Ponyboy now to operate in conjunction with historic theatre in Oklahoma City
Tower Theatre is officially taking over operations of Ponyboy this month. The historic theatre and bar space was designed to operate together during the extensive renovations completed by Pivot Project in 2016. Tower will activate Ponyboy’s upstairs space with concerts, private rentals and events while maintaining the bar’s reputation as an affordable gathering place for friends and neighbors.
Tower Theatre and Ponyboy opened simultaneously in 2017. Tower operating partners Stephen Tyler and Chad Whitehead focused on opening and activating the venue and cinema space, while 84 Hospitality developed and opened Ponyboy, the Okie-themed bar inspired S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders.
Over the past two years Tower Theatre has experienced massive growth, hosting over 500 live concerts, movies and private events. From presenting national touring acts like Flying Lotus, Jim James, Gillian Welch and more, to screening films and hosting a bevy of special events, Tyler and Whitehead have successfully brought Tower Theatre back from the brink - with events occurring an average of 25 nights a month. The venue remains a cultural and community hub for the Uptown 23rd Street District and Oklahoma City.
“In 2017 our focus was on Tower – booking shows, bringing film back and making the space available to the community for event rentals,” said Tyler. “Ponyboy and Tower Theatre are designed to function together, with shared bathroom space and access to the theatre lobby from the bar. We have been dying to have the time and bandwidth to take this on. Now that we’ve grown the business and our team, we are ready to do what we do best.”
The upstairs of Ponyboy has always played an integral role in complex. Tower regularly presents live music, most recently up-and-coming national touring acts like Son Little and Walker Lukens. Upcoming shows include Suzanne Santo of Honey Honey (11/3/19), Fruit Bats (9/26/19), and poet Buddy Wakefield (10/29/19). In addition, the space is used for private meetings, happy hours and late night dance parties.
Ponyboy’s downstairs space is open 7 days a week. Before select Tower Theatre concerts the bar hosts Ponyboy Pregame, a happy hour boasting $4 drink specials and the opportunity for concert goers to skip the outdoor line. Free parking is available for Ponyboy patrons in the lot directly south of the building.
For private event inquires, table reservations and weekly specials, contact info@ponyboy.com or call (405) 602-5985.
For a complete listing of Tower Theatre concerts, films & events, visit www.TowerTheatreOKC.com. Tower Theatre tickets can be purchased at www.towertheatreokc.com or stopping by the Tower Theatre Box Office located on NW 23rd Street in Oklahoma City. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Tower Theatre is now an independently-owned, live music and movie venue, located at 425 NW 23rd Street in historic Uptown 23rd. For more information about upcoming events at Tower Theatre and to purchase tickets visit www.towertheatreokc.com.