Time of Year

From Page to Stage" is the catch phrase of many websites singing the praises of the wacky, but intense 24 Hour Play Fest. Beginning at 7:30pm on Friday, Nov. 18, writers begin composing their scripts for a 10-minute play. By 7:30am on Saturday, Nov. 19, the directors and actors begin rehearsing from the various scripts.

The technicians get a whole 20 minutes to "tech" each 10-minute masterpiece and win or lose, lines memorized or not, the curtain goes up at 7:30pm for the 3rd Annual 24 Hour Play Fest.

The 24 Hour Play Fest may be only three years old in Tulsa, however, these type of festivals have ran in New York, London, and Los Angeles for the past 10 years -- sometimes for worthy causes and featuring big name stars.

Demi Moore, Jim Broadbent, Cynthia Nixon, Julia Stiles are just a few brave souls who have taken the challenge of creating an original work in 24 hours. Recent galas of the festival have raised money for The Old Vic Theatre and the Urban Arts Partnership.

On Your Mark.

The common misconception is that the play will be 24 hours in length, which, would, indeed be quite a production to produce. However, this crunch of time is a no-guts-no-glory type of gorilla theatre that I'm sure all audience members will find riveting.

The 24 Hour Play Fest happens at the Liddy Doegnes Theatre on Nov. 19 at 7:30pm. Tickets are available online at myticketoffice.com or by calling 918-596-7111. The 24 Hour Play Fest is presented by Playhouse Tulsa.

Cat and Mouse

Everyone enjoys a good game of cat and mouse, but will this one turn deadly? Find out as Owasso Community Theatre Company presents The Mousetrap. During a blinding snow storm, a group of strangers are stranded in a boarding house where fun and intrigue ensues. The play is directed by George Romero and is recommended for ages 10 and up.

The Mousetrap runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Nov. 17-19 at 7pm, with an afternoon matinee at 2pm Saturday, Nov. 19. Tickets at the door for general seating are $8 for adults, and $6 for students and seniors. Performances will be held on the stage of Stone Canyon Elementary School, located at 7305 N. 177th E. Ave. in Owasso. More information can be found at at octok.org or by calling 918-237-1656.

Romantic Melodies

Take one part rhapsodic melodies, add one part considerable stage charm, add in "crowd pleaser" and what do you get? Two-time, Grammy Nominated Jim Brickman -- one night only at the Chapman Music Hall of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, Nov. 18 at 8pm.

Jim Brickman has collaborated with the likes of Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Kenny Loggins and Carly Simon. Tickets are $45-$75 and are available online at myticketoffice.com or by calling 918-596-7111.

How Does Your Garden Glow?

The holidays start earlier every year, however, at Philbrook Museum of Art, you might just get swept up in the spirit of the season on opening night of The Festival of Trees, Nov. 20. The Treeview Party is from 7-9pm and guests can marvel at the array of trees and decorations all made by local artists. Be the first to view these original creations and meet the artists, on hand to answer your questions. Festival of Trees runs through Dec. 11.

Admission to Festival of Trees is free with Museum membership or $11.00 for adults and $9.00 for senior citizens. As always, youth under age 18 enter free to Philbrook. Proceeds from the Festival of Trees helps to support public programming, as well as educational programs, and general museum operations. More information can be found at philbrook.org.

You can also join in the fun on Nov. 19 from 5-8pm at Philbrook's Garden Glow Celebration, which will include crafts, carolers, and of course, a stroll down the Philbrook Gardens -- all decked out for the season. The Garden Glow Celebration is free and open to the public.

Buying "Local"

One of the refreshing by-products of the recent "Occupy" uprising is the mantra to buy local. There are two holiday shopping destinations, both of the creative and artistic nature, that are must-attends this weekend, especially while on the hunt for that great, original and 'local' gift -- Affair of the Heart at the Expo Square, and Center Holiday Mart at the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges.

Affair of the Heart is a three day, one-of-a-kind shopping experience at the Expo Square, Nov. 18-20. Uncover treasurers that include arts, crafts, custom furniture, seasonal items, collectibles, decorative items, jewelry, clothing, one-of-a-kind merchandise and more. An Affair of the Heart is one of the largest shows of its kind in the nation with thousands of exhibitors, artists and craftsmen . Times are: Friday and Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission is $6 and covers all three days of the show.

The Center for Persons with Physical Challenges offers outreach, rehabilitative services, adaptive recreation, community reintegration, support groups, and transition services for those children and adults who were mobility-, dexterity-, or sensory-impaired.

Center Holiday Mart is the annual arts and crafts sale on Nov. 19, at The Center, located at 815 S. Utica Ave. The sale promises some great deals on early holiday shopping -- all for a good cause. While you are there, check out The Center's 35,000 square foot facility, and stroll down the center "Main Street" to view all the really wonderful opportunities The Center provides. More information on how The Center is "creating independence" along with donation and volunteer opportunities can be found at tulsacenter.org.

Send all comments and feedback regarding Arts Experienced to jratliff@urbantulsa.com.