Lyric Opens 50th Anniversary Season with SOME ENCHANTED EVENING
For any organization, thriving for 50 years is a major accomplishment, and Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma has defied the odds and will spend 2013 celebrating its 50th Anniversary in style. Deciding what show should open such a monumental season must have been challenging, but Lyric’s Artistic Director Michael Baron decided on SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, which will run January 30 through February 16 at the Plaza Theatre. The production is a rousing review of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s music featuring songs from CINDERELLA, OKLAHOMA!, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and many more.
“SOME ENCHANTED EVENING is the perfect way to open our 50th Anniversary Season because, in a way, the show is a celebration of theatre itself,” said Baron. “Rodgers & Hammerstein gave so much to the world of musical theatre and many of their creations have appeared on Lyric’s stages throughout its 50 years.”
There are five cast members that will make up the main characters of the show, but this production of SOME ENCHANTED EVENING will have a special feature: each performance will include a returning actor from Lyric’s past. Notable performers include Marilyn Govich, Lyn Cramer, Charlotte Franklin, Jane Hall, Bob Windsor, Lexi Windsor, Matthew Alvin Brown and many more. Performing during every show will be regional favorites Dallas Lish, Jamie Buxton, Heather Geery, Ethan Spell and Melissa Griffith.
To view a full schedule of guest performers visit LyricTheatreOKC.com. Tickets to all of Lyric’s 2013 shows are now on sale and are available for purchase online, at Lyric’s box office at 1727 NW 16th Street or by calling (405) 524-9312. Performances will be held at the Plaza Theatre at 1725 NW 16th Street. Performance times are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Guest post by Michaela Webb
Dallas Lish performing in SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. Photo by Keith Rinearson
The Making of A New Holiday Tradition: Lyric’s A Christmas Carol
Year after year since its revitalization, the Plaza District continues to attract new and exciting retailers, restaurants, organizations and fans. Last year, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma debuted LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, turning the Plaza District into not only a destination for holiday shopping and a night on the town, but for the creation of new traditions.
“It was very exciting to see families, friends and couples coming to the Plaza District to celebrate the holidays with LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL,” said Lyric’s Artistic Director Michael Baron. “Now that we’re in our second year of the production, it’s thrilling to have all those that loved it last year returning and bringing even more loved ones to experience it for the first time.”
Baron’s original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is unlike what audiences typically expect from the redemption tale—picture flying ghosts, larger-than-life puppets and beautiful carol singing. Not to mention, as an audience member, be prepared to experience a little snowfall.
Last year’s debut was met with rave reviews from audiences and they weren’t the only ones that fell in love with the show. The entire adult cast from 2011 opted to return for this year’s run, including Oklahoma City favorites Jonathan Beck Reed (Scrooge), Tom Huston Orr (Bob Cratchit), Matthew Alvin Brown (Young Scrooge/Fred), Susan Riley (Mrs. Cratchit), Jayme Petete (Christmas Past), Mandy Jiran (Christmas Present) and more. There are also several talented kids featured throughout the production, which is directed by Baron and choreographed by Lyric’s Associate Artistic Director Ashley Wells.
If you’re looking to start a new tradition or revisit an old favorite in a new way, LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL shouldn’t be missed this holiday season and for years to come.
LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL will show at the Plaza Theatre, November 30 through December 29. The theatre is located at 1725 NW 16th Street, Oklahoma City, 73106. For tickets call Lyric’s box office at (405) 524-9312, visit LyricTheatreOKC.com or stop by the box office at 1727 NW 16th Street.
Guest post by Michaela Webb
“World Changers Exhibit” in Guthrie, Oklahoma
So whatever happened to Utopia Joe? Has he left the great state of Oklahoma and taken his fabulous multi-dimensional art as well as his equally fantastic multi-talented wife with him. Or is he still here somewhere creating new art in new space? The answer is in Gallery Grazioso in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
Gallery Grazioso is located in downtown Guthrie at 301 W. Oklahoma Avenue and for anyone who prefers to begin with mind travel: www.TheGalleryGrazioso.com. However Joe Bohrer aka ‘Utopia Joe’ has work that must be seen in real time to appreciate his new direction. Going in a new direction does not mean that Bohrer has abandoned his old direction; it only means he has added another direction. So, in addition to multi-dimensional and multi-talented add multi-directional to list of Bohrer attributes. This does not necessarily refer to any tendency to be running around in all directions or anything like that, does it? Check it out and decide for yourself.
“World Changers” is the theme of the latest work of Joe Bohrer opening a 12 week exhibit Saturday October 13, 2012 at Gallery Grazioso. The opening night reception begins at 6:00pm with food and wine at 7:00 for the decadent at heart. The “World Changers Exhibits” features that new direction for Joe Bohrer, beautiful significant paintings of symbolic and iconic faces that can change the way the future plays out. According to Bohrer, “The eyes are the portal to the soul. And for me, they are the focal point of what I am doing now. To capture the flash point of a child’s eye, or fierceness of an ancient Native American warrior, or the luster of a geisha girl, begins with the eyes. Whether I use gray tones or bold splashes of color, the eyes are the pinnacle.”
Tiffany Bohrer is the Executive Director of Gallery Grazioso and looks forward to presenting the latest works of her husband at Gallery Grazioso. In addition to her position as gallery director, Tiffany is also well known as “The Tipsy Artist” so it should be great fun to enjoy a glass of wine with them on Saturday evening while taking in the “World Changers Exhibit” and the Native American Flute Music courtesy of Bill Merickel.
The work is portraiture that transcends the portrait of the individual. It is not a portrait of Clint Eastwood in his character from the trilogy of Serge Leone spaghetti westerns. It is the portrait of the ‘man with no name’ that has become an icon of universal Americana. “I am trying to bring the viewer face to face with larger-than-life portraits of powerful images that comes in many different, and often times, unexpected forms.” –Joe Bohrer, Artist.
Bohrer is known as Utopia Joe from the television series on PBS. His work in art and his background in graphics, film, multi-media design in furniture, sculpture and painting as well environmental structuring, draftsmanship and his creative eye make portrait painting a natural progression in the evolution each artist undertakes. According to Tiffany Bohrer: “As the Director of Gallery Grazioso I am thrilled to have this direct and powerful opportunity to promote some of the best artists in Oklahoma and to help them change the world one painting at a time. Joe’s latest series of works represent something very different than anything I have ever seen from him before…a softer side with an enchanting humility translated so boldly that it will be absolutely irresistible.”
The “World Changers Exhibit” will be hanging at Gallery Grazioso through November 12, 2012 and there is plenty of time for anyone to catch the exhibit. Images of Tiffany Bohrer, Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips, Audrey Hepburn, Elton John, Marilyn Monroe and others will be hanging. The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am until 6:00pm. Located in beautiful downtown Guthrie, Gallery Grazioso and Guthrie provide a great cultural experience for regular and new visitors. For further information contact Gallery Grazioso at 405-822-0481, or visit on line at www.TheGalleryGrazioso.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GalleryGrazioso. For taking in all the great artistic opportunities in Guthrie from the art galleries, fine restaurants or the Pollard Theatre contact The Guthrie Retreat at www.TheGuthrieRetreat.com.
It is amazing how much fun can be had with a little culture in a little town just 20 minutes away from anywhere you might find yourself Saturday night!
Guthrie Escape! Blue Grass Escape! What a Weekend!
Guthrie Escape, this falls Art & Wine Festival was truly an escape from the humdrum! Held in downtown Guthrie and complimenting the absolutely dynamite International Blue Grass Festival, Guthrie Escape always brings together the best in wine, music and art.
The International Blue Grass Festival is always a major success and brings together the best of Blue Grass Musicians for an outstanding music festival. Featured as always, is the Byron Berline Band, and if that isn’t enough, many exceptional talents in the Blue Grass genre are brought together for an outstanding weekend of blue grass. It is always fun to slip into downtown Guthrie for a few hours to catch the Art and Wine Festival held the same weekend. This is a great opportunity for those who are not quite as enamored of blue grass. The street is blocked off and shops and vendors on the street display the finest in goods.
This year four wineries brought excellent wines to sample. As it turns out, Oklahoma is a phenomenal location for the grape! Many fine crafts are also available. At each end of the street musicians perform. There is rock and roll, folk, a little cross-over country, and many fine groups perform such as Stranded at the Station and others.
The highlight of the show has to be the artists on display. While rolling a sip of delicious ambrosia around the tongue, wandering about and taking in the magnificent displays is worthwhile and fun on a breezy fall afternoon. The show brings together some of the finest Oklahoma artists in the area and is a juried show. The two categories in art are two dimensional and three dimensional. This categorization simplifies the event for the public and judges alike rather than separating pottery, sculpture, painting and photography. There is also a best of show award.
Harvey Pratt (Gallery Grazioso) has always been a premier Oklahoma artist and this year he earns the first place award in two dimensional art. Second place in two dimensional is Jeron Johnston, followed by Kim Norton in Kim Norton in third. In the three dimensional category, first place is earned by Terry Frazier, outstanding wood carver and flute maker, followed by Bill Holmes in second and Brenda Dewald in third. Another outstanding painter is Cletus Smith the deserving honoree with the Best of Show Award.
Saturday night’s festivities end with a Street Dance! The vendors and artists batten down the hatches and the party begins!
While another year must go by for another Guthrie Escape there is no reason not to escape to Guthrie at any time. Tracking down these great artists and musicians can bring a weekend escape anytime. Come to Guthrie and check in at the Double Stop Fiddle Shop. Visit the Guthrie Chamber for general information and check in with Aunt Gertrude’s Gallery and Doll Hospital for information about art shows. Visit Gallery Grazioso for specific information on the many fine artists in Central Oklahoma!
Fiddlin’, Pickin’, Grinnin’
Back in the days of the Great Rebellion, many of us didn’t know much about bluegrass. Hearing the term made us think of Kentucky, but not Bill Monroe. Everything was about Rock & Roll. New and original, Rock & Roll is the music of a generation. Eventually we ran across The Flying Burrito Brothers and one of the best Rock & Roll experiences ever – “The Last of the Red Hot Burritos”. We discovered Byron Berline on the fiddle and we finally discovered bluegrass. We began to trace back Byron’s history in music and fell in love with bluegrass, and every album of every group Berline has been affiliated with. What a fiddle!
The first British music invasion really takes hold in Appalachia. Scottish, English, Irish and Welsh ballads evolved into distinctly American folk music and became the foundation of Country Music, Gospel Music, Bluegrass and Rock & Roll.
Some years ago a beautiful and talented young lady saw a photo of a tall drink of water in the athletic department of the University of Oklahoma. He was holding a football in one hand (his strength) and a fiddle (his soul) in the other. He had a twinkle in his eye (his heart), and that certainly looked interesting. Sooner or later they teamed up and Bette and Byron Berline have been the basis of a strong collaboration ever since.
In 1995 they moved to Guthrie Oklahoma (Bette’s hometown) where The Double Stop Fiddle Shop is located. What a great place for fiddles and fiddlers, violins and violinists – if one doesn’t know the difference it’s easy to find out – mandolins, banjos and guitars. Buying, selling, repairing, but most of all playing and pickin’. Just above the friendly music store is the music hall where the Byron Berline Band often plays on a Saturday night of joy.
Berline was taught to play by his father Lue Berline and his many collaborations from The Bluegrass Boys with Bill Monroe to Byron Berline and Sundance, then Berline, Crary & Hickman have given him the foundation to assemble the best of the best. They came to jam and jelled into The Byron Berline Band. John Hickman on banjo, Richard Sharp on the bass fiddle, Greg Burgess on fiddle and guitar, Jim Fish on guitar and Steve Short keeping tempo on the drums join Byron for a little bit of string heaven. Everyone vocalizes a bit, but the voices of Sharp and Fish are especially melodious.
The Byron Berline Band also has frequent guest artists from Mason Williams to Barry “Bones” Patton (on cowbones –isn’t it great?) adding to the fun and great music. Cowboy crooner Jim Garling is a favorite and his voice and guitar add a wonderful dimension to the evening.
Saturday evening performances take place at 7:30 at the Double Stop Music Hall above the Double Stop Fiddle Shop at 121 E. Oklahoma Avenue. The spring schedule continues with April 9 and 23, May 21 and June 11. May 7 features a special appearance at the fairgrounds for Western Swing featuring Leon Rausch so pull out the dancin’ boots! For more information about finding oneself at the best place and the best time visit www.doublestop.com or call 405.282.6646. The Byron Berline Band, wherever they are is where there is “fiddlin’, pickin’, and a whole lot of grinnin’ goin’ on!”
Wild Bill Garnett
While I do not have the art section up and running yet would like to announce Gallery Walk in Norman. featuring some great art
Artists I know
Being married to an artist is, well, you know…diversified! I am very proud of my husband’s work . Check it out and let us know how you like it! willhurdstudios.com. I also am blessed with musicians in the family. My son, Thomas is a drummer and with a great band: Stereodeck. I’ll put up the link later. For years I endured a garage band and masses of teenage boys in our home every night. They were fun and this was definitely worth it, because Tom has perfect timing. As his talent grew, his father and I recognized that perfect timing is a blessing that can not be withheld from the world. Occasionally I have to use my husbands turpentine to scrape the testosterone off the walls! Check out Stereodeck and let me know what you think.
Some dear friends who are artists I’d like to share. First of all, Harvey. Harvey & Gina Pratt are very good friends and I enjoy working with them. Check out Harvey’s site: Harvey Pratt.
I hope to be visiting art gallerys in the future and including more links on this page.
