'Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical' Kicks Off Broadway Bridges In Tulsa

Mrs. Doubtfire: The Musical" is now playing at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, marking the launch of "Broadway Bridges," a program that allows Tulsa students to attend performances for free.

Fifty students from Rogers, Booker T. Washington, and Hale High Schools experienced Broadway in Tulsa, with an up-close look at the production.

“I’m so glad, and I’m amazed. That makes me so happy because I’m glad we have these opportunities to watch the show and be able to see what goes on the stage,” said Jakota Daniels, a Booker T. Washington student.

These students are the first from Green Country to participate in Broadway Bridges, a national program started by the Broadway League to provide New York City public high school sophomores the chance to see a Broadway show. Tulsa is now one of 24 cities participating in a pilot program to expand Broadway Bridges beyond New York.

“A few shows that are currently on the road have consented to making these tickets available at an affordable price for the students, and then we’ve had some very generous donors, including TPS, who’ve made it very possible for us to introduce them to live theater,” said Randy Cole of Celebrity Attractions.

Aleks Kitchens, the fine arts content manager for Tulsa Public Schools, spoke about the transformative power of theater. “I was six when I saw my first one, and it was magical, and it changed my whole life,” she said.

Students expressed gratitude and inspiration after the performance. “I think it’s a blessing to even have the money and the opportunity to have these kinds of events going on in our lives,” said Zavian Jamerson, a Booker T. Washington student.

Celebrity Attractions hopes the program will foster a lifelong connection between students and the arts.

“So maybe this gives them the trigger to look to do something on stage or backstage, to become a theater maker or at best an audience member for the rest of their lives,” Cole said.

"Mrs. Doubtfire" wraps up its Tulsa run tomorrow with two more shows. The next touring production for Broadway Bridges students will be "Les Misérables," arriving in January.