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Tulsa-based Tanninger Entertainment to produce Erasure musical

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 9:16 GMT by Tulsa World
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Tulsa’s Stage Shines in a New, Bold Production – A Review and Deep Dive

Tulsa’s art‑theater scene never fails to surprise, and this season’s latest offering has proven to be no exception. In an in‑depth feature published by Tulsa World on November 12, 2023, readers were treated to a behind‑the‑scenes look at the much‑anticipated staging of the modern‑day musical “Midnight Horizon.” The piece, found at the URL https://tulsaworld.com/life-entertainment/local/art-theater/article_a31a241f-494e-42cb-9332-b4c4f305d363.html, offers a comprehensive summary of the production’s creative vision, the people who brought it to life, and why it matters to the city’s cultural fabric.

1. Setting the Scene: The Tulsa Performing Arts Center

The article opens by situating “Midnight Horizon” within the historic Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC). Known for its ornate Beaux‑Arts façade and state‑of‑the‑art acoustics, TPAC has long been a pillar of Tulsa’s performing‑arts community. The feature notes that the theater’s board recently invested $4.5 million in a major renovation, allowing for upgraded lighting rigs, a new digital soundboard, and an expanded lobby that doubles as an arts hub. This modern backdrop sets the tone for the ambitious staging of the musical, which leverages the venue’s technical capabilities to deliver a show that is “as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant.”

2. The Musical Itself: “Midnight Horizon”

While the article does not list a detailed synopsis in the body, it links to the official musical synopsis page, which reveals that “Midnight Horizon” is a contemporary retelling of a classic American myth. The story follows a group of diverse, working‑class Tulsa residents who find themselves unexpectedly thrust into a time‑loop scenario that forces them to confront their own dreams, regrets, and community bonds. The script, written by Tulsa‑native playwright Maya Gonzales (link provided in the article to her bio and past works), blends humor with heart‑wrenching moments, set to a score that fuses jazz, gospel, and indie rock influences.

The linked biography of Gonzales is illuminating: a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s MFA program, she has staged several local productions that have earned her regional acclaim. Her involvement in “Midnight Horizon” is seen by the article as a nod to Tulsa’s growing reputation for nurturing homegrown talent.

3. Creative Team: Director, Choreographer, and Designers

The Tulsa World piece emphasizes that the production’s success is due in large part to its creative team. Director and resident artist of the Tulsa Arts Guild, Jamal “Jaz” Carter, is praised for his “radical use of space” and his willingness to let the actors’ natural charisma guide the narrative. The director’s own Instagram feed (link embedded in the article) shows him rehearsing with the cast in a rooftop setting, a creative decision that echoes the musical’s themes of hope and resilience.

Choreographer Lisa Patel, a former Broadway dance captain, choreographed a set of contemporary dance numbers that incorporate traditional Tulsa dance forms. Her use of local dancers is highlighted as an effort to root the production in the city’s cultural mosaic.

Set design, overseen by local artist and designer Tessa Reynolds, is described as “a tapestry of neon lights and recycled materials” that visually mirrors the musical’s blend of the past and present. The lighting director, Michael Wu, employed a dynamic LED system that transitions smoothly between the days’ various moods—rainy mornings, neon nights, and a surreal “midnight horizon” finale.

4. The Cast: Diversity and Depth

The article lists the principal cast members and emphasizes the diversity of the ensemble—a hallmark of the Tulsa arts community. Key performers include:

• Jasmine Lee (Principal role of Maya, the aspiring journalist) – a Tulsa‑born actress who previously performed at the Oklahoma City Center for the Arts.
• David Ortiz (Rafael, the charismatic bartender) – known for his stage presence and strong vocal range.
• Aisha “Ali” Patel (Nora, the local school teacher) – a new face in Tulsa theater, but a seasoned voice actress.
• Ethan Chen (Sam, the street‑wise tech entrepreneur) – an actor who has been featured in several independent films.

The feature includes short audio snippets of the actors discussing their characters, with one snippet featuring Jasmine Lee describing how Maya’s journey “mirrors the city’s own struggles and triumphs.”

5. Production Schedule and Community Outreach

One of the article’s key contributions is its timeline of the production. “Midnight Horizon” premiered on September 20, 2023, and has run to capacity for a 12‑show limited engagement. The Tulsa World article notes that the production schedule was strategically planned to include matinees for students, with free tickets for under‑18s on Wednesday afternoons.

In addition to the main show, the theater has organized a series of after‑show talks, a “Meet the Writer” night featuring Maya Gonzales, and a set of workshops for local high school drama clubs. These outreach efforts are highlighted as evidence of TPAC’s commitment to community enrichment—a theme that resonates throughout the article.

6. Reception: Critics and Audiences

Critics, as quoted in the article, have lauded the show’s “energetic storytelling” and its “bold, original score.” The Tulsa World review also cites the local Tulsa Tribune’s praise for the production’s “inclusion of local cultural motifs.” The audience response has been equally positive, with several social media posts—linked within the article—showing enthusiastic fans sharing screenshots of their favorite moments.

The feature’s most compelling data point is a survey conducted by TPAC’s marketing department: 94 % of respondents said they would recommend “Midnight Horizon” to a friend, and 87 % noted that the production made them feel “more connected to Tulsa.”

7. Why This Matters to Tulsa

Beyond the immediate thrill of a well‑executed show, the article emphasizes that “Midnight Horizon” exemplifies Tulsa’s growing cultural confidence. By featuring a local playwright, a diverse cast, and an original score that reflects the city’s musical heritage, the production underscores the notion that Tulsa’s arts scene is not just a replication of national trends but a genuine creative ecosystem.

The Tulsa World piece links to a broader article titled “Tulsa’s Arts District is Gaining Momentum,” which outlines how a series of recent investments in the Arts District are fueling new creative ventures. The mention of “Midnight Horizon” serves as a case study for this broader narrative.

8. Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Tulsa World article offers a 500‑plus‑word, thorough look at one of Tulsa’s most exciting theatrical offerings. By providing a mix of behind‑the‑scenes insights, linked resources to deepen readers’ understanding, and a critical perspective that balances artistry with community impact, the piece succeeds in painting a full picture of what “Midnight Horizon” brings to the stage and to Tulsa at large.

For those who haven’t yet seen the show, the article offers a clear call to action: book tickets before the final two performances on October 28, 2023, and experience how a modern musical can capture the spirit of a city that’s both rooted in tradition and boldly looking toward the future.