Uncovering Oklahoma
Ideas for Adventures in Oklahoma
Elemental Coffee
0March 18, 2012
by Dennis Spielman
in Our Travels
Elemental has a simple philosophy on their coffees: “deliver each coffee as it wants to be delivered.” At Elemental they source, sample, import, roast, and deliver the finest coffees available. They’re a small Oklahoma City company dedicated to producing the finest coffee while providing their customers with the best imaginable service.
You might even say their coffee has a mind of its own. In my latest video interview, I spoke with co-owners, Chris Holliday and Laura Massenat at Elemental today in Oklahoma City. Watch the video above and for more information and pictures, visit the Elemental Coffee page.
I would also like to add that they have a crepes on Sundays. I’ve never had a crepe before so of course I tried their ham and cheese one and it was delicious. Their coffee is some of the best in the state.
Date Guide Edition 1.1
0March 15, 2012
by Dennis Spielman
in Information
Version 1.1 of Uncovering Oklahoma’s Date Guide book has been released. Here’s what’s new:
- Higher resolution (great for the new iPad 3), better looking PDF file too
- Added Lyric Theatre
- Replaced quote for Nonna’s
- Plus fixes, corrections, and minor changes
The PDF version is now available and the iBookstore should update with the new version soon.
Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles Q&A
0March 14, 2012
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
In this Performing Arts Question and Answer session I speak with Linda McDonald, the director of Jewel Box Theatre’s production of Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles.
How would you describe Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles?
The classic Arthur Conan Doyle novel might be called a literary whodunit, but the stage play is more immediate. Whereas the novel is often written as correspondence, in the play everyone is right in the moment, playing a dangerous game at Baskerville Hall, actively trying to either solve or get away with the horrific murder that has occurred.
What influence, if any, did the new BBC Sherlock series have on the show?
I love the sense of the new Sherlock’s natural high from finding clues and working the puzzle. For him, it’s the only time he’s truly alive, playing this game that gives him such a rush he detaches from the real world.
What acting traits make a good Sherlock?
The technical skills necessary to articulate Holmes’ quick thinking delivery in a flawless British dialect are considerable, so there’s that before you even think about anything else. Then he must be fun to watch physically and have charisma as well. A tall order. Luckily, I got a good one in Don Taylor.
What’s special about your version of the Hound of the Baskervilles?
We tried to show Holmes and Watson as genuine friends and always playfully engaged in light competition with one another. I didn’t want Holmes to come off as smug or teacherly and Watson as his underling. We tried to imagine this as that time when they were making their bones in the investigative world, when they had to be on their toes to cultivate their reputations.
Why should one see it?
I love intimate theater, and the Jewel Box’s arena stage gives the audience a wonderful closeness to Baskerville Hall and the Victorian props, furniture, costumes, even the constant fog seeping in from the moors. It’s almost like sitting in the drawing room with Sherlock and the characters. To me, that’s just fun.
What was the most challenging aspect you had in the production?
Since we can’t take the audience out onto the moor as all the movies did, most of the story is told through dialogue rather than seeing the action itself. This was a challenge to the actors to keep the audience fascinated and with us, and a challenge to me to add physical elements that punctuated the danger. The eye must be as entertained as the ear.
What advice would you share to other directors looking to put on production of any play with Sherlock?
Look for the humor.
St. Patrick’s Day 2012 Events
0March 12, 2012
by Dennis Spielman
in Do This
St. Patrick’s Day is this Saturday, March 17th. I’ve gathered up these great events happening in the Oklahoma City Metro area to celebrate the holiday.
Bricktown St. Patrick’s Day Block Party
Come and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Entertainment District. The Bricktown St. Patrick’s Day Block Party will be held outdoors on the corner of Sheridan and Oklahoma Avenue in the heart of Bricktown. Enjoy continuous live music, green beer and soft drinks while browsing for St. Patrick’s Day beads and t-shirts. While there, enjoy everything that Bricktown has to offer including a variety of restaurants and bars.
Oklahoma City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 17 at 1:00pm
The Oklahoma City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade invites guests to enjoy a grand day of Irish music and fun. Be among the thousands of spectators watching this great parade as it marches through the heart of Oklahoma City. Come for the parade, be Irish for a day and stay for awhile in fabulous Bricktown. This year’s Grand Marshal is Patrick Rooney, Chairman and CEO of the First National Bank of Oklahoma. Bring your lawn chairs, enjoy a glass of green beer, listen to live music and see authentic Irish step dancing. Watch as decorated floats, animals, antique tractors, civic clubs, clowns, motorcycles and more make their way down the street. Be a part of the Oklahoma City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade to welcome the “green” of spring to this great city.
Read more here for the parade route
O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille
769 Asp Avenue-Campus Corner in Norman
Green, Green and more Green. Everything starts early on March 17th. O’Connell’s Irish Pub & Grille start gathering the green eggs around 2am. Their ‘Irish Chickens’ are unique in that they produce multiple eggs everyday. Scrambling starts at 430am for serving at 7am. Their Green Beverages begin to arrive at 4am in anticipation of the first Souvenir Mug being filled at 7. When the doors open Oklahoma’s Biggest St. Pat’s Celebration begins. For many of the early party goers their goal is to get the perfect table and still be there 19 hours later for the ‘Closing Toast’ at 2am.
Activities spread throughout the day from the front door back through 2 tent covered parking lots. There’s Casino Tables, Karaoke, 7 Live Bands, ‘Little Mike’ the leprachaun, Face Painting and Gallons of Green Fun all day. Catch all the NCAA Basketball action on Big Screens everywhere at O’Connell’s in Norman.
Celtic Caravan at The Blue Door
Saturday, March 17 at 8:00pm
Arabesque (Steve Vanlandingham and Miranda Arana) teams up with The Merry Sisters (Kathy Dagg and Shanda McDonald) to form Celtic Caravan, a four-piece super-group dedicated to exploring the enchantments of traditional Irish music. The ensemble will be presenting a special concert of Irish music on St. Patrick’s Day at the Blue Door (2805 N. McKinley in Oklahoma City). The four musicians have been fixtures on the local Celtic scene for many years and have been playing together informally for contra dances and other regional events for the past five years. Doors open at 7pm. Admission is $10.
4th Annual St. Baldrick’s Bout
Don’t miss the Oklahoma City Roller Derby Tornado Alley Rollergirls and Alamo City Rollergirls when they take to the flat track on March 17th! The Oklahoma City Roller Derby girls will be raising money on behalf of St. Baldrick’s Foundation, to help fund the battle against children’s cancer.
4pm: Rollergating
5pm: Doors Open
5:30pm: Bout Starts!
Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door
OKC Improv March 17, 2012 Shows
8pm: Take One Improv / Mentalist William Rader / Twinprov
10pm: The Big O / Red State Blue State / Ballpark Theatre Company
OKC Improv, Oklahoma’s premier showcase for improvisational comedy and theater, kicks off its Spring 2012 Run this weekend! Performances will take place Saturdays at 8pm and 10pm, March 17-April 21, 2012 at Ghostlight Theatre Club (3110 N Walker).
Tickets are $12 each and $6 for improvisers and improv students. Admission is FREE if you’re celebrating your birthday with us! Advance purchase of tickets is suggested as most shows sell out. Purchase tickets online here.
Irish Pubs
Listed below are some of the notable Irish pubs in the metro where you get some great green beer.
James E. McNellie’s Public House
1100 Classen Drive in Oklahoma City
Dan Mcguinness Irish Pub and Restaurant
1003 SW 19th in Moore
Sean Cummings Irish Restaurant & Pub
9610 N. May Ave. in Oklahoma City
Thank you and have fun!
Cookies and Cards Interview
0March 8, 2012
by Dennis Spielman
in Our Travels
Cookes & Cards is the place in Norman for unique gifts, jewelry, greeting cards for all occasions and, of course, amazing cupcakes and other sweet treats. Today I interviewed owner Nancy Russell in her shop, which has recently moved to a brand new location.
Watch the video, read the full transcript, and see pictures here on Cookies and Cards.