Local production of ‘Oklahoma!’ on schedule for July opening
Published 5:10 am Wednesday, June 19, 2019
- Cullman Community Theatre cast members rehearse last month for this weekend's premiere of Oklahoma! Pictured at left is Rutland Turner as Will, with a prone Grant Holland standing in as Ali Hakim. Director Melva Jackson, right, corrals the tense scene.
The first collaboration of composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II produced an American musical that has become a timeless classic of the stage.
“Oklahoma!” debuted on Broadway in 1943 and continues to delight audiences with its lively, memorable songs and story.
But without booking a flight to New York, the production is coming to town as Cullman Community Theatre presents its second musical, July 19-20, at the Cullman High School Auditorium.
Under the direction of Wayne Cook, who has led Cullman High School’s theatre students to state recognition, Melva Jackson, Sara Jane Skinner and others, the local production of “Oklahoma!” will feature an on-stage cast of 40, with many more behind the scene conducting lighting and ensuring the sets are in place.
The musical is based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs, and is set in farm country in 1906, telling the story of Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry. Thef film version featured Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones in 1955 and won two Academy Awards
“The cast is not as large as “The Music Man” last summer, but it simply just doesn’t need that many on stage,” Cook said. “But we still have need of some more volunteers to help with constructing sets and other things that are needed to get ready.”
Cook said the cast will overall be younger to fill the roles in “Oklahoma!,” including young adults and high school students who are finding additional opportunities to perform with the community theatre group.
“In choosing Oklahoma!, we wanted something for the summer production that’s a classic, something just about everybody will be familiar with. We had a lot of success with that last year in getting us started,” Cook said. “Again, we have good participation and we’ve seen a lot more people taking on greater responsibility for the production. That’s what we need to continue growing and making this successful for the community.”
“Oklahoma!” will include an evening performance on July 19, followed by an afternoon matinee and evening performance on July 20. Times will be announced soon along with ticket prices.
Anyone who would like to assist with the production should call Cook at 256-338-5600.
