40TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION JUNE 1ST!

Happening throughout the newly renovated venues at Oklahoma Shakespeare on the Paseo

OKLAHOMA SHAKESPEARE HOSTS FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION TO HONOR KATHRYN MCGILL AND SUPPORT THE 40TH SEASON.

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

April 17, 2024 (Oklahoma City, OK)—Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park announces the 40th Anniversary Fundraising Celebration, honoring the retirement of founding Executive & Artistic Director, Kathryn McGill, and promoting fundraising support for their 40th season.

“This year marks the 40th season of this Oklahoma cultural gem, and we are celebrating with an evening filled with laughter, and perhaps a few happy tears, as we recall the four decades of monumental accomplishments achieved under Kathryn’s direction.” - Tyler Woods, Executive Producer

We will host a VIP Cocktail hour from 6pm - 7pm, complete with champagne toast and an intimate hour of conversation with Kathryn, Mayor David Holt, and a few of the many faces that have made these 40 years so memorable. The evening continues at 7pm with a buffet dinner, provided by Paseo Grill, and entertainment from some of the alumni talent that has graced our stage these many years. We will have veteran actors reading scenes from Shakespeare and live music to round out the evening. There will be auction bidding and donation drives, as well, in support of our 40th Anniversary operating funds and ongoing Capital Campaign.. There will also be a fantastic announcement at the event concerning the future of the organization and the new leadership.

The Shakespeare Gardens boasts approximately 10,000 square feet of landscaped design, and a Shakespeare Festival stage reminiscent of the initial home of Shakespeare in the Park in Hafer Park, Edmond. The Paseo Arts District is now the home of Oklahoma Shakespeare, and proudly boasts a newly renovated streetscape, landscaping, and lighting.

“Our venue is an intimate, one-of-a-kind gem nestled in the heart of the Paseo Arts District, complete with body mics, patio seating, a full bar and concession stand, gift shop, indoor and accessible ADA-restroom facilities, and lounge,” said Executive Producer Tyler Woods, who acted as the general contractor for the renovations. “We hope this evening will showcase our hidden gem to the community and make everyone feel welcome and encouraged to come out and celebrate with us!”

The party begins at 6pm June 1st in the beautiful outdoor Shakespeare Gardens, located in the historic Paseo Arts District, behind the building at 2920 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103. Tickets are on sale on the website www.okshakes.org

“This year we honor the artists, technicians, patrons, volunteers, and staff that have sustained us through the years. We are inspired to reach for broader things, to grow and give back to our community, and we are incredibly grateful to be here through these difficult times to keep the legacy of Shakespeare and the classics alive in Oklahoma.” - Founding Artistic Director, Kathryn McGill

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (OSP) was founded in 1985 by executive producer Jack O’Meara and artistic director Kathryn Huey O’Meara McGill.

Jack and Kathryn felt strongly that Oklahoma deserved and could sustain a theater company devoted to the works of William Shakespeare and other great authors from the Western canon.   They also believed that the outdoor productions enjoyed around the world would be just as popular in greater Oklahoma City.

Now, 40 years later, the company is nestled in the historic Paseo Arts District, with two theatres, and a thriving community of actors, technicians, and friends.

Help us honor Kathryn at this special once-in-a-lifetime event, including special performances from OSP alumni, and a buffet dinner in our beautiful Shakespeare Gardens.

HORS D'OEUVRES (beginning at 6PM)

Chicken Satay (Chicken Skewer with Peanut Sauce)

Caprese Skewers (Fresh Mozzarella Pearls, Basil and Grape Tomatoes drizzled with Balsamic Glaze)

BUFFET (beginning at 7PM)

Paseo House Salad (Mixed Greens with Carrots, Cucumbers, Grape Tomatoes with Ranch & Red Wine Vinaigrette)

Classic Caesar Salad (Chopped Romaine, Parmesan Cheese, Red Onion, and Croutons with Caesar Dressing)

Paseo Grilled Chicken (Grilled Chicken Breast with Beurre Blanc & Sun-dried Tomato Pesto)

Southwest Meatloaf (Ground Beef Tenderloin, Pork Sausage and Smoked Cheddar Cheese with Chipotle Red Wine Demi-Glace)

Mashed Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Sauteed Green Beans

Assorted Desserts

READINGS FROM OSP ALUMNI

Kathryn McGill and Stephen Martin - Antony and Cleopatra

Tyler and Erin Woods - The Tempest 

Rob and Deanna Gallavan - Romeo and Juliet

Erin Sloan - A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Renee Krapff and Wil Rogers - Much Ado About Nothing

Josh Koehn - Richard III

Laura Standley and Ford Austin - Romeo and Juliet

Mandee Chapman-Roach and Jason Burkhart - The Taming of the Shrew

Doug Brown - A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Wil Rogers and Kathryn McGill - Or

Matt Cheek, Hal Kohlman, Alissa Branch (Selections - TBD)

Amanda Lee & David Fletcher-Hall - Musical Selections

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40TH ANNIVERSARY FUNDRAISING CELEBRATION

Where: Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park

Address: 2920 Paseo, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Theater: Indoors & Outside under the stars in the beautiful Shakespeare Gardens

When: June 1, 2024

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm, VIP Cocktail Hour | 7:00pm - 10:00pm Buffet & Live Entertainment

Tickets & Further Information: www.okshakes.org/40th-anniversary-party

Content Guide: This event is family friendly. There will be moments of comic mischief, fairy magic, and mild comic violence. There will also likely be some bawdy Shakespeare humor.