2020 Holiday Happenings Magazine

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Holiday Happenings d e n i g a Reim

CONTENTS

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OKC Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has been reimagined in a “short and sweet” format.

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Canterbury Voice’s “Canterbury Christmas is set to include a sing­a­ along.

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Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol” is moving to the Harn Homestead this year.

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Visit the OKC Museum of Art as it celebrates 75 years.

10,11, 12, 14 12 Things to do WITH Downtown Oklahoma City.

On the Cover: The OKCPHIL’s “A Classic Christmas” is an entertaining and meaningful performance. For the story, see Pages 4 & 5.

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In a simpler, yet elegant way Featuring Mandy Jiran and host Vince Leseney, this year’s Christmas performance, “A Classic Christmas,” is a simpler yet elegant blend of sentimental favorites and fun Christmas standards that are sure to touch the heart.

Join the OKCPHIL family for an entertaining and meaningful musical offering that is sure to invoke reflection and help guests imagine a future of hope and possibility.

Shows are Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 3-5. Tickets are limited to adhere to safety protocols and masks are required.

“A Classic Christmas” is part of the OKCPHIL’s (re)IMAGINE(d) concert season, configured to allow orchestral performances to continue during the time of a global pandemic. This revised season incorporates energizing 60-minute programs presented without an intermission and a socially-distanced setting both on and off stage.

For tickets, visit the OKCPHIL Ticket Office at 424 Colcord Drive, Suite B, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on concert Saturdays; visit tickets@okcphil.org; or call 405-TICKETS (842-5387). Tickets are also available at the Civic Center Box Office at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Box office opens 90 minutes before concerts, 594-8300.

About Jiran and Leseney: Mandy Jiran has served on the faculty of the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre at the University of Oklahoma since 2005.

She holds a bachelor of music in musical theatre performance from Oklahoma City University and a master of arts from the University of Oklahoma. Her professional credits include Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Kansas City Starlight Theatre, Great Plains Theatre Festival, Casa Mañana and the Main St. Theatre.

Jiran is a guest artist with the OKC Philharmonic and performs with Philharmonic's POPS Chorale. She has fulfilled a variety of roles including music director, accompanist and vocal coach for Lyric Theatre's Thelma Gaylord Academy and Sooner Theatre Studio.

Vince Leseney is a veteran of over 50 professional productions at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Kansas City Starlight, including “The Producers” with Brad Oscar and Roger Bart, “The Drowsy Chaperone” with Emily Skinner, and “Annie” with Beth Leavel. He is the 2018 recipient of the Irene and Julian J. Rothbaum Presidential Professor of Excellence in the Arts. Vince has appeared as a guest artist with the Kansas City Symphony, the Cedar Rapids Symphony and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, for whom he also directs the POPS Chorale. A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Vince earned a master of music in vocal performance from Oklahoma City University.

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OKCPHIL Musical Director Alexander Mickelthwate and orchestra perform socially distanced with masks.

- Photo by Heather Hanson

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THE NUTCRACKER 6 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine

Short &

Sweet Artistic Director Robert Mills’ beautiful staging of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” will warm the heart and fill attendees with the spirit of the holidays.

This year’s production will be shortened to one act, but will still include all of the favorite characters from the dancing snowflakes to the Kingdom of Sweets.

Shows are Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 18-20, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. each day.

This “Short & Sweet” version is a great opportunity to introduce little ones or any ballet newcomers to live performance, Mills said.

All productions this season are one act to avoid intermissions and the potential spread of COVID-19. Visit okcbal-let.org for more information and tickets.

‘Canterbury Christmas’ to include sounds of the season The evening will be filled with beautiful, traditional Christmas favorites and new holiday classics – and an audience sing-a-long — during Canterbury Voice’s “Canterbury Christmas.”

The concert is set for Sunday, Dec. 6, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Civic Center Music Hall.

The Civic Center will be decked out with poinsettias and Christmas trees. Special guests for this concert are the Oklahoma City University Faculty Brass Quintet and the Canterbury Youth Voices Chorale, under the direction of Stephen Ziegler.

For ticket information, visit canterburyokc.com.

T

YOUTH VOICES CHORALE

STEPHEN ZIEGLER

OCU FACULTY BRASS QUINTET

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Scrooge at the Harn Homestead Lyric’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ re-imagined outdoors this year

Jonathan Beck Reed as Scrooge.

W. Jerome Stevenson as Scrooge.

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Lyric Theatre will celebrate its diamond anniversary of its production of “A Christmas Carol” this fall with an all-new outdoor production, whisking audiences away to a magical holiday village nestled in the heart of Oklahoma City.

The historic Harn Homestead, 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd., will be reimagined as the Victorian Era setting for Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley, magical spirits, and a host of unforgettable characters. Patrons will follow Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation and redemption, as they are guided from scene to scene at the homestead.

Performances of Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol” are Nov. 4 through Dec. 30. Tickets will be strictly limited to 100 guests for each performance.

“Now more than ever, we all need to feel the joy and hope that Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’ so perfectly presents,” said Lyric Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron. “Oklahoma’s beloved holiday tradition has been reimagined to bring this magical tale to life in an all new, socially safe theatrical event sure to thrill audiences of all ages.

“Co-director Ashley Wells and I have brought artists together to create a 360-degree holiday experience that sparks the true spirit of the holidays through timeless storytelling, joyous music, beautifully decorated trees and dazzling costumes in a most unique panoramic setting. Expect surprises around every corner at the Harn Homestead where Dickens’ story unfolds at Scrooge’s office, Jacob Marley’s house, the magical grove of The Ghost of Christmas Past, Fezziwig’s party at the barn, the torch-filled graveyard of The Ghost of Christmas Future, and so many more reveals along the way – all while being social distanced comfortably with family and friends.”

This year, Lyric will feature two rotating casts, including Lyric favorites Jonathan Beck Reed and W. Jerome Stevenson as the fabled miser. Other returning cast members include Matthew Alvin Brown, Andi Dema, Mat Govich, Brenda Williams, Stephen Hilton, Charlie Monnot, Susan Riley, Jennifer Teel and Lexi Windsor.

The production also will feature two rotating casts of four children each.

Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol” is co-directed by Baron and Lyric Associate Artistic Director Ashley Wells, who will also choreograph. The artistic team also includes music direction by

Brian T. Hamilton, lighting design

by Fabian J. Garcia, set design by Adam Koch, costume design by Jeffrey Meek, sound design by Brad Poarch and props design by Courtney Strong.

Continuing an equally cherished holiday tradition, audiences are invited to contribute to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma following each performance. During the past nine years, Lyric Theatre patrons have donated more than $178,000 to help feed thousands of Oklahomans in need.

To purchase, or for more information, visit LyricTheatreOKC.org, or call Lyric’s Box Office at 524-9312. Lyric’s “A

Christmas Carol” is presented by Devon Energy.

Net proceeds from this event benefit Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and its educational programs. An additional portion of each ticket sold will also benefit the Harn Homestead.

While performances are outdoors, a number of required safety measures will be in place as patrons arrive at the Harn Homestead. All patrons, staff and volunteers will be wearing face masks, and temperature checks will occur upon entry to the grounds.

Hand sanitizer and other safety equipment will be available throughout.

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Things to do WITH Downtown in December

Downtown in December is a series of holiday events and attractions in the heart of Oklahoma City. The one-of-a-kind winter experience is returning this holiday season with outdoor ice skating, performing arts, holiday shopping, family activities, virtual events and more, all surrounded by stunning light displays and decorations. Many of the events are free and open to everyone and have taken extra health and safety precautions in light of the pandemic.

For more information, visit downtowninokc.com.

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Denotes virtual event

TREE LIGHTING

One of the year’s most anticipated annual events, the Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival will be returning this year to a screen near you. For the first time ever, the kickoff to the holiday season will be available to enjoy online and on television!

Downtown in December is partnering with News 9 to bring a holiday special for all ages to homes across the city. The program will feature many much-loved, familiar sights such as original music by The Imaginaries, classic Christmas songs by Tony Foster Jr. and Kandace Duke, a selection of carols from Lyric Theatre’s cast of “A Christmas Carol,” a performance by the OKC Ballet and the Oklahoma-favorite “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” by a Lyric Theatre Academy student.

Local musical artist Jabee will read the classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to help get everyone in the holiday spirit and Mayor Holt will be on-site in Bricktown to end the evening with the traditional countdown to the lighting of the tree.

The virtual Oklahoma City Tree Lighting is tentatively scheduled to air on News 9 and online the evening after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 27. A link will be posted at downtownindecember.com for streaming.

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ICE SKATING

The Devon Ice Rink returns for its 10th season in the Myriad Botanical Gardens in 2020.

At Devon Ice Rink, people can skate across 5,500 square feet of real ice, and indulge in seasonal food and beverage offerings.

Lose yourself in a magical, park-like atmosphere surrounded by the glittering lights of the Devon Ice Rink.

The Devon Ice Rink will be limiting the number of skaters on the rink and along with other social distancing measures at the rink site throughout the rink season.

Regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 3-9 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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SAINTS SANTA RUN

Grab your costumes and running shoes, the Santa Run is going virtual!

The virtual Saints Santa Run can be completed on a treadmill from the comfort of your home, around your neighborhood, on your favorite jogging trail or on the suggested route in Midtown (coming soon), the home of the new run sponsor SSM Health – St. Anthony Hospital. Sign up online and complete your run anytime, anywhere during the month of December. Participants will receive a commemorative 2020 Saints Santa Run t-shirt and finisher medal.

Once you have completed your run, you will be able to log your finish time, download your personalized finisher certificate, see how you rank on the leaderboard and upload your photos with custom Santa Run overlays to share on social media.

To register and learn more, including information on a costume contest, visit downtownindecember.com/saints-santa-run.

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POP-UP SHOPS

The Holiday Pop-Up Shops at 399 NW 10th are returning to Midtown in downtown Oklahoma City for their ninth year in 2020.

The Holiday Pop-up Shops are working diligently to prepare for this year’s event and to ensure that the Pop-Ups can happen in a safe way.

For a list of shops as they are secured, visit okcpopups.com.

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Things to do WITH Downtown in December

LIGHTS ON BROADWAY HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Cruise down historic Automobile Alley for the district’s holiday open house and the first day of its stunning light display at the Fifth Annual Lights On Broadway event! In order to make the event as safe as possible and decrease sidewalk and in-store congestion, the event will be spread out over four Saturdays this season: Nov. 21

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and 28 and Dec. 5 and 12. Each Saturday, 4-8 p.m., various retail shops and restaurants will feature buzz-worthy window displays in addition to family-friendly activities, special promotions and giveaways. The muchanticipated free carriage rides will be returning and attendees will be able to skip the lines and book their rides in

AUTOMOBILE ALLEY LIGHTS DISPLAY

See the historic buildings of Automobile Alley in a whole new light during Automobile Alley’s Lights on Broadway display, Nov. 21 through Jan. 10, 2021. More than 230,000 colorful LED lights will cover the buildings along eight blocks of North Broadway and district side streets making for a magical holiday wonderland.

The light displays are always free and open to the public and are a great way to experience the holidays safely.

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advance online.

There will also be family-friendly programming along the sidewalks, such as live music, balloon art, a magic elf, outdoor holiday movies, the Salvation Army brass band and much more.

There will be plenty to do this season in Automobile Alley during Lights

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28, is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants. This shopping holiday is recognized in communities nationwide to promote making holiday purchases at small storefronts.

Spend your day in downtown OKC to enjoy special promotions and in-store activities and giveaways at participating businesses.

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Midtown merchants have come together to offer festive opportunities Nov. 27 through Dec. 24 to eat drink and be merry. Make Midtown your destination for dining, holiday shopping and general merry-making with limited-time promotions and special holiday touches.

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Things to do WITH Downtown in December

CANAL LIGHTS

The Bricktown Canal Lights display will be back to brighten your Bricktown experience from Nov. 28 through Jan. 10. As you stroll the canal, enjoy the many dining and shopping options in downtown OKC’s premier entertainment district under the beautiful and dynamic holiday lights.

The light displays are always free and open to the public and are a great way to experience the holidays safely.

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Visit the Myriad Gardens

Join the Myriad Botanical Gardens for Merry and Bright Winter Holidays from Wednesday, Nov. 25 through Monday, Jan. 4.

A family tradition continues at the Myriad Botanical Gardens. All are invited to interact and take photos with Santa from a safe social distance.

The holiday season is an especially great time to visit the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory. It is warm and welcoming with its lush green foliage, tropical fruits, and plenty of places to take the perfect family picture. The atmosphere is full of holiday joy and cheer.

Mo’s Carousel has become a beloved holiday tradition at Myriad Botanical Gardens. This charming attraction near the Children’s Garden is a must-do in downtown Oklahoma City. Decorated for the holiday season, Mo’s Carousel provides long-lasting holiday memories for all ages.

To become a member or register for a class, visit oklahomacitybotanicalgardens.org or call 445-7087.

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RIDE THE STRRETCARS

Enjoy complimentary fares on the OKC Streetcars on the weekends beginning Nov. 20 through Jan.3 in celebration of its second anniversary. Free ride dates are Nov. 20-22, Nov. 27-29, Dec. 4-6, Dec. 11-13, Dec. 18-20, Dec. 25-27 and Jan. 1-3.

Learn more and view routes at OKCstreetcar.com.

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OPENING NIGHT

Ring in the New Year in style. In its 35th year, the Opening Night celebration is the go-to event for families and friends to “open” the New Year in the spirit of community! This year the event is moving to the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in light of the COVID19 pandemic. Opening Night includes wonderful local entertainment/music venues and fun areas devoted to artistic children’s activities.

Wristbands will be available to purchase for access into the ballpark, where you can expect to see music, magicians, interactive art for kids and family-friendly entertainment.

OKC MOA celebrates 75 years The Oklahoma City Museum of Art (OKCMOA) celebrates its 75th anniversary year with an excit­ ing slate of exhibitions including “Shared Lives, Distant Places: Recent Acquisitions in Photography,” “Beaux Arts at 75” and “Moving Vision: Op and Kinetic Art from the Sixties and Seventies.” In honor of the museum’s 75th anniversary this May, the museum has already received 289 gifts or promised gifts of artworks from donors across the nation. Many of these gifts will be on display at the Museum throughout the year, including a planned outdoor installation of “Folded Circle Split” by Fletcher Benton. s in quisition c A t n e c e Places: R , Distant s e iv L d e Shar phy seof the mu Photogra n. 10, 2021 r o n o h in s” n Ja Through g photographs give Lives, Distant Place y d in lo e r p r a tu m h a e o Fe , “S niversary photographers wh , photon a th 5 7 ry um’s rary documenta contempo e highlights otographic styles — hy — to capture th f p o h a p s r t y g a n e to w r o e h diffe d street p , offering alternativ nd events n a m s li a n a nce jour ces pse an experie people, pla global hum understanding the ition provides a glim ical r seeing and ur world. The exhib , conflicts and histo o e le that shape ryday lives of peop us moments in tim rary e io o into the ev nd the world at var sses of six contemp u e y events aro s the working proc ill feature works b ley, e w n r and explo ers. The exhibition a Ferrato, Peter Tur d h n Beaux Arts at 75 photograp hotographers Don Gary Mark Smith an p , d y e e e n n d e w lu e Through April 25, 2021 o c cW l in ren p, Alen Ma This exhibition wil p a C n ti is The Beaux Arts collection is an especially Kr s. rg. cquisition n Sternbe Robert vo 75th anniversary a playful and eclectic body of work that includes 0 almost 10 everything from an idyllic summer landscape by a master Abstract Expressionist to a Moving Vision: Op and Kinetic Art from the Sixties kitschy 1980s "altarpiece" featuring a pair of and Seventies photorealistic Dalmatians. In honor of the Feb. 20, 2021 – May 16, 2021 75th anniversary of the museum’s original “Moving Vision: Op and Kinetic Art from the Sixties and fundraiser, the Beaux Arts Ball, OKCMOA will Seventies” highlights one of the great strengths of the present the entirety of its Beaux Arts collecMuseum’s permanent collection–Op (optical) and Kinetic tion in a series of exhibitions and permanent (movement) art. This new groundbreaking exhibition, which collection installations highlighted by “Beaux also includes historically significant loans from private colArts at 75.” In this original exhibition, the lections, features movement – both real and perceived. museum will present long-standing favorites Beginning around the middle of the 20th century, two separate yet complementary art movements brought something next to rarely seen gems, introducing an new to plastic, two and three-dimensional forms. In the case always surprising collection that includes outof Op art, artists created the perception of movement on a standing examples by America’s famed Ashcan two-dimensional surface. With Kinetic art, artists experiSchool artists, such as Robert Henri and John mented with moving three-dimensional forms. This exhibiSloan; works by American Impressionists tion brings together these two movements to tell the story of including Childe Hassam; those of key laterartists’ explorations of motion in the 1960s and ‘70s. generation Surrealists and Magical Realists; “Moving Vision” will bring together approximately 40 works Postmodernists including Annette Lemieux centered around the museum’s own masterpieces of Op and and Fritz Scholder; and even leading figures of Kinetic art, alongside a series of loans from major private Pop Art and American abstraction such as collections. The exhibition will feature all the great names in Op and Kinetic art, from Alexander Calder and Victor James Rosenquist and Oklahoma City’s own Vasarely to Richard Anuszkiewicz and Fletcher Benton, Joe Goode. “Beaux Arts at 75” celebrates the along with a host of lesser-known figures who deserve to be adventurous spirit that helped build this onehousehold names. of-a-kind collection.

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