The holidays are happening at the OKC Civic Center, with performances throughout the month for the whole family to enjoy.
December starts strong as the Oklahoma City Philharmonic presents A Very Merry Pops featuring singer-songwriter and Grammy-nominated artist Cody Fry the evenings of Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6. This will be an evening of traditional musical favorites, along with some fresh new arrangements of classic holiday songs.
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic is also performing a matinee concert on Saturday, Dec. 6, called A Very Merry Pops: A Fun-Filled Family Concert. As the title suggests, this performance has the whole family in mind with “festive favorites and timeless Christmas classics.” This is the perfect opportunity for kids from 1 to 92 to be immersed in the spirit of the holidays while listening to a phenomenal live orchestra full of OKC’s best musicians.
On Sunday, Dec. 7, witness one of the most impressive sounds of the season as Canterbury Voices performs George Frideric Handel’s Messiah accompanied by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. This timeless masterpiece is known for its triumphant works including “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and the unforgettable “Hallelujah Chorus.” Dr. Julie Yu, Artistic Director for Canterbury Voices, said: “Handel’s Messiah is one of the most profound and unifying works ever written—a masterpiece that has brought people together for nearly three centuries. Its message of hope, renewal and triumph still resonates deeply today. I can’t think of a more meaningful way for Oklahoma City to celebrate the season.”
No holiday season would be complete without seeing Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker, taking the stage Friday, Dec. 12, and running through Tuesday, Dec. 23. The classic story of Clara and her toy nutcracker setting off through the Land of the Sweets to battle The Mouse King has captivated audiences year after year. With the powerful score by Tchaikovsky performed by the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and choral vocals performed by Canterbury Voices, there is a reason The Nutcracker continues to be one of city’s best traditions. The ballet features the professional company as well as students from the Yvonne Chouteau school to bring the magic to life, with new costumes that debuted just last year.
Oklahoma City Ballet has adjusted its annual routine to present a Sensory Friendly performance of The Nutcracker, which will be Wednesday, Dec. 17. Accommodations are made for everyone to be able to experience the magic of the ballet in an environment with which they are comfortable. Whitney Cross, director of development and communication for Oklahoma City Ballet, said, “Everyone in the 405 should be so proud of our production of The Nutcracker! With amazing scenery, gorgeous costumes, acts of strength, familiar music, abundant humor and flawless dancing, this production rivals any major city in the world.”
The holiday performances at the Civic Center concludes on Saturday, Dec. 27, as one of America’s favorite festive traditions of over 40 years, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, takes the stage. Fifteen musicians performing over 20 instruments will be playing holiday favorites as dazzling special effects and lighting entrance the audience.
No list of holiday performances would be complete without mentioning Lyric Theatre’s incredible annual production of A Christmas Carol, Dickens’ magical tale starring Ebenezer Scrooge, Jacob Marley and Tiny Tim. A Christmas Carol is on stage at Lyric’s Theatre at the Plaza through Sunday, Dec. 28.
