EVENT:OSU-Tulsa hosts
Writers Hall of Fame dinner
DATE: October 3, 2003
The Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers at Oklahoma State University-Tulsa will induct award-winning author Rilla Askew into the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame on Oct. 3. at the Philbrook Museum of Art. The dinner event will feature a memorial tribute to the late Lynn Riggs, author of Green Grow the Lilacs, the play that inspired the musical Oklahoma.
Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones, who stars in the movie version, will be making a special appearance at the dinner. The evening will begin with a wine reception at 6:30 p.m. to honor author William Bernhardt for his donation of manuscripts to the OSU-Tulsa Archives. Following the dinner, a book signing for Rilla Askew will be held.
Askew is a two-time Oklahoma Book Award winner. She recently received the American Book Award for her epic novel Fire in Beulah. Her other titles include The Mercy Seat, a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, and the short story collection Strange Business. The New York Times describes her work as “powerful” and “arresting.” Publisher’s Weekly concurs, noting that Askew “mixes historical fact with compelling fiction.”
Lynn Riggs’ many contributions will be honored in a memorial tribute. In 1931, the New York Theater Guild’s production of Green Grow the Lilacs was selected as one of the top ten plays of the year. Riggs’ play became the basis for the musical Oklahoma. As Oscar Hammerstein, II, once said, “Lynn Riggs and Green Grow the Lilacs are the very soul of Oklahoma.” Other titles by Riggs include The Domino Party, Cherokee Nights, and Russet Mantle.
Attendees of the dinner or the question and answer forum on Sat. will enjoy the treat of Shirley Jones’ appearance. Jones became the face and voice of Oklahoma when she accepted her first major film role, Laurey Williams, in the motion picture version of the musical. Critically acclaimed for her acting and singing talent, she went on to star in a host of other classic films, including Carousel and The Music Man. Jones won an Oscar as best supporting actress for her role in the drama Elmer Gantry. Additionally, she is a noted stage and concert performer and appeared in the popular television series The Partridge Family.
Free weekend activities surround Askew’s dinner. These kick off with the Oklahoma Literary Landmark Dedication, honoring Lynn Riggs on Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Will Rogers Public Library in Claremore. On Sat., Oct. 4, OSU-Tulsa will host Shirley Jones in a question and answer forum in the Auditorium at 10:30 a.m., discussing the lasting impact of Oklahoma.
Past inductees of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame include Jay Cronley, Clifton Taulbert, Billie Letts and Michael Wallis.
Tickets to the induction dinner event are $55. All other weekend activities are free and open to the public. For reservations or more information, contact Teresa Miller at 918-594-8215.