The cast of “Rock of Ages”
Photo courtesy of
KO Rinearson

Lyric Theatre begins the fall season with the widely acclaimed “Rock of Ages” bringing the 80’s glitz and glitter back into our consciousness.  Even those who tried to avoid the decade while experiencing it will connect positively with the tongue-in-cheek humor, and the fresh take found in the story from Chris D’Arienzo with arrangements and orchestrations of the greatest hits of the decade by Ethan Popp.  Lyric’s Artistic Director, Michael Baron, is thrilled to present the show to Oklahoma audiences as it really strikes a chord with… Continue reading →

Actors pose in publicity photo for Jewel Box Theatre’s production, “Suite Surrender.” From left: Joe Bonfiglio, Amandanell Bold, standing, and Zaneen Hotchkiss. Photo taken Monday, Sep 11, 2017. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Jewel Box Theatre presents the hysterical farce, “Suite Surrender” through October 22, 2017 by noted playwright, Michael McKeever.  The comedy is directed by Don Taylor, and he has the perfect cast to deliver the witty repartee with the perfect timing the play deserves.  Timing is everything, double takes are imperative for the double entendrs, and a certain lack of fear from the actors make… Continue reading →

Hamlet (Luke Thomas Eddy) challenges his mother, Queen Gertrude (Kathryn Mcgill)

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park is presenting “Hamlet” to put an exclamation on their 33^rd season.  Now that we have such beautiful cool evenings it is a welcome return to the Myriad Botanical Gardens for the performance.  “Hamlet” is one of the better known Shakespearean masterpieces; everywhere we go we take a bit of “Hamlet” along with us.  What falls ‘trippingly’ from our tongues in common speech is frequently Shakespearean, and, more often than not “Hamlet” is the source.

“Hamlet” is always studied in high… Continue reading →

Julie Johnson as Patsy Cline

Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley and as a youngster little Ginny Hensley broke into the music world with a delicious and delightful honkytonk sound.  As she grew into Patsy Cline her music was distinguished by her powerfully emotional voice, and she is the first ‘country’ artist to cross over into the ‘pop’ charts.  But she didn’t just cross over, she transcended.  Her music was just that–music.  And it seared the soul, an ability universally recognized.  She died too young; she was only 30 years old when that fatal… Continue reading →

Mark Fairchild as Scotty and Lilli Bassett as Marilyn gang up on Linda McDonald as Abby over dinner

Carpenter Square begins the 34^th season of excellent community theatre to Oklahoma City audiences with David Lindsay-Abaire’s recent play “Ripcord” premiering in 2015. The comedy is billed as a cross between ‘Odd Couple’ and ‘Golden Girls’ and follows the somewhat shallow surface of the best television situation comedies.  Good comedy is based on tragic possibilities at the very least, and while the prominent appreciation of situation comedies on television rarely delved into the meaty aspects of tragedy, “Ripcord” certainly does.… Continue reading →

Matthew Alvin Brown as Charlotte von Mahlsdorf in “I Am My Own Wife” from Lyric Production.

One of the most outstanding shows seen by okartsceneandhurd is a Lyric Production of “I Am My Own Wife” starring the talented Matthew Alvin Brown.  The Lyric production is now a co-production by Lyric and Tulsa Project Theatre.  Directed by Michael Baron is now showing in Tulsa from September 13 through September 24, 2017.  The theatre address is 110 E. 2^nd Street in Tulsa and tickets and information is available by calling 918-770-6679 or visit www.tulsaprojecttheatre.com.  They also… Continue reading →

Gathered writers marvel at Max Prince (Sid Caesar, portrayed by Timothy Stewart)

Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23^rd Floor” was born in “Your Show of Shows” — 90 minutes of exceptional television history.  Some may remember sneaking out of bed to sit on the hard hall floor peeking around the door to watch the 9:00 o’clock extravaganza and falling in love with Imogene Coca.  While the love scene between Deborah Kerr and Burt Lancaster on the beach in From Here to Eternity is a favorite romantic movie classic it is still the face of Imogene Coca in… Continue reading →

Tad Thurston as Atticus Finch and David Patterson as Bob Ewell flank Brian C, Scott (seated) as Tom Robinson in the courtroom

Jewel Box Theatre, an Oklahoma City tradition, kicks off the 2017-2018 season with “To Kill A Mockingbird” a powerful story by Harper Lee.  Harper Lee’s book came out in 1960 and earned the Pulitzer Prize in 1961. By 1970 the book was expertly adapted to the stage by Christopher Sergel.  A film, also a classic starring Gregory Peck, was adapted for the screen by Horton Foote. The movie garnered numerous Academy Award nominations with Peck winning… Continue reading →