Past Reviews
Laughing and Loving with “Defending the Caveman” from CityRep at OCCC
The battle between the sexes is never-ending, frequently all-consuming, and filled with joy. The conflict is unique, with both contenders either winning or losing, and the treaty resolving the issues can be so blissful! Revealing well known foibles alongside contemporary views of feminism and masculine behavior, “Defending the Caveman” is the longest running solo show on Broadway for a very good reason! Noted comic Rob Becker first premiered the one man show to delighted audiences in 1991, a treat Becker, himself, performed for many years. Since then other actors have presented the show, among them is actor and… Continue reading
“37 Postcards” a Treat and a Laugh from Jewel Box
When tragedy happens wouldn’t it be wonderful to hide away pretending it didn’t happen? Of course, we all know that’s impossible, it simply wouldn’t work. But…what if it did work? No, impossible! Or, maybe just impossibly funny. Playwright Michael McKeever certainly makes it work in”37 Postcards” one of his most popular comedies. Director Don Taylor assuredly brings to this production of “37 Postcards” intelligent casting and comic sensibility. When the cast has timing, they have a hit. Continue reading
Carpenter Square Presents Picture Perfect Production with “Bakersfield Mist”
Elizabeth Hurd Published: January 13, 2017
Carpenter Square begins 2017 with “Bakersfield Mist” directed by the versatile Ben Hall. “Bakersfield Mist” by noted playwright and director Stephen Sachs, is based on actual events. A working class woman apparently discovers an unknown and very valuable masterpiece by Jackson Pollock in a thrift shop. Continue reading
“Beyond the Stratosphere” Insightful, Interesting and Illuminating
Ryan Echols Published: December 23th, 2016
“Beyond the Stratosphere” by La’Charles Purvey, directed by Callison Coburn and now playing at Oklahoma City Theatre Company, looks at five black men struggling to live with HIV/AIDS in 1992. It is a journey of suffering, confusion, frustration, and pain, but it all comes down to taking it one day at a time. Continue reading
Making Merry in the Refined World of Jane Austen’s England
Elizabeth Hurd Published: December 13th, 2016
“Jane Austen’s Christmas Cracker” is going to become a Christmas tradition in Oklahoma City. This is an interactive dramatic event for adults much like Creative Dramatics programs for children. The characters are the wonderful author of Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen. She is hosting a Christmas Ball along with her beloved sister, Cassandra. Continue reading
“A Tuna Christmas” Wild, Wacky and Wonderful
Elizabeth Hurd Published: December 6th, 2016
The first of the ‘Tuna’ story is found in “Greater Tuna” a brilliant comedy set in the fictional yet familiar town of Tuna, Texas. Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard are the three genius creators and since 1981 the Tuna plays have become a favorite for audiences all over the nation. Williams and Sears performed and Howard directed the Texas hits. Continue reading
Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol” Traditional Wonder and Delight
Elizabeth Hurd Published: December 5th, 2016
“A Christmas Carol” is the classic that introduces each succeeding generation to Charles Dickens for the first time. There are many adaptations to stage and screen of this beautiful story, and many theatres have an adaptation that becomes a Christmas tradition, beautiful and beloved. Continue reading
A Nice Family Christmas – Carpenter Square Theatre
Ryan Echols Published: December 1st, 2016
The holiday season brings about a feeling of love and unity; a time to bring together relatives in joyful merriment and for the purpose of cheerful exchange – for some. “A Nice Family Christmas,” open now at Carpenter Square Theatre, is a look inside one Minneapolis family whose Christmas takes on a much more dysfunctional atmosphere. Continue reading
“A Territorial Christmas Carol” is A Traditional Treasure!!!
Elizabeth Hurd Published: December 1st, 2016
Once again the Pollard Theatre delivers with an amazing version of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. The adaptation by Stephen P. Scott makes this classic tale the ideal tradition. Set in the original capital of Oklahoma Territory; Guthrie, Dickens tells the poignant story of the Crachit family and Scrooge to the young settler, William Moody. Continue reading
Jewel Box Theatre’s “Leading Ladies” Fabulously Funny Farce
Elizabeth Hurd Published: November 17th, 2016
Shakespeare uses mistaken identity and imposters as a comic vehicle quite frequently. The device never fails to bring lots of laughs. So what would a pair of down on their luck, Shakespearean actors do when they run out of funds and performance dates? Follow the lead of the bard of course! So that is what Ken Ludwig, noted playwright, does in “Leading Ladies” now showing at the Jewel Box Theatre. “Leading Ladies” premiered in 2004 to rave reviews and Jewel Box audiences genuinely enjoy the farce. Continue reading