june spotlight
Sonic Era Touring
Glenn Miller Orchestra
The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will perform their greatest hits, including “In the Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “American Patrol,” “A String of Pearls,” “Little Brown Jug,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and, of course, their theme song “Moonlight Serenade” as they continue their national tour.
JOHN H. WILLIAMS THEATRE
June 6 at 7 p.m.
Pembroke Players
Lysistrata
Step back into the tumultuous 1960s with Pembroke Players’ bold reimagining of Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and inspired by the iconic style of the TV show Mad Men. This production captures the spirit of an era marked by social upheaval, political protest, and a vibrant cultural revolution, all while delivering the timeless themes of empowerment and resistance.
LIDDY DOENGES THEATRE
June 19 at 7:30 p.m.
June 20 at 7:30 p.m.
June 21 at 7:30 p.m.
June 22 at 2 p.m.
Armor of the Nimaitachidō Type detail. Attributed to Myōchin Yoshimichi, Helmet, c. 1400 (Muromachi period). Attributed to Myōchin Munenori, Armor, 18th century (mid-Edo period).
Iron, gold and copper alloy (shakudō), lacing, silver, wood, gold, brocade, fur, bronze, brass, and leather, 65 × 23 × 35". © The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, Dallas. Photo: Brad Flowers.
At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing … and anything is possible. Set in the volatile melting pot of turn-of-the-century New York, three distinctly American tales are woven together — that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant, and a daring young Harlem musician — united by their courage, compassion, and belief in the promise of the future. Together, they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. With a Tonywinning score featuring musical theatre showstoppers, Ragtime is filled with pageantry, emotion, and hope, bursting onto the stage like no other musical. And the TPAC’s version will certainly be unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Using some of the top talent throughout the region, plus some returning Oklahoma natives, we’re pulling out all the stops. Take a look behind the scenes with a few of our cast and crew!
Sara Phoenix: Director
What was your first interaction with Ragtime?
When I was in college, I had the chance to visit New York with my university, and one of the Broadway shows we saw was Ragtime with the original cast. I didn’t know anything about it beforehand, but I was completely blown away by the scope of the story, the incredible score, and the performances. In that moment, I knew I would be part of that show one day.
How would you describe Ragtime to a friend?
It’s an epic, sweeping story that immerses the audience much like Les Misérables. The music is some of the greatest ever written in musical theatre history, which is why it won so many Tony Awards. The characters are deeply human — flawed, relatable, and compelling. Their struggles and triumphs resonate powerfully, and the way their paths intertwine is emotionally gripping. Ragtime is
PHOTO BY NATHAN HARMON
“The emotions run the gamut, and when combined with the stirring music, it becomes a theatrical experience that moves people in a profound way. This is what great theatre is all about.”
— SARAH PHOENIX
truly one of the finest epic musicals ever written, and its ending remains one of the most unforgettable theatrical moments of my life.
Why did you choose Ragtime as the next TPAC production?
After last year’s production nearly sold out and received such overwhelmingly positive feedback, we knew we wanted to continue delivering that level of theatrical excellence. We wanted a show that was grand and visually stunning yet deeply personal and relatable. When considering which musicals achieve that at the highest level, Ragtime kept rising to the top. We invest significant resources into our productions, and this was one of the few shows that felt like the perfect fit.
What kind of impact does this show have on audiences?
It’s an incredibly emotional experience. The storytelling is powerful. When I directed Ragtime previously, I witnessed firsthand how deeply audiences were affected by its journey. The show is
witty and funny but also romantic and devastating. The emotions run the gamut, and when combined with the stirring music, it becomes a theatrical experience that moves people in a profound way. This is what great theatre is all about.
How do you approach the creative process for a new show? Where do you find inspiration?
Thankfully, Ragtime is based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel, which provides incredible context for the script. My process begins with historical research — studying the period’s art, architecture, textiles, and motifs. I also research both the real-life and fictional characters and the societal movements of the time.
From there, I collaborate with designers over several months. Scenic design begins with discussions about the show’s visual language, followed by costume design. Casting is another crucial step — it’s like solving a puzzle, ensuring the right talent aligns with the vision for each role.
Once the cast is in place, we start integrating their performances into the physical space, working closely with lighting and movement to shape transitions and choreography. This entire process happens months before rehearsals begin. Musical theatre is a layered art form that combines music, dance, acting, and visual storytelling, so every detail must come together seamlessly for the final production to resonate.
What can you share about the show’s design?
It will be big. It will be beautiful.
What are you most excited for audiences to see?
I can’t wait for people to experience Ragtime in its full glory. We’re presenting it on a grand scale, as we do at TPAC, with an exceptional cast whose vocal abilities are stunning. Add to that breathtaking performances, choreography, set design, lighting, and costumes — it’s a powerhouse production. The story and music are already masterpieces but bringing them to life in such an intimate setting will be a truly unforgettable experience.
The story and music are already masterpieces but bringing them to life in such an intimate setting will be a truly unforgettable experience.
— SARAH PHOENIX
Jen Alden: Choreographer and Producer
BY NATHAN HARMON
What is your title at the TPAC? Chief Financial Operating Officer and Treasurer
What does your daily job include?
Daily operations of the building including 900+ events a year and management over programming, building maintenance and operations, tech, front of house, compliance, safety, budgeting, cash flow management, HR, Payroll, procedures and policies, insurance, and audit.
What is your role in putting on Ragtime? Producer and Choreographer
What does your process for putting on a show like Ragtime look like?
My process as a producer includes getting together a wholistic budget, which includes setting ticket expectations and prices in order to make a profit. It also includes executing on contracts for the various production elements such as actors, stage manager, designers, etc.
My process as a choreographer starts with going through the script and understanding characters. Movement is motivated based on character, so that is my starting point. I ask a lot of questions of the director including what the director thinks of each character, I also need to know costuming and set design before even starting my process, so my process starts a bit later than others.
What is your favorite part of the process/thing about putting on a show?
I absolutely love the rehearsal process; being in the room creating with other creatives is a joy in my life. I always
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come in with a plan, but I like it when the plan alters and morphs into its own creation, seeing the birth of that is truly something special.
assignments along with the creative team. I help to develop and maintain a budget that is set up for production success. I collaborate on a production schedule with the creative team that
I absolutely love the rehearsal process; being in the room creating with other creatives is a joy in my life.
— JEN ALDEN
Scott McLarty: Production Manager
BY NATHAN HARMON
What is your title at the TPAC?
Vice President of Operations
What does your daily job include?
My goal is to provide the best possible experience for our guests while at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. To do this I ensure the facility, staff and artists are able to function safely and efficiently, allowing them to spark creativity and innovation.
What is your role in putting on Ragtime?
Production Manager
What does your process for putting on a show like Ragtime look like?
In the early conceptual phases, I make sure the production is communicated and staffed for success. I provide input for potential designers and crew
will allow the designers and artists to succeed within the project. As we get into rehearsals, I will develop and implement production team roles and assignments. I set safety standards and forecast potential risks. Once we get into the performances, I ensure standards are maintained and the show goes as smoothly as planned.
What is your favorite part of the process/thing about putting on a show?
For me, it’s the essence of live entertainment. The pressure of performing your part correctly show after show while the entire company is counting on you to do it correctly and consistently every time. And when you get it right, the rush of euphoria is unmatched.
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Terri McGilbra: Assistant Production Manager
PHOTO BY NATHAN HARMON
What is your title at the TPAC?
Programming and Production Manager
What does your daily job include?
Booking national tours for our Imagination student series as well as networking with national/ international agents for TPAC Presents opportunities. Local artist bookings, contracts and coordination for all of our other Community Engagement events plus TPAC Produced events. Manage costume collection.
What is your role in putting on Ragtime?
Artist communication, coordination and logistics — the liaison between directing/production team and the artists. Any other tasks necessary during production/performance period to make it a successful and smooth-running operation.
What is your favorite part of the process/thing about putting on a show?
I grew up in the theatre, on stage and backstage, so being a part of any show we host or produce really makes me feel like I’m home. Feeds my creative side.
Carson Decker: Lighting Designer
PHOTO BY NATHAN HARMON
What does your daily job include? My job varies from being house support for the Broadway shows to making sure the lighting systems remain in good shape.
What is your role in putting on Ragtime? I will be the lighting designer.
What does your process for putting on a show like Ragtime look like?
There is so much historical context in the show. I’ve found myself spending more time doing dramaturgy work just to fully grasp everything going on at this time, not only in the locations we visit but also around the rest of the United States. It helps me develop stronger emotional connections to our story and provides a starting point for my design process. Ragtime is a beautiful piece in the musical theatre cannon. I want to make sure I do my part in telling this portrait of America.
Michael Andreaus: Coalhouse Walker, Jr.
PHOTO BY JEFFREY MOSIER
What is your title at the TPAC? I’m one of our theatre technicians but I focus primarily on lighting.
Many Tulsans will recognize Michael Andreaus when he returns to the TPAC stages. Last seen on the Chapman stage as Otis Williams in the national tour of Ain’t Too Proud, Andreaus joins us fresh off a stint on Broadway in MJ the Musical. A graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma, he has also been seen on Broadway in A Soldier’s Play, Off-Broadway in Love and Yogurt, in the feature film Finding Carlos, in Ava DuVernay’s critically acclaimed series When They See Us, and in theatres throughout the country.
Claire Sbanotto: Mother
PHOTO BY ANDREW BARKER
Claire Sbanotto is no stranger to the Tulsa stage. Through Theatre Tulsa, she has been seen as Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, Mrs. Wormwood in Matilda, Nicola in Kinky Boots as well as others. As a brandnew mother herself, this role already holds a special place in her heart.
Majeste Pearson: Sarah
PHOTO BY CALVIN HARRIS
Fresh from her national tour singing behind Stevie Wonder, Majeste Pearson has graced stages all around the world from Broadway to Carnegie Hall. She studied in the professional conservatory for musical theatre at The New York Film Academy and now teaches voice and piano at the Oklahoma Music Academy in south Tulsa. She also made her television debut in season two of Fox’s The Four. Pearson used her talents and platform to launch a nationwide school tour to promote arts education and the power of self-expression.
Sam
Briggs: Tateh
PHOTO BY JOSH NEW
Sam Briggs is a Tulsa native and has been singing and dancing his way all over the Midwest for more than a decade. He has shared his talents twice
before with TPAC Produces audiences, last year as Sasha in Fiddler on the Roof and the year before as Jervis in Daddy Long Legs. He has also been seen in Tulsa Opera’s Into the Woods as Jack and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change as Robert; in Theatre Tulsa’s Oklahoma! as Curly, Les Misérables as Marius, Sweeney Todd as Anthony; in American Theatre Company’s Sunday in the Park with George as George plus countless others. Sam also won the grand prize in Signature Symphony’s Tulsa SINGS! in 2019, was a semifinalist in Opera Mississippi’s John Alexander National Vocal Competition, and other awards and has had the chance to work alongside Kelly O’Hara, Tony Walton, Faith Prince, Judy McClane and Jenn Gambatese.
See the full cast list at https://tulsapac. com/tpac-produces. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience!
TPAC RAGTIME
August 8 at 7:30 p.m.
August 9 at 2 p.m.
August 9 at 7:30 p.m.
August 10 at 2 p.m.
August 15 at 7:30 p.m.
August 16 at 2 p.m.
August 16 at 7:30 p.m.
August 17 at 2 p.m.
August 22 at 7:30 pm
August 23 at 2 p.m.
August 23 at 7:30 p.m.
August 24 at 2 p.m.
John H. Williams Theatre
