Curtain Call in Oklahoma: Your 2025 Entertainment Guide
Welcome to your insider's look at top performances near Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, as well as in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Whether you enjoy Broadway musicals or crave a night of unstoppable laughter, Oklahoma's cultural scene is ready to dazzle. Secure your seats while you can and don't forget to use promo code CRIMSONSTORM5 for special pricing.
Broadway Gems
Wicked peels back Oz's curtain to reveal the intertwined destinies of misunderstood Elphaba and sparkling Glinda. Through Stephen Schwartz's powerful songs, the show upends assumptions of who's truly "wicked" or "good." Its visual splendor—complete with swirling greens and elaborate costumes—pulls you into a realm of sorcery and empathy. Themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and perseverance shine through both comedic and dramatic twists. Wicked's soaring finale cements it as a transformative experience that resonates across generations.
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Notable Songs: "Defying Gravity," "The Wizard and I," "For Good."
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Awards: Multiple Tony Awards; Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.
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Past Cast Members: Idina Menzel, Kristin Chenoweth, Taye Diggs.
Six The Musical reimagines Henry VIII's six wives as chart-topping pop icons reclaiming their own stories. Each queen belts out a modern, sassy number that fuses Tudor history with contemporary beats. Witty lyrics and explosive choreography spotlight the women's resilience against royal drama. The show's concert-like setting keeps energy high, showcasing humor, sisterhood, and female empowerment. Audiences leave humming catchy hooks and celebrating these overlooked historical figures.
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Notable Songs: "Ex-Wives," "All You Wanna Do," "Get Down."
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Awards: Olivier Award for Best Musical Theatre Album; Tony for Best Costume Design.
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Past Cast Members: Adrianna Hicks, Andrea Macasaet, Samantha Pauly.
Hamilton chronicles Alexander Hamilton's bold legacy using hip-hop, R&B, and a multicultural cast. Lin-Manuel Miranda's clever rhymes weave political intrigue, personal ambition, and Founding-era ideals. High-energy dance numbers meet razor-sharp verses that blend 18th-century events with contemporary urgency. This groundbreaking musical reclaims the American story for today's audiences, shining a spotlight on unity amid revolution. With sold-out runs worldwide, Hamilton remains an electrifying game-changer in modern theater.
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Notable Songs: "My Shot," "Satisfied," "The Room Where It Happens."
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Awards: 11 Tony Awards, Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
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Past Cast Members: Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo.
Mean Girls transforms Tina Fey's beloved teen satire into a fresh musical with sharp lyrics and vibrant dance breaks. Cady Heron's naive arrival at North Shore High soon collides with the ruthless Plastics. Comedic chaos and high-energy production numbers reveal cliques, insecurities, and life lessons about loyalty. Underneath the pink sheen, the show delves into bullying, peer pressure, and the quest for authenticity. Its humor and heart remind audiences to celebrate individuality rather than tear each other down.
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Notable Songs: "Apex Predator," "Stupid with Love," "I'd Rather Be Me."
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Awards: Nominated for 12 Tony Awards.
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Past Cast Members: Erika Henningsen, Taylor Louderman, Ashley Park.
Hadestown enmeshes Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with Hades and Persephone in a smoky, folk-jazz realm. Its layered, poetic score merges haunting ballads and sweeping ensemble tunes evoking hope amid despair. The show's industrial vibe and stirring choreography underscore each character's longing for redemption. Blurring lines between love and loss, Hadestown captures the fragility of trust in dark circumstances. This Tony-winning spectacle leaves audiences moved by its inventive storytelling and vibrant musicianship.
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Notable Songs: "Wait for Me," "Way Down Hadestown," "Why We Build the Wall."
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Awards: 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
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Past Cast Members: Reeve Carney, Eva Noblezada, André De Shields.
The Lion King elevates Disney's classic tale with African-inspired rhythms, elaborate puppetry, and visual grandeur. Simba's journey from carefree cub to royal protector explores family bonds and the circle of life. Elton John and Tim Rice's iconic songs heighten the musical's heartfelt core, stirring nostalgia for childhood fans. Dazzling masks and costumes transform the stage into a savannah teeming with color and life. This multi-generational favorite continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.
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Notable Songs: "Circle of Life," "Hakuna Matata," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight."
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Awards: 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
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Past Cast Members: Heather Headley, Jason Raize, Tshidi Manye.
Hairspray channels 1960s Baltimore through Tracy Turnblad's dream of joining a TV dance show. Bouncy pop tunes, lively dance sequences, and comedic flair capture the era's zest while confronting racism and body shaming. Tracy's confidence and optimism nudge her peers toward equality and acceptance. Snappy dialogue, big hair, and neon costumes inject a joyous vibe into every scene. Hairspray is proof that positive change can start on the dance floor.
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Notable Songs: "Good Morning Baltimore," "You Can't Stop the Beat," "Welcome to the '60s."
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Awards: 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
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Past Cast Members: Harvey Fierstein, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler.
The Phantom of the Opera entices theatergoers into the haunting depths of the Paris Opera House. Andrew Lloyd Webber's majestic score frames an enthralling love triangle between the Phantom, ingenue Christine Daaé, and suitor Raoul. Gilded sets and dramatic ballads showcase the Phantom's romantic obsession and Christine's inner conflict. Each lavish performance navigates themes of beauty, darkness, and the human desire for acceptance. A cornerstone of musical theater, Phantom still entrances audiences with its sweeping gothic romance.
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Notable Songs: "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Think of Me."
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Awards: 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
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Past Cast Members: Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Sierra Boggess.
Star Comedy Headliners
Jeff Arcuri punches up everyday anxieties—office politics, family snafus, and social awkwardness—with infectious energy. His quick-fire banter and observational snap keep audiences eagerly awaiting each punchline. By tapping into real-life quirks, he sparks recognition-based laughter that feels refreshingly relatable. Arcuri's comedic timing pairs well with his animated stage presence, ensuring an engaging ride. From comedy clubs to festival circuits, he's winning over fans through pure, hilarious honesty.
Nate Bargatze, nicknamed the "Tennessee Kid," brings a laid-back delivery and mild-mannered charm to ordinary events. He mines everyday minutiae—like road trips and awkward small talk—for surprisingly big laughs. Family-friendly without losing an edge, Bargatze's relatable approach endears him to diverse crowds. His calm style masks an undercurrent of clever wit that repeatedly surprises.
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Past Comedy Specials: The Tennessee Kid, Greatest Average American, Hello World.
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Awards: Grammy nomination; praised by Rolling Stone as a must-see performer.
Leanne Morgan channels her Southern upbringing into comedic slices of domestic life—from hectic grocery runs to child-rearing mishaps. Her gentle drawl and bashful grin highlight everyday triumphs and tribulations with inviting warmth. By balancing sincerity and humor, Morgan refrains from cynicism, favoring understanding over judgment. Her shows are a sweet reminder that laughter can tame the chaos of home and hearth.
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Past Comedy Specials: So Yummy, I'm Every Woman (YouTube, Netflix).
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Awards: Hailed by Southern Living; favorite on SiriusXM comedy channels.
Sebastian Maniscalco harnesses outsized physicality and exasperated reactions to turn minor grievances into uproarious performances. He delves into awkward encounters, unspoken social rules, and generational quirks—always with explosive animation. Maniscalco's comedic lens imparts a universal understanding: we're all a little ridiculous sometimes. One of the industry's hottest acts, he keeps redefining how observational humor should look—and feel—on stage.
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Past Comedy Specials: Stay Hungry, Is It Me?, Aren't You Embarrassed?.
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Awards: Billboard's "Comedian of the Year"; sold-out tours at Madison Square Garden.
Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias captivates crowds with lively storytelling, skillful sound effects, and wide-ranging impersonations. His routines revolve around topics like family mishaps, cultural quirks, and a deep affection for food. By weaving personal anecdotes and off-the-wall impressions, he crafts an inclusive atmosphere that appeals to all ages. A global fan favorite, "Fluffy" proves that comedy can unite people across boundaries.
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Past Comedy Specials: I'm Not Fat… I'm Fluffy, Hot & Fluffy, Stadium Fluffy.
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Awards: Multiple ALMA Award nominations; consistently among comedy's top earners.
Final Bow: Grab Your Tickets!
Oklahoma's lineup spans from Tony-winning musicals that enchant the senses to stand-up storytellers who transform chaos into humor. Exploring Bethany, Oklahoma City, or Tulsa means encountering world-class shows without straying far from home. Whether it's a soaring Broadway ballad or an unexpected punchline, embark on an evening where art, music, and laughter converge on stage.
