Peacock village puts it all together for ‘Oklahoma!’

  • Photo by Pam Roman The “Oklahoma!” cast and ensemble are, from left, by windmill, Teresa Lemaire, Leslie Richardson, Leta Reeves, Mikey Lindsey and Janice Lessard; front row, Natalie Schaible, Hope Ledford, Carli LeJeune, Patty Carreau, Alex Giles, Joe Zang, Harrison Keely and Paul Keely; back to camera, Cameron LeJeune, warm up.
    Photo by Pam Roman The “Oklahoma!” cast and ensemble are, from left, by windmill, Teresa Lemaire, Leslie Richardson, Leta Reeves, Mikey Lindsey and Janice Lessard; front row, Natalie Schaible, Hope Ledford, Carli LeJeune, Patty Carreau, Alex Giles, Joe Zang, Harrison Keely and Paul Keely; back to camera, Cameron LeJeune, warm up.

    By Sandy Benson

    Guest Writer

     

    The traditional theater saying, “It takes a village” means a production is comprised of builders, painters, costumers, the cast, director, marketing and volunteers who staff the lobby. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” is no exception. The Peacock Performing Arts Center’s summer musical requires just as much work from the ensemble as it does from the leads as shown by these remarks:

    Leslie Richardson of Blairsville: “ A refreshing departure from my corporate job environment.”

    “I love singing the songs. There are so many great lines that we appreciate every time we hear them,” says Janice Lessard,of Murphy.

    Natalie Schaible of Hayesville loves the show. “It’s a challenge to remember the musical part, the movement and my characterization all at once and keep it consistent throughout the show.”

    Paul and Sherrie Keely of Brasstown and their son Harrison (who plays the traveling peddler, Ali) make Peacock performances a family affair. They were in ‘Twelve Angry Jurors” earlier this year.

    This is the third Peacock musical for Leta Reeves of Hiawassee. “My husband and I are also lobby volunteers for other shows and events at the playhouse. I enjoy getting to sing, move and express a lot of lively enthusiasm as we help tell the story.”

    A visual part of the production is the work of painters Laurie Dula of Andrews and Blythe Ethridge and Betsi Wilson of Hayesville. “I’ve wanted to paint sets since I was a kid when I got to see the backdrops at the Met,” says Ethridge. “This is a different and cool community effort. I’ve never seen a community that comes together so well.”

    Dula agrees. “It’s rewarding to help out here. The Peacock is such an important place for the community. We do whatever we can to make it the best we can.”

    The entire village is excited about the show and its challenges including two cast changes: Joe Zang as Ike Skidmore and Cameron LeJeune as Jud. Cameron is also the music director. “Come watch the show and experience all yourself,” he says.

    “ Oklahoma!” runs July 19-21; 26-28. Details: thepeacocknc.org, or call the office, (828) 389-2787, ext. 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. The Peacock is a non-profit organization and an equal opportunity provider and employer.