Oklahoma, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration, is set in a Western Indian territory (soon to be the brand new state of Oklahoma) where a cowboy named Curly and a farm girl named Laurey are stubborn, foolish, and in love. However, love is a bumpy ride with these two holding the reins, and the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre invites you to ride along from June 18 through August 1, 2015!
Christopher Lewis is returning to the Dutch Apple stage as Curly. He recently played Feuilly in Les Miserables at Dutch Apple, and he has worked at numerous theatres across the nation. Christopher refers to this as his “dream role” and dedicates this performance to his father, who has also played Curly.
Laurey, the target of Curly’s affection, will be played by Kayleen Seidl, who will be making her Dutch Apple debut right after closing a national tour of Guys & Dolls in which she portrayed Sarah Brown.
While Curly tries to invite Laurey to the box social, Jud, played by Justun Hart, throws his hat in the ring for her heart as well. Justun is just one of a handful of Oklahoma cast members who are returning to Dutch Apple after a successful national tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Others who are also just coming directly from the tour include Danielle Barnes, Ben Cramer, Carver Duncan, Avery Epstein, Kelsey Beckert, and Corinne Munsch (a graduate of Cumberland Valley High School).
Laurey’s friend Ado Annie, who is in a love triangle of her own, will be played by Theresa Walker. Theresa was last seen as Patsy in Crazy For You and Zaneeta in The Music Man at Dutch Apple. Theresa will be playing opposite of her “real life, real funny, leading man,” Craig Smith. Craig, who was last seen as Bela Zangler in Crazy For You, competes with Will Parker, played by Will Leonard, also fresh off of the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers national tour, for Ado Annie’s hand. Will was also in the national tour of Fiddler on the Roof and is “ecstatic to be playing one of his dream roles.”
Laurey’s Aunt Ellar will be played by a familiar Dutch Apple face, Lisa Coday, who was last seen as Mrs. Strakosh in Funny Girl and Dinah in Dixie Swim Club. Andrew Carnes, Ado Annie’s father, will be played by Kirk Lawrence, who was last seen in Mid-Life 2! (The Crisis Continues) and as Mr. Potter in A Wonderful Life.
The cast will be under the direction of Dean Sobon, who directed the national tours of Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, as well as Crazy For You at Dutch Apple. Ford Haeuser, who worked with Dean during Crazy For You as Wyatt and Dance Captain, will be choreographer.
Complete with lasso tricks, can-can dances, a sneaky traveling salesman, and a brand new state, Oklahoma features classic Rodgers and Hammerstein songs such as "People Will Say We’re in Love", "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'", "Oklahoma!", and "Surrey with the Fringe On Top".
Oklahoma will be at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre June 18 through August 1, 2015. Ticket prices range from $49 to $56 for meal and show with a special rate for groups of 16 or more. A limited number of show-only seats are available for $34. Call 717-898-1900 to make a reservation or order your tickets online at DutchApple.com.
