20 17 MAY 25-JUNE 25
T U L S A
P E R F O R M I N G
A R T S
C E N T E R
Welcome to SummerStage Tulsa! SummerStage is a month-long performing arts festival held during May and June in the Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s John H. Williams Theatre, Liddy Doenges Theatre, Charles E. Norman Theatre amd Robert J. LaFortune Theatre. Performances include a variety of disciplines from musicals, drama, comedy and dance to cabaret theatre events. SummerStage provides local arts groups and individual artists the opportunity to work together in forming a showcase of artists from Tulsa and the surrounding communities. The result is a cohesive, colorful, balanced, diverse and high-energy festival that culminates in a unique departure from main season arts events and one that offers some- thing for everyone. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust is a major sponsor of the festival providing free rent/security and administrative support to all participants. A Brief History SummerStage was originally organized in the 1980s to provide entertainment opportunities at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in the off-season. With no major productions scheduled during the summer months, the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust offered to underwrite the cost of rent and security to five local arts organizations if they would produce events during the summer. In 2003, the Board of Trustees created a task force to examine the SummerStage festival and to produce a new model that would better reflect the Tulsa community as a whole. The festival was expanded from six to eight weeks and provided a greater variety of entertainment choices. The task force wanted to see more family events, more dance, more world music and the participation of more local artists from Tulsa’s diverse community. The Tulsa PAC Trust in no way benefits financially from hosting SummerStage. Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust The Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust (TPACT) is a non-profit organization formed with private funds in 1977 after the construction of the City of Tulsa’s Performing Arts Center. Its Board of Trustees, appointed by the Mayor, share a passionate love of the arts. TPACTʼs goal is to offer a variety of performance choices to Tulsa’s diverse community at affordable prices. TPACT programming features a wide range of music, theatre, dance, film and comedy events that appeal to both families and mature audiences.
MOST PHTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE POLLARD
MAY 25-26
SANGAMA
Kripalaya Dance Academy
Kripalaya Dance Academy believes that the diversity that exists in each of us is something to be celebrated and not feared. “We may all be different,” says director Priya Raju, “but we are the same in our hopes and aspirations, in our expressions of joy and happiness. And as humans, we all have a responsibility to look after each other and preserve each other’s culture.” Kripalaya’s dance-and-music production “Sangama,” which means “confluence,” depicts how we can embrace our individuality and show everyone how wonderful the world can be if we all come together as one. This pre-Memorial Day production is dedicated to United States Military veterans.
MAY 26-27
LIVE FROM TULSKATOWN, OR WHAT YOU WON’T Two O’clock Four O’clock Productions
Hard-hitting satire? Ridiculous wordplay?? Hot and sexy sexual situation??? Whatever could all of these things have in common? They will all be front and center in “Live From Tulskatown, Or What You Won’t.” This show, from the minds of bumbling local dork Jack Allen and friends, will be a wild, hilarious and emotional ride featuring original sketch comedy, music and well-crafted yodeling. MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.
MAY 27 & JUNE 2-3
FLYIN’ WEST
Theatre North
Following the end of the Civil War, many former slaves, anxious to leave the South and the increasing disappointments and dangers of Reconstruction, took advantage of The Homestead Act and went West to build new lives for themselves and their families. Many of these homesteaders were black women who overcame tremendous odds to work their own land and make a place for themselves in an often harsh and forbidding environment. Set in 1898, “Flyin’ West” by Pearl Cleage is the story of some of these African-American female pioneers who settled together in the all-black town of Nicodemus, Kansas. “Flyin West is the most potent gripping play…a paean to women and a plea for all women with vibrant lives to tell their oral stories.” -NY Times
JUNE 2-4 & 8-11
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Tulsa Project Theatre
Don’t feed the plants! This sci-fi-horror-film-turned-rock-musical follows Sydney, a meek florist shop assistant who discovers a strange and mysterious plant he fondly calls “Audrey II,” after his affection for a co-worker. With each day that Seymour cares for Audrey II, he gradually learns that the plant is a mean green mother from outer space who uses Seymour to do his deadly bidding. This production is set as a rock-and-roll ode to “B” horror films while bringing light to issues that plague our world today. Megan Montgomery directs TPT Artistic Director Matthew Alvin Brown, Emily Pace and Seth Paden. Music direction is by Kent Dennis with choreography by Kaley Durland. The Tony-nominated music and lyrics were composed by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman (“The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin”).
JUNE 1-4
PETE ‘N’ KEELY
Tulsa Repertory Musicals
It’s 1968! Tune in as America’s swingin’ sweethearts — Pete Bartel and Keely Stevens — reunite for a live television special re-living their illustrious musical career on TV. Nevermind the fact that they haven’t spoken to each other since their big break-up at Caesar’s Palace five years ago!
JUNE 1
THE CHEROKEE MAIDENS & SYCAMORE SWING Rising up from deep musical roots in America’s Heartland, The Cherokee Maidens — along with their star-studded band, Sycamore Swing — pay homage to the past. Think Bob Wills meets the country cousins of The Andrews Sisters. The melodic braid of this trio is time tested. Kansan Robin Macy has performed up and down the I-35 corridor for decades. Red Dirt girl Monica Taylor from Oklahoma and bluegrass virtuoso Lauren “Sis” White from Kentucky join Macy to create signature three-part harmonies that weave their way into your heart. Two have played The Grand Ole Opry, two have performed on Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” radio show. All three share the Cherokee heritage and a love for western swing music and Cindy Walker, who penned the great 1941 song they named themselves after. The Cherokee Maidens third CD will have its Tulsa release at this SummerStage show!
JUNE 2
VOICES OF THE FUTURE
Songs About Teenage Life, Love & Hope Tulsa Youth Cabaret
Tulsa Youth Cabaret, a musical theatre troupe composed of talented young vocalists, delivers a rousing evening of songs about teenage life and love. This family-friendly show aims to leave attendees feeling inspired and hopeful for the future as they hear these young people articulating their perspective through moving solo and group performances of some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs. Tulsa Youth Cabaret performers are hand-selected from Northeastern Oklahoma’s stages. Many of them have made television appearances, competed nationally with the most talented of their contemporaries, and appeared as leads in area stage productions.
JUNE 3
SHELBY EICHER HILLBILLY JAZZ
Shelby Eicher
“Hillbilly Jazz” is a fun show drawing on the movement in country music that was influenced by Bob Wills. Wills brought swing and boogie-woogie rhythms, along with electric instruments and drums, to a genre that was largely acoustic. Many artists in the 1950s produced this fresh sound. “Hillbilly Jazz” will have an all star line-up — Shelby Eicher, Tommy Crook, Steve Bagsby, Jared Johnson and Nathan Eicher — and will tap into this great sound with tunes by Merle Travis, Ernest Tubb and others.
JUNE 4
VINTAGE WILDFLOWERS IN CONCERT
Acclaimed for its members’ instrumental prowess, onstage charm and soulful vocals, Vintage Wildflowers has developed an enthusiastic legion of fans with its vibrant Celtic, folk and bluegrass blend. The music reflects the lives and backgrounds of these three women, melding the trio’s wide-ranging musical interests with their Celtic music obsession. This is Vintage Wildflowers’ seventh appearance at SummerStage since the group was founded in 2008.
JUNE 8
WOW! HANDBELLS ROCK!!!
Tulsa Festival Ringers
Handbell music is not just for the Christmas season! Join us as the Tulsa Festival Ringers play a variety of pop and classical tunes from “Eleanor Rigby” to “Nocturne No. 2.” For some songs, the ringers will be using additional instruments to enhance your listening experience, and you may be invited to sing along as they ring one of your favorites. The group, led by Artistic Director Jerome Robinson, is composed of handbell directors and experienced ringers from Eastern Oklahoma who are enthusiastic about sharing handbell music with others. Tulsa Festival Ringers formed in the spring of 1991 to attend a handbell festival. Since that time they have performed with the Tulsa Philharmonic, OK Sinfonia and Signature Symphony, at Tulsa Ballet events, on news segments for “Six in the Morning” and “Good Morning Oklahoma” and at PAC Brown Bag It concerts.
JUNE 9
JEREMY STEVENS
88 Keys & Me
Using nothing but a grand piano, Jeremy Stevens tells the story of how that musical instrument changed his life. “88 Keys and Me” is a raucous romp through Jeremy’s life as he explores all the virtues of the piano — classical, romantic, comedic and tragic. MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY
JUNE 9-11
US/THEM
Echo Theatre Company
The same incident told from the perspective of one white family and one African American family. This play challenges perception of self, of privilege and our everyday, human interactions.
JUNE 10-11
With Janet Rutland
SILLY HABITS
“Silly Habits with Janet Rutland” is inspired by a Janis Ian composition recorded by Mel Tormé in the early 1980s. “It’s one of those terrific songs I’ve had in my back pocket for awhile,” Rutland says. “I’ve also chosen a couple of vintage gems from the old Dick Van Dyke show.” She’ll be joined by master musician Scott McQuade and vocalists Terry Baxter and Barry Hensley.
JUNE 15
JOESF GLAUDE & GUITARS GONE WILD
Jazz and Blues Concert
Since 2014, Joesf Glaude and Guitars Gone Wild have been playing to enthusiastic audiences around Tulsa and around the world. Their creative, high-energy and unique jazz infusion sound has made this dynamic, popular group in high demand to entertain at events ranging from fundraisers to festivals and corporate to club venues. Guitars Gone Wild will be playing selections from their newest CD, “String Theory,� along with popular jazz and blues hits.
JUNE 14-15
SEEKING SHELTER
Pique Theatre Company
“Who are we as human beings, if we ignore the suffering of others?” –Anonymous. “Seeking Shelter” is an original show about a seemingly invisible people: the homeless. Through storytelling, song and dance, performers will shed light on the plight of our homeless population and give voice to our marginalized communities. In this dynamic and poignant 90-minute show, Karlena Riggs and Pete Brennan (and featured guests), will explore the common themes affecting our veterans, people of color, LGTB youth, and survivors of domestic abuse that lead to and perpetuate homelessness.
JUNE 16
THE MOODY DUDES GARAGE BAND
Salute To The Summer of Love
With video, photos, and live rock songs from the era, some of which are rarely performed in this day and age, this show recreates the era of the mid- to late-1960s, focusing on the music and events leading up to the 1967 Summer of Love. The fact that three of the five members of the band lived through that period as teenagers lends verisimilitude to the event, as does the group’s authentic garage-band sound. And remember: If it’s too loud, you’re too young.
JUNE 16
WHITNEY PETERS & FRIENDS
Just Us
It’s a cabaret show like you’ve never seen before! Join Oklahoma native WHITNEY PETERS and FRIENDS in “Just Us!” Whitney has spent years performing on the high seas on the most elegant of cruise ships and across the country in Branson, Nashville and more! She honed her craft singing and writing all over the world before relocating to San Antonio to perform and direct in several shows at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. “Just Us!” features a wide array of beloved Broadway tunes, torch songs and American standards, as well as hilarious parodies and comedy galore! Joining Whitney will be new Oklahoma transplant APOLLO BRADLEY, multi-talented guitarist TRAVIS CATES, powerhouse vocalist SARAH SMITH and the adorable AVERY SANDERS—plus more special guests! Get ready for an evening of surprise, laughter and unforgettable music with “Just Us!”
JUNE 17-18
THE SNOW QUEEN
Tulsa Youth Opera
On the heels of acclaimed European performances in Hamburg, Dresden and Venice and a two‑year sold-out run at the Berlin Comic Opera, Tulsa Youth Opera presents the American premiere of “The Snow Queen,” a fairytale opera by Pierangelo Valtinoni that will delight adults and children alike. Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story that inspired Disney’s smash hit “Frozen,” this work is firmly rooted in the Italian lyric opera tradition with rousing choral numbers and tuneful arias. When young Kai falls under the spell of the Snow Queen — who freezes the hearts of all who cross her path — Kai’s best friend, Gerda, must summon all of her courage, love and perseverance to find him in the barren tundra of the Snow Queen’s realm and to melt his now icy heart. This new production, created for Tulsa Opera in an English translation, features three adult professional singers and the 50 children of Tulsa Youth Opera, accompanied by the Tulsa Opera Orchestra.
JUNE 17-18
CATS OF ANY COLOR
Spinning Plates Productions
“Cats of Any Color” looks at the symbiotic and syncopated relationship between Jewish and Black people in the history of American popular music. The title is based on a Louis Armstrong quote, that “it’s no crime for cats of any color to get together and blow. Raceconscious jazz musicians? Nobody could be who really knew their horns and loved the music.” Creator, compiler and curator Rebecca Ungerman uses the music of the Jazz Age, the Civil Rights Era and today, along with an all-star Tulsa cast, to shine a light on the positive, explosive musical relationship between Black and Jewish composers, performers and music industry professionals. MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.
JUNE 17-18
PROTEST! A MUSICAL REVUE
Shadley Arts & Sciences
Protest! Is there really any other way to help our leaders understand what we want? If there is a silver lining to “bad times,” it is great music and great art. We won’t tell you what to think, but maybe after seeing this show, you’ll feel inspired to let yourself be heard! What do YOU want?
JUNE 22
MARK GIBSON BAND
Live In Concert
Fronted by Tulsa singer/songwriter Mark Gibson, the Mark Gibson Band mixes blues, soul and Motown-inspired vibes. The songs are rhythmic, and the vocals are passionate. The band takes over a room and moves its audiences.
JUNE 23-25
Local Landmark, National Treasure An Epic Concert Celebrating 95 Years
Theatre Tulsa
2017 marks Theatre Tulsa’s 95th year of creating live, local theatre for multiple generations of Tulsans. On the cusp of its historic 95th consecutive season, Theatre Tulsa will present the most iconic moments from its storied history during an epic concert showcasing nearly 100 performers from the company’s past and present and featuring music from such hits as “Oklahoma!,” “Les Misérables” and more.
JUNE 22-25
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Sand Springs Community Theatre
(ABRIDGED)
Thirty-seven plays, one dead playwright, three guys in tights, and under two hours to finish. What could go wrong? Find out in this wild comic ride for Shakespeare fans and/ or those who like their comedy fast-paced and interactive. No audience members will be harmed; we can’t say the same for the actors!
JUNE 23
ONE MORE DAY with DANNY DAY Echo Theatre Company
Danny Day (aka Pat Hobbs) returns for a fast-paced trip through America’s Songbook. Of course it wouldn’t be Danny Day without a few surprises thrown in for good measure!
JUNE 24-25
OY, GESTALT!
Spinning Plates Productions
“Oy, Gestalt” is a rollicking look at the life and career of influential Tulsa entertainer Rebecca Ungerman. Picking up where they left off 12 years ago with Ungerman’s first one-woman show, “Indulge Me,” authors Ungerman and P. Casey Morgan deliver a delightful pastiche of songs, stories and a few secrets. MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY.