Thursday, July 16-Sunday, July 26 –

The Wall Street Journal called the Broadway prouduction of My Big Gay Italian Wedding a “feel-good hysterical comedy.” The show, a comedy that satirizes the controversy surrounding same-sex marriage while depicting larger-than-life gay Italian-American characters, now arrives on a Tulsa stage, presented by American Theatre Company, directed by Kathryn Hartney and choreography by Ashlee Elmore. Characters and cast include Anthony Pinnunziato, played by ATC company member Mvnte July, and Andrew Polinski, played by ATC newcomer Brandon Roy. Anthony, a gay Italian-American with a large, charismatic family, wants to marry his boyfriend Andrew in a traditional Italian ceremony. Things get complicated when Anthony’s mother won’t give her blessings unless Andrew’s estranged mother will, and matters get even more worse when Andrew’s ex-boyfriend intends to split up the couple. The play premiered off-Broadway in 2003 at the Actor’s Playhouse in New York City. During the play’s run, celebrities raised funds and awareness for marriage equality and the Trevor Project. Now, My Big Gay Italian Wedding comes to Tulsa following the recent Supreme Court Marriage Equality ruling. Opening Thursday, July 16, the production will bring audiences to the ATC Studios stage through Sunday, July 26. For more information, visit www.americantheatrecompany.org.

Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19 –

Are you a fan of anime? Do you enjoy the whimsical pop culture of Japan? On Friday, July 17, all of your dreams will come true as Japan collides with Oklahoma at the Cox Business Center. The eighth annual Tokyo in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s largest anime expo, will bring anime fans downtown for three days of fun. Also known as TnT, Toyko in Tulsa is a nonprofit, fan-based convention that focuses on Japanese anime, culture and pop culture. The nonprofit’s mission is “to educate and build community through entertainment and will present 300 hours of scheduled programming of video games, art, anime, manga and writing. There will also be a special performance by rising Japanese rock band Hollow Mellow with an autograph and Q&A session following its performance. For more information, visit www.coxcentertulsa.com

Wednesday, July 15 –

The Georgia band first came together in a college dorm at the University of Georgia, rocking out at house parties and bars. But in 1987, Widespread Panic got the opportunity to spread its talent to the world after being signed to Landslide Records. For the next 30 years the band would execute as a great southern blues guitar band, with a smooth, melodic guitar sound that it continues to explore on its 12th studio album, Street Dogs, the group’s first album since Dirty Side Down in 2010. The band says its most recent album explores the New Orleans music scene, describing the album as a “a gumbo musical influence.” With next year marking three decades since banding together, Widespread Panic, accompanied by a new sound, is still hungry to be the best. On Wednesday, July 15, band members John Bell, John “JoJo” Hermann, Jimmy Herring, Todd Nance, Domingo S. Ortiz and Dave Schools will perform at The Zoo Amphitheatre in Oklahoma City. For more information, visit www.zooamp.com

Thursday, July 16

Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park celebrates 30 years of classical theater with wine tasting, complimentary hors d’oeuvres from Paseo Grill, live music provided by members of the acting company and a silent auction at their new home in Oklahoma City’s Paseo Arts District. Founded in 1985 by Jack O’Meara and Kathryn Huey O’Meara McGill, Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park is a company devoted to presenting the best outdoor productions of William Shakespeare and other classic authors. In its inception, the founders’ vision was supported by a group of art enthusiasts, including Al Bode, and a large cluster of the company’s supporters were based in the city of Edmond. In the summer of 1985, OSP began performing in front of small crowds at Edmond’s E.C. Hafer Park, progressively growing larger each weekend and reaching 500 attendees by the end of August’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. On Thursday, July 16, celebrate with Oklahoma Shakespeare and sip to its success. For more information, please visit www.oklahomashakespeare.com