Ideas for Adventures in Oklahoma
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Limited time events worth checking out
Falsettos Q&A
0June 6, 2011
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
How do you briefly describe Falsettos?
FALSETTOS, with music and lyrics by William Finn and book by William Finn and James Lapine is the seamless pairing of March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland, acclaimed off-Broadway musicals written nearly a decade apart, Falsettos won Tony Awards in 1992 for best book and musical score.
FALSETTOS is the jaunty tale of Marvin, who leaves his wife and young son to live with another man. His ex wife marries his psychiatrist, and Marvin ends up alone. Two years later, Marvin is reunited with his lover on the eve of his son’s bar mitzvah, just as AIDS is beginning its insidious spread. Examining our day-to-day relationships, and the love of friends and family, FALSETTOS is at once heartbreaking, funny, intelligent, and moving. Emotionally engaging, FALSETTOS touches on concepts of life, loss, relationships, ‘alternative’ families, and the relationships of love that develop, all set at the turn of the 1980′s when HIV and AIDS were first becoming apparent as the epidemic they became.
Why should one see it?
It’s an emotional rollercoaster show with all proceeds going to benefit RAIN Oklahoma. RAIN provides HIV/AIDS education, free testing, counseling, and case management.
What makes your version special?
It’s great to put on a well-received production and connect to characters in any theatre performance but to know that each performance is going to raise awareness and money for a great cause adds a whole new level to each show.
What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
Money and time. Putting on an independent production that is not affiliated with any theatre company means the budget is out of our own pockets.
How did you grow as director while working on this show?
To another level that I’ve never explored before; musical theatre. I’ve always directed small comedies and dramas so this was my first time directing a musical. I’ve done musical theatre and thought my experiences would help out but when I found out it was all music, I almost backed out. After listening to the music, I fell in love with the story and the characters. I had to do it, it was going to challenge me as a director and a person. I also had a cast who put their faith and trust in me and that was one of the biggest assets to mounting this show.
How does the cast personally relate to the story?
I really can’t speak for the cast individually but I do know as a group, this cast relates to the family theme in this show. They each have invested not only artistically to this show but emotionally and they’ve not only created a family on stage but also off stage too.
What advice would you share to other directors looking to put on Falsettos?
Start early as possible, be patient and enlarge the music score. When we received the music scores for the show, the printing was so small, we couldn’t tell who sang what note and what some of the words were. I think we spent a week deciphering everything. The last piece of advice is to enjoy the story.
Any other comments?
This was a volunteer effort, every cast member and crew donated their time to Falsettos to benefit RAIN. That’s what makes me so proud to have worked with this cast and it will be one of my favorite shows to have worked on.
Show Times:
FALSETTOS runs June 3rd, 4th and 9th – 11th, all shows at 8 pm at City Arts Center, on the OK Fairgrounds. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Please come see our show and help support RAIN Oklahoma! Visit our website, www.falsettosokc.com to purchase tickets, and donate to our cause.
HAIR Q&A
0May 22, 2011
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
Artistic Director, Tyler Woods, answers our questions on Reduxion Theatre’s production of Hair.
How do you quickly describe Hair to strangers you meet?
Hair is a true American Classic – born out of the spirit of collaboration and experimentation in 1960’s New York, it celebrates the spirit, the music, the mood and the times that defined a generation, and still resonate today. Audience participation, intimate seating, and live music will bring you an experience you will never forget. Come celebrate and let the sun shine in with someone you love!
Why should one see it?
Aside from containing some of the greatest musical numbers in American theatre, Hair is a show that, at the end of the day, does carry a profound message. Peace, love and understanding are essential to the human experience and it is when we forget these basic truths that we fall into trouble. Hair urges us to keep those ideals fresh in our minds.
What makes Reduxion’s version special?
Aside from the fantastic performances of cast, band and crew, our version is perhaps most special because of its intimate seating arrangement. Our theater is set up as “theater in the round” meaning there is audience all around the actor. The house also contains only 64 seats, making it a participatory experience for the entire audience. Our show will hopefully leave patrons feeling that they have had a true 1960’s experience and that they have really participated in the “Happening” unfolding before them.
What scenes do the actors enjoy?
I think the actors pretty much enjoy the entire show! There are only 14 players in our cast, and each of them is on stage for almost the entire show. There is always something to see as an audience member, and never will a patron have the exact same experience twice. Our actors are so heavily immersed in the playfulness and intimate setting that one may see and experience things differently depending on where they sit in the house. We hope to leave our patrons with the feeling that they have actively participated and that the show they attended, and the actors they engaged with, are doing it just for them.
What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
I would say that the most challenge I had was to coordinate all of the various aspects of a musical production into a cohesive and meaningful through-line for each and every actor at all times. Being that most of the 14 actors are on stage the entire time, it was crucial to find ways of allowing them to live and breathe in their own right, helping tell the main story, while furthering their own.
How did you grow as director while working on this show?
This company of actors and technicians has inspired me to take more risks as a director, and to let go of fear. They have all been so fearless, and so engaged, that it has truly been an inspiration to watch their progress through the development of this piece.
What advice would you share to other directors looking to put on Hair?
I would say that the absolute most valuable thing to grasp when directing this show is to remain faithful to the authors’ original intent and to do everything in your power to bring out the true meaning of the piece. It is a timeless play, and the messages are just as meaningful now as they were in 1967. Also, this show will surprise you, so do your best to be open to new ideas and to remove preconceived notions so often inhibited by ego and forced design. To quote from the show, “All you have to do is give up all desires, all you have to do is say Om!”
What is your personal favorite song from the show?
Honestly, I love them all and it is just too hard to pick one. They each have their own life and are so vital in the telling of this story. I love the music more now than ever before, and I look forward to hearing it every night!
What character from Hair is most like you?
Another difficult question to answer. I think there are aspects of each of the characters inside all of us. This is the magic of a great story. Depending on the day, one or another may speak louder to my sensibilities, but they all have a place in my heart and in my head. The magic of this show is that many of the characters were originally given the names of the actors who originated the role. It is a show that is built on the premise of creating a living, breathing person on stage that will actively engage with the audience each and every night. Each of our cast members has done this so well, that I feel like I am coming home every time I see it.
Show Times:
May 12-28, 2011 Thursday-Saturday @ 8 pm
For Tickets, click here.
For more creative insight, visit our Performing Arts Q&As Archive.
Lives of the Saints Q&A
0May 19, 2011
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
In this Question and Answer session, I speak with Emily Etherton, director of Ghostlight Theatre Club’s Lives of the Saints.
How do you quickly describe Lives of the Saints to strangers you meet?
Lives of the Saints is a collection of 7 hilarious short plays by David Ives.
Why should one see it?
David Ives is accesible to a lot of different types of people. On the surface, it looks like a silly, frivilous comedy but is incredibly well written and intellectual.
What makes Ghostlight’s version special?
We’ve opened up the backstage area so the audience can see the many props and set pieces used to create each of the scenes. This mirrors the self-aware, self-referential nature of Ives’ writing.
What scenes do the actors enjoy?
All of the scenes are a lot of fun, but it seems that they most enjoy “Soap Opera”, an over-the-top melodramatic tale of a repairman in love with his Maypole washing machine. This has proven to be an audience favorite, as well.
What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
We had an actor drop out of the show 4 days before we opened. I have two tremendous actors (Ian Clinton and Tyler Waits) who stepped in to those roles, memorized them overnight, and are absolutely knocking them dead.
How did you grow as director while working on this show?
This is my first comedy as a director. As an actor, I’ve performed in many comedies, but directing a group of 7 very strong comedians was a great learning experience.
What advice would you share to other directors looking to put on Lives of the Saints?
Have fun. One could get bogged down in finding hidden meaning in Ives’ work. Just have fun with it and the meaning will show itself.
What is your personal favorite play from the collection?
“The Murder at Twicknam Vicarage”. I’m a huge fan of Masterpiece Theatre and British drawing room dramas, so I find “Twicknam” (a send up of those very styles) absolutely hilarious.
If David Ives watched your production, what do you think he would say or you would want him to say?
As always, our first priorty is to do justice to the playwright’s work. My hope would be that Mr. Ives would be pleased with the production and would feel that we stayed true to his artistic vision.
Show Times:
May 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 26-28
All performances start at 8pm
Call 405-286-9412 for RESERVATIONS
For more creative insight, visit our Performing Arts Q&As Archive.
Event Guide (May 10)
0May 12, 2011
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
Groovefest
WHEN: Sunday, May 15
Norman Groovefest has been promoting community through art, music, and human rights awareness biannually for 26 years rain or shine, but no lightening. Groovefest will be held Sunday, May 15th in Andrews Park.
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Jazz Concert – What’s That
WHEN: Sunday, May 15 – 7:30 pm
Tulsa band What’s That will perform at 7:30 p.m. on May 15, 2011 at the historic Santa Fe Depot, 200 South Jones Avenue as part of the Performing Arts Studio Sunday Jazz at the Depot series. Admission to the concert is free but voluntary donations by attendees are accepted and encouraged. Refreshments will be provided.
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Clean Up Lake Hefner
WHEN: Sunday, May 15 – 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
The drought has really taken a toll on our beloved Lake Hefner. The one upshot to this is decades worth of trash that was once under water is now easily accessible. Stop by anytime on May 15 to help us clean up all the litter.
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“Ghosts of Fort Reno” Tour
WHEN: Saturday, May 21, 2011 – 7:30pm
By lantern light hear the stories of the restless spirits of the old post align with some of the unsolved mysteries and murders that have occurred here. Visit with paranormal research teams who have done investigations here at the Fort. Book today: (405) 262-3987. Reservations Required! Admission: Adults $8, Seniors $7, Children (5-12) $5
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Performing Arts This Week:
Alice In Wonderland
WHEN: MAY 6-22, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM and Sundays at 3PM
WHERE: Poteet Theatre: 222 NW 15th, Oklahoma City
Nothing is quite right since Alice chased a very unusual White Rabbit and stumbled into an adventure that grows curiouser and curiouser.
HAIR
WHEN: May 12-28, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00 pm, Special Midsnight show: Saturday, May 28th!
WHERE: Reduxion Theatre: 1613 North Broadway Ave., Oklahoma City
Set against the backdrop of late 1960’s America, Hair represents everything that was progressive about the period and the very process of musical creation.
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HENRY V: A Bare Bard Production
WHEN: May 12, 13, and 14 at 8pm
WHERE: OCU’s Black Box Theatre: 2501 North Blackwelder Avenue
Words, actors, audience…that’s all we need for our Bare Bard productions! In many ways “Henry V” is a play about the construction of male identity through war. We attempt to challenge what has been a male world of war and violence as we create this play with a company of women. You are in the center of the action in the intimate Black Box Theatre on the Oklahoma City University campus.
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Lives of the Saints
WHEN: May 13-14, 20-21, 26-28
WHERE: Ghostlight Theatre Club: 3110 N. Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City
David Ives is know as a master wordsmith, whose plays are at once witty, charming, and intellectually challenging. Lives of the Saints is no exception. Lives is a collection of seven short plays, performed by a small cast of actors, exploring the intricacies of the English language and human (and not-so-human) relationships.
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Alice in Wonderland Q&A
0May 10, 2011
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
In this Question and Answer session, I speak with Shawna Linck, director of Poteet Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland.
For those that have had their head stuck in a rabbit hole, how would you describe Alice and Wonderland?
This version of Alice in Wonderland is a combination of material from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice” and Through the Looking Glass. Most people think of the Alice books as children’s stories, or perhaps even stories about growing up. This is certainly true, but they are also, perhaps surprisingly, ABOUT grown-ups. Alice is (with the exception of a squealing baby who turns into a pig) the only child in the books at all. The play gives us not so much an adult’s view of childhood, as a child’s view of adulthood.
Viewed in this light, the outlandish characters in the story give us adults a rather eye opening view of how children see us at times.
Why should one see it?
For the fun of it. Children will enjoy seeing all of their favorite characters live on stage. Adults will enjoy shrugging off their respectable, ordinary daytime personas and viewing the world through the eyes of a child.
What makes Poteet Theatre’s version special?
The intimate environment of the Poteet Theatre makes all of our productions special. Our theatre was designed in the basement of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. We seat 139 people in 6 rows, and our play space is very unique. Our performers are inches off the patrons in the front row, and use the aisles and rear of the theatre as well, so our audience members are totally immersed in the scenes.
One of the most unique features of Poteet’s versions of Alice is the use of a set of 7 rolling walls that move about like so many pieces of a puzzle, alternately revealing and hiding different scenes in the story. Because we have no fly space in the basement, we have created our scenes via the use of no less than 17 large set pieces on wheels. Thanks to a great deal of hard work by our cast members (our cards in particular) we are able to change scenes quickly and smoothly….keeping our story moving along.
We also worked with an illusionist to create several of our special effects, so our scenes with the Cheshire cat, the baby who turns into a pig, and Alice growing and shrinking are particularly fun.
What scenes do the actors enjoy?
With the exception of Alice, who never leaves the stage, this show is certainly an ensemble piece. Most characters only participate in 2 or 3 scenes. Most of the cards and royalty would certainly say they enjoy the Croquet scene the best. It gives them an opportunity to interact with the audience. Alice’s scenes with the White Knight, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, and Humpty Dumpty are all favorites with the cast as well.
What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
Coordinating the many technical aspects of the show was huge.
What did you learn as a director while working on this show?
I had more help with this production than I had with any other show I have ever directed, and yet, no matter how many projects we completed, there always seemed to be another project on the horizon. I would definitely say that I learned that when I delegate responsibility that I need to be very clear and concise about what my vision is, or we are forced to re-do, or settle for less. I am never content with “settling.”
Would you travel down the rabbit hole?
In a heartbeat.
What would the Cheshire Cat say to you?
Our Cheshire Cat would tell me to please hurry, that she has a crick in her neck. LOL…. But I can’t explain that one……..you’ll have to see the show!
Any other comments?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share about our production and Poteet Theatre. Our cast motto has become……..”We’re all a little mad here.” I’m not sure whether we were all this way before we began…..or just became that way after working through the production. But I can verify that it is quite true!
Show Times:
The show opens Thursday May 5 and runs through Sunday, May 22. All seats are reserved and tickets $20 each. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. For tickets, click here.
For more creative insight, visit our Performing Arts Q&As Archive.