Why everyone should go see 'Oklahoma!' in Albany 🤠

Happy Monday, Capital Region! Today, we’re running the numbers on the cost of putting on Oklahoma! in Washington Park—and why it should bring all of us out to support this show. Plus, prepare for a glorious 3-day weekend with 4th of July celebrations all around the Capital.

Small correction: Due to an editing error last Thursday, we attributed the wrong comment to Liz Richards. In fact, she said (speaking about Chatham) that “it’s so cute! I miss the Blue Plate.” Thanks for being a loyal subscriber, Liz!

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Free theater isn’t really free: The story of Oklahoma! in Albany

If you’re anywhere near Albany in July, you really ought to catch Oklahoma! at Park Playhouse.

This Rodgers & Hammerstein musical is a classic romp through Americana. There’s the cowboy-farm girl love story. There are big themes about belonging, manifest destiny, and the price of progress. Come for the sweeping melodies and vibrant choreography, stay for the history lessons.

Best of all, the tickets are free. And in this economy, that’s something to really appreciate.

According to this report from WAMC’s Bob Goepfert, it will cost about $200,000 to produce this staging of Oklahoma! The City of Albany hasn’t funded the Park Playhouse since 2011, though Mayor Kathy Sheehan did authorize a $50,000 contribution this year (thanks for the parting gift, Kathy).

Preferred seating brings in about $65,000 in revenue, but it’s still not enough. And the theater company insists on not charging admission—even a modest $5. “Not everyone in our audience uses their discretionary income on theater,” producing-artistic director Owen Smith tells Goepfert.

Private donations from corporate sponsors and individuals make up the rest, but these have dropped off significantly since the pandemic. “Our survival depends on donations from many sources,” Owen says.

Oklahoma! kicks off a four-week run on Tuesday. Lawn seating is first-come, first-serve and free for all. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair. Food is allowed. And if you’re able, consider upgrading to premium reserved seating ($30–$40) to support the cause and guarantee your seat.

If you really want to help support free theater and arts education in the Capital District, join the fundraising gala on July 9, which includes a performance of Oklahoma!, food and drink, and a tribute to longtime financial supporters Herb and Annmarie Ellis. Tickets are available now.

Your support is needed more than ever, whether you’re donating directly like the Ellises or simply showing up. At the very least, come out and enjoy the show—and give these hardworking artists the full attention that they deserve. This goes for all of the shows produced around the Capital Region all year long, but it’s especially important when such high-quality shows are offered free to the public.

The deets: Oklahoma! showing at the Washington Park Lakehouse in Albany. Enter at the intersection of New Scotland and Madison Avenues (also the best address for GPS). Paid parking is available for $10. Show runs July 1-27. Tue-Sun, 7:30p.

The week opens with a brilliant sun and quick replenishing rainstorms before easing into a rich stretch of classic summer weather, perfect for grilling, fireworks, and gardening!

✊ The TU profiles the 100-year-old Navy vet who is staging a one-man protest against the Trump administration. You’ll find Burt Ketcham at the corner of Nott Terrace and Eastern Avenue in Schenectady on a walker and his hand-drawn anti-Trump sign. "It's not something that I really want to do but I feel obligated because of the situation our country is in,” he says. [Times Union]

🌲 After three years of committee work and debate, the town of Niskayuna has approved a new logo—but it remains controversial. The refreshed logo features a heron in flight with ripples representing the Mohawk River and pine trees in the background. Some residents say it doesn’t fully capture the town’s history. The design also looks somewhat… underwhelming? See for yourself. (Btw, how’s that new city flag for Albany coming along?)

🧶 Up-Stitch in Albany is run as a nonprofit and collects donations of yarn, fabric and other craft supplies. Its main mission is to keep these materials out of landfills. Opened in 2017, the store celebrated its grand reopening this past weekend at its new location at 28 Essex Street. You can also find Up-Stitch at The Happie Collective at 197 Lark St. [News10]

Nestled sweetly in a cul-de-sac in Troy, this Craftsman bungalow has classic character at an unbeatable price point. Delightful details include hardwood floors and woodwork, a working fireplace, a walk-pantry and a clawfoot tub. The fresh exterior paint, new appliances and sleek black energy-efficient windows add charm where it counts. The spacious, renovated attic and 2 family zoning are ripe with potential. Sitting on nearly half an acre, this gem of a property is also a permaculture haven with fruit trees, berry bushes, and medicinal herb beds. Someone has loved this home, and we bet you will too.

Btw, we see a lot of real estate photos and someone did excellent work with these!

The deets: 3 bd, 1 ba, 1344 sf. Asking: $235,000. Days on market: 4. See the full listing here. 

Our full weekend roundup publishes every Thursday. Be sure to check your inboxes!

🇺🇲 Of course, the big event this week is our nation’s 249th birthday.

The NYS Fourth of July Celebration at the Empire State Plaza is the headlining show. Full details here.

There are Fourth of July celebrations across the Capital Region, including in Saratoga, Stillwater at Brown’s Beach, Schenectady, Clifton Park, the Summer Pops Concert in Glens Falls (July 3). The TU has a full roundup.

On July 4th, Schuyler Mansion in Albany invites the public to an old-fashioned Independence Day celebration on the mansion grounds. Lark Hall is also throwing a free Fireworks Afterparty at The Eleven.

🎭️ The Little Mermaid plays at at Cohoes Music Hall through Aug. 17. Meanwhile, Beauty & the Beast runs through July 3 at Proctors.

🧒 On Tuesday, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga throws a Summer Kick Off with a fun-filled day of activities.

✊ Join We Are Revolutionary every Tuesday at the Capitol building at 11 am to rally in support of bills like Solutions not Suspensions and The Family Miranda Rights Act.

🎤 Caffè Lena invites you to Poetry Open Mic, led by Matthew Klane, one of the founding poet-artists of Troy’s popular Salon Salvage reading series.

🍺🏃‍♂️ Trails & Ales at Common Roots Albany Outpost on Wednesday evenings is a great way to meet new people and get your cardio in too!

🇯🇲 This week, it’s Reggae Night at Albany’s Alive at Five, featuring Mellow Mood w/ Dis-N-Dat Band.

🧘‍♂️ Every Saturday morning, join Hot Yoga Spot for a free hour-long yoga class at the SUNY Plaza in Albany. Bring your mat, your water and good vibes.

🏊‍♀️ Albany’s Lincoln Park Pool reopens on Saturday after more than a year of construction to completely renovate the historic facility.

🪩 Troy’s Bard & Baker hosts its Galactic Gala on Saturday. Come dressed in your galactic-inspired best and sip on themed off-planet drinks.

🎸 The Freedom Park Summer Concert series in Scotia features the Capital District Youth Pipe Band on Wednesday and Michael Benedict Jazz Vibes on Sunday.

🎨 Join the Collar City Coterie to draw the historic facade of the Proctors Theatre in Troy for its Plein Air Session on Sunday.

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