May 2023 Intermission

Kinky Boots presented by Theatre Tulsa

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is the official program of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center

110 E. Second St., Tulsa, OK 74103 918-596-7122 • TulsaPAC.com

PUBLISHER Tulsa Performing Arts Center

WRITER/EDITOR Amanda Nichols

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrea Maduro

ADVERTISING SALES Kaley Jobe

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mark Frie

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Jen Alden

VP OF OPERATIONS

Bryan Clemons

VP OF DEVELOPMENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Sara Phoenix

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING

Terri McGilbra

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION

Amanda Nichols

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Scott McLarty

DIRECTOR OF TICKETING SERVICES

Jeff Newsome DIRECTOR OF PATRON SERVICES

Tosha Faith

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Jeremy Stevens

DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

James Stewart

TULSA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TRUST

CEO Mark Frie

CHAIR Julie Smith

CO-CHAIR Ken Busby

TREASURER Jen Alden

SECRETARY Wendy Garrett

TRUSTEES Billie Barnett, Mayor G.T. Bynum, Laura Creekmur, Lori Decter Wright, Linda Frazier, Taylor Hanson, Carlye Jimerson, Felix Jones III, Jay Krottinger, Tina Peña, Glenda Silvey, Hayley Stephens

EMERITUS TRUSTEE Robert J. LaFortune

Intermission is published monthly by the Tulsa Performing Arts Center Trust For advertising information, contact Kaley Jobe at kjobe@tulsapac.com.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center: 918-596-2368, anichols@tulsapac.com.

Current and past issues of Intermission can be viewed at issuu.com/tulsapac/docs

TPAC update

Discovery Awards

Legacy. The goal isn’t to live forever. The goal is to create something that will. I have these words framed in my office, and they are something I think about every day. The arts have had a profound impact on my life, and I believe it’s part of my mission in life to make sure future generations of young artists have an even greater chance to follow their dreams. To that end, The Discovery Awards were created in partnership with Celebrity Attractions and their incredible CEO, Kristin Dotson, as they share that same vision. We are in year three, and I am so proud of the growth of the program and amazed at the talent and heart of these young artists. The Discovery Awards are a part of the Broadway League’s national high school musical theatre awards program, The Jimmy’s. Our program was the first of its kind in Oklahoma and this year we have expanded to 25 high schools that will be participating. These students come from all across northeast Oklahoma and as far away as Bentonville, Arkansas.

The best part of the program is giving these students the opportunity to learn and build relationships with their peers and gain a deeper appreciation of performing arts. It’s my absolute favorite week of the year. The joy and love in the room is palpable. It’s the next generation of artists and arts supporters. I hope you will make plans to watch this year’s presentation on May 25 in Chapman Music Hall. You will have the chance to watch a potential future Broadway star or educator, doctor, accountant, or electrician — heck, maybe even the future CEO of the Tulsa PAC. Now that makes me smile.

Nathan Harmon

Mark Frie

may events

Theatre Tulsa Kinky Boots

Kick up your heels! Enjoy the dazzling story of a struggling factory owner and an ambitious entertainer who creates a line of stilettos unlike any the world has ever seen!

JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE

April 28 at 8 p.m.

April 29 at 8 p.m.

April 30 at 2 p.m.

May 5 at 8 p.m.

May 6 at 8 p.m.

May 7 at 2 p.m.

may events

Tulsa Opera Into the Woods

Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical, which interweaves timeless fairy tales and explores the consequences of its characters’ wishes and quests, featuring a cast of stars from the worlds of opera and musical theatre.

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

May 14 at 2:30 p.m.

American Theatre Company American Buffalo

Three small-time hustlers want a bigger cut of the American dream. David Mamet’s classic about loyalty and greed returns more explosive and pointed than ever, exposing a timely American truth: crime and business are two sides of the same coin.

LIDDY DOENGES THEATRE

May 5 at 8 p.m.

May 6 at 8 p.m.

May 7 at 2 p.m.

May 11 at 8 p.m.

May 12 at 8 p.m.

May 13 at 8 p.m.

Theatre Tulsa

Disney’s 101 Dalmatians Kids

A fur-raising adventure of kidnapping villains and courageous puppies. Pet owners Roger and Anita live happily in London with their large brood of dalmatians, but the monstrous Cruella De Vil plots to steal the puppies for a new fur coat.

JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE

May 12 at 7:30 p.m.

May 13 at 2 p.m.

May 13 at 7:30 p.m.

May 14 at 2 p.m.

Magic City Books Tom Hanks

Magic City Books is thrilled to welcome Academy Award winning actor and bestselling author Tom Hanks for an exclusive in-person event to celebrate the release of his first novel, The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece.

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

May 13 at 7:00 p.m.

may events

Tulsa Symphony Orchestra

Luminous: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3

Sarah Hicks, guest conductor

Tim McFadden, Principal Trumpet

Maurice Ravel, Tombeau de Couperin

Johann Baptist Georg Neruda, Trumpet Concerto

Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 3

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

May 20 at 7:30 p.m.

june spotlight

Celebrity Attractions & TPAC Presents Discovery Awards

The Discovery Awards highlight and award excellence in high school musical theatre. Join us as students from over 25 local high schools take the stage to compete for a chance to perform on a Broadway stage in New York City.

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

May 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrity Attractions

The Lion King

Winner of six Tony Awards©, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award©-winning director, Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals.

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

June 1 at 1 p.m.

June 1 at 7:30 p.m.

June 2 at 8 p.m.

June 3 at 2 p.m.

June 3 at 8 p.m.

June 4 at 1 p.m.

June 4 at 6:30 p.m.

June 6 at 7:30 p.m.

June 7 at 7:30 p.m.

June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

June 9 at 8 p.m.

June 10 at 2 p.m.

June 10 at 8 p.m.

June 11 at 1 p.m.

June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

June 14 at 7:30 p.m.

June 15 at 1 p.m.

June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

June 16 at 8 p.m.

June 17 at 2 p.m.

June 17 at 8 p.m.

World Stage Theatre Company Some Girls

Your career as a writer is blossoming, and your beautiful, young fiancé is waiting to get married and rush off to Cancun by your side. So what is your natural reaction? If you’re a man, it’s probably to get nervous and start calling up old girlfriends.

LIDDY DOENGES THEATRE

June 1 at 8 p.m.

June 2 at 8 p.m.

June 3 at 2 p.m.

June 3 at 8 p.m.

June 4 at 2 p.m.

June 9 at 8 p.m.

June 10 at 2 p.m.

June 10 at 8 p.m.

June 11 at 2 p.m.

Celebrity Attractions 1964 The Tribute

For over 30 years, “1964 The Tribute” has thrilled audiences with what is considered the most authentic and endearing tribute to the Beatles.

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

June 23 at 8 p.m.

Downtown Tulsa’s award-winning restaurant, Juniper, changes with the seasons to bring guests creative, modern cuisine focused on delicious, locally sourced ingredients. Juniper boasts a beautiful and intimate downtown setting with its rustic brick columns, commissioned art by local artists, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Downtown Tulsa’s award-winning restaurant, Juniper, changes with the seasons to bring guests creative, modern cuisine focused on delicious, locally sourced ingredients. Juniper boasts a beautiful and intimate downtown setting with its rustic brick columns, commissioned art by local artists, and a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Located at Center 1 in Brookside, this new concept by the Justin Thompson Restaurant Group features classic and re-invented dishes & libations from all of Scandinavia. Whether you join us for lunch, brunch, or dinner, you’ll experience the exceptional cuisine and heart-felt hospitality that Justin Thompson and his team have created at each of its other concepts.

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

THEDISCOVERYAWARDS2022

There is some amazing, jaw-dropping musical theatre talent in the high schools around Green Country. That talent deserves to be supported, promoted and showcased, which is why Celebrity Attractions and the TPAC work together each year to produce The Discovery Awards.

This year, 25 high schools from across the region are taking part in the program. When those schools present their school musicals, we send professional arts adjudicators to nominate the best male and female performers from each production.

Starting May 19, all nominees will attend a week-long masterclass workshop led by award-winning, professional Broadway artists. The week will culminate on May 25 in a showcase of their incredible talent.

That evening, the overall best female and male performers will be announced and will win an all-expense paid trip to represent northeastern Oklahoma in New York City. Once there, they participate in another week-long masterclass workshop led by awardwinning creatives and compete nationally, on a Broadway stage, in front of Broadway producers and directors at the Jimmy® Awards, otherwise known as The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®. Winners also receive a cash scholarship.

If you want to spend an evening thoroughly impressed at the feats of area teenagers, the Chapman Music Hall on May 25 is the place!

Cascia Hall Preparatory School

Charles Page High School

Claremore High School

Collinsville High School

Courtyard Theatre

Edison Preparatory School

Bentonville High School

Bentonville West High School

Bishop Kelley High School

Bixby High School

Booker T. Washington High School

Broken Arrow High School

Celebrity Attractions & TPAC Presents

The Discovery Awards

May 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Chapman Music Hall

Owasso High School

Regent Preparatory School

Sapulpa High School

St. Augustine Christian Academy

Stillwater High School

Union High School

Wesleyan Christian School

Fort Gibson High School

Glenpool High School

Jenks High School

Lincoln Christian

Metro Christian Academy

Mingo Valley Christian

THE DISCOVERY AWARDS 2022

THE DISCOVERY AWARDS 2022

THE DISCOVERY AWARDS 2022

THE DISCOVERY AWARDS 2019

THE DISCOVERY AWARDS 2019

By Valerie Gladstone

Big corporations usually stay with the tried and true. Risk isn’t their game. But in 1997, in an inspired act of hiring, Disney asked the choreographer Garth Fagan to take on The Lion King. Until that point, Fagan had choreographed on two other theatre works, the Duke Ellington opera, Queenie Pie in 1986 at the Kennedy Center, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for the New York Shakespeare Festival in 1988. His name was hardly synonymous with the glitzy, high-kicking numbers associated with the Broadway musicals. Bob Fosse he was not. In fact, he won his distinguished reputation in a whole other ballgame, the modern dance concert world, by creating subtle, sensuous, highly idiosyncratic works for his popular company, Garth Fagan Dance, a mainstay at the Joyce Theatre for years.

While many experienced Broadway choreographers vied for the job, the Disney producers saw something in Fagan even more valuable than familiarity with musicals. They saw daring. It had already been decided to break the mold when they selected as director Emmy-andObie award winning Julie Taymor, famed for her strikingly different theatrical approach. Now they needed an equally imaginative choreographer. Fagan, they sensed, could turn Broadway dance on its head. Although pleased by their trust

Fagan let the where he seen my his musical “and they knew what they were getting. I told them that if I’d be able to do innovative stuff then we’d have a match. And they said ‘absolutely’.”

SHOWBILL, “DARING DANCE”, FEBRUARY, 2002, BY VALERIE GLADSTONE

LIONESSES DANCE — THE LION KING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ©DISNEY.

PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER.

PHOTO: LIONESSES DANCE — THE LION KING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ©DISNEY. PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER

Once he had the assignment, it didn’t take Fagan long to figure out his general concept for the show. Specifically, he wanted to make sure that it would resemble a concert dance. “I told them,” he says, “that I wanted to include all types of dancing — modern, ballet, African, and hip hop — so that any child coming to the theatre would be able to connect with something. Too often a show’s choreography only used one particular vocabulary. But because I choreographed the show in so many different styles, I had to have intelligent dancers who could switch quickly from one to the other. They were going to have to roll with a lot of punches, from elaborate costumes to split second changes.”

Since The Lion King takes place in Africa, his choice of African-based movement was only natural. It was also something he had been

using for years with his own company. Between growing up in Jamaica and visiting Africa often, he feels strongly tied to every aspect of Caribbean and African cultures. What he didn’t reckon on were the costumes. “When I saw the drawings for the puppets,” he says, “it was love at first sight. But I didn’t know how I’d integrate them into the dance. All their lives dancers wear clothes as skimpy as possible because they need to be free. Now they’d have gazelles on their arms; grass on their heads, all the while they’re leaping and turning.”

Working with his longtime company members, Norwood J. Pennewell and Natalie Rogers, he devised movements that wouldn’t be hindering by the costumes. “The trick was to get the essence of the animals,” he says, “but also to keep an awareness of the human body. I wanted you to think lioness but also think woman, who is hunting to eat.

Celebrity Attractions Presents The Lion King

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

June 1 at 1 p.m.

June 1 at 7:30 p.m.

June 2 at 8 p.m.

June 3 at 2 p.m.

June 3 at 8 p.m.

June 4 at 1 p.m.

June 4 at 6:30 p.m.

June 6 at 7:30 p.m.

June 7 at 7:30 p.m.

June 8 at 7:30 p.m.

June 9 at 8 p.m.

June 10 at 2 p.m.

June 10 at 8 p.m.

June 11 at 1 p.m.

June 11 at 6:30 p.m.

June 13 at 7:30 p.m.

June 14 at 7:30 p.m.

June 15 at 1 p.m.

June 15 at 7:30 p.m.

June 16 at 8 p.m.

June 17 at 2 p.m.

June 17 at 8 p.m.

While you’re seeing the lionesses hunting, you’re still getting the feeling of femaleness. They’re strong women and if they don’t hunt, the lazy men don’t eat. All these human things I wanted to get in there. I’m very proud of all my dances but I’m particularly proud of the lioness dance.”

Fagan came away from The Lion King not only with a Tony Award in 1997 for his choreography but with major new insights. “I learned how to create dances in hardly any space, like the hyena dance,” he says, “and how to devise movement that would be vibrant and big enough not to be overpowered by all the beautiful scenery and costumes while also keeping in mind that the dancers have to do eight shows a week, and couldn’t be totally exhausted.” He paused, evaluating his life-changing experience. “But the most important thing I learned,” he says, “was how to adapt when something didn’t work. We were going for a masterpiece, and everyone involved knew the collaboration counted for more than any one particular view. That’s why The Lion King is a masterpiece.”

CIRCLE OF LIFE — ©DISNEY. PHOTO BY MATTHEW MURPHY

DARIAN SANDERS AS SIMBA — THE LION KING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ©DISNEY.

PHOTO BY DEEN VAN MEER

GUGWANA DLAMINI AS RAFIKI2 — THE LION KING NORTH AMERICAN TOUR ©DISNEY. PHOTO BY JOHAN PERSSON

our supporters

Thank you to our sponsors for their generosity! Community support from these incredible organizations help us provide more art than ever before. For more information on how to become a sponsor, visit tulsapac.com/corporate-sponsorships.

Prismatic

Barnett Family Foundation

Vibrant

Wendy and Chuck Garrett

Dwight and Jessica Strayer

Tanninger

Philanthropies

Iridescent

Dr. Janet Cheek

Jill and Bob Thomas

Kari Wall

Brilliant

Jana Bingman

Samuel Briggs

Liz Carr

Cathy Creekmore Craig

Wendy and Gentner

Drummond

Jennifer Dubois

Ronald and Lindsay Fick

Amy and Blaine Hoyt

Kyle and Holly Hubbell

Thank you to our Luminaries for helping us fund our community engagement programs, helping us inspire, lead and give light to others!

Eugene and Ellen Ichinose

Wayne and Tracey

Larkin

Marla Mansfield

Olivia Martin and Madeleine Phillips

Linsay and Adam Panzer

Tim and Kay Phoenix

Betty Pirnat

Ken and Julie Smith

Jo Ann and Douglas Stall

Hayley Stephens

Richard Sudduth

Dustin and Christy

Thames

Amanda Viles

Splendid

Sarah and Justin Amador

John and Marge

Gaberino

Albert and Susie

Gallegos

Mark and Natalie

Haggard

Chandler Harris

Kenneth Hess

Teri Holmes

Carlye Jimerson

Caron and Shawn

Lawhorn

Dennis Neill and John

Southard

Sharon Parker

Tina Peña and Bill Loyd

Brenna Peterson and Jeffrey Wayland

Glenda Silvey

Adelaide Steed

Ann Tierney

Carolyn Tillman

Vivid

Bruce and Kami Barton

Ely Bates and

Katherine Silvey Bates

Linda and Phillip Berrey

Sarah Block

Alecia Brown

Ken Busby

Cristi Carnahan

Laura Creekmur

Lori Decter Wright

Marcus and DeLynn

Fairless

Linda Frazier

Linda Hair-Grant

John and Quin Halpin

Mikaelah Howard

Craig and Carol Kovin

Jessica Lawmaster

Patricia Love-Renton

Nancy & William

McGuinness

Amy Nance

Tom and Laurie Neylon

Evelyn Perez

Katha Stricklin

Amanda Vavra

Valerie White

Tanyala Woods

Steve Wright

Rev. Richard and Peggy Ziglar

CHARLES & MARION WEBER FOUNDATION

JULY

World Stage Theatre Company

The Wiz Jr.

LIDDY DOENGES THEATRE

July 7 at 7 p.m.

July 8 at 7 p.m.

July 9 at 3 p.m.

Theatre Tulsa Academy

Finding Nemo Jr.

JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE

July 13 at 7:30 p.m.

July 14 at 7:30 p.m.

July 15 at 2 p.m.

July 15 at 7:30 p.m.

July 16 at 2 p.m.

Celebrity Attractions

Bluey’s Big Play

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

July 15 at 10 a.m.

July 15 at 2 p.m.

July 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Sam McLellan and company in The Book of Mormon North American Tour

The Little Mermaid Jr.

JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE

July 21 at 7:30 p.m.

July 22 at 2 p.m.

July 22 at 7:30 p.m.

July 23 at 2 p.m.

Celebrity Attractions & TPAC Presents

The Book of Mormon

CHAPMAN MUSIC HALL

July 26 at 7:30 p.m.

*All

ANNUAL AND MONTHLY MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE tulsapac.com/ luminary-circle Exclusive presales Fast-pass seating Express lane to concessions and bar Member-only events And more… Join us for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Scan the code or visit tulsapac.com/nyctrip for more info! Love Broadway? This is the trip for you.

October

photo by Julieta Cervantes

Theatre Tulsa Academy