Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park - Check it out at the Water Stage! (December 13, 2006) – The Myriad Botanical Garden, whose acres of flowers transform themselves with each turning season, will undergo a radical transformation of its own with today's announcement that local theatre company Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park (OSP) will make the Gardens' popular water stage its new performance home. The Oklahoma City Council unanimously approved a three-year lease allowing OSP to stage productions from the Water Stage starting in June 2007. 
A press conference announcing the new lease agreement was held at the Myriad Botanical Gardens at 1 p.m. December 12. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett, Myriad Gardens Authority Chairman Jim Tolbert and David Holt, board president of Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park, all commented about the new opportunity to bring the classical theatre company downtown. "This development shows that success breeds more success," said Mayor Cornett. "This is part of creating a living downtown, where citizens live, work and play. I can think of no greater image to show what Downtown has become than to picture thousands of Oklahomans enjoying live theater in the middle of a beautiful garden, with the Downtown skyline as a backdrop." The first phase of the project is an immediate $400,000 renovation of the water stage, including new electrical and sound systems, new stage structures, dressing rooms and enhanced seating in the existing stage area. "We are truly excited to see this come to fruition," said Dixie Jensen, executive director of the Myriad Gardens Foundation. "The renovation and enhancement of the Water Stage as a major performance venue is another major step in the growth and development of downtown Oklahoma City. Bringing Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park to our gardens will not only bring new audiences, but will greatly enhance the overall downtown feel and experience." Find out more here: Shakespeare in the Park
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