A Treasure in Our Backyard
June 25th, 2010
Hello again, everyone! As the summer wears on, one of our blessings is beginning to take shape for all of us to enjoy.
For 31 years now, the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival has been delighting audiences with some of the nation’s finest summer stock theater right here on the campus of Southeastern Oklahoma State University. It is a gem that attracts tourists, cultivates and encourages local talent, and brings theatrical professionals to our area.
Every year, the festival begins with the Children’s Theatre production. This year, the play is Disney’s “Aladdin.” If you have not made it to a performance, you still have two chances each day this weekend: Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Montgomery Auditorium.
Area children from ages four and up worked for weeks preparing for this weekend’s performances. Under the guidance of Festival Director Riley Risso Coker, Southeastern Theater students, instructors and staff have worked with these kids to accomplish nothing short of a miracle.
While I have always supported the festival, this year is more personal for me. My son, Jacob, was in the production with many of his friends. And, with Jacob confined to his wheelchair as his broken leg heals, Children’s Theatre has been nothing less than a godsend.
While many of Jacob’s summer activities have either been delayed or cancelled, the Children’s Theatre staff has been wonderful in accommodating his situation. He looked forward to play practice every day, even asking to go on weekends. Usually parents do not attend the rehearsals, but Deena or I had to be there to help with Jacob’s wheelchair.
It was an amazing experience to watch the spark of talent in each of the children turn into a flame. The joy on their faces as the play began to come together is something I will never forget. Every parent of every child should be extraordinarily proud of their little actors.
Children’s Theatre is just the beginning of a month of great performances here in our backyard. No matter where you live in our area, it is well worth the short drive to Southeastern’s campus.
This year’s line-up of plays includes: the dinner theatre production of “Lend Me a Tenor”; Richard Rogers’ musical “Two by Two,” a story about Noah and his family building the ark; and, Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” For performance times and ticket information, call the Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival at (580) 745-2860.
The festival is a great addition to southeastern Oklahoma’s summer schedule. People travel from across the nation to attend the performances; all we have to do is drive across town.
The vision of the festival’s founder, Molly Risso, continues with the work of her daughter and hundreds of talented students, actors and patrons. When something is so close to us, it is human nature to take it for granted. The festival is something special, it is a blessing we should treasure and enjoy.
Thanks for reading this week’s “Senate Minute.” Have a great week, and may God bless you all.