Holiday Happenings Magazine

‘ A Very Merry Pops’

OKCPHIL’s tap‑dancing Santas return for cameo

City Philharmonic kicks off the holidays with an all‐new extravaganza, “A Very Merry Pops,” Dec. 1‐2 at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Headlining this year’s concerts will be Grammy Award‐winning gospel group Take 6 and Oklahoma’s own Sandi Patty.

“Our new ‘A Very Merry Pops’ is really standing on the shoulders of the past 30 years,” said OKCPHIL Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate. “Our founder and Music Director Emeritus Joel Levine produced a show that was simply fabulous. When I first saw it in 2017, I thought I was at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.”

This year, while still bringing an all‐new production, the show is to draw upon audience favorites from Christmases past.

“Last year was our first attempt at creating something new,” Mickelthwate said. “We are continuing to create our own new tradi‐tions, but will pay tribute to certain fan favorites. And I am excited to tell you the tap‐dancing Santa’s are coming back!”

Mickelthwate commissioned a new medley he calls “Kris Kringle’s Okie Jingle.”

“When I was growing up in Germany, we had our own traditions,” he said. “Now I am a full‐fledged Oklahoman and embracing a new set of traditions. Recently, I saw Darcie Lynne perform ‘I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas,’ which was originally recorded by Gayla Peevey back in the ‘50s. The audience loved it!

“And there’s the B.C. Clark Jingle everyone here can sing from start to finish. So put those elements with the tap‐dancing Santas, along with a few other surprises, and I think everyone will love our new Christmas gift to Oklahoma City.”

“A Very Merry Pops” is part of The Chickasaw Nation Pops Series, and runs Friday and Saturday Dec. 1 & 2 at 8 p.m. at Civic Center Music Hall, with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee. Tickets are on sale now at www.okcphil.org or by phone at (405)842‐5387.

Christmas shirts return!

Making its return for another season is the Oklahoma City Philharmonic’s retro‐inspired holiday shirt.

Made of 100% high‐quality cotton, the long‐sleeved shirt is perfect for trimming the tree, shopping, or a jolly addition to holiday party attire.

“The holidays really are the happiest time of the year, and this design reflects that,” said Mark Beutler, OKCPHIL Marketing Director. “Our Santa with the maestro’s baton adds a whimsical musical touch, and the artwork is a nod to mid‐century design. Wear it anywhere and everywhere this holiday season!”

Shirts are available for $35 at okcphil.org or purchase in person at your next OKCPHIL concert. At right: OKCPHIL Music Director Alexander Mickelthwate shows off the shirt.

SANDI PATTY

TAKE 6

A child in costume during the 2022 OKCPHIL performance of the music from “Star Wars.”

‘Star Wars’ music returns to PHIL

OPenn Square Mall to host OKCPHIL

Penn Square Mall is one of Oklahoma City’s favorite shopping destinations. Since its debut as an open‐air mall in 1960, shoppers have flocked to the location at NW Expressway and Penn.

At the holidays, the mall comes alive with the sights and sounds of the season.

Once again, an Oklahoma City Philharmonic Brass Ensemble will treat shoppers to holiday hits in Center Court on Saturday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Our brass players relish the opportunity to perform together at different places around the city,” said OKCPHIL General Manager and bass trombone player John Allen. “Anyone who comes over to Penn Square will hear some great Christmas music, from a strange song about someone’s poor grandmother having an unfortu‐nate run‐in with a clumsy reindeer, to just about any popular Christmas tune you have ever heard in your entire life!”

One of the most successful movie franchises ever is “Star Wars.” The first film appeared in theaters back in 1977, followed by “The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980.

Now your Oklahoma City Philharmonic brings “Empire” and its iconic score to the Civic Center Music Hall for two big performances, Saturday Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

“For the ‘Star Wars’ fans in Oklahoma, this is the full force of live music with the full force of Jedi Knights battling on the screen,” said OKCPHIL Executive Director Brent Hart. “The incredible music of John Williams, live in concert, is far beyond what you could imagine in a theatre.”

Last year, the OKCPHIL presented the original 1977 film and performed to sold‐out audiences. Once again, children and adults alike are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Star Wars” character and join the fun.

The OKCPHIL will provide free glow‐in‐the‐dark LED light sabers to the first 1,000 guests at each con‐cert.

“We hope to see you there for a trip across the galaxy,” Hart continued. “In costumes, if you wish, and ready for a great concert and fun activities in the lobby beforehand!”

Tickets for “Empire Strikes Back” are on sale now at okcphil.org or (405) 842‐5387.

Concert tickets make great stocking‐stuffers, and OKCPHIL staff will be on hand to sell tickets and answer questions about the second‐half of the season.

“At Penn Square Mall, we are thrilled to partner with the OKC Philharmonic this holiday season,” said Jill Farrand, Penn Square’s director of marketing and busi‐ness development. “We are Oklahoma City’s leading fash‐ion destination because of our excellent mix of over 140 specialty shops, dining choices, our theater and enter‐tainment options. Having a special performance from the OKC Philharmonic during our busiest time of the year brings another festive vibe to the overall shopping expe‐rience.”

- Photo coutesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society

‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to Plaza Theatre

One of Oklahoma City’s favorite holiday traditions – “Lyric’s A Christmas Carol” – makes its tri‐umphant return indoors at the Plaza Theatre this season with an all‐new production, featuring brand‐new sets and dazzling new costumes.

Presented by Devon Energy, perform‐ances are Nov. 24 through Dec. 24 at Lyric’s Plaza Theatre, 1725 NW 16th St. Tickets are on sale now and start at just $25.

“Our spectacular and new production has been three years in the making and celebrates our holiday return to the Plaza,” said Lyric’s Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron. “It’s the Christmas Carol you love and treasure, but with more magic, more flying ghosts, more singing and dancing and more holi‐day cheer happening throughout the theatre than ever before.”

Lyric’s reenvisioned production is thanks to a generous $1 million gift from Devon Energy restoring the annual yuletide production back indoors, after a successful three‐year stint outdoors at the historic Harn Homestead during the pandem‐ic.

“Charles Dickens’ story stands the test of time as the great‐est holiday story in the modern English language,” Baron said. “‘Lyric’s A Christmas Carol’ has become one of Oklahoma’s most beloved holiday traditions, which is now in its 13th year. We know it’s an important story to the community and is often the first live, theatrical experience for many children.”

See Lyric, Page 12

Photos by K. Talley Photography

OKC Ballet to present ‘The Nutcracker’

OOklahoma City Ballet presents the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” presented by Devon Energy, Dec. 8‐18 at the Civic Center Music Hall. In addition to the 10 performances featuring live music from OKCPHIL and Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma City Ballet is to present a sensory‐friendly performance on Dec. 18.

Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur‐Nye wowed audi‐ences last December with his fun and fresh updates to this family‐friendly favorite, all which are to return for another year. More than 100 students from the Oklahoma City Ballet Yvonne Chouteau School accom‐pany the professional dancers.

“‘The Nutcracker’ is a cherished holiday tradition for families from across Oklahoma,” said Jolicoeur‐Nye. “With last season’s all new choreography, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, and the beloved artists of Oklahoma City Ballet, you will not want to miss this year’s production.

“Full of comedy, virtuosic dancing, giant mice, and a little magic, our production will touch the hearts of the young and the old alike. Plus, you never know when things could be freshened up again, so please bring the whole family and join us in celebrating this joyous time of year.”

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 sensory‐friendly performance of “The Nutcracker” will take place Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. Sensory‐friendly per‐formances are for children and adults with sensory sensitivities or for anyone who may benefit from being in a more relaxed environment. Changes to this per‐formance include: no live music and lower volume for recorded music; adjusted house lighting; no pyrotech‐nics or strobe lights; and very relaxed theater rules, allowing guests to use electronic devices, talk, and leave their seats as needed.

Tickets to this performance are deeply discounted, and on sale now by calling (405) 848‐TOES or at okcballet.org.

Additionally, Oklahoma City Ballet hosts The Nutcracker Tea, a family‐friendly fundraiser benefit‐ting community engagement programs. Guests can purchase separate tickets for this event to enjoy treats, photos with their favorite Nutcracker characters, crafts, a special performance, and more. The Nutcracker Tea is held in the Meinders Hall of Mirrors at the Civic Center Music Hall on Saturday, Dec. 16, 4‐6 p.m.

Tickets to The Nutcracker Tea are $50 and are on sale now.

Sponsorships are available by calling (405) 843‐9898 or at okcballet.org.

One hour prior to each performance, the north lobby will be open for guests to shop at The Nutcracker Boutique, fea‐turing more than 70 differ‐ent nutcrackers, holiday gifts and Oklahoma City Ballet merchandise. The lobby will also include an interactive photo booth.

“We are thrilled to present 11 performances this season thanks to the support of Devon Energy,” said Jo Lynne Jones, the John Kirkpatrick executive

director. “With Tchaikovsky's iconic score and the artistry of the dancers, ‘The Nutcracker’ is a won‐derful way to get into the holiday spirit and experi‐ence the magic of live ballet.”

For more, see Nutcracker, Page 12

SAFARI LIGHTS are back and brighter‑than‑ever

BBrighten your holidays with online reservations for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS with all new lanterns!

Presented by OG&E, OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is a festive celebra‐tion featuring brand‐new, larger‐than‐life light displays viewable on a driving tour and separate walking experience through the park.

This holiday tradition runs nightly Saturday, Nov. 11 through New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, 5:30‐11 p.m. with the last check‐in at 10 p.m. SAFARI LIGHTS is open holi‐day nights including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Drive‐thru tickets cost $70/vehicle ($60/vehicle for ZOOfriends) and includes up to four admissions for guests 3+ for the walk‐thru course. Guests only wanting to experience

the walk‐thru portion can purchase tickets for $16/person ($14/person for ZOOfriends). Children 2 and under are free. Tickets for the drive‐thru must be purchased in advance at okczoo.org/safari‐lights.

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily with the last entry at 4 p.m. The Zoo will be closed to the public during the daytime on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, as well as Tuesdays and Wednesdays between Dec. 5 and Feb, 7, 2024. Purchase advance Zoo admission tickets at okczoo.org/tick‐ets and avoid the entry lines.

Located at the crossroads of I‐44 and I‐35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma

City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner.

Regular daytime admission is $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3‐11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, Linktree and TikTok and by visiting its blog stories. Take a wild approach with your gift‐giving this holiday sea‐son and consider a 12‐month, ZOOfriends Membership Passport to the OKC Zoo.

Membership Passports provide general admission year‐round and exclusive offers while supporting the Zoo’s ongoing animal care and con‐servation programs. View all Passport options and purchase online at okczoo.org/membership.

‘Messiah’ returns to the Civic Center Stage

CCelebrating the holiday season in spec‐tacular form, Canterbury Voices, Oklahoma’s largest and oldest symphony chorus, presents the choral masterpiece “Messiah” at the Civic Center Music Hall on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.

You’ll hear high‐wire arias, dazzling instrumental fireworks, and awe‐inspiring choruses, making it OKC’s must‐see holi‐day performance! Canterbury Voices joins with the OKC Philharmonic, bringing to life this beloved work with the traditional Baroque‐era orchestration.

Canterbury Voices Artistic Director, Dr. Julie Yu said, “Before there was Cher, Beyonce, Prince, or Adele, there was “Messiah.” This masterpiece was com‐posed in about three weeks in 1741 by George Fredric Handel.

“I am excited to continue our explo‐ration of many national and cultural influ‐ences in our season as Handel was himself an international figure,” she said. “He was born in Germany, worked in Italy, and became a star in England. Handel original‐

ly intended for the work to be per‐formed at Easter, but many audi‐ences cherish the work as a part of the Christmas season. Beethoven said, “Handel is the greatest, the ablest composer that ever lived. Come see for yourself on Dec. 3!”

Joining the performance are eight virtuosic soloists from Canterbury’s large chorus, and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.

“Canterbury performs Handel’s ‘Messiah’ every other year and our patrons and singers alike look for‐ward to these performances with anticipation,” said Executive Director Pam Mowry. “Messiah ushers in the Holidays like no other performance can! The audi‐ence loves singing along to the Hallelujah Chorus, reprised at the end of the concert.

“I am excited for Julie Yu’s first Messiah, as she has introduced a different approach to the masterwork in rehearsals.

Canterbury Voices

Artistic Director, Dr. Julie Yu says she is excited to conduct “Messiah.”

This is going to be special!”

Tickets are now on sale and group dis‐counts are available. Call the Box Office at (405) 232‐ SING or visit CanterburyOKC. com for ticket information.

Scrooge lifts Tiny Tim up high after the Christmas crumudgeon has a change of heart in “Lyric’s A Christmas Carol.”

From Page 7

In Dickens’ timeless tale, three magi‐cal ghosts whisk the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge away on an unforgettable adventure of transformation and redemption. Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the Fezziwigs and a host of other characters spring to life in Lyric’s spectacular produc‐tion, sparking the holiday spirit in audiences of all ages.

“Lyric’s A Christmas Carol” is directed by Baron and fea‐tures choreography from Lyric’s Executive Producer Ashley Wells. The artistic team also includes music direction by Sandra Thompson, lighting design by Fabian J. Garcia, set design by Adam Koch, costume design by Jeffrey Meek, and sound design by Corey Ray. Courtney Strong is to serve as props designer, with stage management from Laurena Sherrill and Jeffrey S. Cochran.

Continuing an equally cherished holiday tradition, audi‐ences are invited to contribute to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma following each performance. During the past 12 years, Lyric Theatre patrons have donated more than $217,000, which has provided more than 870,000 meals to help feed thousands of Oklahomans in need.

Tickets to “Lyric’s A Christmas Carol” are available online at LyricTheatreOKC.org or by calling Lyric’s Box Office at (405) 524‐9312, Monday through Friday, 12‐5 p.m.

NUTCRACKER

From Page 7

Performances of “The Nutcracker” take place on Friday, Dec. 8 at 7p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16

at 2p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. with the sensory‐friendly version on Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Oklahoma City Ballet (405) 848‐TOES (8637), online at www.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 North Walker, Oklahoma

City. The Oklahoma City Ballet Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located at 6800 North Classen Blvd., Oklahoma City.

Season tickets are also on sale. For more information, tickets, and list of available performances, call (405) 838‐TOES (8637), visit okcballet.org, or follow Oklahoma City Ballet on social media @okcballet.

Photo by K. Talley Photography

OCU’s Star Dance premieres new holiday show

Oklahoma City University will pre‐miere “Holiday Spectacular,” the inau‐gural performance of the Star Dance Company from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. “Holiday Spectacular” is to be performed at 8 p.m. on Dec. 7, 8, and 9, with matinee showings at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 and 10. All performances take place at the Kirkpatrick Theater, in OCU’s Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Building.

For tickets, either call the OCU Performing Arts Ticket Office at (405) 208‐5227, purchase online at okcu.edu/main/tickets, or purchase in‐person in the Edith Kinney Gaylord Center (Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment) at the intersec‐tion of N. Blackwelder Ave. and NW 23rd. The Ticket Office will also be open in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center starting two hours prior to each performance.

“Holiday Spectacular” honors the legacy of the Ann Lacy School of Dance and Entertainment while broadening its reper‐toire to embrace dance for the world of enter‐

tainment! More than 130 dynamic performers spread yuletide magic with high‐energy holiday favorites, vivid costumes, and a graceful reminder of the reason for the Christmas season.

The dance school’s group of artists have collaborat‐ed on a beautiful show that will sparkle and entertain. Audiences can expect to see earnest reindeer and ras‐cally elves audition for a grumpy Mrs. Claus, mischie‐vous toys come to life in Santa’s workshop and the people of the North Pole send Santa out into the night. Snowflakes fall, angels tiptoe through the night sky and joy abounds as we are reminded of what lies at the heart of the holiday season.

OCU’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment was founded by recently retired Dance Chair Jo Rowan and Dean John Bedford to create the first dance program in America to offer degrees spe‐cializing in entertainment dance forms of tap, jazz, and musical theater dance.

Namesake Ann Lacy played an important role pro‐viding support needed to bring Jo Rowan and Dean John Bedford’s vision to full reality. The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment contin‐ues to be named in the top 10 collegiate dance pro‐grams, and alumni can be found performing, manag‐ing, choreographing and teaching all over the world.

OKCPHIL to come out strong in second half

AAs the new year approaches, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic is preparing for the second half of its 35th season.

The excitement begins Saturday, Jan. 13 with the Inasmuch Classics Series and guest conductor JoAnn Falletta in Rachmaninoff! and pianist George Li. The next day, on Sunday, Jan. 14, it’s the second in the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Discovery Family Series with super duo, the Sugar Free Allstars. And a returning OKCPHIL favorite is Mariachi Los Camperos in The Chickasaw Nation Pops Series Jan. 26‐27.

“We are so thankful for our incredible audience response,” said Brent Hart, OKCPHIL Executive Director. “From music you know and love, to works you have yet to hear, each concert is exciting and tells a story—a story we can all relate to. It’s so pow‐erful when the musicians, the instruments and the audience is in the room with you when you hear. It makes all the difference.”

Other Classics include Brahms, Glorious Life, Pines of Rome and concluding with Tosca. Pops concerts include music from your favorite Broadway shows in Bravo Broadway. Cirque Musica: Heroes & Villians is on the program in April, and legendary singer/actress Bernadette Peters appears with the OKCPHIL in May.

Tickets and detailed information on these concerts can be found at okcphil.org.

OKCPHIL welcomes near sell‑out crowds

TThis year, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic has welcomed near‐capacity crowds to the Civic Center Music Hall during the first half of its season.

Those audiences — eager to display their enthusiasm — roared to their feet for nearly three minutes of thunderous applause at the finales of “Opening Night” and “Gothic Midnight.” And from the stage, that love is felt by every member of the orchestra.

“When I first joined the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, I was flabbergasted by the number of people in the hall, and the energy level,” said Michael Anderson, trum‐peter for OKCPHIL. “To walk in there when there’s an audience in the Civic Center, it’s just electrifying. We really appreciate our audiences; they make it all worthwhile.

“And when they’re on their feet, before the cutoff of the final piece, screaming and yelling, I can tell you the musicians are affected by that,” Anderson said. “We may look stiff, but we are really feeling the love. We want to thank you and let you know we do not take that for granted. Because I know that’s not the way it is everyplace. So, I hope everyone hears that message and we get to see you at our next concert!”

OKCPHIL Executive Director Brent Hart in New York City.

MICHAEL ANDERSON

Holiday fun Downtown in December

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 sea‐son!

Devon Ice Rink

Through Feb. 4

The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 11th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2023! 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 atmos‐phere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink.

Downtown Light Displays

Through January

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 decorations that they have to offer with your family and friends.

by visiting the Holiday Pop‐Ups, return‐ing to Midtown in downtown Oklahoma City for their 12th year in 2023.

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 features live music, sur‐prise visits from Santa and Curbside Chronicle wrapping paper sales.

The OKC Pop‐Up Shops are locat‐ed on the corner of NW 10th and Hudson. Parking is available throughout Midtown or hop off the streetcar stop at 10th and Hudson. They are family and dog‐friendly.

Santa Paws Photo Op

Nov. 26

Bring your pups to Midtown on Nov. 26 for free photos of Santa with your furry friends. Santa is to be available for photos 1‐3 p.m. Professional photos are to be taken DIY photos available. Professional photos are to be emailed to atten‐dees (with email sign up) and post‐ed on Facebook following the event.

Saints Santa Rim

Dec. 2, 8 a.m.

Light displays are available for viewing from dawn to dusk and are free and open to everyone. The fol‐lowing districts are taking part:

Automobile Alley, Bricktown, City Center, Deep Deuce and Midtown.

Holiday Pop‑Up Shops

Nov. 25 ‐ Dec. 18

Support local this holiday season

Grab your costumes and running shoes, the Saints Santa Run is com‐ing to Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 2. Our family‐friendly winter run is bringing all ages, and even pets, to downtown Oklahoma City for a fes‐tive 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 activ‐ities like face painting and bal‐loon art, complimentary snacks and drinks, holiday music and more at the start/finish line cel‐ebration on the SSM Health – St. Anthony Hospital campus.

Lights On Broadway Annual Event

Dec. 2, 9 & 16

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! Attendees can enjoy local shopping, seasonal activities and decor, spe‐cial promotions, sidewalk entertain‐ment, and much more.

OKC

Chanukah Festival

Dec. 10, 4:30‐6:30 p.m.

The Jewish cultural event of the year in OKC takes place at Scissortail Park at the Love’s Stage in downtown Oklahoma City. This event is free of charge, family‐friendly and open to all! Plans are for carnival rides and games, tradi‐tional music and dancing, circus entertainment, light show, tradition‐al Chanukah food and treats, Dreidel Man, a chocolate coin drop, giant menorah lighting and more!