By Sandy Benson
Guest Writer
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma” is definitely not Shakespeare, but to paraphrase it, “To flirt or not to flirt, that is the question” tackled by cast members in the summer musical at Hayesville’s Peacock Performing Arts Center.
Hope Ledford, of Murphy, plays Laurey, a headstrong young lady caught in a love triangle with her flirty cowboy crush, Curly played by Mikey Lindsey, of Blairsville, and Jud the desperate-for-companionship hired hand who works on her farm, played by Cameron Lejeune, of Rome, Ga., Gertie, Teresa Lemaire, of Murphy, is a flirt from a neighboring town determined to bag a husband, with her eyes set on Curly. “She knows how to make a grand entrance,” says Lemaire.
“Laurey is a more straightforward character than I'm used to playing,” says Ledford. “She rejects flirting and it takes Curly a long time to win her affection.”
Alex Giles, from Hiawassee, plays Will, a cowboy who wants to marry Ado Annie played by Carli Lejeune, of Rome, Ga. but must compete with Ali, a traveling peddler played by Harrison Keely, of Brasstown. “Ali loves winning people over making money and canoodling with ladies along his route. One gal’s pa decides it’s time for a shotgun wedding, so Ali is forced into commitment when he desires no such thing,” says Keely.
Meanwhile, the older folks try to maintain order. Laurey’s Aunt Eller — Patty Carreau, of Blairsville — hides her warm heart under a tough exterior. “It’s difficult finding the balance between what makes her seem harsh and her heart of gold. The best part of the role is being a feisty old lady. Not much unlike myself I must admit.”
David Layfield, of Murphy, plays Andrew, Ado Annie's father and the local judge. “I chose this role because of the song that begins the second act. I sang it the first time I did this show at the Peacock in 1992 which was also my first time acting. It's great fun doing it again after all these years.”
Federal Marshal Cord Elam played by Joe Ard, of Young Harris, is a stickler for the rules but he sometimes gets ignored. This is Ard’s first Peacock role but he appeared as other characters in “Oklahoma” in the 1970s. “I always enjoyed musicals and it’s so much fun to get back to it.”
Another new face is Joe Zang, of Murphy, who plays farmer Ike Skidmore. “It’s my first time onstage in a speaking role, but I have experience as a singer and dancer in musicals.”
Lincoln Carpenter, of Young Harris, plays Slim, a farmer. He likes having a part with multiple lines. “I started at the Peacock in 2022 with Miss Robbie’s summer theater camp. I thought the dance routines would be challenging but they are super fun and lively.”
“Oklahoma” runs Fridays-Sundays, July 19-21 and July 26-28. Visit: ww.thepeacocknc.org or call the office, 389-2787, ext. 1. from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.