Another incredible summer of musicals from Oklahoma’s Official State Theatre returns to the Civic Center this month. Lyric Theatre has been producing Broadway-caliber productions for decades, and this season is shaping up to be among its very best.
Lyric’s Family Favorite show is up first, as the classic tale of the quirky redheaded orphan, Annie, takes the stage June 16-21. Featuring all of the memorable songs you love by composer Charles Strouse, Annie sees the title character make her way from the lonely orphanage run by gritty Miss Hannigan to a luxurious mansion of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, facing all sorts of shenanigans on her way with her canine companion Sandy by her side. Annie is practically certain to warm your heart and remind you that on days that are gray and lonely, the sun really will come out tomorrow.
The musical Sister Act is July 7-12, bringing the hit movie starring Whoopi Goldberg to life. When lounge diva Deloris Van Cartier accidentally witnesses a murder, she is forced into hiding. With no other options available, the police conceal her in a convent where she is sure to be safe. As Deloris adjusts to her new life, replacing sequins and singing with a habit and vows of silence, she takes on the task of revitalizing the nuns’ choir. With a hilarious book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, Sister Act is full of feel-good vibes, powerful singing and finding your true self in the most unexpected places.
The last summer show at the Civic Center is Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street from July 28 to Aug. 2. An eight-time Tony Award winner, Sweeney Todd has diehard fans of both its dramatic music and the sinister storyline. Sweeney is a magnetic, serial-killer barber with his own brand of vigilante justice who has a penchant for his signature “close shave.” When he teams up with Mrs. Lovett, the local pie-baker, they create a recipe for success with her new, special meat pies. The spectacular Canterbury Voices will also join the cast to bring Fleet Street straight to Oklahoma City.
Once the summer shows have concluded, head to Lyric Theatre at the Plaza in September for the powerful musical Come from Away, by David Hein and Irene Sankoff. Based on the true story which occurred in Gander, Newfoundland, when over 7,000 airline passengers were stranded because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Come from Away highlights the good, focusing on the kindness of strangers, celebrating new friendships and being able to come together in a time of terrible tragedy. Come from Away will be performed Sept. 16 through Oct. 4 and is a powerful reminder of the strength of humanity on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. Finishing out the season is the annual classic Lyric’s A Christmas Carol, presented by Devon Energy, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 26 at the Plaza Theatre. Appropriate for all ages, this magical tale is ideal for getting into the holiday spirit as you watch Ebenezer Scrooge get visited by three ghosts and find the true meaning of Christmas.
