Will Mann’s first trip to Civic Center Music Hall was disastrous. As a University of North Texas opera student in Denton, he heard “Rent” was being staged at the downtown Oklahoma City venue. Having never seen it, he bought a ticket, looked up directions and made the drive … only to end up somewhere other […]
Civic Center Music Hall
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Counterpoint: Investing wisely
Especially in these challenging economic times, we must be even more focused on being good stewards of our resources and frugal in our planning. We are now trying to decide what would be the best way forward for Stage Center. Once again damaged by flooding and by subsequent deterioration, this aging facility is in need […]
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‘Pan’ am
After playing Peter Pan an estimated 3,000 times over 20-some-odd years, one could expect Cathy Rigby to feel an ownership of the role. She does, but not to the point where she’ll only eat the brand of peanut butter that bears the character’s name. “I eat any peanut butter I can get,” Rigby said. “I […]
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Streetcar system
For those of us who love theater, nothing — well, almost nothing — beats watching an accomplished actor playing a great role, and that excellent combination is what you have with Alissa Millar as Blanche DuBois (pictured) in Oklahoma City Theatre Company’s production of Tennessee Williams’ 1947 classic “A Streetcar Named Desire.” Millar modulates perfectly […]
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New York state of mind
Lyric Theatre takes audiences back in time to New York at the beginning of the 20th century in its production of “Ragtime.” Written by Terrence McNally, the Tony Award-winning musical was adapted from E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel. “Ragtime” explore the plights of three different families: one from Harlem, one from the white suburb of New […]
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‘Oliver!’ twist
Lyric Theatre kicks off its summer run at the Civic Center Music Hall this week with “Oliver!” Based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” this musical adaptation tells the story of the young orphan who escapes the misery of a workhouse by joining a group of pickpockets. The production is being helmed by Michael Baron, Lyric’s […]
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9 to 5: The Musical
I’d be a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot if I said I didn’t enjoy “9 to 5: The Musical.” Despite a few small flaws, the 1980 film makes a smooth jump from screen to stage. The Celebrity Attractions production runs through Sunday at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, with a few seats left. […]
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Redneck romp
This sounds like fun: “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” What is it, a chance to make fun of the rednecks, yahoos, crackers and other toothless wonders who stereotypically inhabit trailer parks? No. The show’s not mean-spirited, but it’s not much of a show, either. Presented by Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, in conjunction with the […]
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Elemental bond
Never before did I expect to see the Civic Center Music Hall awash in bits of floating foil. And that’s not even close to being the most outlandish element of “The Aluminum Show,” which made its Oklahoma City debut last night. What audiences saw was so different — a mix of dance, visuals, illusions and […]
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Totally tubular
For the creator of “The Aluminum Show,” inspiration fell from above. Literally. Inspired by the innovative theatrical productions of Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil, Ilan Azriel wanted to do something similarly out-there. He was at a hardware store searching for materials when a small aluminum tube tumbled from a top shelf. “It was […]