How do you describe Much Ado About Nothing to those unfamiliar with the story?
It is a love story with two story lines: one is of young love, folly and redemption; the other is a comedy of two stubborn people brought together, despite themselves, to discover the wonder of love. Throw in some clowns and bunch of great music and you’ve got a great Shakespearean comedy!

Why 1964 Sicily and how was the script updated for that time period?
In Shakespeare’s script, this story is set in Messina (a seaport in Sicily), just after a war. We have set it in the early 1960s, to reflect a similar climate – historically, the time just after mafia wars that affected the area. This made sense to us, because Shakespeare wrote of a fictional conflict that split families, similar to these historic conflicts in the midcentury. As for the language, we NEVER change or update Shakespeare’s language. We are Shakespeare purists. We may envision his stories in different time periods, or, on occasion, different places, but we never make changes to the text. And aside from the odd pronoun (“she” for “he” in some cases), we NEVER change a letter. This is very important to us. The text is our main inspiration. It is our starting place. We take this principle a step further in this production, by performing the script uncut. It is very rare to see the full text of Much Ado About Nothing in performance, as many directors cut it down for time. However, we felt it was important to bring the whole script to the stage. Specifically, we perform Shakespeare’s Quarto version of the script, as edited by Arden. Scholars and Shakespeare nerds will tell you there are some slight differences from the Folio version of the script, which is more typically performed.

Why should one see it?
Reduxion performs vibrant, fast-paced, yet accessible classical theatre. People often assume that we update the language, because we pride ourselves on clarity in storytelling. We don’t, of course, but we DO appreciate the compliment. We believe seeing a show should be enjoyable and thought-provoking. Audiences from this show are raving! This show, in particular, is choke full of fun, dance, bright costumes, lots of music and colorful characters. Parents are bringing their children, who are learning that Shakespeare is not boring, dreary and ancient, but energetic, fun and exciting!

What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
We have only 9 performers in this play. There are lots of characters, so almost all actors play multiple roles. We do this quite often at Reduxion, but the quick changes in this show are particularly challenging. To emphasize the truth of the time period, costume designer, Lloyd Cracknell, provided very detailed costume stories for each character. Some actors have to exit as one character and enter as another. With these costumes, that is no easy trick. The cast also plays a lot of live music throughout the show. They are challenged to not only conquer their demanding roles, but to also provide the music for the show, as well.

Talk about the gender-bending the actors do for the show.
Shakespeare LOVED gender-bending and so do we. One actress in the show plays a young woman, an old man, and an evil villain. One actor plays one plotting villain and one lovely lady. In Shakespeare’s day, all of these roles would be played by men, but he experimented a lot within the format. Inspired by this, we also experiment with cross-gender casting, using actors who love challenges and embrace the fun of this convention. Audience response has been through the roof.

What advice would you share to other directors looking to put on Much Ado?
I would tell them to stay true to the language. Don’t make changes based on what you think an audience will understand. If your actors know what they are saying, so will the audience.

What scenes do the actors enjoy?
I hope all of them. I think they love the party scene and many of the musical moments in the show.

Any other comments?
Much Ado About Nothing plays through Feb 25th. Check Reduxiontheatre.com for details and to order tickets. Don’t wait until the last minute, seating is limited!

The book was written with all types of couples and dates in mind to show that there is something for everyone. There are pictures of every place, quotes from people as to why they personally think a particular place makes for a great date spot, and even links to watch YouTube videos. In the first edition there are over 25 different ideas for dates with sections on Oklahoma City, Bricktown, and Norman. The book was written for all types of couples and with all types of dates in mind.

Future editions will include even more ideas and will expand to other cities, including Tulsa. I’m barely scratching the surface of all the great places and things to for dates in Oklahoma. The book will soon be available to download via the iBookstore to view on your iPad.

I hope you find the book to be inspiring, informative, and helpful with your relationships.

The Date Guide Book has its own direct link on the menu bar along with a page on other shows I currently produce.

Much Ado About Nothing Couple’s Package
A romantic “Couple’s Package” is offered on the Friday and Saturday performances, February 10th and 11th, before Valentine’s Day, of Reduxion Theatre’s Much Ado About Nothing. The package includes preshow champagne and couple’s cupcakes at intermission. “We want to offer couples a fun and romantic alternative or addition to their Valentine’s plans on this romantic weekend,” said Managing Director, Erin Woods, “An entertaining evening of live theatre provides a memorable, romantic experience.”

The Magic and Mystery Show
On February 11th, Jeff Gray will open the final The Magic and Mystery Show with his comedy magic providing new routines with cards, rope, and coins. Afterwards headliner, William Rader, will perform his full evening show, which he normally only performs for private events. He will influence thoughts and decisions and will reads minds under impossible conditions. If you haven’t seen it, you don’t want to miss it! The show starts at 8pm at the Mainsite Contemporary Art Gallery (122 East Main Street) in Norman. The show is appropriate for ages 12 and over. Tickets are $10 each. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made via email at manofmagic@gmail.com or by calling (405) 642-0922.

Love on the Plaza
LIVE on the Plaza 2nd Friday, presented and sponsored by Fowler Volkswagen of Norman, will be transformed into LOVE on the Plaza, celebrating this over commercialized holiday with a local twist! Whether you and your date are looking for a fun, quirky night out, or you’re hitting the town with friends, romance will abound by way of local art and creative flavor at LOVE on the Plaza.

The SPYwagen will be home to the LOVE on the Plaza photo booth from 7-9PM, so make sure you and your date (or friends, family or pup!) snuggle into the SPYwagen and capture the moment. Photos will be uploaded online for free online downloads, and prints available for sale. Special thanks to Maria Dru Photography, Fowler Volkswagen and The SPY for the LOVE on the Plaza photo booth!

Not afraid to show a little PDA? Snap your own smooches for the LOVE on the Plaza Kiss Cam! Post pics on twitter to @plazadistrict and @FowlerVW for your chance to win a prize courtesy of FowlerVW!

Next, Cole Dewey Design is hosting a performance art group from Dallas called “The Gay Agenda”. The Gay Agenda is performance art designed to foster love…and purposely designed to be boring. The group will set up a “home” in Cole Dewey Design’s storefront. Two men will inhabit the space as a couple for the weekend, performing routine tasks: vacuuming the carpet, making coffee, reading the paper, playing cards with friends, ordering pizza, watching TV, etc.. No intimacy beyond what might be acceptable for any heterosexual couple in public will be presented; i.e., it will be limited to casual contact — hand-holding, an arm around each other, a casual kiss hello/goodbye. Come see this unique and impactful performance piece!

Feeling creative? “Show Your Love for Lyric” this Valentine’s Day. Create your own Valentine’s Day card, letter, and painting, whatever you feel like creating to express your love for Lyric. At 8PM in front of the Plaza Theatre your Valentine’s creation in the contest. The winner of the contest will receive two tickets to see Lyric’s production of SPRING AWAKENING at the Plaza Theatre! A great Valentine’s Day date with your Valentine!

Outdoors, the Plaza District will set up a community project, where visitors can make Valentines! Supplies available! Tell us who or what your love. Then we will hang your Valentine from a tree in the District to display all the love!

Don’t want to be a part of all the mushy stuff during LIVE? Come see Dig It’s ‘Loving Dead on the Plaza’. Dig It will be featuring works from Chastine Edwards and Fuse Hartly. Also enter the drawing to win two tickets to the Underground Monster Carnival coming to the Oklahoma City fairgrounds March 3rd.

Our four legged friends can celebrate love too! Over at Chasin’ Tail Pet Boutique, Sam the cellist will be serenading with valentine love songs, plus free valentine goody bags filled with organic treats for your 4-legged loved one! Balloons and treats available for our two legged friends!

The Parish is celebrating this month’s LIVE with , “Free Love, Live, Music, Latté’s, & Art”. There’s going to be a whole latta love in the air at The Parish. FREE ESPRESSO DRINKS! all night, including our own seasonal Valentine “Love Latté”. This event will be kickin’! Their featured artist for the month of February is Chris Elliot “Gog” and will be available for viewing and purchase. Two bands will be playing live performances also. Antler Thief is an old friend of The Parish. Ails and Remedies will also be performing bringing an acoustic roots folk set to the stage.

As always, LIVE on the Plaza will be packed with live music, featured artists, and our four legged friends. We love our community family and want to experience that with you. That is the rare beauty of LIVE on the Plaza. We look forward to seeing you there February 10th 7-11 PM.

Artist Opening at Istvan
Friday, Feb. 10 from 6:00pm until 10:00pm will be an artist opening featuring Lori Oden, Bryan Boone, Asia Scudder and Virginia T. Coleman. The Istvan Gallery’s quarterly art installation will preview with an artists’ reception Friday, Feb. 10 from 6 to 10 p.m. and an open house on Feb. 11 and 12 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The show will continue through April 29, 2012.

The opening reception is free, open to the public and will include entertainment, light hors d’oeuvres and beverages. Visitors can also observe glass blowing demonstrations by artists at Blue Sage Studio.

Istvan Gallery is over 4,000 square feet of wall and floor space with new exhibits installed quarterly. Istvan Gallery’s hours are Tuesday through Friday noon to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Opening celebrations include a reception on Friday from 6 to10 p.m. and open house on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (405) 831-2874 or visit www.IstvanGallery.com.

I’m really proud and happy with how the first edition turned out. There are over 25 different ideas for dates with sections on Oklahoma City, Bricktown, and Norman. There are photographs from every place and quotes from people as to why they think a place makes for a great date. The book was written for all types of couples and with all types of dates in mind. Future editions will include even more ideas and expand to other cities, including Tulsa. I’m barely scratching the surface, but I have to start somewhere.

As soon as it’s available, I will make an announcement right here.

“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.

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!

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

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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! 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.

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

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!

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.