It is not often that you shoot a live concert where the real talent is an inanimate object!… but that was the case recently 
when the State of Oklahoma celebrated the dedication of their new Capitol Dome, and Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen were there to lend their expertise. Yes, the real “star” of this outing was in fact the State Capitol and its magnificent new Dome. Because a “building” was to be the featured talent, a decision was made 
to use the Capitol as the stage backdrop, certainly no easy task. Could a stage be constructed and a show be conceived, which would be impressive enough to hold its own against such an formitable and massive structure? Well, thanks to the efforts of Executive Producer, Lee Allan Smith, President of Oklahoma Events, Inc., Show Producer, Dave Thomas and Show Director, Steve Dahlem, both with Six Flags Productions and Paul Austin, Austin Pyrotechnics, our greatest expectations were more than fulfilled
So as the state celebrated its 95th anniversary and after Eighty-eight years, the Dome, which was completed over the last 19 months
at a cost of nearly $21 million, was officially dedicated. The with a 90-minute, star-spangled show, titled Spirit of a New Frontier featured a cast of Oklahoma and national celebrities, and ended with a breathtaking laser and fireworks display. The impressive lineup of talent, broadcast live by the Oklahoma Educational Television Association (OETA)(PBS) and Produced by OETA’s Emmy Award winning Deputy Director, Bill Thrash, included appearances by
Vince Gill and Amy Grant, who also hosted the show. Others appearing were Grammy Award winning songwriter and artist, Jimmy Webb; performances from the cast of The Music Man and Will Rogers’ Follies; former Miss Americas Jane Jayroe, Susan Powell and Shawntel Smith Wuerch; Leona Mitchell joined by the Canterbury Choral Society in the singing of the national anthem; and songs from country recording artist Bryan White.
Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen served as Technical Producers for the show and live broadcast. Omega also 
provided the wireless PL system, as well as a number of crew. Omega’s Alan Stiebing was the Wireless Tech. Fran Falcone, Six Flags Productions, served as Production Coordinator for the live show, as did Tim Carlisle with Six Flags, who headed up the Laser complement. OETA’s Leon Smith provided his expertise by insuring consistency in a number of areas,
including tape playback. Director of the TV broadcast was Dennis Glore ably assisted by AD Curt Casassa. Ted Wells was Lighting Director. OETA’s Price Wooldridges erved as Production Coordinator for the production. Dave Schramm and Fred Kailer, Cox Production Services, headed up engineering duties as EICs. Larry Bearden provided Video duties. Mike Farrell served as Stage Crew Manager.
Other crew consisted of Mickie Smith, TD; Andy Benz, Audio Engineer 
and Mixer; Jonathan Siler, Teleprompt Operator; Omega’s David Owens, Steadicam Operator; Mark Voyles and Barry Levy, Hand Held Cameras, Omega’s Don Warren and Andy Dean on Jimmy Jib Cameras; Mark Northcutt, Randy Hayes and J. C. Johnson on Fixed Cameras.
Mobile Teleproduction Facilities were provided by Cox Production Services. Lighting for the live show was provided by Toucan Lighting and President, Robin Alvis, as was Sound Reinforcement by Miller Audio Services, Danny Miler, President.
Plans are already underway for a similar celebration in 2007, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Oklahoma Territory becoming a state. No doubt that event will reflect the grand vision and “can do” of the people of Oklahoma.
