OKC FRIDAY Vol. 59 No. 4 • One Section • 12 pages • June 6, 2025
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Social media, technology of concern to the Class of 2025 Editor’s note: This is the first in a two-part series about the major concerns of 2025 graduating seniors. Next week, students voice concerns over financial stability and the future. By Rose Lane Editor
immense pride in ‘Oklahoma!,‘ brought to life in a way that deeply honors our Oklahoma roots. Each production offers its own unique magic. “And this year, we're thrilled to partner with the Oklahoma History Center to showcase historical artifacts from past productions of ‘Oklahoma!’ in our
Forty of the some 105 all-stars featured in our May 30 Salute to the Class of 2025 said that the rise of social media and technology is the greatest concern to their generation. “If left unchecked, social media will topple our society,” Casady School graduate Isabella Cope said. “The current version of social media spreads fake news, polarizes the public, diminishes self-esteem, especially that of adolescents and demands our attention, taking us away from meaningful activities and experiences that enrich our lives and boost our mental and physical well-being.” Many cited the effect social media can have on mental health. “There are constant comparison, misinformation and the overall addiction to apps as it begins to distort time, reality and mental health,” Heritage Hall All-Star Jessica Bullock said. Bishop McGuinness All-Star Bryce Shwarz said the impact of social media on mental health and overall personal well-being is concerning. “Social media plays an impact on all areas of our lifes, often creating farfetched expectations,” he said. “Constant exposure to social media, online news and the rapid ability to access technology can enable a sense of stress and anxiety.” A lack of empathy is driven by social media, John Marshall’s Sophia Macy Ojerio Reyes said. “Many online interactions normalize bullying and dehumanize others, making it easy to judge without understanding,” she said. “This digital disconnect weakens real-world relationships, emphasizing the need for greater compassion and accountability in how we engage with others.” Putnam City North All-Star Lamar Schmidt called social media “an utterly addicting time consumer. “Personally, I’ve lost days or even weeks to these apps and I’m sure many other in my generation have faced the same struggle,” he said. Due to screens, Putnam City North’s Christina Truong said time “escapes like sand through our fingers in the automated reality of today.”
See LYRIC, Page 2
See CONCERNS, Page 2
- Photo by Malcolm Zachariah
Amy I-lin Cheng and Chad Burrow performing at First Baptist Church, Oklahoma City. They are to be a part of Brightmusi’s annual summer festival June 15, 17, 19 and 20 at the church in midtown.
Brightmusic to present music festival Guest violinist Elissa Cassini and Brightmusic are to perform the annual summer music festival June 15, 17, 19 and 20 at First Baptist Church in midtown Oklahoma City, featuring music created and inspired by Hungarian and Bohemian (Czech) composers like Bartók and Dvořák. A “Truly communicative” (New York Times) and “impeccable and powerful soloist” (Neue Musik Zeitung), FrenchAmerican Elissa Cassini explores the full expressive
range of the violin through her captivating tone and charismatic performances. Cassini performed her Carnegie Weill Hall debut recital as a recipient of the Artists International prize, the same year she received her masters degree from the Juilliard School. An avid chamber musician, Cassini was invited as artistic director of the 2016 Musiquedans les Vignes” festival in Anjou, France, performing with cellist Gary Hoffman. Cassini also created “Duplexity Concerts,” an international
series of virtuoso instrumental duos transcending the traditional recital format. The festival program includes: • Concert No. 1, 3 p.m., Sunday, June 15 – Artistic Directors’ Recital Bohuslav Martinů, “Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano” Ferdinand Ries, “Sonata in G Minor for Clarinet and Piano, Op. 29” Michele Mangani, “La Bohème Fantasia su Concerto See FESTIVAL, Page 10
Summer at the Civic opens with ‘Joseph’ This summer, joy takes center stage as Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma presents Summer at the Civic—a dazzling lineup of three must-see musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall. From the wonder of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” to the soul-stirring hits of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” and the
rousing return of our official state musical “Oklahoma!,” this season promises unforgettable moments for the whole family. Whether you're reliving beloved classics or discovering them for the first time, there's joy and magic waiting for everyone at Lyric Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at LyricTheatreOKC.org or by calling (405) 524-9312,
Monday–Friday, 12–5 p.m. “This summer’s lineup is truly something special,” said Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron. “Audiences will fall in love with the joy and heart of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ be moved by the powerful, uplifting journey of ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’ and feel
Senior Follies benefits OK Alzheimer’s Association The 2025 Oklahoma Senior Follies revue takes place on June 14 and 15 at Mitchell Hall on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. The show is again under the direction of Gina Bramlett and Michael Pone. “Our commitment to celebrating the vibrancy and creativity of our senior community is at the heart of everything we do,” organizers said. Oklahoma Senior Follies,
Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of Oklahoma Seniors. The organization’s goal and mission are to promote, encourage and stimulate the social and active lives of senior citizens. Each year, the Follies raises funds and donates to the Oklahoma Alzheimer’s Association through varied activities, including the Follies’ extravaganza. For tickets, visit okseniorfollies.org.
FRIDAY’s Dog of the Week Birdie Fowler is David and Crystal Fowler rescue lab that turns out to be part great pyrenees. She loves to be outside; playing fetch, looking for/chasing rabbits, squirrels or just chillaxing on the patio. She’s so very gentle, so very large and so very loved. Email Pet of the Week submissions with complete descriptions to: rose@okcfriday.com.