Saturday, December 30, 2017

SUPPORT FOR
OKC AREA
DANCE COMPANIES

The Oklahoma City area is lucky to have FIVE active
dance companies, all of which rely on support from
donors. Your favorite company -- or companies -- 
would appreciate your support of any size.

The companies are:

Hartel Dance Group https://www.harteldancegroup.org/ 

Oklahoma City Ballet https://www.okcballet.org/

Perpetual Motion Dance Company http://www.perpetualmotiondance.org/ 

Race Dance Company http://www.racedance.com/

Theater Upon A StarDanceSwan  https://www.facebook.com/Theater-Upon-A-StarDanceSwan-148550928574455/

Thursday, December 28, 2017

OPENING NIGHT 2018


Ring in the new year in style! Since 1987, Opening Night has been the place for families and friends to enjoy the performing arts and “open” the New Year in the spirit of community. Downtown Oklahoma City is the setting for a variety bands, fireworks, and an unforgettable children’s craft and performance area. The day begins with the festive Finale 5k at 3 p.m., and rest of the excitement begins at 7 p.m. and concludes with a fireworks extravaganza at midnight.

Things to know

Wristbands

Wristbands are available for purchase on December 1.  Find at  MidFirst Bank locations, 7-Eleven stores, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, and Plenty Mercantile. On the night of the event, you may purchase wristbands at sales locations across the event.
Wristbands are $8 in advance, $10 the night of the event.
BUY WRISTBANDS ONLINE

Children’s Area

The Children’s Area in the Hall of Mirrors in Civic Center Music Hall means family-friendly fun! Enjoy face painting, an interactive art project, and lively musical performances – perfect to ring in the New Year

Food Trucks in Finale Alley

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best food trucks. Find hot drinks, snacks, and other delicious options in Finale Alley any time before midnight!
Bacon N Cakin: Pancake sandwiches and bacon infused angus beef sliders made fresh to order
Eddie’s Wings on Wheels: Crispy, juicy and oh-so wonderful wings
Hijo’s Taqueria: Authentic street tacos, quesadillas, and other tasty Mexican fare
Junction Coffee: Fresh coffee, espresso drinks, and other hot beverages
Let’s Do Greek: Greek and Mediterranean food including gyros, rice bowls, and more
MacTastic: Creamy mac & cheese bowls with delicious add-ins
Pitchfork: Homemade farmhouse favorites including sandwiches, baked goods and coffee
Sizzle N Spice: Tandoori style, Pakistani and Indian food
Snow S’more: Hand crafted s’mores and coffee beverages
Tasty Beats: Delightful selection of concession favorites.
Wicked Hangry: Gourmet burgers, sliders and grown-up grilled cheese

2018 Performers

The Wise Guys , OKC Improv, Adam and Kizzie, Edgar Cruz, Steelwind Duo, Brisa Sur, The House Session, Bricktown Clowns, and Michael King’s One Man Circus.

Fireworks Finale!

The Wise Guys take the Opening Night Finale Stage in Bicentennial Park at 9:00 and play until midnight. Playing coverts from vintage rock n’roll to contemporary pop, The Wise Guys will delight audience members of all ages.  Dance in the New Year to everything from The Beach Boys to The Cars to Maroon 5, and more.  The Wise Guys count us down to midnight, when a fireworks extravaganza rings in 2018!

For the performance schedule and event map, go to  artscouncilokc.com.  

For performance on the 5K rum, go to artscouncilokc.com. 

Opening Night is produced by Arts Council Oklahoma City.

Arts Council Oklahoma City is a non-profit 501 ©(3) organization dedicated to bringing the arts and the community together through free or low-cost cultural events and a variety of arts outreach activities that impact underserved populations. Each year, Arts Council events, programs and services reach nearly one million Oklahoma City residents and visitors. Arts Council Oklahoma City is sponsored by Devon Energy Corporation, MidFirst Bank, Inasmuch Foundation, OGE Energy Corporation, Ozarka Water & Coffee Service, Sonic - America's Drive-in, ICG, The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com, OKC Thunder, Toucan Production and Tyler Media. Arts Council Oklahoma City receives funding from the Oklahoma Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts, and is an Allied Arts member agency. For more information, call 405-270-4848 or visit www.ArtsCouncilOKC.com.
 

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Commentary
OKC BALLET'S
THE NUTCRACKER
A CLASSIC SUCCESS 

By Nancy P. Condit

Oklahoma City Ballet's two week production of the season favorite The Nutcracker, under the
direction of artistic director  Robert Mills, with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic under the baton of  guest conductor Douglas Droste, finished its two week run on December 19th at the Civic Center with an enthusiastic full house. 

The standout scene "The Land of Snow," with corps dancers as snowflakes, dancing singly, in small groups, a softly formed triangle, and leaping across the stage in white short tutus against a backdrop of light blue. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince, danced by DaYoung Jung and Walker Martin in a last minute substitution, performed a lovely pas de deux. 

"The Kingdom of Sweets" variations were enjoyable. It was especially nice to see principal dancer Ronnie Underwood, who is now one of two ballet masters, partnering Amy Potter. They made the "Arabian Coffee" variation look effortless. Miki Kawamura and Alvin Tovstogray danced the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in the "Grand Pas De Deux," in which they had a chance to display their virtuosity and nice partnering ability.

The children in both the party act and as little angels opening "The Kingdom of Sweets" performed well, and were charming.

Upcoming performances are The Little Mermaid, February 16 - 18, and petite mort: a triple bill on April 13 - 15.
     

Friday, December 15, 2017

GROWN-UP HOLIDAY FILMS AT
OKC MUSEUM OF ART


What started with an announcement as a one time showing on Christmas Eve of "Die Hard," with Bruce Willis yelling the famous "Yippe ki yo...", at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art, has turned into a series of non-Christmasy films to give even ardent holiday enthusiasts a respite from holiday themed films. And drinks are allowed in the auditorium. These films are meant for adults.

This holiday season, the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) presents "Christmas for Grown-Ups," a series of Christmas cult classics and holiday hidden gems, screening Dec. 21-31.    


"On the heels of our successful Studio Ghibli and Wes Anderson holiday retrospectives, we were excited at the prospect of putting together a more traditional Christmas series this year," said Michael J. Anderson, Ph.D., director of curatorial affairs. "In keeping with the Museum Films philosophy, we sought to offer a fun and festive mix of eclectic holiday fare grounded in artistically accomplished and adventurous work by acclaimed filmmakers."   

"Some films are witty and romantic; others are subversive and satirical," he continued. "From the unrated cut of 'Bad Santa' to a pristine restoration of French New Wave classic 'My Night at Maud's,' there's something for just about everyone.  With our 'Christmas for Grown-Ups' series, we wanted to challenge conventional notions of what holiday films should look and feel like, while also offering Oklahoma City film lovers the opportunity to decompress, have a drink and watch a great movie on the big screen."  

Dr. Anderson added, "We're pleased to screen a number of these titles on 35mm prints, including the urbane 1930s detective caper, 'The Thin Man'; Wong Kar-Wai's sublimely beautiful sci-fi romance, '2046'; and John Huston's masterful final film, a faultless adaptation of James Joyce's 'The Dead.'"  

Tickets are now on sale and are $5 for OKCMOA Members; $9 for adults; $7 for seniors (62+) and college students with IDs. The Samuel Roberts Noble Theater bar offers a variety of beer, wine and spirits for purchase.     

"Christmas for Grown-Ups" opens Thursday, Dec. 21 with a 35mm screening of Arnaud Desplechin's "A Christmas Tale," a captivating and wildly inventive family drama starring iconic French actress Catherine Deneuve.  

For the romantically inclined, there is Whit Stillman's sparkling ensemble comedy, "Metropolitan"; Eric Rohmer's soulful love-triangle drama, "My Night at Maud's"; and Todd Haynes' lush period romance, "Carol." All are perfect options for a low-key date night, especially when paired with the Museum Cafe's specially priced Dinner and a Movie package at $29 per person.  

Other series highlights include a Christmas Eve matinee of the ultimate holiday cult classic: "Die Hard"; Stanley Kubrick's darkly brilliant "Eyes Wide Shut," starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman; and Terry Gilliam's visually dazzling dystopian satire, "Brazil." "Christmas for Grown-Ups" concludes with a New Year's Eve screening of Billy Wilder's Oscar-winning tragicomic masterpiece, "The Apartment."  

For more information on the "Christmas for Grown-Ups" series and more upcoming Museum Films events, visit: www.okcmoa.com/visit/events/christmas-grown-ups

DOWNTOWN OKC
GATHERS MANY EVENTS
IN OKC ON ITS WEBSITE



DOWN TOWN OKC has listed a tremendous number of happenings and things to do in OKC from
Saturday through January, from ice skating, through the OKC Museum of Art, to water taxis -- take out the commas for a really interesting holiday season. Please follow the link to the events: downtownokc.com.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

THE MESHUGA NUTCRACKER
MOVIE AT TINSELTOWN,
QUAIL 24 & SPOTLIGHT 
STADIUM 14 TUES. DEC. 19, 7 p.

Rating

PG

Runtime

130 min

Synopsis

Fathom events and Guggenheim Entertainment present The MeshugaNutcracker! – The Chanukah Musical in select cinemas nationwide for a special one-night event on Tuesday, December 19. This musical comedy features the wonderfully silly sensibilities of the folklore of Chelm (a fictional town of fools) underscored by an invigorating Klezmer-ized orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite,” including original lyrics that celebrate Chanukah. Add in dancing dreidels, singing sufganiot, and surprise guest stars and you have the perfect recipe for a holiday outing! Jews and non-Jews alike will delight in this original musical celebrating all things Chanukah.
 
[ARTSPACE] AT UNTITLED
IS HAVING A GIFT SALE,
COMEDIC PERFORMANCE,
AND GIFT MAKING WKSHP
THIS WEEK.

Please follow the link for more complete information:
https://www.1ne3.org/ . [Artspace] is open