Weekly Arts and Entertainment Highlights (Feb 09, 2012)

Several classic stories get revamped on the stage and the sweetness of Valentine’s Day flavors the metro during the next week.

The Reduxion Theatre Company of Oklahoma City opens its next show “Much Ado About Nothing.” The founder and Artistic Director for the group first performed this version of the Shakespearean classic in Edmond in 2000. Their production aims to engage the audience and break down the “4th wall” between viewer and actor. “Much Ado About Nothing” is part of the company’s “Original Sin” series; all performances take place in the Broadway Theatre and begin February 9th.

The story of Mary, Queen of Scots is filled with treason, imprisonment, death, and assassination. The University of Oklahoma Theatre brings that drama to the stage with their next production “Mary Stuart.” It focuses on the days leading up to Mary Stuart’s death after nearly 19 years under the authority of Queen Elizabeth I. This piece of 16th century English history unfolds at the Weitzenhoffer Theatre of the Fine Arts Center at OU on February 10th.

“The rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain.” The Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre and the University of Oklahoma's A. Max Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre have partnered to bring those famous words to a stage in the metro. Opening night of “My Fair Lady” at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City is February 11th. The adaptation of Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion comes just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Civic Center offers complimentary coffee and chocolates at a special performance on February 14th.

Speaking of chocolates, love, and “special performances,” there are other unique opportunities to hang out with your honey on that important day of romance.

Both Mustang and Yukon are holding Chocolate Festivals in their respective town centers on February 11th, if you’re looking to indulge a little early.

The Downtown Library recognizes Valentine’s Day on the 12th with a performance of “A Very Special Valentine's Concert” by Master pianist Wayne McEvilly. He plays works by Chopin, Liszt, and Satie, and coffee and chocolates make another appearance at the concert’s reception.

American Flamenco guitarist Ron Radford brings romantic Spanish sounds to Oklahoma City Community College on Valentine’s Day. Dessert in the Bruce Owen Theatre before the concert can also satisfy the sweet tooth.

The Red Room Event Center in Norman holds a Valentine’s Day concert and dinner with Oklahoman classical guitarist Edgar Cruz. It also acts as a fundraiser for the "Lady Liberty" WWII A26 Bomber Aircraft.

The Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art offers an alternative to “dinner and a movie” with dinner in the Sandy Bell Gallery and a performance of “If Music Be the Food of Love, Sing On” by The University of Oklahoma Musical Theatre and Opera Guild on the 14th.

And Oklahoma River Cruises hosts an evening of fun on the Oklahoma River with a River Romance Valentine’s Cruise, complete with sweets, appetizers, drinks, and music.

For more holiday ideas and events, visit the calendar page.