It's showtime! - Mark Frie, Tulsa PAC CEO

Welcome to Tulsa Talks presented by Tulsa Regional Chamber. I’m your host Tim Landes, and I have loved the performing arts for as long as I can remember. 

My guest on this episode is Mark Frie, Tulsa Performing Arts Center’s CEO since 2017. As you can imagine the last couple of years have been tough on the theater industry, but things are looking up. 

He discusses how they’re bouncing back and gearing up for a big year of shows including Frozen and Oklahoma! (and it’s not your grandma’s version). 

Mark is a native Tulsan. His love of acting and singing has helped guide his career that has taken him to DFW, Boston, Broadway, then to Broken Arrow and finally back home to Tulsa. 

As someone who loves going to the theater, I was excited to learn more about his time in New York at Radio City Music Hall and what it’s like in that world. As you’ll hear my brain explodes when he tells me about what all can be seen at the NYC library. 

We talk about the evolution of performing arts and what upgrades are needed for the PAC that’s now 45 years old and how the nonprofit is devoting more energy on supporting numerous community organizations. 

We also discuss one of the most important questions theatergoers often ask: What should I wear to a show?

I had a great time getting to know Mark and learning more about Tulsa PAC and all they great things happening there. Also, I absolutely love his idea you’ll soon hear about the need for a traveling theater company.

Later on, I’ll share a groovy new single from Brad Absher and the Superials that I can’t stop playing. 

Before we dive into the conversation, I want to mention that we want to hear from you. For the second Tulsa Talks episode in May, we want to answer your questions about Tulsa. It can be anything Tulsa related. How tall is the Golden Driller? What is the best coney in town? Why are our streets named the way they are? Do you miss Crystal’s Pizza? Why do people say “on Brookside” when it’s not a street, but a neighborhood? 

Send us your questions to [email protected] or [email protected]. Subject line: Mailbag. 

OK let’s get this going. 

This is Tulsa Talks with Mark Frie. 

Tulsa musician Brad Absher and his band, the Superials, release their debut album, "Tulsa Tea," on June 10 with a special show and crawfish boil at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom beginning at 7 PM. 

Billed as the NEUTRAL GROUND THROWDOWN, the show will also feature special guests Poppa Foster and the Grits and Little Joe McLerran. "Tulsa Tea" was produced by Chris Combs and recorded at Paradise Studio at Grand Lake in nearby Tijuana, Oklahoma, the studio founded and made famous by the legendary Leon Russell.

The album will be released by Horton Records. I’ve included the preoder link. As well as a link for tickets to Neutral Ground Throwdown.

And with that here is the single Be the Love.