Uncovering Oklahoma » Dennis Spielman

Short, Round, and Brown

Dennis Spielman — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 03:16:27 +0000

This week I’m highlighting Oklahoma City Actress Cristela Carrizales’ one-woman show “Short, Round, & Brown,” this week on September 9, 10, & 11th at Ghostlight Theatre Club (3110 N. Walker in Oklahoma City).

Carrizales is probably best known for her roles in Ghostlight’s productions of “Fat Pig” and “[title of show]” and her improvisation troupes, “The Ones Your Mother Warned You About,” “The MiDolls,” and “Villain: The Musical.” The later three you can see videos of her performances on the Improv page.

Structured around her personal stories as an actress and woman, “Short, Round & Brown” is an evening of songs from characters in musicals that Carrizales believes she’ll never be cast in because she is either, “too short, and/or too round, and/or too brown.” Joining her in song will be other Ghostlight performers Emily Etherton, Rachel Bouton and Scott Hynes with Steve Kennedy on piano.

Tickets are $10. Cash & check preferred. For more information and to make reservations, contact cristela.carrizales@gmail.com

Improv Saturday for September 4

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 02:07:18 +0000

This week’s Improv Saturday updates features a segment from the students from in OKC Improv’s inaugural Level 1 Improv Class. (I will have the video from the Level 2 class up tomorrow.) They will begin a second session of classes for adults starting Saturday, September 18 at Ghostlight Theatre Club (3110 N Walker, OKC). The beginner class will be from 2-4 p.m. followed by an intermediate class from 4-6 p.m. Drop ins are always welcome in the beginner classes. The first class attended is free and $10 for each additional class. For more information and to enroll, visit Classes Page over at OKC Improv.

UPDATE: Here’s the Level 2 video.

Oh the horror!

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 08:00:50 +0000

This week’s Something Sundays features something scary: the Oklahoma Horror Film Festival. Dun, dun, dun! On this labor day weekend from Friday, September 3rd through Sunday September 5th guests can park taken in screenings of feature length films, trailers, and shorts as well as a merchant and vendor area, giveaways, beer, film maker workshops, contests, and more. For a list of what’s playing, visit this page.

The Festival will be held at Tulsa’s SpiritBank Event Center located in the Regal Plaza (1800 S. Baltimore
Tulsa, Ok 74119). A One-Day Pass is $20 while a Weekend Pass is $45. For tickets and more information, visit Oklahoma Horror Film Festival site or their Facebook page.

Improv Saturday for the 28th

Dennis Spielman — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 12:39:50 +0000

Today I have three videos from three great troupes. The Ones Your Mother Warned You About (July 24), Everybody and Their Dog (July 7), and The MiDolls “Goddess” (July 17, 2010). Watch them in whatever order or way you choose.

You can see OKC Improv’s monthly performance at The Boom! (2218 NW 39th St in Oklahoma City) tonight with The MiDolls and Villain: The Musical. The show starts at 8pm. There’s no cover, but it is 21 and up to enter.

The Art of Can

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 22:45:29 +0000

This week highlight is Red Bull’s “Art of Can.” It’s a national art show featuring works created by both professional and amateur artists from across the country. In its first showing in Oklahoma, “Art of Can” displays work inspired by or created with the iconic Red Bull can. From Red Bull robots to ball gowns, “Art of Can” is sure to wow spectators with its displays of creative energy.

To celebrate the exhibit’s arrival in Oklahoma City, Allied Arts and Red Bull are hosting a high-energy event on the new rooftop patio in historic Automobile Alley. Guests will enjoy a private preview of the unconventional art, gourmet food, beats by DJ Moody and, of course, all-you-can-drink Red Bull.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are available online or by phone at (405) 278-8944. Visit Allied Arts for tickets and additional information. The event is on the Rooftop patio at 1015 N. Broadway Ave in Oklahoma City. All event proceeds will benefit Allied Arts and the 20 arts groups it supports.

Improv Saturday with Strings

Dennis Spielman — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 14:14:21 +0000

Did that really happen? (Yes it did, yes it did) Did that really happen? (No it didn’t, no it didn’t)

Twinprov: String Theory is an all-new fully improvised comedy show from Buck and Clint Vrazel, featuring guest improv violinist Nicole Melki! String Theory will meld the unique sound of the violin with original hip-hop, rap, and reggae songs inspired by high-powered improvised scenes. I have their first public show available here to watch.

This week also includes a new show from Villain: The Musical on July 31. The Villains whip up a musical taking place in a grocery store.

You can watch Villain: The Musical and The MiDolls next week at The Boom! on Saturday, August 28th. Show starts at 8pm. 21 and up. No cover. Here’s the Villain and MiDolls shows from their last performance at The Boom!

I totally meant to have more shows for this week’s update, so I’ll feature some extras next week. On the July 31 shows, you’ll notice I did something different when filming them hence why they look much better. If you want my videos to look even better, like in oh say HD, consider a donation. I’m in the process of saving up for the Panasonic AG-HPX170 camera and then the world will be mine!

A Date in Stillwater

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:33:24 +0000

In the tough economic times, a romantic out-of-the city gateway with a love one doesn’t have to break the bank. Stillwater offers a variety of unique boutiques and restaurants that would fit any budget.

While in Stillwater check out:

Eskimo Joe’s, a landmark restaurant in Stillwater. Joes opened in 1975 as a college bar, serving cold beer and offering a stage to local musicians to play original music. Ever since then, Joes has grown into a family-friendly restaurant during the day, and one of the most beloved college bars at night. For a true Stillwater experience make sure to check out some of Joes special; however, if you are there for the day, curly cheese fries and a cold beer are some of Joes famous. And on your way out stop by the gift shop to pick up a T-shirt or a mug.

Next stop: Did someone said pizza???…if so… Stillwater is the home of the first pizzeria parlor in Oklahoma- Hideaway Pizza.
Hideaway opened its doors for business in 1957; today Hideway offers 35 different topics and six sauces to choose from. Items to try: garlic bread and fried mushrooms.

If you had enough to eat and want to chill with a nice drink stop by Zannotti’s Wine Bar. Located in the heart of downtown, Zannotti’s offers a chique and classy vibe to the college town. The wine bar has a large selection of wine, mix drinks and imported as well as domestic beer to choose from. And to go with your drinks try their cheese and bread platter. For more information visit their web site.

Stillwater has an explosive mix of nightlife clubs. Whether you like rock, country, hip/hop, or electric music, Stillwater will satisfy your taste.

One of the beloved by locals bars is Stonewall Tavern. With an inside and an outside bar, Stonewall offers a unique blend of people. The bar has a stage where bands shake the bargoers until the wee hours of the morning. Stonewall’s mix drinks are affordable and the bar also has specials every night. So make sure to check out this bar!

Stillwater is a short 40 minutes drive from Oklahoma City. The town takes you away from the noise of the big city and gives you plenty of places to visit on your date without the hassel of spending lots of money.

I am Sasha Denkinska, uncovering Stillwater for you. Make sure to check our Web site regularly for more date updates!

There is now a Date Guide for Stillwater now.

Reasons to be pretty

Dennis Spielman — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:17:32 +0000

In reasons to be pretty, Greg’s tight-knit social circle is thrown into turmoil when his offhand remarks about a female coworker’s pretty face and his own girlfriend Steph’s lack thereof get back to Steph. But that’s just the beginning. Greg’s best buddy, Kent, and Kent’s wife, Carly, also enter into the picture, and the emotional equation becomes exponentially more complicated. As their relationships crumble, the four friends are forced to confront a sea of deceit, infidelity, and betrayed trust in their journey to answer that oh-so-American question: How much is pretty worth?

Upcoming dates for the play are August 20-21 and 26-28. Reservation are highly suggested. Call 286-9412 or visit ghostlightokc.com

Improv Saturday with All Stars

Dennis Spielman — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 23:39:36 +0000

This week for Improv Saturday I have two videos from the OKC Improv All Stars. The All Stars are a group of improvers throughout the country performing a variety of short form improv games. Watch the July 10 and July 17 shows. It’s a fast blast of comedy as both videos are less than 30 minutes long.

If you want to see some live improv, next week is the Second Annual Improv Festival Oklahoma. The IFO features improv troupes from around the country. I’ve included the line up below.

Friday the 20th
7 pm: Cueless (Stillwater), The Arm (Atlanta), O.U. Improv (Norman)
8:45 pm: The Starter Kit (Austin), Red Letters (Tahlequah), The MiDolls (OKC)
10:30 pm: Gangs of Recess (Dallas), The Bat, Improv Boston (Boston)

Saturday the 21st
7 pm: Crayons (Tulsa), Manick (Dallas), Villain: The Musical (OKC)
8:45 pm: Improv-Abilities (Kansas City), Fun Grip (Dallas), Red Dirt Improv (OKC)
10:30pm: FIAD (Dallas), Everybody and Their Dog (OKC), Messing with a Friend (Chicago)

Festival Passes are available allowing you to see all 6 shows for ONLY $50 – a savings of $40! Individual shows are $15 at the door. For tickets and more information visit their web site.

Thursday’s Don’t Have to Suck

Dennis Spielman — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 03:03:23 +0000

Our Comedy Around OKC episode comes around to showcasing some classic stand-up comedy with Thursday’s Don’t Suck at the 51st Speakeasy. Along with Uncovering Oklahoma’s interview with Brad Chad Porter on the showcase are comedy bits from Sam Higgs, Spencer Hicks, and of course Brad himself. Best of all: the show is free, but you 21 or older to enter.

The Tulsa Date Idea Page Is Alive!

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:04:34 +0000

For our viewers in T-Town, our Tulsa Date Guide page has just been launched. The page is kicked off with three great date ideas including Agora Coffeehouse, where you can see Crayons Improv and local music; classy French restaurant, The Brasserie; and the romantic Palace Cafe. The page is still growing, so feel free to feed us some suggestions for Tulsa date ideas. We’re working on covering more cities for dates, including Stillwater (which Sasha is working on) and Norman.

With the addition of a new page, comes the removal of another. I’ve taken down our Deals section since many of the deals we get wind of are so timely, that we just post them on Facebook/Twitter.

The Final Week

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 16:06:05 +0000

It’s the final week for two different art exhibits, so I’m featuring both of them. At the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is the Weapons and Warriors: The Art of Armaments exhibit that runs until August 15, 2010. Thanks to some donations, the museum is waiving the admission fees for the exhibit.

Weapons and Warriors exhibition includes arms and armor from several different cultures and time periods including 16th century Japanese armor, African swords and spears, and a medieval crossbow. This exhibition also includes a segment on World War I featuring a WWI French machine gun and two portraits of Choctaw code talkers that Fr. Gerrer painted.

The Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art is located on the campus of St. Gregory’s University, 1900 W. MacArthur St. in Shawnee. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

In Oklahoma City we have the Sketch to Screen: The Art of Hollywood Costume Design organized by the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. I went and saw this last Thursday and it’s worth checking out. Sketch to Screen explores the vital artistic contribution of costume design throughout the history of the American motion picture industry. It consists of more than 85 original garments and accessories worn in films by some of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Audrey Hepburn, Bette Davis, Charlton Heston and John Wayne. Film costumes worn by contemporary stars George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Russell Crowe, Kate Winslet, Robert DeNiro, Renee Zellweger and Johnny Depp are also represented in the exhibit.

Hours and admission fees can be found here on their web site. This exhibit also ends on August 15.

Improv Saturday for August 7

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 02:06:01 +0000

It’s outré not being at the Ghostlight Theatre Club filming OKC Improv tonight. I’ve been out shopping this morning, taking advantage of the no tax sales. This week I’ve uploaded Improv-ing The World’s second, and improved, show from Saturday, July 24, 2010 here on YouTube. Improv-ing the World is a two-man group staring Taylor Harris and Andy Patrick Ryan Harp. The all girl improv troupe, the MiDolls, perform a Goddess Theme show for OKC Improv at The Boom! on Friday, July 9, 2010, which can be watched here.

The Improv page has been updated with all of these and past performances. I listed running length next to the videos. I also created a Top 5 list of the most watched performances. I’ll give you one guess as to which troupe was “evil” enough take over the number one and two slots in the list.

I have a new video segment that will be released later next week, so look forward for it. Enjoy your Saturday night!

Something Sunday’s Silver Seas!

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:03:47 +0000

For this week, I’m highlighting some attractions at Science Museum Oklahoma (2100 N.E. 52nd St. in Oklahoma City).

The Satellite Galleries at Science Museum Oklahoma are taking people under the sea for its newest exhibit entitled Silver Seas. The gallery, which focuses primarily on undersea life and environments, gives guests an intimate view of thriving ocean life – a sight that may seem rare to people following the gulf oil spill situation.

“In a time when people are seeing image after image of the gulf oil spill on television this exhibit couldn’t be timelier,” said Rick Sinnet, artist / idealist for the Satellite Galleries at Science Museum Oklahoma. “This exhibit offers a really great example of why the preservation of ocean life is vital to both the survival of human beings and the survival of the large number of species around the planet that depend on the ocean.”

The current gallery was published in “Silver Seas a Retrospective,” by Ernest H. Brooks II. Further underlining the importance of photography to ongoing ocean preservation is the following in the introduction by explorer, environmentalist, educator and film producer Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of world renowned ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau.

The collection is on loan from the International Photography Hall of Fame. At this time they don’t have a specific date end date, so check it out when you get a chance.

This Thursday, August 5, prosthetics researchers from Scott Sabolich Prosthetics and Research will appear at the museum to explain the science and technology behind, you guessed it, prosthetics. Guests to the museum on the fifth from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. can interact with researchers to ask them questions and get a hands-on look at how prosthetics work and are used in people’s everyday lives.

Go Science!

Improv Saturday for July 31

Dennis Spielman — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 08:30:56 +0000

It’s time for your weekly dose of improv videos! This week I’ve uploaded Improv-ing The World’s first show from June 26. Next up we have the dynamic duo known as Twinprov perform their Rap City show weaving together the stories of various circus workers. Finally, there’s Villain: The Musicial at The Boom for the first time. Raychel Winstead takes the role of villain this time as she rises up to become a dentist in her quest for revenge.

FYI, Tonight is your last chance to catch some live improv at OKC Improv until they return early September.