beginning for The Pollard’s Season 32
Brenda Williams as the titular sovereign in An Act of God. Photo courtesy Pollard Theatre.
Season 32 marks a unique time in the Pollard Theatre Company’s history. For the first time in over 25 years, The Pollard will feature a different Christmas play this season, a temporary departure from their venerated Territorial Christmas Carol. The loss of company member turned famed Scrooge, James Ong, has shifted the mindset of this remarkable company. While they do intend to bring the show back to the Pollard stage, the hiatus this season will give the company time to redirect. According to artistic… Continue reading
Kismet Arts Studio and Theatre Astounds with “Oliver”
Emily Pace as Nancy shields Hudson Ratcliff as Oliver
Occasionally a talented director in community theatre will stumble upon the key to superb community theatre and a masterpiece is created in an unexpected place. Angela Polk and Laura Himes own the Kismet Arts Studio and Theatre and their first full-fledged community performance of “Oliver” is a masterpiece, however the success of their production is no stumble. It is, rather, the result of perfect understanding in birthing superb community theatre.
Almost everyone is familiar with the work of Charles Dickens in the wonderful novels he created, set in Victorian… Continue reading
Lyric Theatre’s “Mamma Mia!” Delights the Audience at the Civic Center
The cast of “Mamma Mia!” dancing in front of the taverna
In 1976 ABBA, one of the most popular rock groups of all time released “Dancing Queen” and while not everyone was a fan of ABBA, everyone became familiar with that song. Not only is “Dancing Queen” a great song for dancing, it is a great song to hear on the radio on that long drive home. And for that brief moment any woman can become the dancing queen. Even my own mother who would be 100 this year was caught in such a brief moment of… Continue reading
“Ruthless” is a Qualified Boom Success!
Emily Etherton as Judy Denmark and Erin Heatly as Tina Denmark in “Ruthless”
Favorite dramas from Hollywood’s heyday in the 50’s are “All About Eve” and “The Bad Seed.” Nancy Kelly originated Christine Penmark in both stage and movie productions of “The Bad Seed.” Alongside her is Patty McCormack as the psychopathic daughter, Rhoda in the classic film. Of course no one could forget Bette Davis and Anne Baxter in “All About Eve” the movie that created the iconic female conniver with Baxter as Eve, alongside the outstanding diva in Margot Channing so memorably played by Bette Davis.… Continue reading