Oklahoma! Summer 2003

After 12 hours and 119 auditions, the artistic staff and cast of this summer’s musical OKLAHOMA! are ready to make the journey toward answering another curtain call! Director Clare Cooke and her artistic staff “feel this particular cast is one of the best and most talented acting ensembles to appear on the Palace stage. They are seasoned veterans who have been extremely dedicated to the Palace Theatre for years.” Cooke stated, “I feel this will be the culmination of many years of hard work for this group of people. We are truly fortunate and blessed to be working with this cast, crew, and orchestra. It is a great way to kick-off the 75th anniversary of the Palace Theatre and see the work of those who’ve been together for 25 years!” They will present five outstanding performances July 11, 12, 18, 19 and 20, with shows at 8:00 p.m. the 11-19 and a 2:00 p.m. Matinee on the 20th.

Casting the show was no easy task as gifted auditioners came by the dozen, some who had previously appeared in OKLAHOMA! when it was first performed on the Palace stage in 1979 with Ula Watts as director. On her artistic team were members of this year’s team as well — Clare Cooke, George Schram, and Carol Hansen . This team reunites again presenting this musical favorite, and after hours of auditions, the cast has been selected and work can begin! Rounding out the artistic team for the musical are Johnny Steiner, Vocal Director; Edye Cook Skidmore, Choreographer; Lyn Giles, Costume Designer; and Don Wolfe, Set Designer. This year’s very talented cast of characters includes: Johnny Steiner as Curly, Jennifer Rieke as Laurey, Alice Galloway as Aunt Eller who returns in the roll she created in 1979, Kristi Cooke Wink as Ado Annie, Tim Schifer as Will Parker, Kevin Orth as Jud Fry, Ron Boose as Ali Hakim, Bruce Cudd as Andrew Carnes, Lynette Burris as Gertie, Brad Bebout as Cord Elam, Andy Harper as Ike Skidmore, Keeli Cook as Dream Ballet Laurey, Ben Kruder as Dream Ballet Curly, Christa Johnston as understudy for Ado Annie. This year’s orchestra directed by George Schram, includes: Kathy Reber, Beth Cumbie, Bill Swihart, Caroline Schram, Michael Witsberger, Matthew Zyjewski, Vern Heimlich, Rick Baird, Terri Campbell, John Watkins, Andy Williams, Greg Lauer, Amy Eckert, Sara Konvalinka, Frank Reber, Louise Vance, Kathleen McEnnis, Dennis Witsberger, Allison Redmond, David Johnston, and Matt Sharrock.

As Rogers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration, OKLAHOMA! has set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still followed today. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a charming farm girl, play out their love story. The road to romance is never a smooth one but with these two adventurous romantics guiding the way, it is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. Watch their new life unfold in a brand new state as OKLAHOMA! kicks-off the Theatre’s 75th Anniversary Season! OKLAHOMA! musical highlights include: “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin” · “People Will Say We’re In Love” · “The Surrey With the Fringe on Top”· “All Er Nothin” and “Kansas City.”

To become a patron sponsor for these productions, purchase a $25 ticket, which provides prime seating and admittance to the Patron Party, sponsored by FAHEY BANK , immediately following opening night (July 11). Other tickets to this musical masterpiece are $18, $15, and $12 each with a $2 discount for seniors and students. A reunion celebration for the 1979 cast is planned for July 12 immediately following that evening’s performance. Contact the box office for more information (740) 383-2101. Tickets on sale beginning Monday, June 2 at 9:00 a.m. Box Office hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. SMITH CLINIC and MARION AREA HEALTH CENTER are again generously sponsoring this summer musical fundraising production.