Cause and Reaction

To what extent are parents responsible for their children's behavior? Good Boys, presented by TCC Theatre and American Theatre Company, explore this theme, along with a gripping tale of a fierce encounter between fathers, one white and one black. Each of the fathers has experienced a terrible ordeal involving their sons -- one the victim of a school shooting and the other child, the shooter. Written by Jane Martin, Good Boys explores the pressure of modern family life, bullying, and racism.

Jim Runyan, Director of Good Boys talks about what drew him to the play, "I read Good Boys about six years ago and thought it was a very power full script. I was drawn to this play by the immediacy and pertinence of the subject matter."

Truth Be Told.

"While obvious themes include bulling in schools, racism and guns in the hands of teenagers, I believe the play is ultimately about reconciliation, and I hope that is what the Tulsa audience will take away from it," Runyan said in regard to the modern relevance of the play.

The theater companies offer unique talk-back sessions on Friday, Dec. 2; Sunday, Dec. 4; and Friday, Dec. 9. These sessions will follow the performance and will include members of the cast, company and community.

A guest panel will be present and consists of a wide array of social justice leaders, including Eddie Evans, Director Youth Services; Marvin Blades, President of 100 Black Men; DuWayne Barnett, Director of Youth Intervention at 100 Black Men; Russell La Cour, President NABJ; Jerry Goodwin, Treasure of NABJ; Pleas Thomspon, President MLK Commemoration Society; Ruford Henderson, Youth Director NAACP; and Rebecca Marks-Jimerson, TCC Office of Diversity and ATC Board Member.

Good Boys is presented at the Liddy Doegnes Theatre of the Tulsa PAC December 2-3, 9-10 at 8pm and December 4 at 2pm. Tickets are $24 and $30, with discounts for seniors and students. Contact the PAC Ticket office at 918-596-7111 for reservations.

Chill In the Air

An opportunity to give your out-of-town guests a holiday experience they are sure to talk about for years to come can be had at the Norman Theatre of the Tulsa PAC for American Indian Theatre Company's A Song of Winter, Dec. 2-3 at 8pm. Come for the original composition of the song "Ode to Commodity Cheese" and stay for this heart-warming tale of Ebeneezer Screech Owl.

It's not quite Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but the native Oklahoma flair will be sure to entertain and enlighten, especially the Christmas carols in Native language. A Song of Winter features the playwright Will Hill, and a talented ensemble cast of Oklahoma Native Americans, including Jehnean Washington. Tickets can be purchased online at myticketoffice.com or by calling 918-596-7111.

Ulterior Motives

While you are at the Tulsa PAC, be sure to explore the Art Deco Xmas installment at the PAC Gallery by third generation Tulsa artist, William Arthur Franklin. His work was the face of the 2009 Mayfest poster, and the cover of the December 2011 edition of the Tulsa Performing Arts Center's Intermission magazine.

Franklin, who began in trompe l'oeil murals, expanded into Art Deco. His passion for the genre has guided him to work with a group of volunteers to start an Art Deco Museum in the Philcade Building. Art Deco Xmas will run the entire month of December. The PAC Gallery is open Monday-Friday 10am-5:30pm and during Chapman Music Hall events. This exhibit is free to the public.

OK, so maybe last Saturday was "Shop Small Business" day, but you were busy watching college football, or attempting to digest a humungous Turkey Day feast. Perhaps you can score a one-of-a-kind masterpiece at Tulsa Glassblowing Studio, located at 19 E. Brady.

Friday, Dec. 2 is the Brady Arts Crawl, and this venue is an excellent place to begin your adventure into the creative goodness of downtown Tulsa. Free demonstrations are from 6-9pm on the first Friday of every month. Tulsa Glassblowing Studios are also open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday, 12pm-5pm. More information can be found at tulsaglassblowing.org.

Support the Arts

Sapulpa Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that provides first-class entertainment for local audiences and a creative working experience for local actors, directors, and craftspeople. The group started as the Sapulpa Community Players, and through the hard work and dedication of its board members and those in the community, they purchased their own building at 124 S. Water in Sapulpa. They painstakingly paid off the building in August 1991, and began work to create the theater building that is used today.

On Dec. 3, auditions will be held for the classic Agatha Christie murder mystery, The Mousetrap at 2pm. All ages are encouraged to tryout. Performances will be March 9-11 and 16-18. More information can be found at sapulpacommunitytheatre.com.

Also on Dec. 3 at 2pm, the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center Foundation and the Broken Arrow Arts and Humanities Council will present, A Time for Christmas 2: Branson-Style Show. The show will be held at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, located at 701 S. Main St. All donations benefit Broken Arrow Neighbors and the local animal shelter.

With the success of last year's show, BAPAC Executive Director Mark Frie knew it was something he and his cast had to do again for the community. Joining him on stage is wife Kim Frie, vocalist Melinda Clonts, and vocalist Adam J. Foremen. Also joining the ensemble is a host of talented musicians and special guests. For more information call 918-259-5778.

LOOK Light Opera will be hosting their Holiday Supper fundraiser at the Tulsa Convention Center, 100 Civic Center, on Dec. 4 at 6pm. Festivities include dinner, a sneak peak at the 2012 LOOK Festival and a silent auction.

This event plays a vital role in funding the upcoming season. Invites were mailed in October, however, interested parties may call 918-583-4267 for invitation requests. Visit tulsaconvention.com for more information.

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