Oklahoma - 1989

Musical Theater

P.O. Box 327, Port Angeles, WA 98362 - (360) 457-5630

presents

Oklahoma!
1989

SYNOPSIS

The setting is a farm community in Oklahoma Territory, just before the territory's admission as a state. Curly (Michael Richerson), a happy-go-lucky young cowhand, is in love with Laurey (Vivian Cappadona-Beran), but there's a hitch in their romance. Laurey thinks Curly is conceited and irresponsible, and though she secretly returns his love, isn't anxious for him to know it. She believes the best way to retain his interest while she makes up her mind about him is to pretend indifference, and feign preference for her Aunt Eller's (Nancy Matlock) burly, scowling hired man Jud Fry (Harold Waiters).

Another local romance has also gone awry. Ado Annie (Kathi Good) loves Will Parker (Jim Heintz), but while Will was away in Kansas City lost her heart to a traveling peddler named Ali Hakim (Don Scott). The susceptible Ado Annie just can't say no to any man. Will is back home now, and understandably resentful. Also resentful, if not downright confused, is Annie's shotgun toting father, Paw Carnes (Paul Martin).

The entire community is looking forward to a box social at the Skidmore (Jack Lyons) ranch. From Aunt Eller, Curly learns that Laurey has promised to attend it with Jud. Miffed, he pretends great interest in another girl, and Laurey is furious. She turns him down cold when he makes one final plea for her to be his girl, instead of Jud's, at the social. Yet, in a dream that turns into a nightmare, Laurey realizes that Jud repels her and, upon wakening, leaves for the social with Jud with great reluctance.

After the dancing, Aunt Eller is chosen to auction the food hampers. Jud bids steadily for Laurey's hamper. Determined to outbid him, Curly sells first his saddle, then his horse, and finally his gun to raise the necessary cash. At last, Aunt Eller knocks down Laurey's hamper to Curly for $53. Jud stalks bitterly away, and the dancing recommences.

By this time, Ali Hakim is trying desperately to elude marriage with Ado Annie, and doing all he can to encourage Will Parker to be her groom. Will finally obtains Ado Annie's consent. Curly meets Laurey on the kitchen porch, and proposes to her. Laurey accepts him.

After the wedding, friends assemble to give Curly and Laurey a shivaree. Maddened with jealousy, Jud Fry intrudes upon the festivities, determined to kiss Laurey and fight Curley. Jud draws a knife and, in his furious struggle with Curly, is killed.

A court is set up to try Curly, but his innocence of murderous intent is evident, and he is quickly exonerated amid general rejoicing. Curly and Laurey set out on their honeymoon in the Surrey with the Fringe on Top.

Cast