Uncovering Oklahoma » Our Travels

Lemongrass

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:47:26 +0000

I’m starting a new series this year where every payday I recommend a new place to eat. First up is the Thai restaurant, Lemongrass, at 253 S Santa Fe Ave. in Edmond. Instead of writing lengthy reviews, I’ll keep it down to five sentences or less. I’ll share my thoughts along with anyone else’s that joined me (if anyone joined me).

Lemongrass easily gets a recommendation for a date night with its cozy, modern atmosphere.

The food had a flavorful spiciness to it that was well-balanced and delicious.

Entrees are in the $10-15 range with generous portions that may leave leftovers.

If you’ve been to Lemongrass, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Gift Guide: Warpaint Clothing

Dennis Spielman — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:33:45 +0000

Warpaint Clothing is boutique, printshop, gallery, vintage shop that specializes in t-shirts done by Oklahoma artists with rock ‘n’ roll and Oklahoma pride style. The easiest thing for me to do is to showcase several of the t-shirts they print to give you a feel Bring your Keep It Local OK card for 10% off clothing (some exclusions apply).

If you like what you see, visit Warpaint in the Plaza District at 1710 NW 16th St in Oklahoma City.

Eggnog 3D Q&A

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:39:37 +0000

It’s time for Ghostlight Theatre Club’s annual fundraiser event: Screw the Eggnog, Pass the Rum. This year, Santa comes at you with the red hot fury of a thousand suns to kick MAJOR CHRISTMAS ASS! Eggnog 3D: With a Vengeance! boasts a cast to rival that of Ben Hur, fantastic Busby Berkeley inspired dance numbers, slo-mo fight sequences, and more than its fair share of drunk actors!

In this Performing Arts Q&A Emily Etherton answers my questions.

What is Eggnog 3D about?
Eggnog 3D is a sketch comedy, musical variety show celebrating (and mocking) the holiday season.

Will people feel clueless if they haven’t seen the previous Screw the Eggnog, Pass the Rum shows?
Not at all! While we’re sure to include some jokes especially for the people who have seen all three Eggnogs, the show is created every year with the main purpose of bringing the audience and cast together in a spirit of Christmas cheer and silliness. That’s something everyone can get into.

What special things are being done for this year’s production?
We’ve assembled the largest cast to ever tread the boards at Ghostlight. Eggnog 3D boasts a cast of 20 performers, all of whom are ridiculously talented. On top of that, we’ve included an actual 3D video!

Why should one see it?
Because you’ve already seen A Christmas Carol, right?

What were some unique challenges with doing an original production?
The writing process! While a show like this requires less rehearsal time than a standard straight play, the writing, workshopping, and editing process is very time consuming. We typically start kicking around ideas for the next Eggnog the day after the current Eggnog closes and we continue to brainstorm throughout the year. We have brainstorming sessions and writers’ meetings starting as early as October and the editing process doesn’t stop until we have our first audience.

What was the most fun thing about working on this show?
It has been huge amounts of fun just being able to include so many new Ghostlighters in the show and to see these actors, who do wonderful dramatic work, let their hair down and get silly with the rest of us.

What scenes do the actors enjoy?
Without giving too much away, a certain 8th grade girls glee club makes another appearance…and there’s a showstopping celebration of cultural diversity that is more fun than should be legal to have on stage.

Any other comments?
Come see it!! You will NOT regret it!

Help support Ghostlight Theatre Club while celebrating Christmas in our trademark sarcastic, self-deprecating, rum-soaked way! Tickets are $30 and should be purchased IN ADVANCE! With only 4 shows, don’t miss your chance to see this one of a kind show, participate in our awesome raffle, and get a chance to have your photo taken with Santa and Jesus!

Call 286-9412 for reservations. Seriously, do it now…or the red-nosed reindeer gets it!

DECEMBER 9th and 10th
DECEMBER 16th and 17th
ALL SHOWS BEGIN @ 8pm!

Science Museum Oklahoma Video

Dennis Spielman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:20:44 +0000

Along with Urban Art, another amazing place to show off Oklahoma to friends and family from out of town is Science Museum Oklahoma. I hung out with the museum’s Wonder Instigator and Relevance Czar, Clayton P. Moore. Clayton’s job is to make as many people excited as he can possiably make them about whatever it is they’re doing in the building. He talks about the museum and gives a brief tour.

Watch the video above and visit the Science Museum Oklahoma page for more information and pictures.

A Christmas Carol Q&A

Dennis Spielman — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 04:31:14 +0000

In this Performing Arts Q&A session I speak with Michael Baron, the director of Lyric’s A Christmas Carol.

How do you describe A Christmas Carol to those unfamiliar with the story?
It’s the classic Charles Dickens Christmas story set in Victorian England of how the miserly businessman Ebenezer Scrooge changes his life to become a man with a generous heart who has compassion for others. He learns this lesson by visits from several ghosts which show him his past, present, and future life.

How does having a younger Scrooge affect the story, the characters, and actors?
I purposely cast a younger Scrooge who is not at the end of his life so that when he does ultimately change his cruel ways, he still has a long life of happiness ahead of him. Jonathan Beck Reed plays him in his mid-late sixties instead of 80’s. It also allows for a more vigorous performance which make the show more visceral and exciting for everyone on stage.

What acting traits make a good Scrooge?
Scrooge has been compared to playing Shakespeare’s King Lear. It is the ultimate role for an actor because each night you never leave the stage and are able to take a journey from greed to redemption. Jonathan has all of the traits of a great Scrooge- a detailed performance, the ability to justify his negative actions towards others, a sense of humor, wonderful use of the Dickens language, and an open heart so that you truly believe his transformation and love of Christmas in the end.

What other elements are special about Lyric’s production of A Christmas Carol this year?
We’ve pulled out all the stops for this production. The set and costumes are stunningly beautiful. There is lots of special effects and magical effects to highlight the supernatural elements of the story. The music is full of carols that are vibrant yet traditional. And the show is true to the original text but told with a modern sense of pace and excitement. In addition, the show is truly environmental putting the audience right into the middle of Dickens’ story.

Why should one see it?
Not only is it great theatre, but this production will bring faith to your soul that man does have the ability to change from a life of greed and isolation to one of charity and kindness. And it’s immensely entertaining for the entire family.

What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
I think the most challenging aspect was coordinating the many parts of the show into a cohesive whole- lights, sound, flying, snow, puppets, costumes, music, children, props, etc. It’s by far the biggest show Lyric has done at the Plaza Theatre, but it’s definitely been worth it.

How did you grow as director while working on this show?
Each time I work on A CHRISTMAS CAROL I learn more about the script, the story, and new stage techniques to bring it to life. It’s like a directing playground each time I stage it. There is so much to choose from, but getting it to be seamless is always a challenge.

What advice would you share to other directors looking to put on production of A Christmas Carol?
Make sure you love the original story, understand the journey of Scrooge, and love working with large groups of people. I found it to be wonderfully rewarding for everyone on stage and in the audience. I think that is why it’s still so popular today.

Michael Baron, director of A Christmas Carol at the famous Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., directs this new production with over 20 Christmas yuletide favorites. Brimming with joyous song and dance, lavish scenery, authentic costumes, theatrical magic and lots of snow, Lyric’s new holiday production celebrates the timeless Spirit of Christmas. This is a beloved family holiday treat you won’t want to miss!

Direction by Michael Baron
Choreography by Ashley Wells
Music Direction by Brian T. Hamilton

Set Design by Lee Savage
Sound Design and Original Score by Josh Schmidt
Lighting Design by Ariel Benjamin
Costume Design by Jeffrey Meek
Properties Design by Courtney Strong
Co Sound Design by Brad Poarch
Stage Manager Mark A. Stys

Starring Jonathan Beck Reed as Scrooge

Featuring Tom Huston Orr, Matthew Alvin Brown, Jayme Petete, Mat Govich, Charlie Monnet, Tommy Cunningham, Lexi Windsor, Brenda Williams, Melissa Grifith, Mandy Jiran

with LuLu Burnett, Ethan Carr, Natalie Goodin, Lillian King, Ashley Mandanas, Michael Mandanas, Emma Mowry, Ashley Robinson, Caitlin Rose, Cassie Schafer, Ryne Siler, Aaron Stewart, Kennedy Vanover, Ethan Wells

To purchase tickets visit lyrictheatreokc.com

Gift Guide: Collected Thread

Dennis Spielman — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:32:23 +0000

The gift guides continues with the local and hand-made shop shop, Collected Thread. Collected Thread is a boutique where you will find handmade and vintage clothing, artists prints, clutches, stationary, handcrafted teas, accessories, baby items, home decor, and now classes on various subjects such as knitting and photography. Lindsay Zodrow shares some suggestions for gifts to give and get. If you have a Keep It Local OK card, bring it for a 10% discount on clothing (some exclusions apply).

For the little ones, Collected Thread these hand-made baby shoes. Cue the, “DWAAAAA…” For about $20, make the baby’s feet cute(r) and warm.

Spice up the house with a lovely natural soy scented candle from Sydney Hale Co. Lindsay says the most popular scent she sells is the Tobacco + Sandalwood. These candles cost around $22.

The popular “Local is for Lovers” shirt (which I personally own one) is now available in hoodie form. Priced around $40 depending on style and size.

Finally, another fun gift is a class. Visit collectedthread.com for details on upcoming classes.

Urban Art Video

Dennis Spielman — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 04:38:24 +0000

Hey, I hope you had a great Thanksgiving today. To celebrate, I have a new video on Urban Art. Urban Art houses Art Fusion Studio, Istvan Gallery, Maya Trading Company, and the Blue Sage Glass Blowing Studio. I personally enjoy going to the artist openings Istvan Gallery holds (which was when this video was recorded). If your family is visiting and you want to show them something cool in Oklahoma City, take them to Urban Art.

Watch the video above for interviews with the various owners. Over the next few weeks, I’ll release full length interviews with the artists featured.

Don’t forget, if you’re shopping this weekend, read the Black Friday Deals article. Be safe and have fun this season!

Local Oklahoma City Black Friday Deals

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:46:27 +0000

I’ve rounded up the deals everyone’s favorite local Oklahoma City shops are doing for Black Friday and the Thanksgiving weekend.

TEN14 A Boutique (14201 N May Ave)
On Black Friday enjoy coffee from Cafe Evoke and 50% off storewide from 10-12. Then 35% off from 12-4 and 20% off between 4-6, so get there early!

Bad Granny’s Bazaar (1759 N.W. 16th Street)
Open Noon-7pm Friday with Thanksgiving Hangover snacks and lots of bargains. Unique and handmade gift ideas and retro fashions and homewares.

Blue Seven (7518 N May Ave)
Friday only: TOMS are Buy one, get one half off.
Friday – Sunday: We are featuring $9, $19 and $29 sale racks!

Collected Thread (1705A NW 16th Street)
Open 10am-7pm with 20% off the entire store plus a store “garage sale” where they will be getting rid of furniture, supplies, fixtures, lighting, and more!

Dig It OKC! (1739 NW 16th St)
Open 10 am – 8pm Friday and Saturday with super bonus deals and special giveaways!

DNA Galleries (1705 B NW 16th)
Open 10am-7pm. Come scout new merchandise, enjoy warm beverages and a relaxing shopping experience! 20% off everything in store. No door busters, lines, traffic around the block, irritated people.

Heirloom Shoe (4415 N. Western Avenue)
All Ben’s Garden, all Bensimon’s, and other select shoes 50% OFF on Friday, November 25 from 10AM – 6PM.

Istvan Gallery (1218 North Western Ave)
Istvan Gallery will be open this Friday 1-5. Come in and ask about our discounts and specials.

On A Whim (5850 N Classen Boulevard)
20% off November 25 and 26! Enjoy FREE gift wrapping.

Shoe Gypsy (6434 Avondale Drive)
20% off all purchases, including sale items (not valid with any other promos).

Shop Good
This Friday, skip the 4am wakeup call and the long lines, and go to Shop Good’s store online. They’re offering 20% off your entire order. Use the promo code “blackfridayforgood” when you checkout (good Thursday thru Sunday).

UrBaNoLoGy (1751 NW 16th St.)
20% off Furniture and home decor. 10% off vintage clothes and jewelry.

warpaint clothing (1710 NW 16th)
Friday the shop open from 11-7. On Black Friday every $50 you spend recieve a free shirt off the sale rack
Also spend $150 or more and recieve %20 off your total.

Gift Guide: Forward Foods

Dennis Spielman — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 04:11:28 +0000

On the subject of food, but for people this time, Forward Foods has some delicious local choices. They have two locations, 123 E Main St in Norman and 5123 N Western Ave in Oklahoma City, making the trip convenient. If you have a Keep It Local OK card, bring it for a 10% discount.

The above gift basket was kindly put together for Uncovering Oklahoma to show a sample of Forward Foods’ made in Oklahoma products.

Think the basket itself is something you want? Forward Foods has three different sized boxes: small round, box, and large round for $5, $7, and $10 respectively. Buy a gift basket and stuff it full of yummy goodies. Below are some sample gift boxes.

One final fun gift: bring the person to a Cheese Course. From Cheese 101 to Beer & Cheese to Olive Oil Tastings with area experts. Price for all courses is $35 per person and Wine & Beer are complimentary. Although you must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

For more information, visit forwardfoods.com

Gift Guide: Barking Dog Bakery

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 17:15:41 +0000

Sometimes it’s hard to decide what to get for a human, especially if you don’t know what he or she may already have, want, like, need, or whatever. A safe and thoughtful gift to buy is a treat for the dog. Barking Dog Bakery (7710 N. May in Oklahoma City) bakes healthy dog treats, holistic foods, and birthday cakes.

Different treats have different health benefits. For example, their Snicker Poodle treat helps with allergies, digestion, and stomach stabilization. Owner Sherri Lanier is able to help you get the best treat for any health concern. Each dog is special and some breeds require more unique nutritional needs than other.

Visit Barking Dog Bakery today for gifts for the pet that will surely please the human too.

Gift Guide: Blue 7

Dennis Spielman — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 03:12:16 +0000

Next up on the gift Gift Guide series is the ever-so-famous Blue 7 (7518 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City). If you’ve never been to Blue 7 before, they carry an eclectic blend of clothing, gifts, jewelry and home furnishings. Save yourself some money by bringing your Keep It Local OK card for a 10% discount (excluding local artist items).

Oklahoma Shirts – $25

For family that lives out of state, consider the Someone in Oklahoma Loves Me shirt. Let him/her know that someone in Oklahoma loves them. Blue 7 has a wall full of Oklahoma themed shirts.

TOMS – Around $55

Multi-gift giving with TOMS! With every pair purchased, TOMS will give a pair of new shows to a child in need.

iPad Cases – Around $35

With iPads being a popular gift, get that made in China iPad owner a made in Oklahoma case.

Lomography Cameras – Around $90

From lomography.com, a “Lomograph holds a charm all of its own. Somehow, everything is amplified, making ordinary objects stand out, enhancing details that would normally go unnoticed. Characterised by ever-changing variables such as the mysterious vignettes that frame the shot, light leaks, lo-fi grain, beautiful blurs, the magical balance of contrast and saturation – just to name a few.”

Note: All prices and item availability are subject to change. Be sure to visit Blue 7 yourself for these and many other great gifts, such as the ones I’ve snapped below.

Gift Guide: Route 66

Dennis Spielman — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:41:05 +0000

Throughout November and December, I’m writing a series of gift guides from local businesses. The first comes from Route 66 (5000 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City just inside 50 Penn Place Mall). Shop owner, Jeanette Koenig, shared her favorite gift ideas with me. Bonus Tip: Route 66 also does amazing gift wrapping for you.

Oklahoma License Plate Photo Album $25

These photo albums recycle old Oklahoma license plates (the older metal style plates, not the cheap plastic ones we have now). A fun and creative way to share memories, crazy adventures, and your favorite cat pictures.

Graffiti Bridge Jewelry $30 – $50

Local artist, Randy Powers, has been making art from the bridge’s rubble since it came down. Jeanette has been carrying Powers’ hand-crafted jewelry since 1991. NewsOK did this in-depth story on the “colorful” history of the bridge. (Word play!)

On The Rocks $20 – $38

Keep drinks cold without having to worry about the melting ice change the drink. Take that ice! You’re so last year.

Jewelry by Becky Bayleff $40 – $400

High-end designer jewelry by Oklahoman artist, Becky Bayleff, for someone really special.

Designs with Light $45

These hand-made night lights were crafted with care by Lella Luz in her Seattle studio. Go Seattle! These lights sure to brighten someone’s night. Lights come with a design card and a beautiful box. Jeanette’s even convinced people that were on the edge about buying these just by showing off the box.

Raku Rattles $24 – $26

Shake away the negativity in life and shake in the positive with these Raku Rattles. Just be cautious as to who receives these rattles.

The Johnny Appie Feeder $24

Made in Oklahoma, you can feed a wide variety of fruit-eating birds with this easy to use feeder. just spiral the fruit onto the “corkscrew” using slight pressure, then slice off part of the feel to allow birds access to the pulp. Many birds feed heavily during nesting months are apples are their favorite. Orioles love oranges. During winter months, Cardinals love to feed on pomegranates cut in life. Even hard dinner rolls can be used to feed other birds.

Vinyl Clock $34

Tick-tock! The rock is rocking around the clock? Yeah, let’s go with that one.

Note: All prices and item availability are subject to change. Visit Route 66 yourself for these and many other great gifts.

More Scares

Dennis Spielman — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 03:04:02 +0000

New video today! I briefly speak with some “survivors” of the Terror on 10th Street Haunted House in Oklahoma City.

The Halloween Guide with updated information on the Bricktown Haunted Warehouse, a new listing on the Trail of Terror, and of course pictures and video from the visit to Terror on 10th Street.

Pinkitzel Video

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:23:51 +0000

Uncovering Oklahoma’s first HD video is sweet! I’ve been wanting to do this show in HD for a years and now my first HD video is online. For the latest video, I interviewed Cher Casso of the fairy tale inspired candy shop, Pinkitzel. Watch the HD video to find what treats Pinkitzel offers, what makes the shop special, and the meaning of Pinkitzel’s name. More information and pictures can be found on the Pinkitzel page.

Later today I will be out filming again in HD (did I mention the show is in HD now?) a daring activity that you won’t believe Oklahoma offers.

I’ll also be working on my massive Halloween guide for this year, so expect that soon.

LIVE on the Plaza video is live!

Dennis Spielman — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 21:38:08 +0000

Brand New Video!

LIVE on the Plaza is a monthly art walk event, held on the second friday of every month (hey, that’s this week!), which promotes emerging artistic talent in Oklahoma City. Plaza District businesses open their doors with monthly visual artists, performing artists and live musicians. Many special events also take place during LIVE on the Plaza, such as Lyric Theater performances, CD releases, private parties, holiday retail events and so much more. LIVE on the Plaza provides the community an opportunity to view emerging talent each month, as well as socialize with a diverse mix of artists, professionals, neighborhood residents and families.

In our video I speak with Plaza District Association’s Executive Director, Kristen Vails, along with Shannon Primeau of Everything Goes Dance Studio, Nathan Lawson of Gallery 1612, Lindsay Zodrow of Collected Thread, Jonathan Fowler of Fowler Volkswagen, Dylan Bradway of DNA Galleries, and Jason Duncan of Cafe Evoke.

This month’s LIVE is happening Friday, September 9. Here’s a quick peek of what to expect:

DNAgalleries: exhibiting works by Swiss artist Mizzo
Convergence: From 6 to 8: kids self portrait At 9 Porch Mice will be playing; a country/folk group that is a local favorite.
Collected Thread: Third year anniversary!!! T-shirt and tote giveaways printed by Tree & Leaf, gift baskets, goodies and cupcakes from Cuppies and Joe. Plus this party will continue all weekend!
Lyric Theatre: FREE Improv Workshop with Brenda Williams from 7:30 to 8:30
No Regrets Tattoo: Live music by Tastebuds
The Society: The studios will be open with art by Jerrod Smith, Phillip Danner, Tommy Poole, and Joe Garcia
Matt Joseff Studio: Showing of a music video by Cornelius, public art wall on display and SoonerCon
Bad Granny’s Bazaar: accoustic performance by Ronnie Jay Wheeler with Jack Ardis. Also big bargains and discounts throughout store
Midwest Media & Marketing @1614: exhibiting works by Dylan Bradway

Open Houses: Chaparney, Curiouser & Curiouser, RetroOKC, Gallery 1612, Paula & Co, PhotoArt Studios, Lyric Theatre, Saints Restaurant/Pub, Warpaint Clothing Co and Velvet Monkey Salon Monkey Shines, Wildflower and
URBAN WINEWORKS.

The big event this month is the celebration of Collected Thread turning 3! Since 2008 when Collected Thread opened its doors by owner Lindsay Zodrow, it has been dedicated to not only make Collected Thread thrive, but also to make the entire Plaza district and local artists.

“Just like the artists we wanted to promote, the Plaza District had not yet become established back in 2008—so there was a great opportunity to create something entirely new,” Zodrow said. “Thanks to the hard work and vision of the Plaza District Association and local entrepreneurs, the district is now lined with restored buildings and unique, energetic, locally owned businesses. Over the next 5 years, I see the district becoming a tourist attraction and something that our city proudly boasts of.”

Zodrow encourages handmade local art and ensures more than 50 percent of her merchandise is handmade locally. Collected Thread carries a wide range of art, clothes for adults, baby clothes, home décor, jewelry and accessories. They also offer creative classes by talented local artists including the owner of Collected Thread, the beautiful Zodrow. Come learn how to blog, make vintage inspired jewelry, improve your photography skills, maybe even learn to knit.

Learn more about Collected Thread from our interview. For pictures and more information on LIVE, visit our LIVE on the Plaza page on Activities and under Entertainment. Then check out LIVE for yourself this Friday.