The Oral Roberts Golden Eagles have a heritage of excellence that extends beyond athletics, and today's guide stands as a fresh invitation to celebrate extraordinary performances. Whether you're a student seeking a cultural excursion or a longtime arts aficionado, prepare to be swept away by this carefully curated roster. Remember to apply
GOLDENEAGLES5 on TicketSmarter for a special discount. Below, you'll find a wide variety of Broadway sensations, comedic superstars, and beloved productions that will illuminate your upcoming itinerary.
- Signature Style
- This show took flight on Broadway in 1975 and became known for its razor-sharp satire.
- "Chicago" features a story that highlights the sensationalism of crime, set against the backdrop of jazzy dance numbers and sly commentary.
- Key Historical Note
- Originally choreographed by Bob Fosse, the musical earned accolades for its unconventional style.
- A notable highlight came in 1997 when "Chicago" won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, reaffirming its timeless appeal.
Special Spotlight: Matt Rife has been garnering attention for his quick-witted crowd work, as seen in his recent comedy specials that blend observational humor with lighthearted banter. Born in Ohio, he gained traction as one of the youngest comedians to perform at the Laugh Factory and later capitalized on social media to broaden his fan base. His style is known for merging bold improvisation with a playful stage presence, ensuring that no two shows are quite alike.
"The Lion King" stands out for its vibrant reinterpretation of the classic Disney animated film. From the opening "Circle of Life" to the meticulously designed costumes, every moment evokes a sense of wonder. The show opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre before eventually moving to the Minskoff Theatre, solidifying its place as one of the highest-grossing musicals of all time.
"Mean Girls" arrived on Broadway in 2018, presenting Tina Fey's witty take on high school politics and popularity. It's earned nominations for multiple Tony Awards, showcasing a high-energy score and comedic storytelling. One of its early triumphs was the involvement of a creative team that worked directly with the original film's cast, which gave the stage adaptation an authentic twist.
"Hadestown marries folk and jazz influences, weaving a mythic love story that redefines the modern musical."
Born from singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell's concept album in 2010, "Hadestown" evolved into a Tony-winning triumph. Audience members are drawn to its poignant storyline of Orpheus and Eurydice, set against an industrial underworld. The show's uniqueness also lies in its fluid jazz-inflected score, which sets it apart from more traditional Broadway fare.
Short Overview
- Lin-Manuel Miranda launched "Hamilton" off-Broadway in 2015, and it swiftly progressed to Broadway, revolutionizing musical theater through hip-hop, R&B, and show-stopping lyrics.
- One intriguing piece of its background is that Miranda first performed early drafts of its songs at the White House, highlighting the musical's distinct blend of history and modern culture.
Award Highlights
- Garnered a staggering 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2016.
"Beauty and the Beast," which premiered on Broadway in 1994, breathes new life into the animated Disney classic. Initially featuring Susan Egan and Terrence Mann as Belle and the Beast, the production earned widespread acclaim for its enchanting set designs and the beloved score by Alan Menken. One cornerstone fact: It was among the first Disney stage adaptations to achieve monumental success, paving the way for future Disney shows.
Comedic Breakdown
- Recent Specials: Taylor Tomlinson's stand-up specials have garnered viral attention, particularly for how she shares relatable stories about modern dating and mental health.
- Personal Style: Characterized by a blend of introspection and wit, Tomlinson's humor navigates family anecdotes and generational commentary.
- Biographical Note: Growing up in California, she started performing stand-up at church events before breaking onto the national stage, quickly earning a reputation for punchy, refreshingly candid sets.
Adapted from Baz Luhrmann's 2001 film, "Moulin Rouge" exploded onto Broadway in 2019 with an electrifying medley of pop songs. Historically, the stage adaptation introduced updated hits to keep the musical contemporary, ensuring that fans of both the movie and modern music find it irresistible. Notably, its opulent set design is inspired by Paris's Montmartre district, immersing the audience in a lush, Bohemian wonderland that earned the show multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Local Theaters in the Tulsa Area
Tulsa boasts an impressive lineup of cultural spaces and performance venues that welcome traveling Broadway shows, comedic tours, and local artistic endeavors. Consider these highlights:
- Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC): Known for hosting touring musicals, world-class orchestras, and community theater groups, TPAC stands as a beacon of cultural enrichment in downtown Tulsa.
- Orpheum Theatre: A historic landmark known for vintage charm, featuring both concerts and stage plays.
- Brady Theater: Once a vaudeville house, it retains its classic architecture while showcasing modern stars, from rock concerts to stand-up comedy.
- Historic Origin: Andrew Lloyd Webber's masterpiece premiered in London's West End in 1986, subsequently arriving on Broadway in 1988.
- Notable Performers: Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman became iconic for their roles as the Phantom and Christine, respectively.
With hauntingly beautiful music and grand staging, "The Phantom of the Opera" became one of the longest-running Broadway shows. The Paris Opera House setting and the hidden labyrinth beneath the stage create an immersive journey.
Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias continues to charm audiences with his family-friendly humor and relatable stories about food, everyday mishaps, and his Mexican-American heritage. Recently, he has delivered acclaimed comedy specials that showcase his trademark use of sound effects and dynamic storytelling. Iglesias's biographical path took him from small comedy clubs to sold-out arenas, underscoring his broad appeal. Today, he stands as one of the most recognized comedic figures, bridging generational gaps with his approachable comedic style.
"Hairspray" dances onto the scene with bubblegum energy and a social message. Debuting in 2002, it scored the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2003. With a plot centered on Tracy Turnblad's quest to integrate a local TV dance show in 1960s Baltimore, the production glitters with lively music by Marc Shaiman. A fascinating tidbit: Harvey Fierstein's portrayal of Edna Turnblad won hearts and comedic acclaim, turning "Hairspray" into a modern classic that's both cheerful and meaningful.
"Les Miserables," which opened in London in 1985, remains one of the most enduring musicals in history. Early incarnations saw the musical performed as a French concept album, eventually transforming into a full-scale stage show that captured global audiences. The production is praised for its moving narrative, adapted from Victor Hugo's novel, focusing on Jean Valjean's path to redemption amid the backdrop of social upheaval. In 1987, it collected multiple Tony Awards, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon.
Biographical Twists
- Hailing from Tennessee, Nate Bargatze credits much of his comedic spark to his father, a former clown turned magician, which exposed him to show business at a young age.
- His personal style relies on low-key, deadpan storytelling that underscores everyday life, from awkward social interactions to small-town observations.
Recent Specials
Bargatze's comedy specials exhibit a knack for blending comedic timing with amiable charm, helping him rapidly climb the ranks of top-billed stand-up acts.
Wicked soared onto Broadway in 2003, centering on the untold backstory of the witches of Oz. Early buzz surrounded Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth's star-making performances as Elphaba and Glinda. The show's numerous Tony Award nominations, along with its advanced stage technology, have helped "Wicked" remain a consistent fan favorite. Unlike many musicals that rely on a straightforward retelling, this production reshapes a familiar realm, presenting a tale of misunderstood outsiders, political intrigue, and an unforgettable friendship.
Bonus Observations and Concluding Remarks
From comedic brilliance to theatrical legends, the lineup above encapsulates the boundless creativity found both on Broadway and beyond. Each performance captures a different facet of storytelling—whether it's the jubilant spectacle of "The Lion King," the razor-sharp satire of "Mean Girls," or the profound mythic resonance of "Hadestown." Meanwhile, stand-up sensations like Taylor Tomlinson, Nate Bargatze, Gabriel Iglesias, and Matt Rife bring humorous insight into everyday realities, adding an entirely different flavor to live entertainment.
If you're searching for a prime spot to share these experiences, the theaters in and around Tulsa present the perfect setting for this wide range of unforgettable acts. And remember, if you're part of the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles family (or simply a fan of inspiring performances), don't miss out on snagging your tickets using the promo code
GOLDENEAGLES5 on TicketSmarter. Enjoy every note, every laugh, and every breathtaking moment that awaits.
We hope to see you at one of these incredible shows very soon. Secure your seat, invite your friends, and join the celebration in style!
