Cast selected for classic musical ‘Oklahoma!’

  • Pam Roman • Photo “Oklahoma!” cast and crew, front, from left, Kay Thomas, Janice Lessard, Leta Reeves, Leslie Richardson, Patty Carreau, Mallory Johnson and Cameron LeJeune; center, from left, Ali Whitlock, Carli LeJeune, Monya Seibert, David Layfield and Ashley Eller; back, from left, Joe Ard, Lincoln Carpenter, Alex Giles, Hope Ledford, Mikey Lindsey, Natalie Schaible, Karl Snow and Teresa Lemaire prepare to lasso another production.
    Pam Roman • Photo “Oklahoma!” cast and crew, front, from left, Kay Thomas, Janice Lessard, Leta Reeves, Leslie Richardson, Patty Carreau, Mallory Johnson and Cameron LeJeune; center, from left, Ali Whitlock, Carli LeJeune, Monya Seibert, David Layfield and Ashley Eller; back, from left, Joe Ard, Lincoln Carpenter, Alex Giles, Hope Ledford, Mikey Lindsey, Natalie Schaible, Karl Snow and Teresa Lemaire prepare to lasso another production.

    By Laurel Adams

    Guest Writer

     

    I have a fabulous cast of 20 for this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical plus Cameron LeJeune returns as musical director along with Suzanne West and Cody Killian as rehearsal accompanists. This promises to be a very strong production. I am also pleased that both Ali Whitlock and Kay Thomas have signed up to be co-stage managers. I am in good hands.

    “Oklahoma!” was the first collaboration of R & H and was originally staged on Broadway in 1943. The story takes place in 1906 in what was known as the Indian Territory — soon to become a new state. It focuses on the battle between the ranchers who needed to keep open range for cattle and horses and the farmers who moved in to build fences and raise crops to feed the nation. Add to that battles of the heart — the rivalry of Curly and Jud over Laurey, and Ado Annie, who “cain’t say no” to either Will or the peddler, Ali Hakim — and you have the setting for a lively evening of music, drama and fun.

    The major roles of Curly and Laurey are played by Mikey Lindsey and Hope Ledford. Will Parker and Ado Annie  are played by Alex Giles and Carli LeJeune. Aunt Eller is played by Patty Carreau. Jud is played by Karl Snow. Ali Hakim is played by Harrison Keely. Ike Skidmore is played by Ashley Eller. Andrew Carnes is played by David Layfield. Federal Marshal Cord Elam is played by Joe Ard. The ensemble is comprised of Teresa Lemaire, Janice Lessard, Mallory Johnson, Sherrie Keely, Leta Reeves, Leslie Richardson, Natalie Schaible, Monya Seibert, Paul Keely and Lincoln Carpenter.

    “Oklahoma!” runs Friday through Sunday, July 19-21 and 26-28. Further details are available at: www.thepeacocknc.org or by calling the office from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday (828) 389-2787 ext. 1.