By Tim Smith
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
