Uncovering Oklahoma

Rock Paper Scissors: based on a True Story

Dennis Spielman — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 21:32:30 +0000

ROCK PAPER SCISSORS: Based on a True Story Denise Duong and Matt Seikel
OKLAHOMA CITY – Science Museum Oklahoma’s Satellite Galleries is excited to announce their first show of 2012, “Rock Paper Scissors: based on a True Story;” opening Friday, January 20, 2012 at 7:00PM. This show features the art of Denise Duong and Matt Seikel. The evening reception is free and open to the public. The show will run until June 6th, 2012.

“”Rock Paper Scissors” truly demonstrates the marriage of science and art as a vital paradigm” said Trevor Taylor, Visual Arts Aficionado. “Science Museum Oklahoma is passionate about helping people experience art in original and meaningful ways. As a science museum, we are equipped with unique resources for outreach, exploration and creativity; which translate seamlessly into the gallery.”

“Rock Paper Scissors: Based on a True Story” will feature new mixed media and ink works by Denise Duong as well as Matt Seikel’s ceramics and custom drums. This exhibition will be interactive, allowing all guests the opportunity to engage with the artwork in various forms.

“The “Rock Paper Scissors” exhibition has given Denise and Matt’s artwork a setting which allows their imaginations to really speak for themselves,” said Suzette Ellison, Vice President of Programs and Interpretation. “The exhibition won’t simply be art on a wall or ceramics on a pedestal. This experience should challenge the viewer to interact with the art in creative and unconventional ways.”

For more information Science Museum Oklahoma guests can call 405-602-6664, or visit www.sciencemuseumok.org for more information.

About Science Museum Oklahoma
Science Museum Oklahoma reveals the wonder and relevance of science in our everyday lives. Get up to your elbows in science with acres of hands-on experiences, thousands of space, aviation and cultural artifacts and new exhibits always on the horizon. Blast off beyond the Milky Way in the Planetarium Theater and feel the heat from live explosions in Science Live. And you’ll love traveling to new worlds while watching IMAX movies in the dome theater. Let your inner-child run wild!

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!

Happy 2012!

Dennis Spielman — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 01:36:05 +0000

Happy New Year, everyone! As part of my New Year’s resolutions, I will take take Uncovering Oklahoma further. I will travel and do more segments outside the Oklahoma City metro area this summer. Not only do I have plans for this show, but I have other shows and books in the works too. I have so many great ideas and friends that will make this year awesome.

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

Awesome Events (Dec 6, 2011)

Dennis Spielman — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 04:06:27 +0000

I have bunch of great events worth sharing tonight.

Light Up The Plaza
This month’s Live on the Plaza is transformed into holiday festivities with LIGHT UP THE PLAZA. Devon Energy, a proud sponsor has lit up the district with holiday lit trees! Come see the beautiful lights, holiday store displays, and handcrafted holiday décor throughout the district. Full details here.

The Nutcracker
December: 9-11 & 16-18.
Friday’s at 7 pm, Saturday’s at 2 & 7 pm, Sunday’s at 2 pm
Share the magic of the season with Oklahoma City’s most enduring holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, at the Civic Center Music Hall (201 North Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City). Glowing with holiday cheer, this perfect family outing has enthralled for generations. With Robert Mills’ traditional staging and Tchaikovsky’s familiar score played by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, you will always find something new. Call 405-848-TOES (8637) for tickets!

LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Enjoy a spectacular new Lyric holiday tradition with the production of Charles Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol. Capture the magic and joy of Christmas as the ghosts of Past, Present and Future lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a powerful journey of transformation and redemption. 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! More event details here on Facebook and stay with Uncovering Oklahoma for our Question and Answer session.

Eggnog 3D: With a Vengeance!
It’s time for Ghostlight Theatre Club’s (3110 N. Walker Avenue, Oklahoma City) 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!

Call 286-9412 for reservations. Seriously, do it now…or the red-nosed reindeer gets it! Be to watch out for Uncovering Oklahoma’s upcoming Question and Answer session.

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School presents Kabaret Falschtanz
The talented troupe Kabaret Falschtanz will be performing and posing for us. Tickets are $10 in advance at ticketstorm.com or $15 at the door. We have great prizes from our sponsors. Bring your sketch materials. No drawing skills needed. The Boom (2218 NW 39th St, Oklahoma City) has a dinner menu.

Jessica and I did this video interview on the Kabaret Falschtanz back when they used to perform at Maker’s Straight Up. It’s good to see the troupe out again.

Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar 2011
Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar is an indie craft fair and community event with free admission in Oklahoma City, where unique artists show and sell their work to enthusiastic shoppers from all over the region. Learn more about our artists and charities at deluxeok.net.

I wrote this great article last year and bought lots of unique items from last year’s bazaar. I highly recommend checking out this event.

Mocktails!
Mocktails is an event hosted by the Bricktown Rotary Club (1 N Oklahoma Avenue, Oklahoma City) to promote the use of non-alcoholic drinks during the holidays. Celebrity judges will rank drinks prepared by bartenders from restaurants and clubs in the OKC area. Prizes are given for the winners who make the top beverages prepared without alcohol. Recipes of the drinks will be posted/printed, along with the names of the winners and their workplace. Please be safe at upcoming parties this season and offer drinks without alcohol for your guests! For more information, contact Joe Dorman at 580-476-3745 or email at repjoedorman@gmail.com
If you are interested in visiting or possilby joining Bricktown Rotary, meetings are upstairs at the Bricktown Brewery every Monday at 5:45.

Like Uncovering Oklahoma on Facebook for even more news.

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.

Holiday Guide is a Go along with other updates

Dennis Spielman — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:46:46 +0000

The Holiday Guide has been updated for 2011. Drop me a message or leave a comment if you have a place or an event for me to add to the guide.

Throughout the past several days I’ve been making random little updates to the web site, including improving the mobile site, creating an archived videos section, and updating the page guides.

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.