‘ A Very Merry Pops’
OKCPHIL show stars Brown, DeSare
Experience the magic of the holiday season as Ashley Brown and Tony DeSare unite to ignite festive spirit as they star in the OKCPHIL’s 2024 “A Very Merry Pops.”
Concerts are set for Friday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Civic Center Music Hall. For tickets, visit okcphil.org.
Tickets are also available at the OKC PHIL Ticket Office, 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on concert Saturdays or by calling (405) TICKETS (842‑5387); and at the Civic Center Box Office, Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, box office opens 90 minutes before concerts, or by call‑ ing (405) 594‑8300.
Ashley Brown is a California central coast‑based entertainer, actor, singer and children's educator. She originated the title role in “Mary Poppins” on Broadway, for which she received Outer Critics, Drama League, and Drama Desk nominations for Best Actress.
Brown also starred in the national tour of “Mary Poppins,” garnering a Garland Award for Best Performance in a Musical. Brown’s other Broadway credits include Belle in “The Beauty and The Beast” and the national tour of Disney's “On The Record.”
Brown most recently starred as Mother Abbess in multiple Tony Award‑winning director Jack O’Brien’s new production of “The Sound of Music.” Starring in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s production of “Oklahoma!” brought her further critical acclaim. She previously played Magnolia opposite Nathan Gunn in Francesca Zembello’s “Showboat “at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
Brown has performed with virtually all of the top orchestras in North America. She has also performed with the BBC orchestra opposite Josh Groban.
Brown made her solo concert debut at The Kennedy Center as part of Barbara Cook’s “Spotlight Series,” and has appeared in New York City at prestigious venues including Feinstein’s at the Regency and Birdland. Other projects include star turns in “The Golden Apple” at City Center Encores, “Hello Dolly” at The Goodspeed Opera House, “The Sound of Music” at the St. Louis MUNY (for which she won a Kevin Kline award), “Limelight” at the La Jolla Playhouse, and her own PBS special entitled “Ashley Brown: Call Me Irresponsible,” which received a PBS Telly Award. For more, see Page 12
ASHLEY BROWN
TONY DeSARE
TThe Oklahoma City Philharmonic present “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert“ with composer John Williams’ venerated score performed live to the film.
The concert is led by conductor Alexander Mickelthwate on Saturday, Nov. 30 at the Civic Center Music Hall. For ticket purchases, contact the OKC Philharmonic box office at (405) 842‐5387 or purchase online at okcphil.org.
Since the release of the first “Star Wars” movie over 45 years ago, the Star Wars saga has had a seismic impact on both cinema and culture, inspiring audi‐ences around the world with its mythic
storytelling, captivating characters, groundbreaking special effects and iconic musical scores composed by Williams.
The film and its RIAA gold‐certified soundtrack feature eleven score cues created by legendary Academy Award and GRAMMY Award‐winning compos‐er, John Williams.
As the empire prepares to crush the rebellion with a more powerful Death Star, the Rebel Fleet counters with a massive attack on the space station. Luke Skywalker confronts Darth Vader in a final climactic duel.
The presentation is licensed by
Disney Concerts.
About OKC Philharmonic: OKC Philharmonic was founded in 1988 and celebrates over 30 years of beautiful music in Oklahoma City. Under the direction of Alexander Mickelthwate, the orchestra performs Classics, Orchestral Pops, and Discovery Family concerts, as well as a variety of commu‑ nity engagements. Our mission exists to provide inspiration and joy for the com‑ munity through orchestral music. For more information contact us at okcphil.org 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
Conductor Alexander Mickelthwate leads the OKC Philharmonic.
“Sing We Now of Christmas” celebrates holidays
OOn Dec. 8, Canterbury Voices brings the holiday season to life with a spectacular evening of holiday music, “Sing We Now of Christmas.”
Under the masterful direc‐tion of Artistic Director Dr. Julie Yu, the concert unites Canterbury Voices, the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, the Canterbury Youth Voices Chorale and virtuosic soloists, for an unforgettable holiday celebration.
Julie Yu, known for her inspiring leadership and dedication to choral excellence, shares her excitement for the event: “There’s a remarkable energy that comes from the combined voices of a large chorus and the beau‐tiful instrumentation of the orchestra. It’s a powerful, joyful sound that fills the room and resonates with every‐one. This concert will be a truly magi‐
cal experience for the performers and the audience alike.”
Executive Director Pam Mowry
echoed Dr. Yu’s sentiment, adding, “This event is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season with a spirit of joy. It brings people together, cre‐ating a sense of community and cele‐bration that embodies the essence of this special time of year.”
The evening’s program features
selections spanning centuries and styles, from Camille Saint‐Saëns’ Oratorio de Noël and Gustav Holst’s Christmas Day, to modern classics by Dan Forrest and Shawn Kirchner. This blend of traditional and contemporary pieces will bring both beloved carols and fresh, soulful arrangements to the stage, capturing the season’s warmth and wonder.
“Sing We Now of Christmas” is to be a true holiday highlight, perfect for families, friends and music lovers. Don’t miss this magical cele‐bration as Canterbury Voices fills the hall with the timeless beauty and joy of Christmas music.
Tickets are now on sale and group discounts are available. Call the Box Office at (405) 232‐7464 or visit canterburyokc.com for ticket informa‐tion.
During “Holiday Spectacular,’’ 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.
‘Holiday
Spectacular’
OCU Christmas show promises to sparkle and entertain
OOklahoma City University presents the Star Dance Company’s “Holiday Spectacular,” produced by the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment.
“Holiday Spectacular” is to be performed at 8 p.m. Dec. 5, 6, and 7, with matinee showings at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 8. All performances take place in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium in OCU’s Kirkpatrick Fine Arts
Tickets are available by calling the OCU Performing Arts Ticket Office at (405) 208‐5227 or purchasing online at okcu.edu/tickets.
Get your tickets early as this show often sells out multiple performances.
“Holiday Spectac‐ular” honors the legacy of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment while broadening its repertoire to embrace dance for the world of entertainment. 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.
OCU’s group of artists have collab‐orated on a beautiful show that will sparkle and entertain. Audiences can expect to see magic unfold as toys and teddy bears come to life, sneaky children catch Santa delivering presents and fashion‐forward elves share their funky jingle groove.
For more, see Page 15.
Legendary costume designer on board for ‘Nutcracker’
OOklahoma City Ballet debuts an all‑new production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” this December at the Civic Center Music Hall. This new production, made pos‑ sible by Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation, is more than just new choreography, but all sets, props, lighting, and costumes are being created by some of the nation’s top designers and artisans.
Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur‑Nye has re‑ envisioned “The Nutcracker” to include several new characters, a few new twists and a lot more magic.
“We’re not merely staging a per‑ formance; we're crafting a warm, wholesome, holiday story and a visu‑ ally stunning masterpiece for our audience," said Jolicoeur‑Nye.
Jolicoeur‑Nye’s dream team includes legendary costume designer Holly Hynes, based in New York City,
who designed more than 195 cos‑ tumes for this production. Hynes was the director of costumes for New York City Ballet for 21 years and has worked with dozens of domestic and international ballet companies throughout her career. Hynes and Jolicoeur‑Nye envisioned the new costume designs together and Hynes is overseeing the construction of each costume utilizing 18 highly‑ skilled artisans and makers.
“The costumes for OKC's ‘The Nutcracker’ will beautifully capture the charm and elegance of 1906 life. Picture the grand house's drawing room filled with rich velvets and silks decorating dancing couples transforming into an imaginative battlefield for Clara, where quirky pirate mice engage in a dreamlike skirmish against boys from the party militia,” said Hynes.
For more, see Page 12.
‘A Christmas Carol’ to be even more magical
“A Christmas Carol” is back at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, live on stage at the Plaza Theatre. This all‐new production of Dicken’s most magical holiday tradition is perfect for the whole family. Join Ebeneezer Scrooge on his transformative journey and go from humbug to happy in one magical night. Tickets go fast and are now available for performances Nov. 23 to Dec. 27. Go to LyricTheatreOKC.org or call the Box Office at (405) 524‐9312, Monday through Friday, 12‐5 p.m.
“Our fresh and new production is a celebration of holiday joy, featuring stunning sets and costumes that elevate the magic of Dickens’ timeless tale,” said Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron. “This is the ‘Christmas Carol’ you love, now enhanced with even more flying ghosts, beautiful costumes, festive music and delightful surprises throughout the theatre.
“Our production has become an essential part of Oklahoma’s holiday season, enjoyed by the whole family. We are grateful for our generous donor Devon Energy for providing ongoing sup‐port, including the new sets and costumes that can be enjoyed by everyone, as we elevate this production to new heights!”
Managing Director Jim Reynolds said, “Due to high demand for the show, we have added new performances to accommo‐date all our patrons. We are starting earlier this year to make this beautiful production available to our patrons, many of whom share this experience with their out‐of‐town guests. Select your performance starting the weekend before Thanksgiving and running until Dec. 27. “ For more, see Page 15.
- Photos by K. Talley Photography
D. Lance Marsh, as Scrooge, and Dustin Boatright, as Cratchit.
RIVERSPORT Holiday Parade to be fun for all
The 2024 RIVERSPORT Holiday River Parade is set for Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, on the Oklahoma River.
The event features live entertain‐ment, holiday‐themed water per‐formances and a fireworks display.
Event schedule is a follows:
• 5 p.m.: Parking opens ($10 per vehicle)
• 6:30 p.m.: Reindeer Games
• 7 p.m.: Santa’s Elves Ski Show
• 8 p.m.: Holiday boats on Parade
• Laser light show and fireworks to follow.
Admission to the event is free, with $10 parking available. Members park free.
Attendees can enjoy family‐friend‐
ly games, hot chocolate, a water ski show featuring Santa’s elves, a parade of decorated holiday boats and a laser light show followed by fireworks.
Boat owners interested in partici‐pating in the parade can email spe‐cial‐events@riversportokc.org for entry details.
BALLET
From Page 4
“This whimsi‐cal journey con‐tinues into the luscious Land of Sweets, traversing a snowy voyage alongside Clara and her siblings. We'll feature dessert‐inspired costumes from various countries, blending the familiar with the unusual. It's the timeless story we know, infused with delightful new twists."
Eric Winterling is one of the top cus‐tom costume designers in the world, having created pieces for The “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” HBO’s “The Gilded Age,” Broadway’s “Funny Girl,” “Wicked” and “Frozen,” plus some of the nation’s top ballet companies, now including Oklahoma City Ballet.
Oklahoma City Ballet Artistic Director Ryan Jolicoeur-Nye has re-envisioned “The Nutcracker” to include several new characters, a few new twists and a lot more magic.
Specifically, Eric Winterling Inc. is creating the all‐new Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier cos‐tumes, the Coffee costumes, and the Snow Queen for OKC Ballet’s new production. Winterling and his team even out‐sourced special artists to create the Sugar Plum Fairy’s quintessential tiara and wand.
“Working with these designers and artists is a dream come true. Oklahoma City Ballet deserved the highest quali‐
POPS
From Page 4
Other television credits include NBC’s The Sound of Music.
Ms. Brown is the voice of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebra‐tions, singing the newly‐penned Richard Sherman song “A Kiss Goodnight.”
Tony DeSare performs with infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musical‐ity.
Named a Rising Star Male Vocalist in Downbeat magazine, DeSare has lived up to this distinction by winning critical and popular acclaim for his concert per‐formances throughout North America and abroad. From jazz clubs to Carnegie Hall to Las Vegas, headlining with Don Rickles and major symphony orchestras, DeSare has brought his fresh take on old school class around the globe. DeSare has four top ten Billboard jazz albums
ty production of ‘The Nutcracker’ that will not only wow audiences, but will be enjoyed for years to come,” said Jolicoeur‐Nye.
Other makers involved in this production have some major names on their resumes, including The Greatest Showman, Beetlejuice, Warhorse, Dickenson, Moulin Rouge, Star Trek, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and theater productions like Hamilton, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, and The Rockettes. Spamalot Revival, plus numerous ballet companies.
Tickets to the all‐new production of The Nutcracker, presented by Devon Energy and The Chickasaw Nation, are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (405) 848‐
TOES or online at okcballet.org. Oklahoma City Ballet will begin its official season at the Civic Center in October with Peter Pan. Oklahoma City Ballet is a nonprofit organization that relies on the generosity of the community to help fulfil its mission. Visit Oklahoma City Ballet’s website okcballet.org, or follow their Facebook and Instagram pages (@okcballet) to learn more.
under his belt and has been featured on the “CBS Early Show,” NPR’s “A Prairie Home Companion,” the “Today Show” and his music has been posted by social media celebrity juggernaut, George Takei.
DeSare has also collaborated with Youtube icons Postmodern Jukebox., DeSare's Lush Life recording, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Traditional Jazz Chart and he released “Song Diaries Vol. 2” in early 2022, now streaming on all platforms.
Notwithstanding his critically acclaimed turns as a singer/pianist, DeSare is also an accomplished award‐winning composer. He not only won first place in the USA Songwriting Contest, but has written the theme song for the motion picture, “My Date With Drew,” several broadcast commercials and has composed the full soundtracks for the
Hallmark Channel's “Love Always, Santa,” Lifetime's “Nanny Nightmare” and Lifetime's new “A Welcome Home Christmas”.
His sound is romantic, swinging and sensual, but what sets DeSare apart is his ability to write original material that sounds fresh and contemporary, yet pays homage to the Great American Songbook. His compositions include a wide‐range of romantic, funny and soul‐ful sounds that can be found on his top‐selling recordings.
DeSare’s forthcoming appearances include the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Virginia Symphony and Artis‐Naples/Naples Philharmonic.
DeSare releases new recordings, videos of standards and new originals regularly on his YouTube channel, Apple Music and Spotify.
- Photo by by Shevaun Williams
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is now open
GGet ready for a wonderland of illuminated lanterns and holiday magic when discovering the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s all new SAFARI LIGHTS presented by OG&E. This annual light celebration is the perfect holiday outing for friends and families continu‐ing a tradition or creating a new one as they explore the OKC Zoo with both a driving tour and walking experience.
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is now open and runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, 5:30 to 11 p.m. night‐ly with the last check in at 10 p.m., offering opportunities for a driving tour through the Zoo and fun walking trail featuring various interactive displays.
From the comfort of their cars, guests enjoy views of vibrant, larger‐than‐life lanterns inspired by wildlife and wild places, plus whimsical winter and holiday scenes as they drive a guided path through the park. After the driving tour, patrons may park and re‐enter the Zoo for an additional walking experience highlighting more light displays and a variety of fun, interactives that guests of all ages can engage. For more, see Page 15.
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is now open and runs nightly through New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, 5:30 to 11 p.m. nightly with the last check in at 10 p.m.
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. 2
The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 13th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2024! 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 sur‐rounded 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 sea‐son! Explore each district and expe‐rience the different light installa‐tions and decorations that they have to offer with your family and friends.
Support local this holiday season by visiting the Holiday Pop‐Ups, returning to Midtown in downtown Oklahoma City.
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
Dec. 1, 1‐3 p.m.
Bring your pups to Midtown on Dec. 1 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 emailed to attendees (with email sign up) and posted on Facebook following the event.
Saints Santa Rim
Dec. 7, 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. 29 – Dec. 22
Grab your costumes and running shoes, the Saints Santa Run is com‐ing to Midtown on Saturday, Dec. 7. 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
Nov. 30, Dec. 7 & 14
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. 29, 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. The program includes the lighting of the 15‐feet Menorah, live music and dancing, a fire and light show, tradi‐tional foods, treats for children, car‐nival entertainment, holiday bless‐ings, Dreidel Man, and more. This event is free and open to everyone. All are invited to benefit from the program’s uplifting message!
From Page 13
The walking course begins in the Zoo’s entry plaza with a musi‐cal light show and winds through the Children’s Zoo and outside of the Jungle Gym Playground promising memorable (and Instagrammable) moments along the way!
Santa is a part of the SAFARI LIGHTS scene and available for photo opportunities along the walking course. The Santa photo station is located near the Jungle Gym Playground and debuts Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28 and remains open Thursdays through Sundays until Christmas Day. Digital and print options will be available for pur‐chase. No appointment necessary.
The Zoo’s Safari Gifts is open dur‐ing SAFARI LIGHTS where shoppers will find the state’s largest selection of plush animals, nature‐inspired gifts, and exclusive “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” appar‐el and collectibles. A festive selection
Online reservations are required for OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS and can be made at okczoo.org/safari-lights.
of delicious treats and eats will also be available for purchase during SAFARI LIGHTS. Select Zoo conces‐sions are open and offering specialty beverages, light dinner options, s’more kits, savory snacks, and new
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
From Page 10
“We encourage everyone to secure your seats early to ensure your spot.”
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of redemp‐tion, brought to life by a talented cast led by D. Lance Marsh. With additional rotating young per‐formers and a dynamic ensemble, every perform‐ance offers a unique experience.
Directed by Michael Baron, with Co‐Director Ashley Wells, and choreography by Ashlyn Adams, this magical production features choreography by Executive ProducerWells and music direction by Michael Childs, among many other talented artists.
In the spirit of giving, audiences are invited to contribute to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma after each performance. Over the past 12 years, Lyric patrons have donated more than $217,000, providing over 870,000 meals to those in need in our community.
desserts like flamingo fries (funnel cake strips topped with pink icing, sprinkles, and a candy flamingo), only found at the OKC Zoo!
OKC ZOO SAFARI LIGHTS is open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. The estimated time to complete the driving tour is 20 minutes.
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. Tickets are limited to ensure optimal guest experience. Event pricing varies based on visit date, you pick the date that works best with your schedule and budget. ZOOfriends members receive a $10 discount on drive‐thru admissions and a $2 discount on additional walk‐thru admissions. To make reserva‐tions or for additional details, visit www.okczoo.org/safari‐lights. The Zoo also created a frequently asked question guide for SAFARI LIGHTS at bit.ly/SafariLightsFAQ.
HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
From Page 8
Rudolph shares the legendary tale of how he was deter‐mined to “not give away his shot” so long ago, and the people of the North Pole celebrate Christmas morning as Santa arrives back home from a long evening of delivering presents. Snowflakes fall, angels tiptoe through the night sky, and joy abound as we are reminded of what lies at the heart of the holi‐day season.
OCU’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment was founded by retired Dance Chair Jo Rowan and Dean John Bedford to create the first dance program in America to offer degrees specializing in entertainment dance forms of tap, jazz and musical theater dance. Namesake Ann Lacy played an important role supporting the vision of the school.
Oklahoma City University continues to be named in the top 10 collegiate dance programs and alumni can be found per‐forming, managing, choreographing and teaching all over the world.
