Let's dance

Let's dance

Kendall Barrow

Mark Morris Dance Group at PAC

I like to think I know quite a bit about dance, but every now and then I come across a group I’ve never heard of before. Case in point: The Mark Morris Dance Group. And, if I’m being perfectly honest, the name of this troupe does not exactly sound all that impressive. For this child of the 80s, it conjures up images of a Zack Morris (“Saved by the Bell”) Dance Group. Shame. On. Me. I shall never again judge a dance group by its name.

Formed in 1980, the Mark Morris Dance Group has toured all around the world and even spent three years in residence at the Theatre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels as the national dance company of Belguim. Whoa! Now one of the world’s leading dance companies, the group performs across the U.S. and at major international festivals. MMDG has a strong commitment to live music and collaborates with orchestras, opera companies and musicians at each of their performances.

Their Tulsa show will include piano waltzes arranged by Harriet Cavalli and the music of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. Chances are I’m not going to find a sitter so I can witness this innovative dance company live, but I strongly encourage you to do so. Performances are Feb. 3 and 4, 8 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center. For more information, click here.

Caucasian Chalk Circle

This weekend is your last chance to see Heller Theatre’s production of “The Caucasian Chalk Circle.” For those unfamiliar with the premise, as I was prior to writing this post, the original Bertolt Brecht classic depicts the story of King Solomon, who must decide which of two women is the real mother of a child. Of course, the “real” mother may not be the best or most deserving. This updated version is set in an urban bar a few years from now after the economic collapse of America. A total of 12 actors play 60 roles in the “play with songs” that promises to surprise, amuse and provoke the audience. Truly an old classic done in an entirely new way, the old tale becomes a modern metaphor for the troubled American condition complete with rock opera and comedy improv. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and students. The final performances are Feb. 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m., at the Henthorne Performing Arts Center. For reservations and more information, call 918-746-5065.