Days Inn Tulsa Central

The Tulsa Performing Arts Center (TPAC) is a world-class venue housing five performance halls and a large reception space. The TPAC is home to Tulsa Ballet, Tulsa Opera, and Theatre Tulsa (as an interesting aside: Theatre Tulsa is the oldest continuously-running theatre company west of the Mississippi and was the first community theatre group to ever stage "Our Town"). The TPAC also hosts performances by major national touring companies, including several Broadway productions each year.

The main concert space, the Chapman Music Hall, contains 2,365 seats on three levels: orchestra, mezzanine and balcony. The orchestra level contains one section only, its crimson rows set in long sweeping arcs with no center aisle. I personally prefer to sit in a front center section of the mezzanine due to its slightly raised position in relation to the stage. The balcony is quite high and rather steeply pitched but seats there provide a great value. Chapman Hall is a wonderful place to take in a performance; there are no obscured views anywhere in the hall, the acoustics are excellent, and the decor is simple but elegant.

The John H. Williams Theatre sits directly below Chapman and is primarily a venue for plays and more intimate musical peformances. It seats 437. The seating is on one inclining level, divided into left, center and right sections. Other main performance areas include a versatile black box theatre and two multi-purpose spaces. All public spaces in the TPAC are well-maintained and pleasant and there is quite an extensive collection of original art lining the walls throughout the building.

As in many cities with Ballet companies, the annual production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" is a staple of the season. TBT's production is terrific, with choreography by Marcello Angelini, and beautiful costuming and sets. For those visiting Tulsa during the holidays it provides an excellent opportunity for the whole family to visit the TPAC.