Archives for 2011

By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer on Dec 10, 2011, at 2:24 AM Updated on 12/10/11 at 4:51 AM

“One of the things about this time of year is that it’s seen as a time of renewal, of regeneration,” says Sara Wilemon, who plays in “Sex.” “And that’s one of the main themes of this show. The main character is someone who is determined to follow the path that is best for her, who isn’t going to make herself over according to the demands of society.” MIKE SIMONS/ Tulsa World file

Putting on a play written by Mae West and titled “Sex” might not strike the average person as typical theatrical fare for the holiday season.

But actress Sara Wilemon would politely beg to differ.

“One of the things about this time of year is that it’s seen as a time of renewal, of regeneration,” she said. “And that’s one of the main themes of this show. The main character is someone who is determined to follow the path that is best for her, who isn’t going to make herself over according to the demands of society. [Read more…]

By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer on Sep 8, 2011, at 2:07 AM Updated on 9/08/11 at 2:43 AM

Annie Ellicott (right) stars in Nightingale Theater’s “The Blue Whale of Catoosa.” JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World

For many area residents, the Blue Whale of Catoosa is one of those things seen only in passing – from the windows of cars zipping east and west along Route 66.

“If you’ve lived here for any length of time,” said John Cruncleton, “you’re familiar with the place. And over time, you’ve seen a kind of evolution of the Blue Whale – the way it deteriorated for a while, and then its rebirth into what it looks like today. [Read more…]

By JAMES D. WATTS JR. World Scene Writer on Feb 4, 2011, at 2:21 AM Updated on 2/04/11 at 6:32 AM

John Cruncleton, Joseph Gomez, Andy Axewell and Sara Wilemon face down a monster in Sam Shepard’s play, “Back Bog Beast Bait,” opening Thursday at the Nightingale Theater. Courtesy

With a title like “Back Bog Beast Bait” – a quartet of words that is about as easy to pronounce as “six thick thistle sticks” – one might imagine that the show opening Thursday at the Nightingale Theater is some kind of comedy.

And one would be sort of right.

“Back Bog Beast Bait” is a relatively early work by Sam Shepard, best known for plays such as “Curse of the Starving Class,” “Fool for Love” and “True West.” [Read more…]