Arts & History
A little ‘Friday’ night music
We traveled over to the new performing arts center at East Central University last Friday to enjoy a former Pauls Valley student, Derek Reed, featured in supporting roles in the musical classic, “A Little Night Music.”
It was an evening filled with a number of celebrations if you will, and the best of all was enjoying a young person from home being involved in his college theatrical production debut in a state of the art facility. The new Hallie Ford Fine Arts Center complex rivals anything I have seen on any campus.
First, and most important, I was so proud of Derek as he stepped up and performed in this most challenging of musical works.
It is ‘nervous time’ watching someone you know and have worked with on a new stage, as it were, it just goes with theatrical territory. You want them to hit a performance ‘home run’ every time.
As I watched him enjoying every minute, it was as though he had been there many times before, so the nerves quickly dissipated. He was well prepared going in, having generated an impressive performance credential while attending Pauls Valley High School and the New Stages and Art Works Academy programs.
These collective experiences resonated as he seemed totally comfortable interacting with upperclassman, many in the final stages of their collegiate work. Well done, and stay the course.
Kudos to ECU leadership and their melding of a major private donation and public bond packages that made this venue a reality we can all enjoy. And I am not just talking about the theatre (it has two stages, the smaller is what is called a ‘Black Box’ and is used for smaller scale productions) and its supporting scenic design and execution space.
The complex also houses the university’s communications, music, performing arts and mass communication centers. The building is not just utilitarian; there are times when you would think that you were ensconced in a major gallery or museum. The use of wood as a decorative statement is stunning to behold.
For those of you who attended ECU, (especially if you have not visited the campus recently): It is rather interesting to see the road that historically led you right onto the campus parking slots is now permanently closed and lying out before you is a wonderful plaza setting.
And finally, one more word to the wise: the detour to Ada is easy, during daylight hours, but watch out for nightfall. We missed the small (barely visible is more like it) detour sign and it took us much longer to get home. Still not sure how we ended up in Lexington.
Congrats to Nick and Nicci Waters for their appearance on the CBS Morning Show. They were recognized for the “30 Chick Flicks in 30 Days” web/blog project.
Stay tuned for news on the upcoming Pauls Valley Arts Council’s Valley Idol auditions and performance and remember, the 2010 Oscars are telecast on Sunday, March 7th. Art Works Academy in Norman will present the Gershwin musical, “Crazy For You” this June.
Ada is welcomed as our town too.
TAS
- Arts & History
-
-
New extension agent ready for lessons
The quest of a college graduate to find a field that fits their degree is by no means a new mission, but the rewarding feeling of finding that job is as unique as the individual.
-
‘Trailer Park Wars!’ blurs line between reality, stereotype
Well break out the moonshine and rustle up some possum on the half shell board game fans because the mobile home folks done got in on the competition.
-
SORC Employee still looks forward to work after 22 years
There’s something that can be said for a job that takes even the least exciting tasks and keeps them interesting from day to day, let alone after two decades.
-
‘Flapjacks & Sasquatches’ one timber away from genius
If there is anyone in this world that is still holding out for a game that honors both the rugged tradition of tree chopping macho men and an urban legend almost as hairy as they are, your prayers have been answered. If you haven’t been praying for this miracle in fun time, you are either not from the wooded lands up north or you just haven’t imagined yet.
-
PV a good will mission for resident
During the hardest times of one’s life it is always easier to overcome those difficult moments when there is someone to help along the way.
-
“Despicable Me” makes evil a family activity
With all the things that are good in life, we often will condemn or ignore something that is even the slightest bit fiendish. Sure, the agonizing 24-hour networks seem to thrive on bad information, but rarely do we acknowledge that inside all of us is a small desire to be mischievous.
-
Paoli School more than a home
There may be no shortage of accolades to go around when it comes to key people in society like police officers, doctors or teachers, but for those who work with those individuals, the gratitude isn’t always as public.
-
Catering business cooks way to success
One may not have to be a five star chef to turn on an oven or boil a pot of water, but those that can prove themselves a master of the kitchen will find it easier to obtain the ingredients for success.
-
“Bioshock 2” proves story driven games can still thrive
If I had to peg one reason why my enthusiasm for first person shooting games faded out years ago it would most likely be the lack of a gripping story. In fact, video games on the console drove me to not to play anything other than PC games for the same reason after the retirement of the Super Nintendo with no revival until the first Xbox variant.
-
Spring Crest proud to be in Pauls Valley’s window
Where one might see a simple window decoration or a cover for a pillow, someone else may see a masterpiece.
- More Arts & History Headlines
-
