ENC’s theater department will debut their fall musical “Oklahoma!” on Oct. 16 in Cove.
The classic musical written by legendary duo Rodgers and Hammerstein follows strong-willed Laurey Williams and her blooming romances with two local men.
The musical is referred to as a “book musical,” where the music remains only one part of an overarching serious plotline that aims to evoke an array of emotions.
Throughout the show, Laurey creates a powerful drama centered on her decisions about the two starkly different men dueling to win her over. The town quickly gets drawn into the drama of Laurey and her two suitors: the cowboy Curly, and Jud, the wild and daring farmhand.
“Oklahoma!” will be directed by Tara Brooke Watkins and the cast is comprised of ENC students. Among those students is Senior Stephen Dever, who will be playing Ike Skidmore as well as performing in the ensemble.
The play has been performed countless times by different troupes since its’ initial production in 1943 but Dever assures that ENC’s version will be unique.
“[The play] has had a number of different versions, but we’ll be doing kind of a mix between the old and new,” Dever said.
“Oklahoma!” has remained famous for it’s western sing-along tracks such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” and “I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No.”
“Oklahoma!” will appear October 15, 17, and 22-24. Tickets can be purchased online at Brown Paper Tickets or at the theater before the show.