d en k ee w e th oy j en to ow n k to d Everything you nee Sponsored by
attractions concerts • movies shows • festivals SO mUch more
A Publication of the Shawnee News-Star
2 • Friday, February 15, 2019
FREE TIME
Shawnee News-Star
news-star.com
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
FREE TIME
OBU Theatre to Stage Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Feb. 15-17 The theatre department at OBU will perform “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” Feb. 15-17. The play is based on the novel by Lewis Carroll and adapted by Simon Reade. Performances will take place in Shawnee Hall’s Craig-Dorland Theatre on OBU’s campus in Shawnee. Performances will take place Feb. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and $2 for children age 12 and under. This show is intended for all ages. The play is under the direction of Matthew Caron, assistant professor of theatre and director of theatre. “One of the goals of the theatre program at OBU is to expose our students to a wide variety of performance styles during the course of their studies,” he said. “We make sure to produce musicals, classical works, contemporary pieces and, of course, children’s shows. “While it is important for us to focus on what is best for the education of our students, as theatre artists it is as important for us to maintain an audience-centered perspective. After all, without an audience, theatre can’t exist. Arguably, there is no more important theatre audience than children, for in them lies the future of the art form.” He noted that the entire cast and crew is delighted to present “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” not only to give OBU students the opportunity to create this curious and chaotic world, but also to provide children in the community the opportunity to explore this world along with them. “It is our hope that kids of all ages will be enchanted by its music, madness and mystery, and not only enjoy a captivating retelling of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, but deepen an appreciation for the art of theatre itself. So, come take tea with the Mad Hatter, meet the White Rabbit, grin with the Cheshire Cat, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts, but whatever you do . . . don't lose your head!” “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” incorporates several pieces of music into the story, featuring the original compositions of OBU Professor of Music Dr. Jim Vernon, as settings for these musical segments. “Simon Reade's adaptation of the Lew-
Friday, February 15, 2019 • 3
THIS WEEKEND
is Carroll classic play leads us to new places.,” Vernon said. “The Wonderland that Reade portrays adds the dimension of musical commentary to the well-known story. In it, the characters tell us more regarding how they feel about the events surrounding them. These are sometimes wistful, sometimes loony, and often very insightful.” Vernon said he feels fortunate that Caron asked him to write music to the songs contained in the Reade adaptation. He has previously composed instrumental music for OBU stage plays such as “Macbeth,” “Wind in the Willows” and “The Crucible.” “Setting the words for Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was challenging, requiring creativity of different sorts - I did not know The theatre department at Oklahoma Baptist University will perform who would be playing certain “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” Feb. 15-17. The play is based parts, how well they could sing, on the novel by Lewis Carroll and adapted by Simon Reade. Perforand what ranges I could expect to mances will take place in Shawnee Hall’s Craig-Dorland Theatre on encounter,” Vernon said. “In the OBU’s campus in Shawnee. Pictured: Senior theatre major McKenzie end, I hope this music helps creReece (as Alice) is dismayed at the musings of the Hatter, played by ate both mood and commentary junior theatre major Caleb Frank. OBU photo by Emily Dicus. for this delightful play, and hope it contributes to audience appreciation for what these marvelous major Caleb Frank as Hatter, Duck and Seven; juactors are attempting to portray.” nior theatre major Adam S. McCollough as King The cast of the performance is comprised of of Hearts and Parrot; senior English and secondstudents from OBU and members of the Shawary education major Ashley Hontz as Queen of nee community, including senior theatre major Hearts and Dodo; and fifth grade student Jorgen McKenzie Reece as Alice; sophomore theatre Caron as Alice’s Child. and cross cultural ministry major Bayleigh Platter Tickets for this and other shows may be puras White Rabbit; junior communications major chased online by visiting OBU Theatre at www. Court Haygarth as Cheshire Cat and Mouse; seokbu.edu/fine-arts/theatre. They may also be nior theatre major Anna Tyler as Caterpillar, Five purchased in person at the OBU box office locatand Alice’s Mother; and freshman theatre major ed inside Sarkeys Telecommunication Center beAnna Smolen as Duchess, Alice’s Sister and Dorginning two weeks prior to the first performance. mouse. The box office is open Monday through Friday The remaining cast members include sophfrom 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call omore mathematics and secondary education (405) 585-4350. major Gage Bullard as Cook and Gryphon; soph For more information about OBU, visit www. omore theatre major Garrett Wheeler as March okbu.edu. Hare, Eagle, Two and Mock Turtle; junior theatre
With its campus located in Shawnee, OBU offers 10 bachelor’s degrees with 88 fields of study and five master’s degree programs. The Christian liberal arts university has an overall enrollment of 2,011, with students from 37 states and 40 other countries. OBU has been rated as one of the top 10 regional colleges in the West by U.S. News and World Report for 27 consecutive years and has been Oklahoma’s highest rated regional college in the U.S. News rankings for 25 consecutive years. OBU is one of three universities in Oklahoma and the only private Oklahoma university listed on Great Value College’s rankings of 50 Great Affordable Colleges in the Midwest. The Wall Street Journal ranks OBU second in the nation for student engagement among all U.S. colleges and universities. Forbes.com consistently ranks OBU as a top university in Oklahoma and the Princeton Review has named OBU one of the best colleges and universities in the western United States for 14 consecutive years.
4 • Friday, February 15, 2019
FREE TIME
Shawnee News-Star
news-star.com
Movies OPENING This Weekend in Shawnee!
"ISN'T IT ROMANTIC"
A young woman disenchanted with love mysteriously finds herself trapped inside a romantic comedy. Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth and Priyanka Chopra star in the romantic comedy. (Rated PG-13 for language, some sexual material, and a brief drug reference). (1:28) NOW SHOWING AT THE CINEMA CENTRE 8.
"HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U"
Two years after the events of the first film, Tree Gelbman re-enters the time loop to determine why she was entered into it in the first place. She must also face a revenge-seeking Lori, who has been resurrected by the power of the time loop. Jessica Rothe stars in the horror mystery. (Rated PG-13 for violence, language, sexual material and thematic elements). (1:40) NOW SHOWING AT THE CINEMA CENTRE 8.
"ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL" Alita is a creation from
an age of despair. Found by the mysterious Dr. Ido while trolling for cyborg parts, Alita becomes a lethal, dangerous being. She cannot remember who she is, or where she came from. But to Dr. Ido, the truth is all too clear. She is the one being who can break the cycle of death and destruction left behind from Tiphares. But to accomplish her true purpose, she must fight and kill. And that is where Alita's true significance comes to bear. She is an angel from heaven. She is an angel of death. Eiza Gonzales and Rosa Salazar star in the futuristic tale. (Rated PG13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language). (2:02) NOW SHOWING AT THE CINEMA CENTRE 8.
"HOLMES AND WATSON" A humorous take on
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic mysteries featuring Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly star in the comedy. (Rated PG-13 for crude sexual material, some violence, language and drug references). (1:30) OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT THE HORNBECK THEATRE DOWNTOWN. If you have an event you would like to see in our Event Calendar or want to advertise here, call Cheyenne Meadows at (405) 214-3963 or email cheyenne.meadows@news-star.com.
"CREED II"
Years after Adonis Creed made a name for himself under Rocky Balboa's mentorship, the young boxer becomes the Heavyweight Champion of the World. While life is good with that victory and his marriage to Bianca, trouble comes to Philadelphia when Ivan Drago, the Russian boxer who killed Adonis' father, Apollo, arrives with his son, Viktor, to challenge Adonis. Against Rocky's advice, Adonis accepts the challenge without his mentor's participation and pays the price in a punishing bout he wins only by a technicality. Now injured and demoralized, Adonis cannot bring himself to back into the game, leaving his spirit and title in jeopardy. Together, Adonis' family and Rocky must find a way to rekindle Adonis' fighting spirit to face the future in whatever choice he makes. Meanwhile, the Drago family have its own troubles trying to regain the respect in their homeland that they lost at Rocky's hands as they wonder whether is it truly worth it. Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone star. (Rated PG-13 for sports action violence, language, and a scene of sensuality). (2:10) OPENS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT THE HORNBECK THEATRE DOWNTOWN.
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
FREE TIME
Friday, February 15, 2019 • 5
FEBRUARY HAPPENINGS AT THE OKC ZOO · ZOOFRIENDS’ MEMBERSHIP
ZOOfriends’ memberships provide endless fun and Zoo adventures for all. ZOOfriends members receive free admission to the OKC Zoo for an entire year, plus additional perks and discounts. Membership levels start at $35 and ZOOfriends has packages to fit every budget. Committed to giving 100 percent of your membership dollars back to the Zoo, these memberships support the care of the Zoo’s animals, fund education programming and conservation initiatives and supports the overall expansion and growth of the Zoo. Purchase online at zoofriends.org or contact the ZOOfriends office at (405) 425-0618 for information.
· ANIMAL ADOPTIONS
Animal adoptions are unique, meaningful gifts that give back in a wild way! Proceeds from these symbolic adoptions support the health, enrichment and nutritional needs of the OKC Zoo’s animal family. At $60, each limited edition adoption includes choice of plush tiger, rhino, gorilla, elephant, red panda or komodo dragon, personalized adoption certificate, photo, fact sheet about your adopted animal and name recognition on the ZOOfriends website for one year. Other adoption options are available and all can be purchased in the ZOOfriends’ membership office, by calling (405) 425-0618 or online at zoofriends.org.
· ZOO ANIMAL PAINTINGS
Impress your sweetheart with original animal art from the Oklahoma City Zoo. As part of the OKC Zoo’s enrichment program, many animals paint during enrichment sessions with assistance from their caregivers. Marvel at masterpieces created by elephants, sea lions, tigers, snakes, giraffes and even Puddles, the Zoo’s fishing cat! Find the picture perfect painting for your valentine by visiting the Zoo’s Guest Services office located in the entry plaza, open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds from all paintings support the Zoo’s conservation projects. For more information, call (405) 425-0262.
· SAFARI GIFT SHOP
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s Safari Gift Shop offers a vast selection of items including children’s books and toys, apparel, green or recycled gifts and home décor. Many items available for purchase support local and global conservation, so you can feel good about the gifts your giving. Shop your heart out 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
SATURDAY, FEB. 16: OKC ZOO HOSTS GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT
Conservation starts with you! The OKC Zoo invites guests to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, a global citizen science project that encourages nature enthusiasts to count native birds and help create a real-time look at wild populations. Getting involved is easy to do and activities are ideal for families and individuals–all ages welcome. Join us on Saturday, February 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to assist with counting, identifying the native birds that make their home around the Zoo. Kids will enjoy an on-grounds bird scavenger safari with a prize. Visit our information tent in the entry plaza to learn more about the day’s activities including bird watching tours. All activities are free with Zoo admission. For more information, visit okczoo.org or call (405) 425-0262.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20–MONDAY, MAR. 25: OKC ZOO & DR PEPPER HOST ANNUAL VENDING MACHINE ART CONTEST
The popularity of the Oklahoma City Zoo’s annual Dr Pepper Vending Machine Art Contest continues to draw attention, encouraging Oklahoma’s talented students, K-12, to be creative for wildlife and habitat conservation. Contest participants are eligible to win wild prizes and the chance to have their original art designed on a Dr Pepper vending machine at the Zoo. This year’s contest theme, A Future for Pollinators, hopes to inspire students to illustrate their ideas for protecting our planet’s pollinators (bats, monarch butterflies, bees, birds, etc.) and their habitats. Additional information about the contest theme, guidelines and entry forms will be available at okczoo.org/drpeppercontest. All submissions must be postmarked by March 25, 2019. Participation is free. For more information, contact Candice Rennels at (405) 425-0298 or crennels@okczoo.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 23: OKC ZOO’S TOTALLY TERRARIUMS WORKSHOP
Grow your gardening skills with the Oklahoma City Zoo’s Totally Terrariums Workshop on Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Zoo’s Treehouse, and build your very own garden under glass! At the event, for ages 13 and up, learn how to create a vintage apothecary jar terrarium with the expert help of the OKC Zoo's horticulture team. Terrariums are a living work of art that require low-maintenance care, and this workshop includes all supplies needed to plant like a pro. Get ready for an exciting look into the fun art of crafting terrariums. This is the perfect indoor project for those looking to exercise their green thumb. To learn more about the workshop and to register, click here.
FEBRUARY: OKC ZOO’S EDUCATION PROGRAMS
For additional information about these and other programs, call Education at (405) 425-0218 or visit www.okczoo.org.
· GIRL SCOUT AND BOY SCOUT PROGRAMS
The OKC Zoo offers monthly opportunities for Boy Scout and Girl Scouts to learn about wildlife and wild places while achieving badges and meeting program requirements, electives. To learn more about what’s happening in February click here.
· MONDAY, FEB. 18: SCHOOL’S OUT DAY CAMP – BACKYARD BIRDS
The Oklahoma City Zoo’s School’s Out Day Camps provide an exciting and unique environment to interest children ages 4–11. Snacks are provided, but campers must bring their lunch. Advanced registration and payment required. Camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Drop-off at the Zoo’s Education Center is from 8–8:30 a.m. Cost per child, per day is $40 for ZOOfriends members and $45 non-members. To register or learn more, click here. Discover what you love about the Zoo! Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the Oklahoma City 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. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Regular admission is $11 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay up-to-date with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by visiting Our Stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming Oklahoma Zoological Society members at ZOOfriends.org or in-person at the Zoo! To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.org.
6 • Friday, February 15, 2019
FREE TIME
Shawnee News-Star
news-star.com
news-star.com Shawnee News-Star
FREE TIME
Friday, February 15, 2019 • 7
8 • Friday, February 15, 2019
FREE TIME
Shawnee News-Star
news-star.com