Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! Opens at the Bishop Center this Friday
Posted on: Feb, 28, 2024
Oklahoma! begins its two-weekend run at the Bishop Center for Performing Arts this Friday, March 1. The show runs March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 with Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 pm and Sunday shows at 2:00 pm. GHC students plus one guest can get free admission by bringing student ID cards to the Box Office 30 minutes before the show.
GHC’s rendition of the classic musical promises to entertain audiences with its timeless tale of love, rivalry, and the pioneering spirit of the American West.
80 years ago, Rodgers and Hammerstein's adaption of Lynn Riggs’ play Green Grow the Lilacs into Oklahoma! was a milestone in the development of the American musical and initiated one of the most successful partnerships in Broadway musical history. Set on the Western frontier in the early 1900s, the story follows the loves and tragedies of a group of cowboys and farmers. Oklahoma! tells the story of Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry. After opening in 1943, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! went on to win multiple awards, including a special Pulitzer Prize in 1944.
Directed by Dr. Andrew Gaines, Theatre and Communications instructor at Grays Harbor College, GHC’s production of Oklahoma! showcases exceptional local talent. The show features a live orchestra under the direction of Dr. Bill Dyer, choreography of Maija Nordin and Andrew Gaines, vocal direction of Kari Hasbrouck, and technical direction of Art Oestreich.
The cast, crew, and pit orchestra have been preparing for opening night since auditions were held in December. Behind the scenes, the production team on Oklahoma! spared no effort in creating a visually stunning set and props, which include a surrey from the Running Anvil Carriage Museum. More recently, the focus has shifted to promotion as cast members and volunteers distributed Oklahoma! signage throughout Grays Harbor and Pacific counties.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for students, $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased online, by calling 360-538-4066, or at the Box Office before the show (the Bishop Center encourages purchasing tickets online to help the show start on time).
Oklahoma! Cast
- Aliss Barre – Laurey
- Gordon Shaw – Curly
- Kathe Rowe – Aunt Eller
- Jake Conrad – Will Parker
- Elliot Loudenback – Jud Fry
- Natalee Beavers – Ado Annie Carnes
- John Howley – Ali Hakim
- Ginelle Hanaway – Gertie Cummings/Ensemble
- Stan Sidor – Fred/Ensemble
- John Cooper – Cord Elam/Ensemble
Ensemble
- Alexa Amarok
- Melinda Einander
- Maxwell Church
- Kieran Church
- Gabe Cabell
- John Cooper
- Jacob Hammer
- Art Hoover
- Simon Jeffery
- Carl Joesten
- Tom Kuester
- Colleen Meyers
- Chase Raines
- Riley Russell
- Neal Silbernagel
- Judy Sharlow
- Cindi Lu Strode
About the Bishop Center for Performing Arts
The Bishop Center is a 440-seat theater located on the Grays Harbor College campus. For 50 years, the Bishop Center has hosted concerts, musicals, plays, and other live shows for the community to enjoy.