What do in Oklahoma on Feb. 14, 2012: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Oklahoma City Thunder
Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden, right, takes control of a loose ball against Utah Jazz forward Josh Howard, left, during the first half of their NBA basketball game in Salt Lake City, Friday, Feb. 10, 2012. (AP Photo)
Today’s featured event:
Happy Valentine’s Day! Show some love to the Oklahoma City Thunder as the team returns to Oklahoma City after a long road stretch to play the Utah Jazz at 7 tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena, 100 W Reno.
For more information, go to www.nba.com/thunder.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Feb. 13, 2012: Hear Lost Lander at The Conservatory
Lost Lander
Today’s featured event:
Hear Lost Lander, Kelafonia and Young Reader at 8 tonight at The Conservatory, 8911 N Western. For more information, go to www.conservatoryokc.com.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Feb. 12, 2012: Watch Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of “The Firebird”
Miki Kawamura in "The Firebird"
Today’s featured events:
Watch Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of Stravinsky’s stunning “The Firebird” at 2 p.m. today at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker. Information: 848-8637 or www.okcballet.com.
Read The Oklahoman Fine Arts Editor Rick Rogers’ feature on the production by clicking here.
For more information, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Video: Reduxion Theatre Company offering a special Valentine’s Day package for tonight’s performance of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”
In honor of Valentine’s Day, Reduxion Theatre Company’s is offering a romantic “Couple’s Package” for its performance tonight of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” at its Broadway Theater, 1613 N Broadway Ave.
The package includes preshow champagne and couple’s cupcakes at intermission.
Check out these NewsOK videos of the company talking about and performing selections from the play.
“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 in a news release. “An entertaining evening of live theatre provides a memorable, romantic experience.”
Reduxion opened its new staging of “Much Ado About Nothing” Thursday night, and performances continue at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through Feb. 25. A special Sunday matinee will be staged at 2 p.m. Feb. 19.
Billed as Oklahoma City’s fastest-growing theater company, Reduxion received much attention and positive reviews in 2011 with the opening of their intimate new venue, the Broadway Theater. Critically acclaimed productions of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Hamlet” and the American classic “Hair, the American Tribal Love-Rock Musical,” drew more than 2,000 fans to the Broadway Theater, near Automobile Alley and downtown.
“We love romantic stories and audiences love seeing them,” said Tyler Woods, Reduxion Artistic Director and “Much Ado About Nothing” director, in the release. “We push boundaries and challenge people on an emotional level, and we hope to make a name for ourselves as producers of plays that people enjoy sharing with a loved one.”
This season, Reduxion gets back to its roots by revisiting some of their first productions as a company. The company continues its successful, “Original Sins” season with the romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” by Shakespeare, which was the first show independently produced by Woods in 2000. Woods directs this hilarious, touching and fast-paced romance with the same love and care he gave the first time around, on the show that started it all!
“Although we are considered a young company, this journey has taken many years,” said Woods. “From that first independent production in 2000, to this season, our fourth residential season in Oklahoma City, and the second year in our own performance venue – we must honor our growth and the support of the Oklahoma City community in fostering our development for over a decade.”
His version of “Much Ado About Nothing” is set in the swinging 1960s in Sicily.
For more information, go to www.reduxiontheatre.com.
-BAM
What to do in Oklahoma on Feb. 11, 2012: Hear Kite Flying Robot at The Opolis
Kite Flying Robot
Today’s featured event:
NORMAN – Hear Oklahoma electro-pop bands Kite Flying Robot, Prix Teen and Mike&Mike at 9 tonight at The Opolis, 113 N Crawford.
For more information, go to www.starlightmints.com/opolis.html.
For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
-BAM
Concert review: Chris Young charms at Oklahoma City’s Diamond Ballroom
Chris Young plays March 12 at Oklahoma City Arena. (Archive photo by Nathan Poppe, For The Oklahoman)
From passionate balladeer to down-home party animal, Chris Young let fans hear his varied “Voices” Friday night at the Diamond Ballroom, where he played a solo show during a break from touring with country A-lister and Tishomingo resident Miranda Lambert.
Stalwartly weathering bitter cold outside and oppressive heat inside, hundreds of fans in cowboy hats, boots and embellished jeans whooped wildly as the up-and-coming country star took the stage nearly 40 minutes after opening act The Lost Trailers exited with their new comeback anthem “Underdog” and a reprise of their raucous “Holler Back.”
Young made the wait worthwhile, launching his set with the playful party song “Save Water, Drink Beer,” which had people toasting with their cups and bottles and shouting out the chorus even before he got the crowd organized into a friendly sing-along contest.
“I can already tell this is gonna be one of those deals that I have to roll my sleeves up,” the rising star said, cuffing the sleeves of his dark gray plaid shirt and flashing his killer smile.
But Young charmed his audience — particularly the female fans — with relative ease whether offering up a countrified version of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” or making romance with “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song),” his first No. 1 hit.
With five chart-toppers to his name, the singer-songwriter’s hourlong set featured plenty of chances for the crowd to sing along. Young spiked his honey-rich baritone with ardor for “The Man I Want to Be,” “Tomorrow” and “You,” and the smash ballads got several couples slow-dancing around the ballroom. The Murfreesboro, Tenn., native banked the fires of passion to a good-humored warmth for “Voices,” his tribute to familial advice.
But the 2006 “Nashville Star” winner – who will compete for single and male vocalist of the year at the April 1 Academy of Country Music Awards – really showcased his impish sense of humor and polished showmanship with the album cuts and covers in his set. For instance, the handsome singer suavely vowed to alter the lyrics of “Lost” to suit women of every eye color.
“I love my blue-eyed ladies, but I love my green-eyed ladies and my brown-eyed ladies, too,” he said, prompting squeals and sighs from his female fans.
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band shout-out in the country love song set up a rock-solid rendition of “Fishin’ in the Dark.”
“Ladies, I don’t care if you came here with your man or if you came here looking for one, this song’s for you,” he quipped as he launched into “I Can Take It from There.”
He then paused midway through the twangy seduction to emphasize his admiration for Conway Twitty and lead the crowd in singing a snippet of “I’d Love to Lay You Down.”
“Not only did he possibly have the best perm/mullet combination in country music … he had a (expletive) of hits, so I know you know Conway Twitty,” Young said.
Fulfilling a request he received backstage, he also paid homage to military servicemen and women and their families with the moving story-song “The Dashboard,” although the fervent performance was unfortunately marred by feedback.
Occasionally pausing to wipe his sweaty face with a towel and comment on the overheated venue, Young got his croon on and showed off his lung power with the road song “Neon,” the title track of his 2011 album. He and his talented band got boots stomping with fun-loving fan favorites “Twenty-One Candles,” “Small Town Big Time” and “Who’s Gonna Take Me Home.”
For an encore, Young and his cohorts sent the crowd home with an energy jolt, courtesy an expended and amped up cover of the ZZ Top classic “Sharp Dressed Man.”
Even dressed in jeans and sweat-stained plaid, the rising star still pulled it off.
— BAM
Zac Brown Band to play April 26 at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Arena; tickets on sale Feb. 17
Grammy winners the Zac Brown Band have announced they will perform in concert at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26 at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Chesapeake Energy Arena’s box office and all Ticketmaster outlets, including area Homeland stores. They will be available by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Tickets are priced at $64.50, $59.50, $45 and $25.
Demand to see Zac Brown Band live is at an all-time high as the multiplatinum-selling Georgia-based outfit throws down every night with expert musicianship, hearty Southern rock, and an unparalleled fan experience that’s sold out arenas and amphitheaters from coast to coast on their 2011 tour.
Zac Brown Band will host the Academy of Country Music Awards’ televised Fan Jam in April at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas and recently logged their historic ninth consecutive No. 1 radio single with “Keep Me In Mind.” The song topped Billboard’s Country Songs chart for four straight weeks, earning the band the longest reign atop that chart for any artist in more than two years.
The six-piece group has been lauded by fans and critics alike, winning seven Grammy, ACM, Country Music Association and CMT awards, along with earning more than 50 additional nominations over the last three years.
Zac Brown Band’s 2012 tour will be presented by Jack Daniels and Landshark Lager.
For more information, go to www.chesapeakearena.com.
-BAM
Best Bets for Feb. 10-12, 2012: Chris Young, Alabama, “The Firebird,” Children’s Miracle Network benefit show
Chris Young
Here are my Best Bets for entertainment happening around the state this weekend, as listed in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. For more options, go to www.wimgo.com.
1. Listen to up-and-coming country star Chris Young, with special guests the Lost Trailers, at 7 p.m. Friday at the Diamond Ballroom, 8001 S Eastern. Information: 677-9169 or www.diamondballroom.net. (Look for my review of the show in the wee hours of Saturday here on BAM’s Blog.)
2. Watch Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of Stravinsky’s stunning “The Firebird” at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Civic Center, 201 N Walker. Information: 848-8637 or www.okcballet.com.
3. NORMAN — Hear Pretty Black Chains, Burning Hotels, Crown Imperial and BradChad Porter perform at a Benefit for Children’s Miracle Network at 9 p.m. Friday at the Opolis, 113 N Crawford. Information: www.starlightmints.com/opolis.html.
4. WINSTAR — Catch reunited Country Music Hall of Famers Alabama at 8 p.m. Saturday at WinStar World Casino, Interstate 35, Exit 1. Information: (800) 622-6317 or www.winstarworldcasino.com.
-BAM
Target, Walmart hosting “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” release parties tonight
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. To read my interview with “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” director Bill Condon, click here.
Target, Walmart hosting “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” release parties
Forget vampires vs. werewolves: Friday night’s anticipated DVD release of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1” is setting up an epic battle between big-box giants Target and Walmart.
“Breaking Dawn — Part 1” drops on DVD and Blu-ray at the stroke of midnight Saturday, with release parties planned Friday night (tonight) at Walmart and Target locations across the country, including many Oklahoma stores.
Nearly 500 Target stores nationwide, including the Midwest City, Norman and Quail Springs locations, will extend their hours to 1 a.m. Saturday morning for the release events. Beginning at 11 p.m. Friday, fans will be shown an exclusive, world-premiere scene from the fifth and final film, “Breaking Dawn — Part 2.”
At midnight, fans can purchase the Target exclusive, limited edition DVD of “Breaking Dawn — Part 1” that includes an authentic prop flower from the wedding scene encased in an acrylic keepsake, according to a news release.
For more information, go to Target.com/Twilight.
More than 2,700 Walmart stores across the country, including several across Oklahoma, will have giveaways, trivia games and “Twilight”-theme bakery treats at release parties beginning at 11 p.m. Friday. The stores will feature a cameo by Cullen vampire Rosalie (Nikki Reed) on their in-store TV feed during the lead-up to the release, according to Home Media Magazine.
Walmart also will be selling an exclusively packaged version of the movie, the “Bella’s Wedding Special Edition,” featuring collectible wedding dress packaging, a fabric poster of Bella and Edward’s big day and music videos from Bruno Mars and Christina Perri.
For more information, go to www.walmart.com/moviecenter.
— BAM
Bill Condon takes on twice the challenges with “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” movies; “Part 1″ to be released on DVD at midnight Saturday
From left, Robert Pattinson, Bill Condon andTaylor Lautner attend a Nov. 17, 2011, film premiere of "The Twilight Sage: Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" in Barcelona, Spain. AP photo
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Bill Condon takes on twice the challenges with “Twilight: Breaking Dawn” movies
The “Chicago” and “Dreamgirls” director made “Breaking Dawn — Part 1,” which will be released on DVD and Blu-ray at midnight Saturday, and “Breaking Dawn — Part 2,” due in theaters Nov. 16, at the same time.
LOS ANGELES — Director Bill Condon’s initiation into the global pop culture phenomenon known as “The Twilight Saga” began with a literal honeymoon period.
Adapting “Breaking Dawn,” the fourth and final book in Stephenie Meyer’s supernaturally popular vampire-romance series, involved dividing the weighty character- and milestone-packed novel into two movies that were filmed simultaneously. But the process started with just Kristen Stewart, who plays human heroine Bella Swan, and Robert Pattinson, who plays her courtly vampire sweetheart Edward Cullen, filming their characters’ honeymoon in Brazil.
“We started this big movie very small. It was only Rob and Kristen plus a couple other actors for half a day … We were starting on a honeymoon. It was kind of a dreamy thing to do, you know. I found it great,” Condon said during a fall press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel. “We had some weather problems and got rained in, socked in, and all had to sleep in bathtubs and things at the honeymoon house. But everything about it was magical.”
“Twi-hard” fans of the series seemed to agree: “Breaking Dawn — Part 1” has grossed nearly $702 million worldwide since it opened in theaters Nov. 18.
The penultimate film in the blockbuster franchise drops on DVD and Blu-ray at the stroke of midnight Saturday, with release parties planned Friday night (tonight) at Walmart and Target locations across the country, including many Oklahoma stores. For more information on the release parties planned at the retail giants, click here.
“The biggest challenge is that these books are so beloved by so many people that you want to make sure that it’s your take on the material but that it doesn’t betray what people’s expectations are and yet still becomes a fully cinematic experience,” said Condon, 56, who became the fourth director to work on “The Twilight Saga” when he took the helm of the final two movies.
“Making two movies at once wasn’t fun, either. Well, it was fun. It was hard, though. It was hard ‘cause it was such a big thing,” he added. “Kristen … would be young Bella, high school girl, in the morning and then a vampire in the afternoon and then a pregnant mother in the evening. She had days like that. It was crazy.”
Condon, who won an adapted screenplay Oscar for the 1998 biopic “Gods and Monsters,” is best known for directing the movie musicals “Dreamgirls” and “Chicago,” as well as the fact-based drama “Kinsey.” Part of the appeal of the “Twilight” films, he said, was the chance to helm an old-fashioned melodrama.
“I’m … a big fan of classic Hollywood genres. And that’s a genre that’s sort of fallen out of fashion. … I think like other things like detective stories it became something that TV took over, and it became devalued. But some of our greatest directors worked in that forum. And it allows you to immerse yourself in emotion, you know, and to do that both with camera and music, with design and color, so I very much embraced and didn’t fight against (that),” he said. “It’s a valuable genre that I think because it often puts women and women concerns in the center, gets devalued too, which is too bad.”
Along with Edward and Bella’s highly anticipated wedding and honeymoon, “Breaking Dawn — Part 1” includes the dramatic arrival of their daughter, Renesmee. The birth not only threatens Bella’s life — an emergency vampire conversion is her only hope for survival — it also endangers the Cullen clan’s pact with the local werewolves of the Quileute Tribe, including Bella’s best pal, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).
“That’s a good example of the challenges because obviously it’s very, very kind of powerfully described in the book, and you want to be true to that experience. But how do you show some of those things? As with a lot of other things, I think the key to doing it and being able to have that experience is to tell it from Bella’s point of view,” Condon said.
“Once Bella’s on that slab, we’re only gonna see what she can see as these things are happening to her — and we’re only gonna see it through her eyes as she gets weaker, as the morphine takes over.”
The harrowing birth of Renesmee and rebirth of Bella as a vampire set up the series’ eagerly awaited finale in “Breaking Dawn — Part 2,” due in theaters Nov. 16. When they learn the baby has been targeted by the corrupt vampire peacekeepers known as the Volturi, the Cullens gather other covens to make a stand and protect the child.
“I remember we would have scenes with the Cullens and you’d have eight or nine vampires in a room and I was thinking, ‘Oh, good, this is an easy day.’ Because we had so many scenes with literally 27 people in a room,” he said. “It’s huge that way. But we have such good actors and it is important that everybody get their moment to define who they are. It’s a real challenge …. about the second movie. But we gather these vampires from around the world, and we want to know as we get into the climax of that movie what each of them represents and what their powers are and who they are.”
-BAM
