OK Art Scene and Hurd

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: March 12th, 2011

The whole joint’s a jumpin’ at Poteet Theatre in Oklahoma City through March 20, 2011. Nobody’s not being good exactly – they just “Ain’t Misbehavin’”! While not every one in the world is necessarily a jazz fan, every soul has just got to love Fats Waller. Thomas (Fats) Waller was born in 1904 and was already the organist at his father’s church by age 10. By 18 he was a recording artist making the ‘big time’. He died of pneumonia in 1943 (far too young) while touring across country. But in those years between he made a lot of great music, and those who loved his music loved his laughing life. He is known as a great symbol of Harlem and an inspiration to the civil rights movement. In 1978 the show “Ain’t Misbehavin’” co-written by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. became a Broadway sensation as well as a tribute to his music. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: March 11th, 2011

Sit back and close your eyes surrendering to the sweet bliss, not of sleep, but of imagination. Such are the days of the old time radio mystery plays. Let the mind fill in the blanks with wild flights of fancy as actors read fascinating scripts over the magic airways. The Jewel Box Theatre brings us back to our imagination with “Mystery Radio Plays.”

Artistic Director Chuck Tweed in collaboration with Director Linda McDonald visits cyber-space for several pre-television radio plays and presents them along with a few commercials as “Mystery Radio Plays”. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: March 9th, 2011

Neil Simon, one of America’s most popular playwrights, is considered a master of situational romantic comedy. His most critically acclaimed works begin with his autobiographical trilogy. “Biloxi Blues” is the second of this group, and certainly one of his best works. Published in 1985, the play loosely chronicles Simon’s wartime experience combining all the best elements of humorous dialogue with the challenging interchange between young men as they come of age in wartime conditions. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: Friday February 25th, 2011

Rollins Creek Ranch is one of the favorite hangouts for local musicians to jam. This evening Arvel Bird appeared for a concert with a jam with everyone after the show. Photos soon. Looking for him to come back to Rollins Creek! And….Arvel Bird has a show coming up on 02/27/2011 at 07:00 PM @ The Norman Train D… in Norman, OK https://www.reverbnation.com/com. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd  Published: February 17th, 2011

Due to an error on the part of critic: Elizabeth Hurd, the actor portraying Thor was incorrectly identified in this review. Please note that the actor mentioned should be Fulmer and not Tabor. My profound apologies to both of them.

Pollard Theatre Company continues the 24th Seasons of Laughter with Larry Shue’s “he Nerd.” This is one of two modern farcical comedies written by Mr. Shue whose untimely death in 1985 prevented further development as a playwright. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd | Updated: Fri, Apr 22, 2016

The Pollard Theatre in downtown Guthrie is presenting “Hairspray” through May 7, 2016. This production envelops the audience with music reminiscent of a favorite era: the ’60s. There is no audience participation in “Hairspray” but there is a palpable connection to the performers creating an atmosphere of excitement layered under the swirling scent of hairspray. Those of us who lived through the ’60s remember the period with great fondness. The audience shares in the story and the music with enthusiasm and joy increasing the pleasure in this performance for everyone. “Hairspray” tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a fan of the Corny Collins teen dance show, the Baltimore version of ‘American Bandstand. Continue reading →

Anna Holloway | Updated: Thu, Apr 14, 2016

Lyric Theatre offers a moving production of “The Fantasticks” at the theatre on the Plaza through April 24. Co-written by Tom Jones (book and lyrics) and Harvey Schmidt (music), “The Fantasticks” ran from May 1960 until January 2002; it remains the longest-running production in American history and the only off-Broadway musical to win a Tony.  The 2006 revival continues to play in NYC.

Jones and Schmidt created an allegory loosely based on Edmond Rostand’s “Les Romanesques” and intended for very simple set, prop, costume and lighting design. Continue reading →

Elizabeth Hurd Published: April 14, 2016 Updated: Apr 14, 2016

Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre-CityRep will present “ ‘night, Mother” by Marsha Norman through April 17 at CitySpace Theatre in the Civic Center Music Hall.

This production is ambitious, because “ ‘night, Mother” (a Pulitzer Prize Winner) tackles the devastating problem of suicide in our population. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death in those younger than 24. Continue reading →

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 →