Elizabeth Hurd Published: April 13, 2016

Barrow, Alaska, is the northernmost city in Alaska. Many Americans in the lower 48 know Barrow as the location of the airplane accident costing the lives of Wiley Post and Will Rogers. Also, we might remember the extensive media coverage of three whales trapped in the ice in 1988. Due to the frantic efforts of area residents and others, two of the whales that were freed survived. The third whale died.

“The Day We Were Born” chronicles the lives of two boys, born on the day the whales were freed and growing up amid the hardships of Alaskan life today. They are In̋upiat, and they have occupied this area for untold years. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd Published: April 13, 2016

Chicago, a city of diversity, and sometimes animosity, is the setting for “Clybourne Park” being presented at Carpenter Square Theatre through April 23, 2016.

“Clybourne Park” received the 2011 Pulitzer Prize as well as the 2012 Tony Award and the 2011 Laurence Olivier Award.

Playwright Bruce Norris is also a noted actor and director, and he is affiliated with the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. “Clybourne Park” is a natural result of the experience, talent and skill of Mr. Norris and is considered to be the next generation following “Raisin in the Sun,” a 20th century classic. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: Wednesday May 18th, 2011

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” is an offensive slice of brilliance. Yet while the language may be offensive to some; it is never gratuitous or unwarranted. The book by Betsy Kelso is a wonderful story line for a musical. Music and Lyrics by David Nehls are exceptional.

Most importantly for any audience is that the songs add to the story rather than detract with distraction as is often the case for some of the latest musicals.

This production is a collaboration between Oklahoma CityRep Theatre and the University of Central Oklahoma Music Theatre and Broadway Tonight. The partnership is a great and intuitive blending for both entities. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: May 17th, 2011

It is time at last to let the ‘shpuunt’ out of the bag! If anyone can ever tell us what it is–but decides not to—that would be David Ives. “Lives of the Saints” is currently showing at Ghostlight Theatre Club in the Paseo District of Oklahoma City.
Author Ives may have clued in director Emily Etherton, regarding ‘shpuunt’ otherwise she would be unable to ‘cloomna floofa himna flek’ so beautifully and with such a great cast too! Anyone confused by this will be all straightened out once they check out this production showing through May 28. One thing is clear: “Lives of the Saints” is not only absurd, it is hilarious. The show is a series of separate sketches depicting outrageously impossible situations. Rather like a variety show in the Saturday Night Live and Monte Python genre. Continue reading →