Theatre Bristol celebrates the 80th year of “Oklahoma” with its production Sept. 22 through Oct. 1 at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, Tennessee.
In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.
With music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and original choreography by Agnes de Mille, the musical was based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs. “Oklahoma” was greeted by critics and audiences alike as a watershed – the first successful truly unified musical, in which all creative elements worked together to support the story. The “Hamilton” of its day, the show elevated the art form of musical theatre and kicked off a Golden Age of American musicals that lasted for several decades. “Oklahoma” won numerous awards, from a special Pulitzer Prize to the 2019 Tony Award for its innovative Broadway revival.
Musical favorites “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” and “Oklahoma” fill the air with talent from around the region.
Directing “Oklahoma” is Theatre Bristol veteran director, Kenn Naegele, with recent Paramount stage credits of “Elf the Musical,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Naegele is supported by the creative team of music director Bandy Brownlee, choreographer and costume designer Camille Gray, set designer and technical director Luke Gray, lighting designer Bennett Little, props artisan Rebecca Ryan and stage manager Nicole Intagliata, along with Theatre Bristol crew and Paramount staff.
Charismatic Curly is played by Coy Owens, and Camille Gray is independent Laurey Williams. Laura O’Bryan is everyone’s Aunt Eller, and Blake Irwin is brooding Jud Fry. Lassoing Will Parker is played by Zaiah Gray, and the fickle Ado Annie is played by Lexi Vencill. Charlatan Ali Hakim is played by Todd Peak.
Laurey’s friends are Ellen played by Cameron Roberts, Kate played by Morgan Whitaker, Virginia played by Hannah Pope and Vivian played by Casey Irwin. Leah Graham competes for Curly’s affection as Gertie Cummings.
Riding the open range are cowboys Ethan Baker as Fred, Mason White as Jess, Cooper Knapp as Sam, Maverick Summie as Joe, KB Irwin as Chalmers, Eran Castonguay as Larry and Bennett Little as Abe.
Andrew Carnes, played by Dan Gray, tries to convince the farmers and the cowmen to be friends. Box social host Ike Skidmore is played by Richard Albright. Nancy Skidmore is played by Susan McNabb. Slim is played by Koty Peak. Farmer is played by Steve Baskett. Molly is played by Crystal Peak. Mike is played by Nathaniel Osborne, and Bob is played by Dani Freeman. Ray Boling plays federal marshal, Cord Elam.
Cameron Roberts, Eran Castonguay and Bennett Little create the dream ballet as Dream Laurey, Curly and Jud, respectively.
“Oklahoma” opens Sept. 22, and runs for two weekends at The Paramount Center for the Arts, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., closing Oct. 1. Tickets are $16 for adults plus fees ($21.50 total) and $12 for seniors and students plus fees ($17.50 total) and are available on the Paramount’s website, www.paramountbristol.org.
For more information, visit www.theatrebristol.org, follow TheatreBristolTN on Facebook, call 423-212-3625, or email info@theatrebristol.org. For tickets and more information, visit www.paramountbristol.org, call 423-274-8920 or follow Paramount Bristol on Facebook.
