entertainment
Arts & culture Talent shines in Bartlesville area BY EMILY DROEGE
The Bartlesville Community Center is located in downtown Bartlesville.
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rts and culture thrive in Bartlesville like few other smaller cities. For a community with a population under 37,000, the city offers visitors and residents a surprising range of enrichment opportunities. The array of possibilities span from topnotch performances at Bartlesville’s worldclass Community Center, to outstanding concerts by the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, to unique fine arts and education offerings from Children’s Musical Theatre, to dramas and comedies at Theater Bartlesville and special shows and programs hosted by the Bartlesville Art Association. In addition, many other performing and visual arts organizations help the City of Legends sparkle with talent.
Bartlesville Community Center For more than 30 years, the Bartlesville Community Center has been “the place” where all ages can find something of interest. With hundreds of events each year, the center in downtown Bartlesville has attracted visitors from many areas of Oklahoma and Kansas as well as other states. Several stage performance series call the BCC home, including the Bartlesville Civic Ballet, Bartlesville, Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra, Children’s Musical Theatre, the OK Mozart Festival and the popular Broadway in Bartlesville! annual series.
BCC Managing Director Val Callaghan credits former executive director Pat Smith for starting the successful series 15 years ago. “With so many Broadway enthusiasts in town, it is convenient to see the national, tour of a Broadway show right at home,” Callaghan said. “Pat really crossed every ‘T’ and dotted every ‘I’ from building relationships with high-caliber production companies from which to purchase the shows, to securing dedicated local sponsors to offset the costs, to building a loyal subscription base, some of whom have had season tickets for all fifteen seasons.” This year’s season, which has featured shows such as “Mamma Mia” and “42nd Street,” has once again received a standing ovation. “That success can be attributed to an eclectic line up, packed with something to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer a classic musical, newer show or visual art such as ‘Cirque’ or ‘Stomp,’ this season delivered,” said Callaghan.
OK Mozart OK Mozart was established and a beloved music festival was born more than 30 years ago, according to Mary Lynn Mihm, OK Mozart chairman of the board.
“OK Mozart has grown into one of the state’s major cultural organizations and attractions. Performers from all over the world have graced the stage at the Bartlesville Community Center, Ambler Hall, St. Luke’s Church and Woolaroc during the festival and off season offering the audience an opportunity to enjoy numerous genres of music — orchestral, chamber, crossover, opera and so much more,” she said. It is the mission of OK Mozart to celebrate cultural experiences, not only through the multi-day festival, but by offering programming and educational experiences all year long that will enrich the community, she said. OK Mozart sponsors master classes for the youth of the community, and the No Child Clef Behind program offers musical instruments to students who cannot afford them. OK Mozart also offers showcase events during the festival and throughout the year that are designed to entertain and educate the audience about the rich history and culture surrounding music. And the organization continues to enhance the community through the art of music. Mihm described how the festival works hand in hand with community leaders, other community organizations, and the community at large to ensure that it is achieving its mission as well as meeting the
Bartlesville Magazine VISITOR’S GUIDE 2017
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