City Theater Concludes Season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’City Theater Concludes Season with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s ‘Oklahoma!’ City Theater in Biddeford wraps up its 23-24 season with a timeless classic, “Oklahoma!” by Rodgers and Hammerstein. This Pulitzer Prize-winning musical captivates with its vibrant melodies, cowboy charm, and romantic entanglements. A Musical Extravaganza “Oklahoma!” weaves a tale of rivalry and romance set amidst the sweeping landscapes of the Wild West. Cowboys and ranchers clash over fences and land rights, while two romantic triangles play out in the heart of the conflict. The musical features iconic songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Two Pianos, New Twist In a unique departure from tradition, the City Theater production will feature two grand pianos instead of an orchestra. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote piano versions of their musicals, and this production harnesses the power of these instruments to create an exciting new interpretation of the classic score. Cast of Characters The talented cast brings the characters to life, including Joel Crowley as Curly, Colleen Katana as Laurey, and David Van Duyne as Jud. Kristen Gilhooly as Ado Annie, Jeff McNally as Will Parker, and Joe Lambert as Ali Hakim provide the comedic relief. Nancy Durgin shines as Aunt Eller, while Briana Lacy plays Gertie. Production Team Linda Sturdivant directs the production, with Carrow MacLean as Scenic Designer, Darnell Stuart as Costume Designer, and Florence Cooley as Lighting Designer. Matthew Eaton operates the sound and Greg Brackett is the stage manager. Sponsors and Showtimes “Oklahoma!” is supported by generous underwriters and sponsors. Performances run from July 19 to August 4, with shows on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online or by phone. Sensory Warning The production contains gunshots, so a sensory warning is issued. Comment and Connect To share your thoughts on the production, you can post comments online. You must register and log in to participate in the discussion.
City Theater in Biddeford closes out the 23-24 season with one of the most iconic musicals of all time, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Pulitzer Prize-winning OKLAHOMA! This groundbreaking musical is a vibrant, melodic musical full of cowboys, ranchers, romance and fearless optimism. It includes the musical classics “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’”, “The Surrey with the Fringe On Top”, “I Cain’t Say No”, “People Will Say We’re in Love” and of course the triumphant “Oklahoma !”
Instead of a traditional orchestra, the Stadstheater production will feature two grand pianos. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote two piano versions for all of their musicals. Music director Patrick Martin and Sara Sturdivant Sanborn will perform the score of this classic musical. It’s an exciting new twist on the classic!
This is a show about rivalry: farmers and ranchers fighting over fences and land rights. But right in the middle of that controversy are the two romantic rivalries that make this show sing. One is between a smart and confident cowboy named Curly (Joel Crowley) and a mercenary named Jud (David Van Duyne), both in love with the strong-willed farm girl Laurey (Colleen Katana). The second features Ado Annie (Kristen Gilhooly), the girl who “can’t say no”, Will Parker (Jeff McNally), a funny and talented cowboy, and Ali Hakim (Joe Lambert), a traveling huckster – a trio that will cause lots of laughter.
Nancy Durgin plays the feisty and good-humored Aunt Eller, the town matriarch. Briana Lacy plays Gertie, the girl with the unique smile that Curly spots. The talented, large, energetic ensemble consists of many regular guests from the Stadsschouwburg and many newcomers. Keep an eye on the five youngsters in the cast!
The City Theater production team includes Linda Sturdivant (Director), Carrow MacLean (Scenic Designer), Eli MacLean (Master Carpenter), Jessica Libby (Scenic Painter), Darnell Stuart (Costume Designer), Peter Salsbury (Prop Master), Florence Cooley ( Lighting Designer), Matthew Eaton (soundboard operator) and Greg Brackett (stage manager).
A huge round of applause for the seasonal underwriters: Builder’s Supply Company & Pizza By Alex, and our seasonal sponsors: Carefree Creative, Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating, and Stoner & Co. OKLAHOMA! show sponsors include: Saco and Biddeford Savings, The Run Of The Mill, and The Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Arundel Chamber of Commerce.
OKLAHOMA! runs from July 19 to August 4, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 2:00 PM. There is no performance on Sunday, July 21. Tickets are $25 and $30 (all fees included) and are available at www.citytheater.org/buy-tickets or 207-282-0849
Sensory warning: gunshots
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