OneSix8: How to Fill Your Week (Feb 28, 2013)

This week on OneSix8, I’m bringing you a hodgepodge of musical performances throughout the Oklahoma area. None of them, however, is what you may expect.

The University of Central Oklahoma performs a musical rendition of Truman Capote’s novel “The Grass Harp” February 28th through March 3rd in the UCO Jazz Lab. This semi-autobiographical novel-turned-musical follows an orphaned boy and two elderly women who watch the world from a tree. When Capote wrote it in 1951, his publisher hesitated to complete the book because an editor thought the ending was “weak.” While Capote made some changes, the main ending remains the same. UCO’s Musical Theatre Division presents their version of the story Thursday through Sunday beginning at 8:00 p.m.

Another musical takes place at Oklahoma City University of Friday and Saturday night. “110 In The Shade” tells the story of a smart, plain girl who can’t seem to find love during the Dust Bowl era. She ends up falling for the town’s mayor, but as with any romantic story, things change when the bad guy (in this case, a con man) comes to town. One reviewer notes that “In an era of pyrotechnics, 110 In The Shade presents a heartfelt story of hope and human nature and remains a genuine gem in the musical theatre canon.” Performances start at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s matinee is at 3:00.

If you’re looking for something more active than a musical, “Momentum: Art Doesn’t Stand Still” may be just up your alley. This two-night event gives art lovers an opportunity to experience young artists’ works in a unique environment. Friday evening’s exhibit, “Momentum: Downtempo,” allows the audience to experience the art while enjoying laidback musical performances by Fifth Fret, Erik the Viking, and R.e.A.L. “Momentum: Full Speed” is Saturday night and provides exhibit-goers with fast-paced music from Em and the Mother Superiors, Wurly Birds, and Kali Ra. Either evening, attendees will enjoy an original, interactive atmosphere where music and art mesh.

This last option may be the most traditional performance of the bunch, but it offers a twist on the usual concert. “The Rhythm of the World: Dance and Music from Around the Globe” is Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The 3rd annual event provides its audience with a multi-cultural musical experience. Anything from a Hawaiian hula to a Middle-Eastern musical number are featured in this educational and entertaining evening. The best part? All of the performers are local.

To learn more about the times or locations of this week’s OneSix8 events, visit our calendar page.