

At the holidays, all roads lead home and this year your Oklahoma City Philharmonic is making it a sea‐son to remember!
The fun begins Thanksgiving weekend with the classic 1990 holiday film “Home Alone.” It stars Macaulay Culkin as a precocious eight‐year‐old who must protect his house from a pair of burglars when his family accidentally leaves him home alone during Christmas vacation.
“This will be so much fun,” said Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate, OKCPHIL music director. “After a Thanksgiving Day of celebrations, then the mad shopping of Black Friday, this will give families a chance to relax with a fun night out. And seeing the movie with a full orchestra playing the iconic score will make it an entirely new experience.”
“Home Alone” will be shown Saturday, Nov. 26, 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall.
The following weekend, the OKCPHIL kicks the holidays into high gear with an all‐new magical production.
“Coming Home for Christmas” stars Emmy‐nominee Michael Feinstein, and as a special surprise, Oklahoma’s own Susan Powell.
“Having an entertainer of Michael’s caliber appear with the OKCPHIL will be amazing,” Mickelthwate said. “And Oklahoma audiences will be thrilled to know Susan Powell is coming home! She is a native of Elk City, and not only was she Miss America 1981, she is an American icon with a beautiful voice who truly is ‘coming home for Christmas.’”
Feinstein and Powell have been friends for many years, Mickelthwate said, and both jumped at the opportunity to perform together in Powell’s home state.
“We always try to help Oklahoma City kick off the Christmas season with an early December concert featuring fabulous holiday music from your OKCPHIL,” Mickelthwate added. “This year, with the addition of two renowned guests, we’re going in a fresh direction. Whether you’re a regular patron of our Christmas concerts or just looking for a new experience, we think you will love what we have planned. So, if you need a little Christmas, right this very minute—make plans to join your OKCPHIL for ‘Coming Home for Christmas!’”
“Coming Home for Christmas” runs for three performances — Friday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall.
Tickets for “Home Alone” and “Coming Home for Christmas” are available online at okcphil.org or by phone at 405‐TICKETS.
For more on the OKCPHIL, see Page 4
One of the best parts of the holiday season is music and laughter, and catching up with old friends. Now your Oklahoma City Philharmonic is bringing back an all‐time favorite enter‐tainer, Susan Powell.
The Elk City native has performed on concert stages around the world, and is com‐ing home to perform in an all‐new magical holiday extravaganza, “Coming Home for Christmas.”
“I’m so thrilled to be coming back to this wonderful orchestra,” Powell said in an interview from her New York City home. “I mostly look forward to making music, see‐ing friends and family, especially as we approach this most wonderful season! But also seeing the unmistakably unique landscape of our beautiful state. That never gets old.” Powell grew up on the plains of western Oklahoma. Her great‐grandparents were some of the original settlers in the Land Run, so her Oklahoma roots run deep. She was “Miss Elk City, 1977,” and a few short years later was crowned “Miss America, 1981.”
“I’m very proud to say Elk City is my hometown,” Powell said. “It always seemed whatever dreams I had, the whole community supported those dreams. My parents of course led the way, but my community helped me dream big.”
While she was still in high school, Powell said she studied at Oklahoma City University every Tuesday with legendary instructor Florence Birdwell. She gained valuable performing experience, and while competing in the Miss America pageant, landed her first big break.
Susan Powell, at top today, and above with Santa as a young girl.
“I sang ‘The Telephone Aria’ on television during my Miss America talent competition,” she said. “The head of Seattle Opera was watching and cast me in their new gala production of Die Fledermaus. So, the next year I had a job with Seattle Opera doing a leading role that started rehearsals the morning after I gave up my title to the next Miss America. I was off to the races. I moved to New York City shortly thereafter and began auditioning, looking for management and continued to study voice and acting. Miss America has given me so much.”
Powell’s first experience with the OKCPHIL came as a young girl when she heard the orchestra play in the Elk City auditorium.
“I remember they stopped on their western Oklahoma tour,” she recalls. “Without a doubt, that was a formative event in my musical life. Having a high‐caliber orchestra in Oklahoma City is essential to the growth and life of the community. We are ultimately defined by our culture. It will outlive all of us. When we experience great music togeth‐er, it transcends talk. It puts us on a plain together as a community in complete harmony (pun intended!), lifting us to our higher selves and leaving a living legacy for generations to come.”
As she makes plans to come home for the holidays, Powell says she is thrilled to be performing for a hometown audi‐ence.
“This is as good as it gets for me,” she said. “There’s a sweet familiarity that makes me truly feel home, and I take risks as a performer when I’m in this atmosphere. Risks I might not otherwise be willing to take in a newer environ‐ment. So, I always grow as an artist when I’m with my OKC audience.”
Emmy‐nominated performer Michael Feinstein will headline the concert, and Powell says she is excited to work with her old friend.
“Michael and I are great friends,” Powell said. “He is a MEGA star. It gives me great pleasure to share a stage with him in my home state. Likewise, the OKCPHIL is my home orchestra and I have a deep, abiding love and feel endless pride to be in front of these great players. This organization has taught me to love the music, listen to the music and to sing with the players.
“I know this show will have a twinkle and sparkle like no other,” she adds. “Love and Christmas—and the joy of friendship will color every glorious note that will be heard in the Civic Center Music Hall. It will just be so much fun!”
“Coming Home for Christmas” is part of the Chickasaw Nation Pops Series, and runs for three performances, Friday Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall.
Deck the halls this holiday season and help support the arts in a new retro‐inspired shirt from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Made of 100 percent high‐quality cotton, the long‐sleeved shirt is perfect for trimming the tree, shopping, or a jolly addition to your holi‐day party attire.
“We had such success with our ‘Music Unites’ shirts last summer,” said Mark Beutler, OKCPHIL Marketing Director. “And we will bring those back. But for Christmas, we want‐ed something fun and festive. The artwork is a nod to mid‐century design, and Santa with the cello adds a whimsical, musical touch. Wear it anywhere and everywhere this holiday sea‐son!”
Shirts are available for $40 each at OKCPHIL.org/ t‐shirt/ or find them in person at the next OKCPHIL concert.
Alexander modeling the Christmas shirt.
Two Oklahoma City powerhouses — the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and OKC Thunder — are teaming up for some exciting holiday events.
OKC Thunder mascot “Rumble” and OKCPHIL Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate will join forces for a special Thanksgiving event.
And at the New Year’s Eve game, come out for a special live half‐time performance by members of the OKCPHIL.
“The OKCPHIL is a natural fit with many of our game night entertainment experiences,” said John Leach, director of events and entertainment. “Their Opening Night performance of the national anthem was exceptional and very well received by our fans. We’re looking forward to partnering with them on future performances and projects.”
OOklahoma City Ballet presents the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 10‐18 at the Civic Center Music Hall.
In addition to the nine performances featuring live music from OKCPHIL and Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma City Ballet stages its first sensory‐friendly performance on Dec. 15.
Newly named Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur‐Nye is creating fresh choreography for this family‐friendly production, while keeping with its traditional roots. More than 100 students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School are to accompany the profes‐sional dancers.
“‘The Nutcracker’ represents the essence of tradi‐tion for families all over the United States,” said Jolicoeur‐Nye. “I will insert a fresh breath into this cherished production, while holding true to the classic retelling and narrative. It is my goal to offer families exactly what they are expecting to see when they enter the theater. A thrilling, timeless mix of classical choreography, the most beautiful music played by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and a heartwarming
story.
“This year we will be moving away from the cultur‐al stereotypes that typically exist in Act II, and truly offer a “Land of the Sweets.” Please join us this holi‐day season for a freshly familiar, expectedly exciting, ‘Nutcracker‘ experience.”
Single tickets start at $35 and are available now through Oklahoma City Ballet and Civic Center Box offices. They are also available online at okcballet.org.
In partnership with AutismOklahoma, the first‐ever sensory‐friendly performance of “The Nutcracker” takes place Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. Sensory‐friendly performances are for children and adults with sensory sensitivities or for anyone who may benefit from being in a more relaxed environment. Changes to this performance include: no live music and lower vol‐ume for recorded music; adjusted house lighting; no pyrotechnics or strobe lights; and very relaxed theater rules, allowing guests to use electronic devices, talk, and leave their seats as needed. Tickets to this per‐formance are deeply discounted, and on sale now by calling (405) 848‐TOES or at okcballet.org.
One hour prior to each performance, the lobby will open for guests to shop at The Nutcracker Boutique, featuring more than 50 different nutcrackers, holi‐day gifts, and Oklahoma City Ballet mer‐chandise. The lobby is also set to include an interactive photo booth.
Performances of “The Nutcracker” will take place on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 18 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. with the sensory friendly version on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 6 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased by calling Oklahoma City Ballet (405)848‐TOES (8637), online at okcballet.org, or by calling the Civic Center Box office at (405)297‐2264. All performances take place at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker.
The Oklahoma City Ballet Box Office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 6800 North Classen Blvd.
Above: The cast of Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol.”
At right: Rodney Brazil and Kiara Tournear.
LLyric Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of “A Christmas Carol’’ returns this month in its final outdoor production at The Harn Homestead, 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Once again, Lyric’s beloved holiday tradition whisks audiences away to a magical holiday village nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City.
Celebrating its third year as an outdoor pro‐duction, Lyric’s immersive, re‐imagining of Dickens’ beloved tale has become one of Oklahoma’s most anticipated holiday events. With Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, three Christmas Ghosts and a host of unforgettable characters as audience guides,
See LYRIC, Page 12
Journey to a Christmas party like no other with the Star Dance Company!
The Oklahoma City University Star Dance Company “Holiday Spectacular” is Dec. 8‐11 at the Kirkpatrick Theatre at Oklahoma City University.
Let your holiday spirit soar with this festive, high‐energy dance celebra‐tion. Experience brand new kicklines, tap dances, and more from OCU’s nationally recognized dancers and choreogra‐phers. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with Santa’s helpers during the show’s intermission! Sweets and merchandise are also to be available in the lobby.
“Holiday Spectacular,” the all new holiday celebration of nationally‐recognized choreographers combines with the premier tal‐ent of the nation’s best dancers to create an experience fit for the lights of Broadway.
This year’s performance will feature an new lineup of dances that have never before been seen, with a few favorites from the past. Expect the same precision and beauty that has made this dance company interna‐tionally known and experience a performance like no other!
Dancers in the Star Dance Company hail from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, the nation’s premiere musical theatre dance program that was ranked as the No. 1 BFA Dance Program in the nation by OnStage. This destination collegiate program has alumni credits in over 86 Broadway musicals and has pro‐duced 49 Radio City Rockettes and counting, making it no wonder that PlayBill ranked Oklahoma City University among this year’s Top 10 Most Represented Colleges on Broadway.
Call the OCU Performing Arts Ticket Office at (405) 208‐5227 or visit okcu.edu/tickets to purchase tickets to this year's show. All seats are reserved.
The Oklahoma City Zoo is inviting guests of all ages to experience the ultimate dinner feast with the big guy himself – Santa Claus. This brand‐new event series offers guests a chance to create a new holiday tradition that promises festive fun and togetherness amidst the Zoo’s wildly unique seasonal setting, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS, which are now illuminated. Dinner with Santa hosted in the Zoo’s Canopy Restaurant includes a delicious holiday buffet, kids’ activities like ornament making and, of course, a meet and greet with Santa.
The evening concludes with a picture‐perfect night experi‐encing the beauty and wonderment of OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a holiday celebration fea‐turing over 60, all‐new larger‐than‐life lantern displays show‐casing wildlife and seasonal themes as well as interactive displays and a cus‐tom musical light performance in the entry plaza. Dinner attendees exit the Canopy Restaurant to get their vehi‐cles for the drive‐thru experience. Once the driving tour is complete, they park and re‐enter the Zoo for the walk‐ing adventure! Limit one SAFARI LIGHTS drive‐thru experience per family reserva‐tion, not per ticket.
These festive dinners feature a savory buffet selection including sliced turkey breast, harvest salad, honey baked ham, holiday stuffing, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce and fresh baked rolls and a scrumptious dessert to round out your holiday feast. Dinner with Santa occurs Fridays and Saturdays Dec. 2‐17. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. and concludes at 6:30 p.m. During dinner, Santa Claus will make an appearance to meet and greet little ones and hear what is on everyone’s wish lists. Participants will also have an opportunity to take their holiday photos with Santa in front of a festive backdrop for an additional fee.
General admission for Dinner with Santa events is $55 for adults (ages 12 and up) and $50 for children ages 3‐11 and sen‐iors 65 and older. Children two years or younger are free. ZOOfriends members receive a discount on all event tickets. Each group reservation will receive access to OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS drive‐thru for one vehicle and walk‐thru admission per individual. Online reservations are required for participation in Dinner with Santa and can be made at www.okczoo.org. Additional OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS tickets can be purchased in conjunction with making event reservations. No walk‐up tickets will be sold. Event tickets are non‐refundable.
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS continues through New Year’s Day, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 with drive‐thru and walk‐thru experiences 5:30‐11 p.m. with the last check‐in at 10 p.m. OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is open on holiday nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at okczoo.org/safari‐lights. Drive‐up purchases will not be accepted.
“Abbas Kiarostami: Beyond the Frame” continues through April 9, 2023 at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA). Beyond the Frame is a multimedia, retro‐spective survey of artworks by acclaimed Iranian film‐maker, photographer, and visual artist Abbas Kiarostami, and is the first survey of Kiarostami's work in America since his death in 2016.
"Beyond the Frame illuminates Kiarostami's singular artistic vision and his great genuis across media," said OKCMOA President and CEO Michael Anderson, Ph.D. "This exhibition brings together Kiarostami's film, photog‐raphy, and graphic artwork, providing one of the most complete portraits of the artist's work ever to be exhibited in the United States"
Organized by OKCMOA in partnership with the Kiarostami Foundation, “Beyond the Frame” spans a half‐century of work in the visual arts from early children's film and graphic design work to large‐scale photography and twenty‐first‐century video art. The exhibition includes the Regardez‑Moi portfolio, a series of photographs depict‐ing visitors to the Louvre and other museums. Many of these photos are being shown for the first time in OKC‐MOA.
In conjunction with Beyond the Frame, a comprehensive retrospective of his short and feature films will screen in
OKCMOA's Noble Theater. "Of course, you can't have a Kiarostami exhibition without featuring his films," said Lisa Broad, Ph.D. OKCMOA Head of Film Programming & Theatrical Operations. "Kiarostami's films have won countless international prizes and frequently appear in surveys of the greatest films of all time. Pairing the exhibi‐tion with his films displays the depth of his artistry and will provide an immersive look at the expanse of Kiarostami's artistic capabilities."
For more details about the exhibition, visit okcmoa.com. This exhibition is sponsored by Leslie and Clifford Hudson, The Farzaneh Family, Oklahoma Humanities, Julia Carrington Hall, and Philip and Heather Busey.
Dickens’ timeless tale unfolds under a canopy of light‐filled trees in one magical scene after another throughout the his‐toric homestead. An instant hit with audiences, Lyric's “A Christmas Carol’’ earned feature coverage in The New York Times and BBC News for its unique stag‐ing of the family‐friendly holiday favorite.
Performances of Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol’’ – now in its 12th year – are Nov. 16 through Dec. 23. Tickets to the immersive production are now available.
“We’ve brought artists together to cre‐ate a 360‐degree holiday experience that sparks the true spirit of the holidays through timeless storytelling, joyous music, beautifully decorated trees and dazzling costumes in a most unique panoramic setting,” said Lyric Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron. “Expect surprises around every corner at the Harn Homestead where Dickens’ story unfolds at Scrooge’s office, Jacob Marley’s house, the magical grove of The Ghost of
Christmas Past, Fezziwig’s party at the barn, the torch‐filled graveyard of The Ghost of Christmas Future and so many more reveals along the way. Audiences have truly loved this spectacular immer‐sive version, and we’re excited to present it one last time.”
Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol’’ is co‐directed by Baron and Lyric Executive Producer Ashley Wells, who is also the choreographer.
Continuing an equally cherished holi‐day tradition, audiences are invited to contribute to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma following each performance. During the past 11 years, Lyric Theatre patrons have donated more than $208,000 to help feed thousands of Oklahomans in need. Last year’s atten‐dees helped provide meals for more than 54,000 people.
Tickets are limited to 200 guests per individual performance. To purchase, or for more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.com, or call Lyric’s Box Office at (405) 524‐9312. Net proceeds from this event benefit Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and its educational programs.
An Oklahoma City holiday tradition returns led by Canterbury Voices on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center Music Hall in downtown Oklahoma City.
The halls will be decked and filled with carols and joyful, holi‐day standards, with caroling in the lobby from the Canterbury Youth Voices — and a visit from Santa! Featuring John Rutter’s jubilant Gloria, and an expanded orchestrated arrangement of Z. Randall Stroope’s “Hodie!,” this audience favorite also features a sing‐a‐long where everyone can join in the music.
Joining the performance are Canterbury soloists Rod Porter with a jazz combo, Aubrey Chapin, the Canterbury Chamber Voices and brass and percussionists from the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
Artistic Director Dr. Randi Von Ellefson said, “I have been so fortunate to lead this amazing organization of choral artists. I am proud of the music we have created and the legacy of great choral music we have left to Oklahoma City. This will be a wonderful evening you won’t want to miss!”
Ellefson has announced his retirement at the end of this season which concludes in May 2023.
Canterbury Voices Executive Director Pam Mowry said, “The holidays and music go hand in hand. Everyone enjoys this festive evening with an eclectic mix of music, and we invite the audience to sing with us several times during the concert. It will be a wonderful chance to feel the true spirit of the season.”
Tickets are now on sale and group discounts are available. Call the Box Office at (405) 232‐ SING or visit CanterburyOKC.com for ticket information.
Saints Santa Rim Dec. 3, 8 a.m.
Grab your costumes and running shoes, the Saints Santa Run is coming to Midtown on Saturday, December 3, 2022! Our family‐friendly winter run is bringing all ages, and even pets, to downtown Oklahoma City for a festive 5K and costume contest. It is a great way to stay active and spread cheer during the holiday season!
Participate in the 5K Run/Walk or 1‐Mile Fun Run and receive a com‐memorative Saints Santa Run t‐shirt and finisher medal. All are invited to enjoy free activities like face painting and balloon art, complimentary snacks and drinks, holiday music and more at the start/finish line celebra‐tion on the SSM Health – St. Anthony Hospital campus.
Lights On Broadway Annual Event
Dec. 3 & 10
Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and experience its stunning light display during the Seventh Annual Lights On Broadway event! On Saturday, Dec. 3 and 10, attendees can enjoy local shopping, seasonal activities and decor, special promo‐tions, sidewalk enter‐tainment, and much more.
The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 11th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2022! Get ready for another great winter of outdoor ice skating at Downtown in December’s premier attraction. Skate across 5,500‐square‐feet of real ice and indulge in seasonal food and bever‐age offerings. Experience the magical,
park‐like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink.
LifeShare WinterFest
Nov. 25 ‐ Jan. 1
Get ready for WinterFest at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2022! Riding down the gigantic snow tubing slope is a thrill you won’t want to miss this season.
From snow tubing to holiday movies on the video board, plus sparkling lighting and décor, this will be a festive highlight that your family will remember for years to come! There’s some‐thing for the whole family to enjoy, so bring everyone along for a ride in the snow, hot chocolate and snacks, and a festive winter atmosphere.
Downtown Light Displays
Nov. 19 ‐ Jan.9
Downtown OKC is full of beautiful light displays to enjoy throughout the holiday season! Explore each dis‐trict and experience the different light installations and decora‐tions that they have to offer with your family and friends.
Light displays are avail‐able for viewing from dawn to dusk and are free and open to everyone. The following districts are taking part:
Automobile Alley, Bricktown, City Center, Deep Deuce and Midtown.
Free Streetcar Rides
Through Jan. 1
Enjoy complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcar on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays as you take in all the destinations, events, and attractions that Downtown in December has to
offer. Warm up, shop local and love the loops for free this holiday season!
Holiday Pop‑Up Shops Nov. 25 ‐ Dec. 18
Support local this holiday season by visiting the Holiday Pop‐Ups, returning to Midtown in downtown Oklahoma City for their 11th year in 2022.
With shops rotating weekly, you are sure to find a gift for everyone on your list. Discover dozens of local shops each weekend, enjoy treats or buy your Christmas tree from the Bishop John Carroll tree lot. The event also fea‐tures live music, sur‐prise visits from Santa and Curbside Chronicle wrapping paper sales.
The OKC Pop‐Up Shops are located on the corner of NW 10th and Hudson. Parking is available through‐out Midtown or hop off the streetcar stop at 10th and Hudson. They are family and dog‐friendly.
Scissortail Chanukah Festival Dec. 18, 5 p.m.
The Jewish cultural event of the year in OKC takes place at Scissortail Park in downtown Oklahoma City. This event is free of charge and open to all! People from all walks of life come together for an uplifting evening of family friendly fun. This year’s program will feature live music, kosher fair food, booths of fes‐tive entertainment, a giant menorah lighting, holiday characters giving out special treats, and much more –in the spirit of celebrating all that unites us as Oklahomans and as Americans!