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Monday, August 26, 2013

Shakespeare and more, 'In your lap' in OKC

Opening set at Reduxion Theatre's production of "the women."
A vital part of OKC's renaissance, making it more than just a frontier boom town, has been an explosion of arts of all kinds--music, galleries, art shows, poetry readings, cooking, museums, funky shops,  renovated neighborhoods and theaters.
One of my favorite is Reduxion Theatre on 16th and Broadway in Oklahoma City, a non-profit theater -in-the-round that brings four plays a year to town, including at least two Shakespearean plays, set in contemporary times. The website includes photos and more. Twitter is @ReduxionTheatre, and it is on Facebook.
What grabs me about the place is that the stage is only about six inches off the floor, and you sit right next two it, where the actors interact with you. It is indeed "In Your Lap" theater, sometimes literally, I've found in the past. ; )
But the real trademark is how the directors, Tyler and Erin Woods and their staff, put together plays using only a few actors playing multiple roles. It is astounding to me who these professionals manage not just to change costumes, and memorize different lines, but so get into their characters.
The current production of Clare Booth Luce's 1930s play, "The Women," is one such example. Twelve actors play 30 different rolls in this swashbuckling, cat-fighting, catty, tragic and humorous play involving an all female cast.
The rest of the season
Yes, we went Friday, having bought season tickets last year. The play will energize you. Next weekend is the last performance, Aug. 29-31. Go.
The remainder of the season includes Cabaret, Oct. 25-Nov. 16; As You Like It, Feb. 7-March 1; and Henry V, May 9-31. Reduxion is supported generously by Chesapeake Energy, the Oklahoma Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts and many local firms and people. You can even sponsor a square foot of the stage for $26.
The company has also performed in area libraries and has started "Classics for Kids," 45-minute productions designed to introduce children to the classics.
One of my favorite lines from the play when young woman sniped at one of the older women, 
"Get your chin up...both of them."


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