Weekly Arts and Entertainment Highlights (Sep 20, 2012)

This weekend is busy for the University of Oklahoma Arts District, Broadway fans, and gardening enthusiasts.

The Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman hosts the “James T. Bialac Symposium: Making Native American Art” this Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Artists discuss “What Role Does Community Play?” in art during the morning session. The afternoon session poses the question “How Do We Talk About Native American Art?” This conference is in conjunction with the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art’s newest exhibit “The James T. Bialac Native American Art Collection: Selected Works” comprised of art from the Pueblos of the Southwest, the Navajo, the Hopi, and Northern and Southern Plains and the Southeastern tribes. The 4,000 pieces also range across medium from paintings and sculpture to kachina, textiles, and ceramics. The display is open to the public beginning Saturday the 22nd.

University of Oklahoma Theatre and School of Drama give a modern twist to a classic play with ancient roots. William Shakespeare wrote “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” in approximately 1599. The story mainly focuses on Caesar’s betrayal and demise and has been widely reproduced. Alissa Millar directs OU’s contemporary setting for the Roman senate during performances at the Max Weitzenhoffer Theatre beginning Friday, September 21st. “Julius Caesar” is University Theatre’s first production of the Fall 2012 semester and continues through the end of the month.

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Broadway Tonight Series brings Tony-award winning actress Betty Buckley to the Mitchell Hall Theatre stage for a special performance on Saturday, September 22nd. During “Ah Men! The Boys of Broadway,” Buckley performs songs from Broadway musicals traditionally written for men including “Maria” from “West Side Story” and “More I Cannot Wish You” from “Guys and Dolls.” Buckley attends a reception after the Saturday night concert where audience members have the chance to meet her.

The Oklahoma Horticultural Society appeals to those with a green thumb this weekend. The 2012 Garden Tour for Connoisseurs is on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It features six houses in three neighborhoods in Oklahoma City with exceptional landscaping and outdoor living areas. Families in Edgemere Heights, Crown Heights, and Mesta Park have opened their homes to the tour which concludes with a trip to the Chesapeake Employee Garden. Tickets and brochures are available now and the day of the tour.

Other events of interest:

A public forum on State Question 759 regarding the elimination of affirmative action takes place at the Langston University OKC Campus on Thursday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a question and answer session.

On Monday, September 24th, the Oklahoma City Farmers Public Market becomes the site of a women’s voter rally. “A Gentler World; Women's Voices, Women's Values, Women's Vote” provides information on the legislative and electoral process, issues in the current political campaign season, and the history of the women’s suffrage movement.

The Southern Oaks Library hosts a Grand Re-Opening and Open House on Tuesday, September 25th after moving back into its original location following renovations.

For more information, log on to our calendar page.