Last Updated on October 10, 2023, 6:40 PM | Published: October 10, 2023
OKLAHOMA CITY — From modern playwright Eric John Meyer comes the latest in Oklahoma City Repertory’s 2023-2024 season. Houston-based artist Jesse Jou directs the Antelope Party and features an all-Oklahoma-based cast.
A group of friends get together for a seemingly innocent night playing their favorite My Little Pony RPG (role-playing game). But soon, paranoia and fear set in when the friends begin to suspect their game is being targeted by a force just outside their doors.
The question quickly arises; could this harmless game of magical ponies be the target of nefarious ne’er-do-wells and neighborhood busybodies? Even worse, could their friend group be infiltrated by the menacing Truthers from the Neighborhood Watch? The group of friends and die-hard pony people must find out and put a stop to it, or else.
This absurdist dark comedy debuted in 2018. Inspired by classic movie thrillers, it saw previous success with audiences in New York City and Chicago and now comes to Oklahoma City in an all-new, homegrown local production. Those so-called “elder millennials” and anyone who appreciates the nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons and nerd fandoms will love this tantalizing tale of fantasy and caution.
The Antelope Party explores ideas of friendship and trust and charges its audience with finding the magic in the mundane, even when the world outside is dark and scary.
Given the news surrounding our world and community, it couldn’t come at a better time. Who doesn’t need to see a show that promises a lot of escapism mixed with just a touch of reality? The play also serves up a healthy dose of social commentary and takes a stark look at some of the political upheaval and real-world paranoia that we all face in our daily lives.
The best of the best
OKC Repertory is bringing the best of the best from the theatre and entertainment worlds to Oklahoma City patrons.
After the retirement of Founding Artistic Director Donald Jordan in 2020, OKC Rep underwent a nationwide search for new leadership. The professional theatre company recruited Kelly Kerwin, who previously worked at New York City’s Public Theatre, to take the helm in 2021.
The fresh vision and unique perspective Kerwin brings have provided some of the most intriguing and imaginative new shows for local audiences. OKCRep previously presented a puppet show, a citywide walking tour, and has brought New York’s Under the Radar festival to Oklahoma City.
Anyone who enjoys role-playing strategy games, or even just loves a good game night with friends, will find humor and relatability in this play.
The Antelope Party promises to be unlike anything theatergoers have seen before in Oklahoma City. It’s sure to bring about some new theatre fans and inspire longtime patrons of the arts. It also serves as a chance to face, and face down, some of our darkest realities.
The Antelope Party is staged in partnership with Oklahoma Contemporary. All performances are in the Te Ata Theater, located inside Oklahoma Contemporary’s beautiful new venue near Broadway and NW 11th St in downtown Oklahoma City.
It stars Sydney Bruner as Maggie, Justin Mayer as Shawn, Annie Funke as Jean, Gillian O’Daniel as Rachel, Tyler Malinauskas as Doug, and Alexi Smith as Ben. Edmond-based actor Funke is welcomed with open arms back to Oklahoma City after previously working on the small screen and the Broadway stage. The Antelope Party runs October 12-22, 2023. Tickets are on sale now and are available for purchase online at okcrep.org.
Adrienne Proctor is a theater and arts writer in Oklahoma City. She's been contributing to the arts reporting space since 2017.
