Arts + Entertainment

Big news for the Oklahoma film scene: “Twisters” was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of cinematic and box office achievement, a newer category for the awards.

More than 15 Oklahoma cities and towns and hundreds of Oklahomans engaged with the production and filming of “Twisters.” The adrenaline-pumping, big screen thriller and blockbuster by Universal Pictures featured an Oklahoma traineeship program that provided Oklahomans with on-set experience in construction, costume and production. The film was hugely successful, earning $267.76 million in North American box office, according to The Oklahoman.

Read more here. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Jake Tankersley, a 31-year-old country singer from Claremore, Oklahoma, made an unforgettable impression on Season 26 of “The Voice” with his powerful rendition of Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange.”

His performance not only earned him a rare four-chair turn from coaches Reba McEntire, Gwen Stefani, Michael Bublé and Snoop Dogg, but also made him the first contestant to join Snoop Dogg’s team. As a worship leader at Claremore’s Cedar Point Church and a father of four, Tankersley is passionate about his family and music.

He proudly represents Oklahoma as he prepares to take on the Battles in upcoming episodes!

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Thankfully, it was announced before Oklahoma legend Toby Keith passed away on Feb. 5 that he would be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

During the star-studded posthumous induction ceremony on Oct. 20, Post Malone performed Keith’s 2001 hit “I’m Just About Tonight,” and Eric Church and Blake Shelton performed “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” the last song Keith performed live, along with a medley of “I Love This Bar” and “Red Solo Cup.”

Keith’s vivacious personality and melodic voice made him an icon. Once again, let’s all raise our Red Solo Cup and remember Toby Keith!

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

Outré West examines the work of architects educated in Oklahoma in the 1950s and 1960s who later influenced California’s architectural landscape. The exhibition showcases projects like the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Los Angeles’ Pavilion for Japanese Art, illustrating their imaginative and unconventional designs.

Influenced by mentors like Bruce Goff and Herb Greene, these architects embraced creativity over traditional norms. Their migration to California allowed them to apply innovative approaches to a range of architectural projects, highlighting a lasting and profound impact on the architectural heritage of the American West.

On view now through Jan. 27, 2025. Admission is free.

– David Dean, Coordinator of Communications and Marketing, Oklahoma Contemporary

“The Outsiders,” based on the bestselling novel by S.E. Hinton, won Best Musical at the 77th Annual Tony Awards, held on Sunday, June 16. Hinton was in attendance at the awards show.

The musical’s company delivered a medley of “Tulsa ’67” and “Grease Got a Hold,” and the performance was introduced by Angelina Jolie, who is one of the musical’s producers.

The musical also won awards for Best Direction of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical and Best Sound Design of a Musical.

This recognition of “The Outsiders” illustrates the enduring impact of Hinton’s story.

Read more here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Norman native Candy Clark will soon be inducted into the Oklahoma Movie Hall of Fame for her role as Debbie Dunham in the 1973 iconic film “American Graffiti.” The awards event will be held Saturday at the Roxy Theater in Muskogee.

The 2024 class of Hall of Fame inductees also includes Academy Award-winning makeup artist Matthew Mungle, actress Milena Govich, actor and director Lou Antonio, Oscar-nominated cinematographer Lucien Ballard, filmmaker Kat Vecchio, stuntwoman Francine Morris and stuntman Donald Anderson.

Additionally, Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell will be honored for his contributions in growing the film industry. Visit roxymuskogee.org for tickets.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

“The Outsiders,” now a Broadway musical, received an incredible 12 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical.

Based on the novel written by S.E. Hinton, the iconic tale tells a coming-of-age story set in a fictional town with two rival gangs: the Greasers and the Socs.
Cast members were nominated as well: Brody Grant (Ponyboy Curtis) is nominated for Best Actor in a Musical, while Joshua Boone (Dallas Winston) and Sky-Lakota Lynch (Johnny Cade) were both nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Read more about all the nominations the musical received here.Congratulations to the entire Outsiders team!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Opening tomorrow, April 25 in the Mary LeFlore Clements Oklahoma Gallery, “SHELTER” by artist Lisa Karrer explores the experiences of displaced peoples seeking shelter in refugee communities across different parts of the world through oral interviews and video projections, displayed within miniature ceramic structures inspired by global refugee camps. This exhibition invites viewers to consider the ways displaced individuals and families find homes and communities in unfamiliar places, including stories and intimate moments from Oklahomans.

Join Oklahoma Contemporary for the opening reception, beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by an Artist Talk featuring Karrer and moderated by Sam Wargrin Grimaldo.

– Cassandra Watson, Oklahoma Contemporary

Contemporary dance fans and those new to the performing arts alike will enjoy three evening performances of “RED” – a reimagining of the classic fairy tale (and survival story), “Little Red Riding Hood” – written, choreographed and directed by Hannah Garner, May 2-4 at the Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center.

There will be a post-show reception following Thursday’s opening night, a post-show conversation with the performers Friday evening and a free dance workshop Saturday afternoon.

Tickets are $20 with a pay-what-you-can option. Brave the unknown through spectacle, glamour and answering the phone, challenging the many-faced “big bads” lurking on our personal wooded paths.

– Christine Eddington

The beloved Tulsa tale, “The Outsiders,” has officially arrived on Broadway. The much-anticipated musical version of the iconic book by S.E. Hinton (who attended opening night!) premiered last week and is already getting rave reviews.

A delegation from Tulsa traveled to see the show. According to Tulsa World, Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum said, “The way they managed the stage was really innovative for shows that I’ve seen, and I think they did a great job of honoring the messages that are in the original novel that has become one of the classics of American literature.”

Read more here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Now on view at Oklahoma Contemporary, ” HOME1947: Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy” explores the lives and stories of the millions displaced during the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan.

Through photography, VR, film, archival materials and immersive installations, Pakistani Canadian filmmaker Obaid Chinoy crafts visual memories of sight, sound and scent. From the fragrance of jasmine to childhood homes left behind, the artist recreates feelings of loss and longing, stating, “ HOME1947 is my ode to that generation.”

HOME1947 recreates a historical chapter as a means of honoring memory rather than justifying polarization. On view through July 22 – admission is free: okcontemp.org.

– Cassandra Watson

The latest season of “True Detective,” titled “True Detective: Night Country,” concluded earlier this month, marking another triumph for the beloved series. Blake Brown, an alum of Memorial High School in Tulsa, showcased Oklahoma talent as an associate producer.

With a decade-long career in the industry so far, Brown, who is Chickasaw and Cherokee, has also contributed to shows like “Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People” and “Reservation Dogs.” In an interview with Tulsa World, delve into Brown’s journey, gain insights into her career path and discover how her roots and experiences have shaped her contributions to the entertainment realm.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

The producer of 27 major movies and only living producer of back-to-back Academy Award winners for Best Picture, Richard M. Greenberg is staking his claim in Norman. In addition to “Platoon” that won Best Picture in 1987 and “The Last Emperor” in 1998, he is well known for the first Rambo movie, “First Blood,” “Terminator” and “The Delta Force.”

Greenberg plans to invest $250 million in making movies from his new home base in Norman, which was certified as an Oklahoma Film Friendly Community by the Oklahoma Film + Music Office, and establish a sustained movie-making presence.

Lights, Camera, Action!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Entertainment icon Reba McEntire will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum at the 63rd Annual Western Heritage Awards ceremony on Saturday, April 13.

Each inductee and honoree will receive a Wrangler – a bronze sculpture of a cowboy on horseback that was created by the late Oklahoma artist and 2017 Hall of Great Westerners inductee Harold T. Holden.

As the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, McEntire will receive a commemorative three-piece Western buckle set that was created by Traditional Cowboy Arts Association silversmiths Scott Hardy from Canada and Beau Compton from Arizona.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Norman’s Regal Spotlight Theater is back after three years, featuring a sleek new look, stadium seating and the latest blockbusters. Reopened as of Jan. 12, it’s the only Oklahoma theater offering the immersive ScreenX 270-degree panoramic viewing experience.

Beyond the big screen, moviegoers can play at the updated arcade, treat themselves at the refreshed concession stand and even sip on craft beer and wine at the bar.

With its modern makeover and exclusive offerings, the Regal Spotlight Theater promises an entertainment experience beyond expectations, making it the go-to spot for movie-lovers in Norman.

Click here and get your tickets today!

– Taylor Lawrence, Jones PR

Zach Bryan, the rising country music sensation from Oklahoma, clinched a Grammy win for Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Kacey Musgraves with their duet, “I Remember Everything.”

Their victory came at the Grammy Premiere Ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 4, though neither artist was present to accept (the ceremony overlapped with the red carpet). Despite fierce competition from other prominent country artists, Bryan’s and Musgrave’s talent and collaboration shone through, earning them the coveted accolade. Notably, Bryan boasted three Grammy nominations this year, solidifying his status as a rising star in the genre.

Bryan is currently on tour – see dates here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

As Cain’s Ballroom gears up to celebrate its centennial this year, the iconic venue unveiled a star-studded lineup for the major milestone. The Oklahoman reports that renowned musicians such as Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Explosions in the Sky and local favorites Hanson are set to grace the stage in honor of Cain’s 100th year.

Explore the impressive lineup details both at The Oklahoman as well as Cain’s Ballroom’s website. This convergence of musical talent sets the stage for a wonderful celebration and testament to the legacy of Cain’s Ballroom and the impact it has had on our live music scene.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

“The Outsiders” will soon make its debut as a Broadway musical, premiering in March. As part of their preparation, members of the cast and creative team embarked on a journey to Tulsa at the end of January to be immersed in the world and history of “The Outsiders” firsthand, according to The Oklahoman.

Exploring the iconic locations that served as the backdrop for S.E. Hinton’s famous novel, this visit surely infused the Broadway adaptation with a genuine connection to the story’s setting and characters. Fans can anticipate a production that honors the novel when the curtains rise in March.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

In her debut on “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League,” acclaimed singer, songwriter and ventriloquist Darci Lynne secured the last spot in the semifinals. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Darci Lynne rose to fame by clinching victory on “America’s Got Talent” in 2017. While celebrated for her ventriloquism, she’s keen on showcasing the depth of her talent, emphasizing that there’s more to her than meets the eye.

“America choosing me as one of their favorite acts to come back was a really big honor,” shared Lynne, according to The Oklahoman.

Watch “America’s Got Talent: Fantasy League” Mondays at 7 p.m. on NBC.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Last Sunday, Lily Gladstone became the first Indigenous person to win the Best Actress Award at the Golden Globes. Gladstone won the award for her portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in “Killers of the Flower Moon.”

Gladstone has Blackfeet and Nimíipuu heritage and spent the first 11 years of her life on a reservation of the Blackfeet Nation.

In her acceptance speech, which began in Blackfeet language, Gladstone shared that “This is for every rez kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream.”

This is a historic and hugely important moment. Congratulations Lily Gladstone!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Scissortail Park has a new amenity. Joe Slack’s long-awaited, 25-foot tall, public art piece entitled “Together Together” is now open for view.

Built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Allied Arts, the piece is constructed of materials donated by Rick and Lerri Cooper of W&W/AFCO Steel. Several others donated toward the completion, including Dolese and the city of Oklahoma City.

Slack is an artist based in Oklahoma City who generally uses steel as his medium of choice. This piece stands on the eastern edge of Scissortail Park between the Omni Hotel and the OKC Convention Center.

Check it out soon!

– Staff report, The Oklahoma 100

“Killers of the Flower Moon” – Martin Scorsese’s film shot in Oklahoma – continues to collect prestigious award nominations.

The film earned seven Golden Globes nominations:

• Best Motion Picture – Drama
• Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
• Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
• Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
• Best Director
• Best Screenplay
• Best Original Score

The film, based on the 2017 book of the same name by David Grann, tells the story of the “Reign of Terror” for the Osage Nation. Learn more here.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Step right up! Feld Entertainment will proudly showcase the nationwide tour of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® – The Greatest Show On Earth® coming up from Dec. 15-17 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

A global cast of 75 performers from 18 countries will astonish you with the Triangular Highwire, the Double Wheel of Destiny and the Criss-Cross Trapeze, among other heart-stopping acts. From BMX stunts on a trampoline box to breathtaking aerial spectacles, The Greatest Show On Earth® promises a night of entertainment.

Don’t miss your chance – secure your tickets now for a journey for the whole family!

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100

Embrace Oklahoma’s rich history during Native American Heritage Month at the First Americans Museum (FAM). On Friday, Nov. 17 from 6-8 p.m., FAM will hold a “Seed Warriors” film screening and Arikara Scholars performance.

Additionally, you can explore these exhibits:

• The “Reservation Dogs” mural – on view until Dec. 4 and presented by Hulu – celebrates the show that shared the story of First American communities in Oklahoma.

• “WAYBACK,” on view through Jan. 2, is an outdoor installation reflecting the Osage cosmology of balance between the earth, sky and water.

For more information on exhibits and upcoming events, visit famok.org/calendar.

– Staff Report, The Oklahoma 100