Congratulations to all those involved in last weekend’s production of Rumpelstiltskin. With over 100 young people auditioning, it surely was a tough decision by the professional team from Missoula Children’s Theater to make their casting selections, and in the end, everyone acquitted themselves in fine Pauls Valley fashion.
A theatre tradition since 1996, the children of our community have looked forward to this special week.
From the responses generated by the audiences at the two public performances, the actors’ parents, grandparents and friends were equally as appreciative of the experience.
Thanks to all the wonderful sponsors who each year step up to the plate and provide funding support so that we can ensure that like the “Energizer Bunny,” they keep coming and coming and coming. Sorry, I just could not resist that one.
In February, East Central University will be presenting the musical classic, A Little Night Music. The original 1973 production boasted the talents of Glynis Johns and Hermione Gingold and music and lyrics from the legendary Stephen Sondheim.
The current Broadway production, the first major Broadway revival of the musical since the 1973 original, stars Academy Award winning actress, Catherine Zeta-Jones and five-time Tony Award winner, Angela Lansbury.
The upcoming ECU production will boast a local Pauls Valley talent in its cast as 2009 Pauls Valley High School graduate and freshman musical theater major Derek Reed will be playing a variety of roles in the February 18-21 production.
Last week I began reviewing what I believed were the top ten most significant local artistic developments over the last decade.
Before reviewing my top five, here again are the first five: Ten: Emerging artistic partnerships: Nine: Growth of studio space and the emergence of more independent artists and authors; Eight: The development of the new Arts and Cultural Center: Seven: Whitebead’s annual musical stage productions and six, the participation and support of local residents in a number of artistic endeavors.
And now, my best of the most significant: Number five: Enjoying The Oklahoma Philharmonic Orchestra during the Christmas holidays opened the doors for new holiday music traditions and the welcoming of touring military bands.
Number four is the increase in outside speakers and guest artists, notably those who make their living in the arts, sharing with our local audiences. From authors, professional actors, museum directors and arts boards, Pauls Valley is quickly becoming a special host community for these arts partners.
Coming in at number three is the annual visit by the Missoula Children’s Theatre.
At number two is the opening in October 2005 of the Toy and Action Figure Museum. The only museum of its kind in the world, this unique showcase of current and historical toys as well as its partnership with the Oklahoma Cartoonists Collection is a very special gift to the on-going development of our area as an arts destination point.
And then, the number one most significant local artistic development was the formation of the Pauls Valley Arts Council in 2004. As our arts umbrella, it deserves kudos for maintaining a clear vision through its mission: “Enriching the community through the arts.”
Here’s to another decade of the best in arts, in our town. TAS
Arts & History
The top five of my top ten!
- Arts & History
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‘Moneyball’ cash in the bank for best actor
Maybe it’s because math was always a special kind of hell for me throughout the education process, but any sort of award attached to a movie where it is the major dynamic seems like a cruel joke.
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‘The Grey’ follows typical blah early year trend
As a relatively balanced movie fan, I tend to be open to the possibility of any time of the year having the chance to win over audiences, though there remains reasons why most of the awesome of the box office begins around summer.
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‘War Horse’ gallops away with enamored audience
There may be some confusion among the top critics none of us pay any mind to on what films deserve the highest accolades as award season progresses, but as far as I’m concerned, a certain equestrian title is making a pretty strong case itself.
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‘Tintin’ may be unsinkable come award time
There’s something to the idea that animation movie makers may have better figured out the art of story telling and could certainly teach a majority of their peers in the live action arena how to weave a plot.
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‘The Muppets’ welcome in sentimental return
While bias is a position I try to leave to the talking heads of television, every now and again I come across a film I anticipate so much it’s hard for it to disappoint.
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‘Chipwrecked’ floats better than first sequel
When it comes to the three most recognized singing rodents this side of the milky way galaxy, one wouldn’t think the term gimmick would be anything more than description as usual.
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‘Holmes: Game of Shadows’ wows in witty sequel
Though I could be struck down by the critic gods at any moment, one thing Hollywood seems to get right more than when I was growing up is the art of the sequel.
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‘Gen. Rex: Agent of Providence’ not even a noob’s paradise
As someone who has witnessed the best and worst video games have had to offer since ET almost killed consoles in the early years, I consider my range of terrible rankings to be rather flexible.
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Stark caps off the year with Fine Dining
Pride in the local scene has always been a part of what drives Pauls Valley residents to make what is otherwise a small town compete with far larger peers.
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‘Arthur Christmas’ best holiday flick in years
Welcome to holiday movies anonymous, the only support group where you can admit you are just like everyone else and watch the same holiday specials well past a sane number of times.
- More Arts & History Headlines
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Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial
Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants
Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East
2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim
Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges
Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy
Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3%
Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs
GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better
Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle
More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue
Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands
Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths
'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant
Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest
