|
|
|
Directions: Exit Broken Arrow Expressway at Denver. Go south (away from downtown) one full block to 15th. Turn right (towards the river) and go to stop sign at Riverside Drive. Turn right and the Theater is on your right (coroner of Houston and Riverside). |
The Tulsa Spotlight Theatre follows The Drunkard with The Olio - varied and enjoyable vaudeville-style acts featuring local singers, dancers, magicians and variety acts. Both shows present special performances, as well as weekly Saturday evening shows.
The Olio also proves entertainment for many events in the Tulsa area. Since 1965, The Tulsa Spotlight Theatre have taken an Olio touring group to regional hospitals and institutions to entertain during the Christmas season.
In 1952, some local actors started the "Tulsa Spotlight Club." On November 7th, 1953, they first performed The Drunkard, condensed from the melodrama Ten Nights in a Barroom. The show, directed by Richard Mansfield Dickinson, was performed in his studio/home.
The group planned only one performance and played to a capacity house. Due to phenomenal public reaction, the show continued to play each week. In 1962, The Tulsa Spotlight Club reorganized as Tulsa Spotlighters, Inc., a non-profit charitable endeavor, and purchased the theater. In 1964, Karl Janssen, the original "Joe Morgan", took over the direction of the show.
An attempt was made to recreate the melodramatic atmosphere in which it was performed over 100 years ago in beer gardens. The play retains audience participation through booing the villain, and cheering the hero.
Current membership includes over one hundred and fifty actors, olio performers, servers, other workers, and supporters.
Come see the show and be part of the fun of an evening of "Tulsa's best family entertainment!"
