This is post number 5 in our 50 Post for 50 Days series- see what it’s all about here
Any non-profit organization is only as good as its Board of Directors- which is why Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is pretty fantastic! Since our inception, we’ve had strong support from community leaders who have guided Lyric along the right path. These individuals all choose to give of their time and resources to our organization and its betterment, and are a wonderful group. We asked them about their experiences- here are a few of their responses.
Mike Johnson
1. How did you get involved with the Board? Mike Turpen asked me to consider joining. I had previously participated in the Capital Campaign, and my son was also active at Lyric during that time.
2. Why do you choose to devote your time and energy to Lyric? Why do you choose to devote your time and energy to Lyric? I particularly enjoy musical theatre, and I thought Lyric’s productions were of a very high caliber.
3. Out of all the shows that you’ve seen at Lyric, what is your favorite? Why? For sheer enjoyment, I always enjoy the Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tommy and Sweeney Todd.
4. What’s your favorite Lyric memory? Watching my son perform on the center-stage.
4. What’s your favorite Lyric memory? What keeps you coming back to Lyric? The continued ability of the staff to create a variety of enjoyable entertainment experiences (some well-know, and some less well-known).
Bob McKown
1. How did you get involved with the Board? In 1967 several founders/early leaders (John Kirkpatrick, Syl Goldman, Thelma Gaylord, Charlie Bennett) seeking a young businessman for the Board asked me. I said, “why me? I can’t sing, I can’t dance, I can’t act”. They said, “we want a younger man with business sense and background and one not afraid to ask the tough question”. 46 years later I’m still asking those questions!
2. Why do you choose to devote your time and energy to Lyric? From a very small beginning in 50 years we’ve built a truly amazing Institution! One that excels and is recognized nationally in so many ways……… entertainment, quality, professionalism, education, leadership, performance, training to name a few. I’ve enjoyed and am proud to have been a part of these developments and plan to continue for many years to come as Lyric continues to go ‘onward and upward’!
3. Out of all the shows that you’ve seen at Lyric, what is your favorite? Why? In 50 years, there have been so many wonderful shows! I especially liked the several productions of ‘George M!’, ‘The Music Man’, ‘Anything Goes’, and ‘Singing in the Rain’. But my all time favorite is the 1968 production of ‘The Student Prince’……… why? The music.
4. What’s your favorite Lyric memory? The buzz and excitement of Opening Nights back at Kirkpatrick Auditorium in the O.C.U. days.
5. What keeps you coming back to Lyric? Just like Cole Porter says in ‘Anything Goes’……… “IT’S THE TOPS!!!”
Randy Compton
1. How did you get involved with the Board? Gail Beals asked me if I would be interested in serving.
2. Why do you choose to devote your time and energy to Lyric? I enjoy musical theatre, I love OKC and there is not a better non-profit organization than Lyric.
3. Out of all the shows that you’ve seen at Lyric, what is your favorite? Why? Probably the 2007 edition of Oklahoma. Great cast, very well attended and one of the best overall production we have ever done.
4. What’s your favorite Lyric memory? There are so many and everyday there is a new one. I love the past and its history, but I am really excited about what lies ahead. Our facilities are wonderful, our staff is great and I think Michael is just getting started and I have enjoyed everything he has done so far.
5. What keeps you coming back to Lyric? What keeps you coming back to Lyric? The people…the staff, the board and the audience.
Want to hear from more of our board members? Check back soon to hear other members’ perspective!
