It is 2010, so even the venerable Oklahoma Gridiron Show (ripping national, state and local politics since 1928, is changing.
This year, the show moves Wed, Feb. 24, Fri. Feb 26 and Sat. Feb. 27 to Lyric Plaza Theatre, 1727 NW 16th in the Plaza District.
There are three ways to buy retail tickets to this year’s show:
•On the web, either at www.okcgridiron.org or www.ticketstorm.com
•By telephone from Ticketstorm at 1-866-966-1777
•At Tickestorm’s retail outlets, currently Party Galaxy Stores and Guestroom Records.
So, if Gridiron is changing so much, is nothing sacred? Are there no fixed absolutes left in the world?
Truthfully, Gridiron has NOT changed in one important respect. The show will still singe, if not burn, the foibles and folly of politicians at the local, state and national level.
This year’s “targets” include not only President Barack Obama (portrayed again by Bart Vleugels) but also Sarah Palin (with Ashley Barcum of OETA reprising her role).
The nation’s chief executive’s harshest critics (the conservative talk show hosts, played by a coterie of experienced performers) are not spared.
Closer to home, Andrew Harris of News9 reprises his deft send-up of Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry, while the woman who would be governor, Mary Fallin, gets her share of scrutiny at the hands of the popular performer Billie Rodely – who also portrays Secretary of State Hillary Cllinton.
The state act theme is hinted at in its title, “Looking for the Guv – Where’s Waldo?”
The feds get theirs in the opening act, “What Swine Flu? Take the money and oink!”
Expect laugh-out-loud dialogue and a surprise or three as Oklahoma City’s journalist corps focuses a critical eye on political leaders.
It’s all for a good cause, as proceeds after expenses benefit scholarships for aspiring journalists.
