Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma to Launch 50th Season with SOME ENCHANTED EVENING, 1/30-2/16

Combining the musical magic of Rodgers & Hammerstein, an elegant performance space and some of Oklahoma City's all-time favorite performers, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma will celebrate 50 years with SOME ENCHANTED EVENING at the Plaza Theatre, January 30 through February 16.

Founded in 1963 by 14 prominent Oklahomans, headed by John E. Kirkpatrick, Lyric has spent the last 50 years bringing the highest caliber musical theatre and plays to Oklahoma's audiences. Originally housed at Oklahoma City University for a three to five-show summer season, Lyric now boasts a year-round season of eight shows-four at the Civic Center Music Hall and four at its own Plaza Theatre on 16th Street in Oklahoma City-making it the only year-round professional theatre company in the state.

In celebration of Lyric's 50th Anniversary in 2013, each performance of SOME ENCHANTED EVENING will feature a returning star from a past Lyric production. Some of the notable actors include Marilyn Govich, Ben Williams, Charlotte Franklin, Beth Adele, Tommy Cunningham, Charlie Monnot, Jeanie Cooper, Amber Hester and many more.

"SOME ENCHANTED EVENING is exactly as it sounds-a delightful experience," said Ashley Wells, Lyric's associate artistic director and director of SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. "Audiences will hear all the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein songs from CINDERELLA, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, OKLAHOMA! and more. Having so many actors who have graced our stages in the past return to perform is very special for all of us and speaks highly to what a wonderful experience it is being a part of a Lyric production."

Joining the returning stars on stage will be some of Lyric's most recent stand-out talents Ethan Spell (Will), Heather Geery-Mayfield (Anna), Jamie Buxton (Nellie) and Melissa Griffith (Julie), and gracing the Lyric Stage for the first time will be Dallas Lish (Billy). Choreographing the show will be Matthew Sipress, with music direction by Brian Hamilton, costumes by Jeffrey Meek and sets by Lee McIntosh.

Tickets to all of Lyric's 2013 shows are now on sale. To buy tickets, visit Lyric's box office at 1727 NW 16th Street, call (405) 524-9312, or visit LyricTheatreOKC.com. Performances will be held at the Plaza Theatre at 1725 NW 16th Street. Performance times are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and at 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Founded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma's leading professional theatre company. For 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces four large-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall each summer, as well as four smaller works at the Plaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric's ThElma Gaylord Academy is a professional training ground for students ages 5-18 offering classes in all aspects of musical theatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in two full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatre stage. For more information visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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