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PrintTulsa is artsy-smartsy
A pop quiz in Tulsa's arts history.
I’m sure it’s no longer a secret that the blockbuster Broadway musical “Wicked” is coming back to Tulsa as the centerpiece of Celebrity Attractions’ 2010-2011 season. After an extremely successful 2009 run, “Wicked” will shine its green light over the Tulsa Performing Arts Center once again.
Throughout my almost six years as a house manager at the PAC, I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with some of the best national and international fine and performing arts tours, groups and individuals (resisting … the urge … to … name-drop). However, nothing compares to the pride I feel when working with one of our local arts organizations. The arts, in all of its wonderful forms, is alive and well in Tulsa, highlighted by an outstanding amount of talent, artistic expression and dedicated individuals.
Quick pop quiz: Did you know Tulsa is home to the longest-running play in the entire United States (“The Drunkard” at the historic Spotlight Theater since 1953)?
Perhaps you haven’t heard that Tulsa is home to the oldest continuously running community theater west of the Mississippi River and the first community theater in the nation to produce “Our Town,” “All My Sons,” “Brownstone” and “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (Theatre Tulsa)?
Were you aware that local theater legend Kitty Roberts, founder of American Theatre Company, was a 2009 recipient of the Governor’s Arts Award for her 40 years of dedication to the arts and arts education excellence?
Did I see you in the Chapman Music Hall last month when the PAC Trust proudly presented a successful week-long run of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize, Drama Desk and Tony Award-winning play, “August: Osage County,” written by Tulsa-born Tracy Letts?
Would you believe — sigh — the main point I’m trying to make is that Tulsa has an abundant wealth of fine theater options, each one giving an eager audience something for every taste and style? But Tulsa isn’t limited as just a phenomenal theater town. Tulsa’s music scene rivals any in the nation. If you doubt me, then you must not go out much.
Have you caught a recent RadioRadio concert? What about The Red Alert? Is Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey more your speed? What about Rebecca Ungerman, Cindy Cain, Janet Rutland, Annie Ellicott or Pam Van Dyke Crosby? Have you ever been to Dfest?
Grady Nichols: We love you! Wayman Tisdale: We miss you! Go see a concert at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame — go right now!
You say you live in Tulsa and you haven’t been to Cain’s Ballroom yet? While you’re at it, keep your thoughts and prayers on Leon Russell and continue the push for Tulsa to name a street after him. OK, I name-dropped. Bill me later.
And don’t think I’m forgetting about our world-famous symphony, ballet and opera companies, or the myriad galleries and dance and art studios of every style imaginable, or the amazing independent film community (go, Next Monkey Horror Films!).
Bottom line: Support the arts in Tulsa — you will not be sorry!
Gaffen is the house manager for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center and a member of Tulsa’s Young Professionals. He currently serves on TYPros’ Government Relations Crew and recently joined the Next Generation Leadership Crew and the Colleges and Universities Crew.
He is also an associate of Volunteer Central of Greater Tulsa, a certified volunteer administrator (CVA) since 2009, the 2010 chair of the Community Volunteer Council and casting director and marketing director for Tulsa’s own Next Monkey Horror Films.
