February by The Norman Transcript

TOWN

February 14, 2014

i d r a M gras 's n a m r o N

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at 13 Alcina OU MAINSITE 14 exhibits Drowsy 15 The Chaperone Mardi Gras 16 in Norman Top 10 Social From the editor 4 24 Calendar Allan Houser Photos of 6 Exhibit 26 Chocolate Festival McClure 2nd Friday 7 Maggie 28 CD release Art Events Book & Music Ramp It Up! 8 Reviews 29 at Sam Noble Little Shop of Q&A with 10 Joshua Boydston 30 Horrors

SIDE

photo by Benita Cloward of BRC Photography

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from the editor’s desk heart — slow dancing in the kitchen to no music while we make dinner, discovering Nathaniel has done something before I could get to it, tearful heart-to-hearts at midnight and countless moments so goofy that both of us are in stitches from laughter. The best surprise I’ve received repeatedly through the years is the security of having another person continuously accept me at my most vulnerable. During my most insecure moments, Nathaniel has picked up my slack, lending me his zeal for life and uncomplicated happiness — a gift I will treasure the rest of my life. Like the classic song goes, “You’re nobody ‘til somebody loves you.” In my case, I’d say that’s true. Nathaniel has given en wing to my dreams, encouraged me to greater heights and shaped the person I am today, and surely the person I will become me in the future.

Nearly five years since that fateful first dance, Nathaniel still catches me gazing at him like I can’t believe he’s mine. Because truth be told I can’t. It’s a cliché, it’s true, but I feel lucky to be unapologetically in love. For up-to-date information on N-town, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Have any suggestions for us? Comments? Praises? Give me a shout out at hcruz@ normantranscript.com. I’d love to hear from you. yo

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Nathaniel has given

wing to my dreams, encourages me to

greater heights and

shaped the person I am

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It’s Valentine’s Day. You know the drill: Let’s get sappy. When I went salsa dancing with a tall, dark and handsome Cuban-American man nearly five years ago on a Friday night I had no idea it was even a date. But that didn’t stop us from getting married a year later. Falling in love with Nathaniel blindsided me. Since the first moment we kissed, I was sold. The days and years since then have been nothing short of surprising. Our day-to-day lives are the definition of ordinary. But peppered into the every day are bursts of the extraordinary that fill my

TOWN

staff

today, and surely the

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Hannah and Nathaniel at the salsa club the summer they started dating

person I will become in the future.

Publisher Terry Connor

Ad Director Debbi Knoll

Production Manager Rob Rasor

Executive Editor Andy Rieger

Advertising Representatives Rebekah Collins Robin Escarcega Kimberly Lehenbauer Nick Sheats Angela Williams Erik Winters

Writers Hannah Cruz Amber Hodge Doug Hill Kirsten Viohl

Editor Hannah Cruz Layout Artist Kerry Friesen

Photographers Benita Cloward Jay Chilton

N-town is a monthly publication of The Norman Transcript, 215 E. Comanche St, Norman, OK 73070. (Phone: 405.321.1800). Letters or editorial contributions should be sent to: N-town, P.O. Drawer 1058, Norman, OK, 73070 or emailed to hcruz@normantranscript.com. N-town is not responsible for unsolicited submissions. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner, without permissions is prohibited. Address advertising inquiries to Debbi Knoll, 405-366-3554 or dknoll@normantranscript.com. N-town can be found online.

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ALLANhouser

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Many know Allan Houser for his brilliant paintings and sculptures largely depicting Native American themes. But a new exhibit at the University of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art is set to challenge preconceived notions on the awardwinning Chiricahua Apache modern artist. “Allan Houser Drawings: The Centennial Exhibition” opens March 8 with 100 of the artist’s never before exhibited or published drawings. Guest curator W. Jackson Rushing III said the exhibit includes 100 drawings, representing 100 years since Houser’s birth. “There’s a lot of different things to offer people, I think, and really we felt like the whole of it would give people a view of Houser that even people who think they know his work well will be surprised by the things that they see,” said Rushing, the Adkins Presidential Professor of Art History and Mary Lou Milner Carver Chair in Native American Art at the OU School of Art and Art History. Houser, born Allan Capron Haozous in Apache, Okla, in 1914, was raised on his family farm before attending art school in Santa Fe. His early career focused on paintings, Rushing said, and Houser quickly gained a reputation as an award-winning artist. A switch to sculpture later in his career brought further success, bringing Houser an international reputation. In Oklahoma, Houser may best be known for his sculpture “As Long as the Waters Flow,” which was dedicated at the state Capitol in 1989, and “Sacred Rain Arrow,” which has adorned state license plates since 2008. Towards the end of his career, Rushing said Houser went back to drawing as a means to reinvigorate

his work. From 1992 to 1994, the artist was prolific in the amount of work he created before dying from cancer in 1994. Rushing said 99 of the displayed works in OU’s exhibit come from Houser’s estate in Santa Fe, with the other one already owned by the Fred Jones. Drawings include works small and large, unfinished and highly refined, and stylistically range from abstract to representational, Rushing said. Frequent subjects include sculpture studies, portraits, Southwestern landscapes, and themes like scenes of Native life, animals and more. Rushing said Houser’s sketches provide a level of intimacy with the late artist that is difficult to achieve with his highly polished paintings and sculptures. “The thing that I like about works on paper and drawings in particular is the immediacy of them. There’s a lot of immediate access for a viewer,” Rushing said. “You can really see the artist’s hand at work and therefore something about their thinking process. The ones that are really quickly done, sort of fast drawings, they show us the mind at work, the spontaneity of the mind. ... I like what they reveal about the process of art itself, about the relationship between mind and Ga’an Dancer photo provided hand, if you will.” OU’s Houser exhibit is just one of 11 planned statewide this “Allan Houser Drawings: The year in recognition of the artist’s Centennial Exhibition” is on display lifelong career. The collaborative March 8 to May 18 at the University celebrations were organized by the of Oklahoma’s Fred Jones Jr. Oklahoma Museums Association and Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave. began in August with an exhibition Public educational programs at the National Cowboy and Western scheduled at the museum to Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. coincide with the exhibition Additional information about the include a lecture by guest curator Oklahoma celebration is available W. Jackson Rushing III at 6 p.m. online at OKHouser.org. March 7; a symposium 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 8; a screening of films by Apache filmmaker Dustinn Craig

The Centennial Exhibition celebrates Allan Houser’s 100th birthday with 100 drawings. by Hannah Cruz

1-4 p.m. March 29; a guest lecture by Cécile Ganteaume, curator at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York, at 6 p.m. April 3; a gallery talk by students from the OU School of Art and Art History at 12:30 p.m. April 8; Family Day 1-4 p.m. May 18 and a Houser birthday celebration for families 2-4 p.m. June 28. For more information visit ou.edu/fjjma.

Time Moves On

photo provided

Maggie McClure returns to metro for “Time Moves On” release party. by Doug Hill

Singer/songwriter Maggie McClure is loathe to let time pass her by. The Norman native and now Los Angeles resident worked hard bringing new album “Time Moves On” to fruition. The Justin Glasco-produced record of nine new songs dropped earlier this week. McClure will be performing all these compositions and more at a CD release party scheduled for Feb. 21 at the Will Rogers Theatre in Oklahoma City. “This album is very dear to my heart,” McClure said. “The songs were written throughout the past few years with the majority just recently.” The process began about a year ago with writing new material, searching for a producer and developing an overall game plan. It wasn’t lost on McClure that she and partner Shane Henry had relocated to the entertainment capitol of the world that is L.A. Daily reminders of potential career opportunities, even when encountered randomly, impressed on her the need for any new work to be the highest caliber possible. “I wanted to put a lot of thought, heart and soul into this project and give it the time it deserves,” she said. Her original inclination was to make an EP, which generally includes only 3 or 4 songs. McClure’s new publicist Krista Mettler of New Jersey-based Skye Media and Design advised her against that notion in favor of a traditional length album. Mettler’s accurate reasoning was that media promotion is more likely attained for a full-length LP rather than just a few tunes. It wasn’t easy for McClure to choose which tracks out of around 50 possible inclusions would make the cut, but she finally narrowed it down to nine songs. “Each one is so personal and I’m connected to them all,” she said. “Shane and I tried to be subjective about it, so we compared notes and made a list of top choices. The ones we picked are songs that I know people can relate to.” Nearby Eagle Rock Studios was selected as the delivery room for McClure’s new CD baby. “It’s only 20 minutes from our house so it was easy to go there any time,” she said. “My previous projects involved going to Dallas for one and Nashville for the other, each for two weeks at a time.” This go around the work was spread over a couple of months with time to listen to each song intently and make changes as necessary. “It was a really good experience in terms of being eye-opening and as a way to get new music

out for people to listen to,” she said. Glasco engineered the disc as well as playing instruments. Shane Henry, Brandon Walters, Steve Miller and Christopher Wray all played guitars for the recording. The “Time Moves On” name refers to McClure’s current focus on adapting to and thriving on change. “Whether things are positive or negative you have to cope with it and move forward,” she said. “The title sums it up and is a good representation of all the songs on the album.” On the CD case’s back cover (art design by Jesse Owen of Oklahoma City) there’s a photo of pretty McClure holding a time piece necklace and gazing resolutely into the camera lense. She said the little round watch stays set to Central Standard Time as a reminder of her Oklahoma roots. It’s also a reference to track no. 8 titled “Central Time” about that very watch and their move to the Golden State. “I’m strong enough to stand in California underneath these sunny skies/But my heart’s in Oklahoma/ Not letting go of Central Time,” McClure sings on the record. The “Time Moves On” CD release party will be a full band performance with Shane Henry opening. “I’ve spent a lot of time planning this show because it is in my home state and I want it to be successful in every way,” McClure said. “I like the Will Rogers Theatre as a venue a lot. It’s very classy with a multi-million dollar light and sound system. It will be the first time I’ve played these songs with a full band. It’s going to be fun and I’m really excited to showcase the new material in Oklahoma.” Maggie McClure’s CD release party performance is scheduled for 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Will Rogers Theater, 4322 N. Western Ave. in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. VIP tickets are also available. For more information on purchasing tickets visit maggiemcclure.com

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reviews books

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by Amber Hodge Book: Eleanor & Park (2013, St. Martin’s Press) Author: Rainbow Rowell Why you should read: After 11 weeks of gracing the NY Times Best Seller list for young adult novels, “Eleanor & Park” currently rests at No. 8 on the charts. With its gritty and realistic nature, the popularity of this book is well deserved, to say the least. “Eleanor & Park” brings back memories of what it’s like to be young, in high school, while having to deal with the pressures the universe can bring upon a young body. Rowell delivers a powerful and profound love story geared toward young readers, but it can be appreciated and enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age. Set in 1986, this story begins by introducing Park, a half-Korean kid who is pretty well accepted by his peers. However, his love of comic books and music is just enough to keep him separated from stardom. On the first day of school, new girl Eleanor arrives, a chunky red-haired girl who dresses funny and is immediately labeled an outcast when she climbs aboard the school bus. When Park sees how everyone is treating her, he (not-so-nicely) tells her to sit next to him, and they begin a silent bus-seat acquaintanceship. As the days go by, Eleanor takes to “eavesreading” Park’s comics over his shoulder, though neither says a word to the other. Soon after, they’re bonding over music and after that, the hand-holding starts, and the developing relationship is a pleasure to read. Rowell brings true life and real emotion to her story. There is no sugarcoating the fact that Eleanor is poor, living in a small house and sharing a room with several siblings, while also constantly fearing her alcoholic stepfather. Her descriptions are spot on and true to each character, and they are much appreciated. Eleanor and Park’s relationship takes on the ultimate fate for love — battling the world’s obstacles. Though this is a story that has certainly been written many times before, “Eleanor & Park” is a novel that sits well apart from those like it.

by Amber Hodge Book: S. (2013, Little, Brown & Company) Authors: J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst Why you should read: Created from the mind of J.J. Abrams, producer of hit films and television shows such as “Lost,” “Star Trek Into Darkness” and “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol,” and written by Doug Dorst, an award-winning author, this book offers a whirlwind of excitement for readers looking for a mysterious adventure. When Jennifer, a college senior, finds a book left behind in the campus library with notes in the margins, she marks the pages with her own reply, and once again leaves it behind for the stranger, later revealed as “expunged” grad student Eric. From there, an incredible conversation starts between the two, as they discuss the shared novel, “Ship of Theseus,” supposedly written in 1949 by V.M. Straka, a most mysterious author. As the unlikely duo discuss Straka’s final work, they begin to open up to each other about their own lives and experiences through their scribbled notes, and another story begins to blossom throughout the pages. Abrams and Dorst have created nothing short of a mind-boggling work of art with “S.” With e-books dominating today’s literary world, this is a refresher for anyone who just loves to hold a book in their hands. When the hardcopy is pulled from its slipcover, it resembles a well-worn library-edition book, complete with Dewey decimal sticker and “RETURN ON OR BEFORE” dated stamps in the back inside cover. And nestled within its “old” and “yellowed” pages are handwritten letters, a college newspaper article, a campus map drawn on a napkin, postcards and several other tidbits to add to the reader’s journey. “S.,” simply put, is an experience. It is also a reminder of how the written word should be celebrated, enjoyed and, most of all, shared.

music by Doug Hill Musician: JJ Thames Album name: Tell You What I Know Why you should listen: JJ Thames can tell you a thing or two. The Motown native is from a home where GM paychecks allowed her to study classical and jazz music. Thames’ blues career began in earnest with her personal Great Migration reversed from Detroit to Jackson, Miss. She is a young, natural-born smoking hot blues diva breathing fresh life into an old genre. Thames’ style includes an endearingly delicate vocal lilt that makes her sound like no one else. At the same time she boasts a mighty strength in her voice that comes from an irresistible super-feminine power base. In other words, girl got soul. Witness her core revelation on first track and Thames original composition “Souled Out.” It begins with gospel cadence and a promise to tell the story of chasing her dream. Cue the tambourine, choir back-up and palm percussion. Thames fulfills her pledge in the remaining 10 songs, most of which she either wrote or collaborated on. “I Got What You Need” showcases Thames going from erotic smolder to full-on three-alarm blaze. Her “Hey Boy” holler would turn every male head from nine to 90 in most any room. “My Kinda Man” is probably about the kind of dependable father and husband Thames saw going off to the assembly line every day. “He’s a big old country boy who loves his mama and takes good care of me,” Thames sings with tender passion. But the vocal fervor just doesn’t stop. “No Turning Back” finds Thames taking her womanly growl to new levels. The title track is a thumb nail sketch telling the places this singing career has taken her so far. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to know Thames is going much farther.

by Doug Hill Musician: Aurora Florence Album name: It’s Wonderful (2013) Why you should listen: Aurora Florence is a New York City-based actress and singer/songwriter with a new album of original songs. Halfway between an LP and EP, there are six tracks with two of them being different arrangements of the same composition. The disc clocks in at a compact 20 minutes of delightful listening time. Florence’s vocals bring to mind the question of how many sopranos it takes to change a light bulb: Just one. She holds the bulb and the world spins around her. Florence often hits high notes reminiscent of female singers popular in 1930s era cinema. It’s a style rarely heard in contemporary pop music. There are more than a few nods to Broadway musical theatre in her sound. Florence emanates from a rarified musical universe and if only one word could be used to describe this collection of songs it would be minimalist. Frequently the wonderfulness is just voice and a handful of piano notes or acoustic guitar. Although there are half a dozen guest musicians playing drums, cello, celesta and back-up vocals, they are held to a tightly controlled minimum. Florence is a bubbly stylist in a fashion similar to pop singer Colbie Caillat for one of the best songs titled “Chores.” It’s a cheerful ditty about cleaning up the playhouse. Using a cleverly demure turn of words Florence expresses her erotic designs in “You Are Mine” with the lyrics, “Aching for you to see, the Cap’n Crunch and me.” Throughout the album her words adeptly straddle the thin line between comprehensible poetry and annoying obfuscation. All the lyrics are helpfully included in the liner notes along with a campy retro-fashion shoot photo of Florence who looks like a young Audrey Hepburn. It’s all pretty wonderful.

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For many artists, a life of art is one they choose. But for Joshua Boydston, it seems art chose him. The Lindsey, Okla., native started out his college career at the University of Oklahoma studying psychology, but before he knew it, the arts became a bigger and bigger part of his life. Boydston now works full time as the communications director and gallery manager at the Norman Arts Council. On the side, Boydston is a music freelancer for the Oklahoma Gazette, a graphic designer and art curator. Add in Boydston’s music and design website, Dual Tone, at dualtonedesigns.com, and it’s clear the young professional has a lifetime of creativity ahead of him.

Q Why did you get a degree in psychology? always something I was interested A Itin was during high school. I was thinking more pre-med, psychologist route but I kind of fell into journalism. I was really shy growing up so I thought I’d force myself to talk to strangers by getting into writing and then I really started to enjoy it a lot. My very first interview was with Morgan Spurlock, who did the “Super Size Me” documentary, that was my very first interview in person and after that I was just like, “Oh, it doesn’t bother me.”

Q That was your very first interview? A Yeah.

photos provided

with Joshua Boydston

by Hannah Cruz

Q Wow, I’d be scared. I started working at the OU Daily half A way through the semester and our editor

you really have to be able to do everything. I applied, thinking it was a long shot, and I’ve been thrilled ever since.

asked who wants to interview this guy and nobody did. So I just waited around and then he looked at me and asked if I wanted to do it and I said I guess. That was kind of the first thing that felt right. So I started doing journalism. Wrote for the student paper at OU that summer and then that next spring I was an editor. I got into that role and from there I started to learn how to design stuff because we had to lay out our section ourselves. They got designers like the semester after I left. [laughing] I had to lay everything out and I kind of got addicted and it snow balled. And then I started an internship with the Oklahoma Gazette and they let me freelance after that. So I’ve been freelancing for about three and a half years since then, writing about music — which has always been what I’m most interested in writing about. And then my senior year I did event planning and concert booking and I found it was something I really enjoyed. From there I started designing concert posters, using some of the design stuff I had learned early on. When I graduated, this job came up and it struck me that it was everything I love to do and I’ve always just had a problem narrowing it down to one thing I like. There’s just so many things I enjoy doing but I love this job. It gives me the opportunity to engage in everything I love doing. It’s a small group of us, obviously — two of us full time and some interns — so

quite the round about way to get Q That’s where you are. People are always a little shocked when

A they ask me because they assume I

was art history or at least public relations or communications or something.

Q Were you interested in art before college? Yeah, it’s always been something I A loved. If I had been more talented at drawing and painting that’s probably what I would have done. But I always found myself attracted to any project or opportunity in high school that lend itself to being creative, whether it was actually making something or just creative thinking or thinking out projects. I think I probably forgot that somewhere along the line on my way to college. I think you get this idea that you have to follow this certain track to be a success in life. But then I think back and realize that what I found myself most engaged in were things like this where I was helping others, thinking creatively, having that opportunity to create something new and bring something to the community that maybe wouldn’t have happened otherwise. And it dawned on me that that’s where I would be happiest and have the most success. tell me about this website that you Q So have.

I guess it was about a year ago that we started to play around with the idea — me and my girlfriend — we wanted something creative to do together. Of course, I had always been into music and she was an interior design student. I’ve always had a passion for art and design so we wanted to do a music blog but we also wanted to do it in a totally different way. So we were in the car trying to think of something new to do and she said, “Oh, I’ve been thinking we could try to do this where we cover music and interior design together, how they can interact.” And I thought that was genius because there are so many websites that are just the same thing and are great for that reason but we hadn’t come across anything specifically like that. It started as interior design and home decor and evolved to incorporate some of the graphic design stuff I’ve been doing, too. It’s been fun and we’ve had a lot of great feedback from people who have said they haven’t seen a website quite like it. Or not covering the type of bands we do from that lense. It’s been a cool thing to do and it’s led to some cool design opportunities for me. I’ve been commissioned to do some poster art and my first batch of album art for Horse Thief.

How long have you been doing graphic

Q design as an artist?

it hasn’t been that long. I was A Honestly, doing the concert posters and had a style I liked that was kind of basic. Then I started seeing some styles that I liked and other things out there and was trying to emulate them. So I was doing these concert posters that kind of looked a little bit more like art, and then I thought I could just remove the band names and I have some art work. Once I get my mind set on something I just can’t put it down and I just want to be better and better at it. I still have a long way to go but I always try to push myself to do a little more. Concert posters are pretty much just grabbing someone’s attention which is where the art comes from. If you’re walking by a row of 20 posters I’m hoping that the one you are attracted to is mine. That’s where my style of art came from.

Q What do you want to see happen with it? A I don’t know. I’d love to do more album

art, that’s something I’ve always been attracted to in general. I’ve been die-hard music since I was about 12 or 13. For a long time — before really the prevalence of Internet and streaming and stuff like that — a lot of times I would just go in and pick up an album solely based on the album cover. I didn’t know anything about it but I thought if I like the album art I’ll probably like the album music, too. It’s just always been something I enjoyed. It was great to do the album art and work so close with the artist. Because obviously it’s near and dear to their heart and they’ve been working their a**es off to get the album exactly how they wanted it. It’s been cool to work with them. How it started out, the guy I was working with, he had an idea of what he wanted, I had an idea of what I wanted and then it wound up looking like neither of them at all but it wound up being perfect for what it was. I’d love to get the big vinyl and have this big 12 inch by 12 inch thing.

Horse Thief CD cover

Swan Lake

Q You just curated your first show, right? Yeah, I’d been working here for about a A year when I decided to do that. That was an experience I’d never had — I’d never hung art or lit art and it was just something I learned on the job here. But I thought, “You know, if I’m going to keep working here, I might as well just try my hand at it.” And then me and Erinn Gavaghan NAC executive direcor, and really probably more Erinn if I’m being honest, came up with this idea of artists who are also really involved in music. I thought that was right in my wheelhouse and I thought I’d be happy to take lead of this. And it was an experience. It’s nothing I’d ever done before and if you’d asked me in the weeks leading up to it if I ever wanted to curate again I probably would have said no. [laughing] It was definitely like herding cats sometimes, big group art shows. But once it was up ... it was a fun experience to see my vision in the place. I did learn a lot. If I had to do it again I’d know all the things to do differently. There are maybe people who came through here that hadn’t seen that type of art. That’s kind of by design. We try to have it so varied in here so that one of the exhibits you’ll come see, you love. It was cool to serve an audience who maybe they hadn’t seen something they really liked in a while. It was cool to bring

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Tell me about being a freelancer for the

Q Oklahoma Gazette.

kind of unexpected. A That was... something [The editor] let me on and I

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“

the artists together. All of them do similar things but none of them actually knew each other. You’d see them go off and chat with each other, so it was cool to see those connections and possible collaborations.

Once I get my mind set on something I just can’t put it down and I just want to be better and better at it. I still have a long way to go but I always try to push myself to do a little more. Joshua Boydston

worked really hard and I had to write articles about things I wasn’t super enthused about. Toward the end of the summer they started to give me music features to write and I did well. A lot of it was fortunate timing because there was an editor switch right at the time I was finishing, and the new editor of the section said, “Hey, I’m going to be in charge of the music and I want you to write however much and whatever you want to write.” So he gave me free reign over the music section just after that one summer interning and it was just crazy how many people I’ve interviewed. Some of my favorite bands like Vampire Weekend, Ariel Pink, Interpol and some of them are just so weird to be on the phone with. Like I was talking to Barry Manilow and Huey Lewis and I just can’t believe this is my real life. I’m sitting in my bedroom on the phone talking to Huey Lewis. This is so weird. probably the funnest part about Q That’s journalism. Yeah, yeah, you never know. There’s been

A terrible interviews. There’s been great

interviews. I’ve done hundreds. I’ve done two to three features a week I think for about three years. I’ve interviewed a lot of people. It’s a really interesting job. It’s surreal at times, depending on who you’re talking to, but it’s always a lot of fun. I get a lot of enjoyment out of it. I enjoy talking to the bands I like but I really enjoy talking to local bands. That’s always been my favorite because usually you’re the first person to really get a chance to tell their story whereas with those established bands — I can’t ask Barry Manilow a question he hasn’t been asked. The local bands are great, the ones that I’m passionate about, and have talent, it’s great to be able to introduce people to them for the first time. Home & Garden

photo provided

by Hannah Cruz

Psychological drama and opera go hand-in-hand in the University of Oklahoma School of Music’s upcoming production of “Alcina.” Artistic director and conductor Jonathan Shames said the G.F. Handel Italian opera — a sci-fi thriller of sorts —centers on Alcina, an enchantress on an island. Alcina casts spells over lovers on her island — transforming them into trees, rocks or animals — and convincing them the arid island is a lush, green destination. While the production could easily involve elaborate costuming and sets, Shames said OU’s version will provide an intimate theater experience for audience members with minimal set and modern dress. “You could really do a performance of this — even a movie of this — where there’s real transformation. You see the tree become a person, you see this become that, but we’re not doing that,” he said. “We’re doing more — this is the psychological grip that things can have. So there are challenges in that. The actors are going to have to in part imagine they are doing that but not do it.” During the story, Ruggiero becomes enthralled with Alcina, forgetting about his fiancée, Bradamente. Shames said Bradamente continuously attempts to break the enchantment Alcina has over Ruggiero. In the end, the spell is broken. “Everyone’s learning to face reality,” Shames said. “Even when Ruggiero finally faces reality at the end, I can’t say he’s completely happy.” Shames said those who can relate to being held captive by an emotion like love or grief — feeling trapped by a memory and unable to move forward in life — will enjoy the story. The opera’s themes and plot, combined with music performed by a small chamber orchestra, is simply captivating, Shames said. “You wouldn’t believe how you feel the tension between the characters,” he said. “It was just the way they wrote.” “Alcina” is scheduled for 8 p.m. March 6-8 and 3 p.m. March 9 at the Reynolds Performing Arts Center, 560 Parrington Oval. The production is rated PG-13. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors, military, OU faculty and staff and $10 for OU students and younger. Purchase tickets at the OU Fine Arts box office, in the Catlett Music Center at 500 W. Boyd St., 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour prior to performance at venue. Cash, credit and debit card and check are accepted at the box office. Cash or check are accepted at the venue. Call 405-325-4101 for more information.

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M A I N S I T E Selfie: An Exhibition of Identity, The Right to Roam and Buddha Tuesdays fill the Norman Arts Council headquarters this month.

shows by Doug Hill

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Three exhibits opening at MAINSITE Contemporary Art, 122 E. Main St., on Feb. 14 will challenge viewers perspectives, each in its own way. The exhibits open with a reception 6-10 p.m. Feb. 14 and end with a closing reception 6-10 p.m. March 14. The exhibits are up through March 15. For more information visit mainsite-art.com. ••• The 30-piece exhibition titled “Selfie: An Exhibition of Identity” is loosely based on the ageold practice of self-portraiture. Co-curated by Oklahoma State University art history graduate students Mary Kathryn Moeller and Krystle Brewer, the show aims to draw attention to the idea that identify is an abstract concept. “Identity is self-constructed,” Brewer said. “It’s also fluid and we can change our identity over time as the people around us, our interests and how we want to define ourselves change.” The show’s name comes from the practice made popular in social media of photographing oneself with a phone, and includes works by artists ranging in experience from professional to high school students. “Some of the works are artist self-portraits in painting and drawing,” Brewer said. “There will be abstracted art as well, that relates to identity along with sculpture, digital art and photography.” ••• In 1990 the B-52s gave everyone permission to roam around the world in their hit single “Roam.” Norman artist Erin Latham has done just that and more with her exhibit titled “The Right to Roam.” The Pratt Institute and University of Oklahoma alumna’s show is based on her 2013 residency at the Scottish Sculpture Workshop in Lumsden, Scotland, a tiny rural village. “I made prints that were installed in the landscape,” Latham said. “They were documented through maps, sketches and photography.” Part of her inspiration came from Scotland’s Land Reform Act of 2003 which codified the country’s tradition of responsible unhindered access to open countryside as long as no damage or interference occurs to farming. “My show includes things I made along with

a story line from when I was hiking and cycling across rural Scotland,” she said. “There are photos of small scale cut-paper sculptures with floral patterns that were integrated into the landscape.” Found objects such as feathers and lichen are woven into the visual narrative. Some of her works on display will be woodblock and silkscreen prints. “My artistic inspiration predominantly comes from natural environments,” Latham said. “Light, weather and outdoor sounds make me want to create.” ••• “Buddha Tuesdays” is the name of a show that was conceived by artist and Westminster School art educator Linda Lou Warren. The established and well-known painter is also leader and spokesperson for a central Oklahoma art collective that includes Lacy Saak, Charlotte Gibbens and Kay Evans. For two years these women have been meeting regularly on Tuesdays and focusing their talents on making various images suggested by an ancient sage and teacher from the Himalayan foothills. Before that they were ladies who lunch. “I suggested that we make Buddhas instead,” Warren said. “We’d done yoga together and there’s the association with peace, kindness and it’s a popular icon that’s evocative of our friendship for each other.” In that way the group’s previous lunch dates were replaced with Buddha Tuesdays where they channeled their creativity and personal talents into producing art. These pieces form the show. “Everyone had their own vision,” Warren said. “They all look different from each other.” The collective followed no established rules so the “Buddha” bit is somewhat misleading. “Kay’s work looks to me like it came straight from New Mexico,” Warren said. “Charlotte’s are always animals and Lacy’s are very fancy, they look like they have lace all over them.” Warren painted “sky images” of Buddha using acrylic on canvas for the gallery walls but much of the work is small fired clay sculptures. “We’ve also done some ‘exquisite corpse’ drawings which were started by the Surrealists in the 1920s,” she said.

The drawings are an exercise where each artist contributes a part on separate pieces of paper that were then joined to form a random collage. “We’ve mixed the ideas from our brains and the feelings from our hearts and that became our art,” Warren said. photos provided Anike Robinson Jizo part of “Selfie”

Erin Latham part of “Roam”

Linda Lou Warren part of “Buddha Tuesdays”

photo provided

The golden age of Broadway comes to life in the University of Oklahoma’s production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” by Kirsten Viohl

A show-within-a-show, the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre’s upcoming production is packed full of every gimmick and cliché from musicals of the 1920s jazz age. “The Drowsy Chaperone,” the Tony Awardwinning musical comedy, hits the stage 8 p.m. Feb. 14-15, 20-22 and 3 p.m. Feb. 23 in the Rupel J. Jones Theatre, 563 Elm St. “I like musicals full of camp,” Director Lyn Cramer said, “and it is hilariously funny.” “The Drowsy Chaperone” opens with a Broadway fanatic sitting in a chair, in search for a cure to a sadness that has overcome him. He listens to a recording of the fictional 1928 musical comedy, “The Drowsy Chaperone,” and the characters suddenly appear in his apartment, transforming it into a glitzy Broadway set. The fictional musical focuses around the wedding day of an oil tycoon and Broadway star, who intends to give up her career for the married life. Cramer has directed “The Drowsy Chaperone” once before. Even with one under her belt, Cramer said producing a musical is an all-consuming process every time. And with rehearsals every day of the week, it’s no cake walk for the cast either. “Every single day is a complete and total joy,” Cramer said. “You have a unique situation where everyone rises to the challenge.” Cramer said it is harder for college students than professionals to have a role in a production because students have to balance both school and show work. For Cramer, two students who have more than proved their abilities to rise to the challenge are junior Kassiani Menas and senior Jacob Chancellor.

Menas will be playing the role of the drowsy chaperone, an alcoholic who is chaperoning a bride to keep her from her husband until her wedding day. Chancellor will be playing the role of Aldolpho, a selfproclaimed famed Latin lover. The dynamic duo were specifically selected for these roles because of the chemistry they displayed during auditions, Cramer said. Though Menas said she has been surrounded by musical theater her whole life, this is her first time in a major role. “Honestly, I spend a lot of time in front of my mirror,” Menas said. “I am constantly thinking of the show. I go to bed thinking of different ways I can go about saying my lines.” For Chancellor, this isn’t his first go round performing in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” He worked with Cramer the first time she directed the show. “We have to be a little bit insane to do what we’re doing,” Chancellor said. “It is tough, but being so busy means you don’t have the opportunity to really waste any time.” The pair both said their anticipation for the show to open grows each day. Chancellor said his favorite part of the production is the audience interaction. “The show is not complete without the audience,” Chancellor said. “It really feels like something is missing until they are actually there.” Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 senior adult, OU faculty and staff, and military, and $15 for students. To purchase tickets call or visit the OU Fine Arts Box Office at 405-325-4101, located at 500 W. Boyd St. in the Catlett Music Center.

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i d r a Mgras s ’ n a m r No

by Hannah Cruz

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Join the revelry during the 20th Norman Mardi Gras Parade 7-8:30 p.m. March 1 in Downtown Norman. Themed “Come Together! Que l’on se Rassemble!” in honor of the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion, Norman’s only nighttime parade will entertain crowds this year with elaborate floats, live music and colorful costumes. Aimee Rook, parade coordinator, said the family-friendly event is a free way to get out and enjoy the community. “It’s just a hoot to watch people kick up their heels, have fun and be silly,” she said. Rook said Ed Kearns was selected as this year’s king of the parade because of his art and humanitarian efforts in the community. Jeanne Flanigan was chosen as the queen because for her support in creative community events and her assistance with veteran art programs. For both parade participants and spectators, masks and costumes are highly encouraged, Rook said. Musicians and artists are also urged to join the fun by performing on the street or in local venues. The parade route starts at Jones Avenue and East Main Street moving east towards South Crawford Avenue, turns south on South Crawford Avenue and then south on East Comanche Street before looping around the block again. Along the parade route, Jazz in June is kicking off another season with fundraiser “Meet Me On Bourbon Street” 6-9 p.m. March 1 at Shevaun Williams & Associates Studio, 221 E. Main St. The evening includes live music by The Boyd Street Brass, buffet and wine. Tickets, $50, are available at jazzinjune.org. For more information visit normanmardigrasparade.com.

A Little Party Never Killed Nobody Models: Back row left to right - Wesley W., Pilar R., Cole W., Caitlin S., Whitney Y., Nathaniel C., Ariana L. from Brink Model Management, Taylor W., Emily F., Stephanie V., Front row left to right: Michael B., Chivvaun S., Maya F., Sophia B. Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse

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Prime viewing indoors and out along Main Street from Jones to Crawford at the Judges Station at Crawford and East Main Street. Spectators can park one block north of Main, off Jones, Peters, Gray and Crawford near the Gray Owl Coffee Shop 223 E. Gray. Main St. will close from 6:30 to 8:30. Enter Gray Street from Porter.

His Majesty Model: Nathaniel C. Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio 19 Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse Her Majesty Model: Ariana L. from Brink Model Management Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse Power Couple Models: Nathaniel C. & Ariana L. from Brink Model Management Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse

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The Royal Jesters Model: Wesley W. & Cole W. Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse The Royal Court 1. Model: Caitlin S. 2. Michael B. & Sophia B. 3. Chivvaun S. 4. Chivvaun S. & Stephanie V. Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse

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The Mardi Gras Parade fundraiser Gumbo Cookoff is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Feb. 15 at Joy’s Palace, 300 E. Main St. The evening, $10 at the door, includes a performance by Zydeco Allstar Band. Then participants can cast their vote with money for their favorite gumbo. Register online to join the cookoff competition at normanmardigrasparade.com. Participants are encouraged to wear masks, but costumes are optional. Canned foods will be also be collected to support Food and Shelter for Friends.

The Courtesans 1. Model: Taylor W. 2. Taylor W. 3. Taylor W. 4. Whitney Y. & Pilar R. 5. Pilar R. Costume: Queen of Hart’s Costumes & Dancewear Hair & Makeup: Andrew Freeman Creative Studio Photography: BRC Photography Location: The Hall at The Railhouse

A BIG THANK YOU The N-town Mardi Gras fashion shoot wouldn’t have been possible without countless hours of volunteer work by Norman businesses and community members. Special thanks to: Queen of Hart’s Costumes and Dancewear for providing impeccable costumes and styling; Andrew Freeman Creative Studio for their creative work on hair and makeup; Benita Cloward of BRC Photography for stunning artwork; The Hall at The Railhouse for allowing us to shoot in its space; and models from the community for their enthusiasm, energy and good looks.

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CAL

See our detailed calendar in N-town lite in the main edition of The Norman Transcript for a complete guide of this week’s events.

N-town staff picks the top 10 things you can’t miss this month.

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Murder Mystery Dinner for Sooner Theatre Get in a few thrills with your Valentine during the Sooner Theatre’s annual fundraiser Murder Mystery Dinner. This year’s performance,“Death in a Double Wide,” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 15 at The Hall at The Railhouse, 102 W. Eufaula St. All proceeds benefit the programs and operations of the historic Sooner Theatre. The performance is for adults only. Tickets to the event are $75 each or $600 for a table of eight. Tickets for this special event can be purchased in advance by calling The Sooner Theatre at 405-3219600.Tickets are also available during office hours 10 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m. Tues.-Fri. at the Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St.

Student exhibition at the Firehouse

Winter Wind Concert at the Norman Depot

Enjoy an evening of art appreciation at the Firehouse Art Center’s exhibition of juried work from students currently enrolled in adult classes.The exhibit, on display during regular center hours until March 1, will be open during the 2nd

Listen to live music during performances at the Performing Arts Studio’s Winter Wind Concert Series at the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. Peter Mayer, folk musician, is performing 7 p.m. Feb. 16.Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through

Try your hand at painting during Wine and Palette 6:309:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave.The session is in conjunction with George

Friday Circuit of Art 6-9 p.m. Feb. 14. For additional information about the gallery exhibit, classes, other public events, or volunteer opportunities at the Firehouse Art Center, call 329-4523 or visit normanfirehouse.com.

ticketstorm.com or at the Depot. Mark Erelli, singer/songwriter, is performing 7 p.m. March 2.Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through ticketstorm.com or at the Depot. For more information call 405307-9320.

Wine and Palette at Sam Noble Museum M. Sutton: Exploring Art and Science on display Jan. 18 through April 20. Call 405-227-0230 for details.

Art in Flight: Painting for Families at Sam Noble Bret Michaels at Riverwind Casino

Joe Nichols at Riverwind Casino

Explore art as a family during Art in Flight: Painting for Families 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History, 2401 Chautauqua Ave.The project will be inspired by the watercolor paintings in George M. Sutton:

Rock out with glam Highway 9. metal band Poison legend Tickets are $42-$62. Bret Michaels during his For more information visit upcoming performance 8 riverwind.com. p.m. March 7 at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West State

Country fans will enjoy seeing Joe Nichols live during his 8 p.m. March 8 concert at Riverwind Casino, 1544 West State Highway 9.

Exploring Art and Science. Tickets are $15 for members, $25 for non-members. Price includes one adult and one child. Visit snomnh.ou.edu for more information.

Movie screening at Norman Library View the 43-minute documentary,“The Dogs of Lexington,” about the Friends for Folks dog-training prison program at Lexington correctional facility in Oklahoma, 2-6 p.m. March 9

at the Norman Library, 225 N. Webster Ave. The event includes a presentation by Dr. John Otto. For more information visit pioneer.lib.ok.us/home/ nortop.

Jazz concert at the Norman Depot Tap your foot to the swinging music of Dennis Borycki Group during a jazz concert 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Norman Depot, 200 S. Jones Ave. Borycki teaches

Tickets are $27-$47. For more information visit riverwind.com. 25

piano and keyboards for the University of Central Oklahoma. Tickets are $10, general admission, and $7 for students and are available at the Depot.

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Big Read Book Talk at Norman Library Explore literature during the Pioneer Library System’s Big Read book discussion 6-8:30 p.m. March 14 at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, 555 Elm Ave.The event

includes a discussion of “True Grit” by Charles Portis, art viewing and music. Free copies of “True Grit” will be available, while they last.

CAUGHT on camera Chocolate Festival Feb. 1 at NCED Photos by Jay Chilton Sandi Lasseter, left, and Jennifer Mayer find time for fun at the free photo booth.

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Norman North student Ella Parsons, right, helps Sam Hanchett prepare paint to color his box.

Tiffany Haendel coats a strawberry at the Chocolate Fountains of Oklahoma booth. Brinanna Marshall creates an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Evil Scorpion Bunnyâ&#x20AC;? at the aluminum foil art station.

A less sweet option, chocolate chili, is offered by Claire Anspacher of The Diner.

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5 p.m. STASH, 412 E. Main St., hosts a special Share The Love event, aimed at raising funds and awareness for the Norman Animal Shelter. STASH’s Annex will host over 30 artists for a silent art auction, along with music from Tracy Reed, Matt Johnson and $69 Guitar.

5:30 p.m. Dreamer Concepts: An Art Space for Emerging Artists, 324 E. Main St., debuts Dreamer 53: The Art Education Experience, featuring a Wilson Elementary School students’ vividly colorful designs based on the paintings of Aboriginal Australians.

Plan your perfect Art Walk with us. Find a complete list of events at 2ndfridaynorman.com.

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6:15 p.m.

Sandalwood & Sage, 322 E. Main St., is hosting the Rock Your Valentine with the 6th Annual Sandalwood & Sage Rocks 2nd Friday. Refreshments will be provided, as well as a free 10-minute Healing Touch Session with Jan Reed.

Bigfoot Creative, 315 E. Main St., is highlighting the work of several different local artists, selling a limited edition Art Walk shirt designed for local artists and serving up free refreshments.

7:45 p.m.

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D.M. Wealth Management, 201 E. Main St., displays the work of featured artist Larry Carter, a lifelong doodler who began drawing just four years ago. Frank Lawrence will be the evening’s musical guest.

The Social Club, 209 E. Main St., welcomes featured artist Roshni Roberts, who specializes in “quiet drawings” of nature and whimsy. Also participate in the Community heART Installation of Valentine letters while there.

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7 p.m. Bell’s Mystical Beginnings, 207 W. Main St., is displaying work from local artists, also playing host to a drum circle and belly dancing. Tarot and oracle readers will be available as well.

8:30 p.m. Scissortail School of Art, 123 E. Main St., features a Valentine’s Artist Market with Mardi Gras mask making for a $5 donation.

7:30 p.m.

The Project Room, 123 E. Main St., is hosting face painting and mask/jewelry making by Create Peace OK to promote the 3rd Annual Norman Mardi Gras Gumbo Cookoff Feb. 15 and the 20th Annual Norman Mardi Gras Parade March 1.

Sublime Signs Creative Studio, 123 E. Main St., has artisan soap and body products available to pamper your Valentine’s sweetheart. View original art and fine prints while there.

8 p.m.

9 p.m. Opolis, 113 N. Crawford Ave., opens with a Valentine’s Couples Dance with Brainwasher at 9 p.m. Cover is $5 at the door.

10 p.m. Joy’s Tea Palace, 300 E. Main St., is open to the public at 10 p.m. for the Karaoke Contest and Finals with cash prizes.

photo provided

p ! U t I p Ram OU’s Sam Noble Museum of Natural History hosts a special show sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution’s Traveling Exhibition Service and the National Museum of the American Indian.

by Doug Hill

Here in Oklahoma it’s not a news flash that skateboarding is popular with Native American youth. From city to small towns across the state you’ll find kids of all descriptions in skate parks, on sidewalks and around school yards riding and performing tricks. It’s also no surprise that Oklahomans figure prominently into a national exhibition featuring artists, skaters, photographers and filmmakers from coast to coast. “Ramp It Up: Skateboard Culture in Native America” opened Feb. 8 at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History and runs through June 15. Betsy Gordon, of the National Museum of the American Indian, curated the show. While her goal was to highlight the quality attributes of skateboard culture — instead of the stereotypes like skateboarders being disrespectful and destructive — Gordon said she faced opposition from professional colleagues who didn’t see the value of preserving and documenting skateboard culture. “The story is that Indian Country is basically taking something and making it their own,” Gordon said. “It’s a unique culture and such a nurturer of creativity. It does attract a kind of non-conformist kid and the association with photography, filmmaking and graphics make them very visually sophisticated and I like skaters because of that. They’re smart and creative and the kind of kids you want in your museum even if they are a little antiestablishment.” Much of the pushback was from Native Americans who wanted to know what skateboarding had to do with their culture. Deep seated reservations about skaters and the skateboard community led to the belief that it would link Native American youth and criminality in viewer’s minds. “Some were asking why would I be glorifying and documenting the worst people of a community,” Gordon said. “I had those perceptions to deal with and it took around three years of consistent lobbying and advocating by me that there was something there to tell.” She managed to convince detractors that no whitewashing was involved and it was the skaters themselves who were telling their experiences. An adorned deck from Rabbit Studios in Pryor, Okla., is among the 20 skateboards in the show.

“Painted on the deck is an eagle feather with the red, yellow and green ribbon colors from the Vietnam conflict running down the center,” Traci Rabbit said. “My dad, Bill, did two tours in Vietnam.” The father and daughter members of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma collaborated on paintings and other art together until his death in 2012. Traci has a style distinctive from Bill who is known for his vibrant use of color, but his influence lives on in her. “If I painted skateboards they would probably be contemporary and colorful,” she said. “They would be on the feminine side for female skaters, incorporating geometric designs.” Bunky Echo-Hawk, of the Yakama Nation who resides in Pawnee, also has a painted board in the exhibit. He’s an internationally celebrated graphic designer, poet and photographer who designed Nike’s N7 line. Decks with a variety of graphics and painted Native American imagery are just one part of the exhibition. Photographs and film are also among the entertaining parts of the exhibit. “There are some spectacular photographs in the show, mostly provided by Dustinn Craig (White 29 Mountain Apache/Navaho),” Gordon said. “I think the images he provided are some of the strongest.” Graffiti art panels provide a 2-14 background for much of the exhibit. Expect a vivacious and colorful experience that reflects the fast-paced excitement of skating. Certain touches that Gordon referred to as “Valentines” are aimed at catching the eye of hardcore skaters. The exhibit’s first stop outside Washington D.C. was the certifiably thrashin’ skater territory of San Diego, Calif., where it passed muster with flying colors. The museum will host an opening reception on April 5. Jacobson House Executive Director Tracey Satepauhoodle-Mikkanen organized an event for the reception that featured Native American artist J. NiCole Hatfield and others. Live painting of skateboard decks and other rad happenings were ramped up to generate initial buzz for this exceptional exhibit. “The art produced that day will be auctioned off with the proceeds going to the Jacobson House,” Satepauhoodle-Mikkanensaid said.

The classic tale of man versus nature takes root at The Sooner Theatre.

Sarah Royse (Audrey) & Asher Nees (Seymour) photo provided

by Hannah Cruz

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Blood and flowers don’t usually go hand-in-hand, but for the Sooner Theatre’s upcoming production of “Little Shop of Horrors” it’s the perfect combination. The tongue-in-cheek satire of old horror B-movies, performed by a cast of seventh to 12th grade students, follows assistant florist Seymour’s rise to fame after discovering an exotic blood-eating plant. “It’s just a really good time,” Director Brandon Adams said. “There’s some shows that you go and there’s a powerful, poignant message. This is not one of them. If you’re just looking for a short, fun-filled, energypacked evening this is a great way to do it.” The musical, based off of the 1986 film of the same name, is set in a down-andout skid row floral shop, Adams said. The shop becomes an overnight sensation after Seymour purchases the blood-eating plant with an insatiable appetite. As the plant, “Audrey II,” grows it transforms into an illtempered, R&B-singing carnivore who offers Seymour fame in exchange for bigger, better meals. Incorporating live action with the plant puppetry offers a unique experience for theater-goers, Adams said. “The first time the plant talks — even

though everybody at this point knows the story, knows the movie, knows what to expect — there’s still something that when you’re in the theater and you hear this plant start talking it’s pretty cool, it’s pretty fun and an atypical theatrical experience,” he said. Adams said the theater rented the maneating plant puppet from the University of Oklahoma. The rental includes four separate puppets. The first, a hand-operated potted plant; the second is operated by Seymour as he carries the plant around; the third — when the plant first sings — has to be operated by a puppeteer from inside the plant; and the fourth is large enough to swallow its human meals whole. The larger puppets include two-fold acting, Adams said, with a puppeteer controlling the plant’s movements and a singer offstage performing the plant’s lines. The show’s music adds another element of fun, Adams said, with original work by Alan Menken — the brains behind the music of Disney favorites like “Tangled,” “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “The Little Mermaid.” Katherine Lock, 18-year-old Norman North High School student, is playing

Seymour’s love interest, Audrey, who also works in the floral shop. Lock said Audrey is a beat-down character that many audience members will find relatable. “Audrey’s so insecure — everyone’s felt insecure or they’re not worthy of something and that’s where you can relate to Audrey specifically,” she said. Adams said each performance will also include the “Doo Wop Revue” preceding show time. The review includes performances of standard doo-wop music with tight harmonies. “It’s a full experience from the minute you walk in and that kind of gets everyone ready for this period piece,” Adams said. “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Doo Wop Revue” performances are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1 and 2 p.m. March 1 and March 2 at the Sooner Theatre, 101 E. Main St. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased online at soonertheatre.com, by phone at 405-321-9600 or in person at the theater box office, 10 a.m. to noon and 2-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, as well as one hour prior to show time. More information about these and other Sooner Theatre programs is available at soonertheatre.com or by calling 321-9600.

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