Press Release: Oklahoma! 

            Theatre at Southeastern and the Department of Fine Arts will present Oklahoma! this month on the SOSU campus.  This award winning musical by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II was chosen to mark the centennial of the state of Oklahoma.  The classic story begins with Curly (Matt Rizzo sophomore, music major) and Laurey (Kaytee Roesler sophomore, theater major) flirting with each other amidst the fued between ranchers and farmers over land and water.  Laurey then teases Curly by agreeing to go to the Box Social with Jud the farmhand (Josh Harris freshman, theater major) even though she is afraid of him. 

The struggle over Laurey’s heart continues throughout this classic musical directed by the Director of Theatre at Southeastern, Dell McLain. “Expect plenty of laughs, entertaining dance numbers, and memorable melodies throughout this beloved tale.” said McLain.   “They just don’t make hits like ‘Surrey With The Fringe On Top’, ‘I Can’t Say No’, ‘Everything’s Up To Date In Kansas City’, ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’, and the stirring tune ‘Oklahoma’ any more,” added McLain.

This joint production between Theatre at Southeastern and the Fine Arts Department has generated enthusiasm among the cast.  “I grew up watching Oklahoma! and always wanted to play Laurey, so this is a dream come true for me.”  says sophomore Kaytee Roesler.  “This is the third time I’ve been in Oklahoma!,” says senior theater major Chase Jackson who plays Will Parker, “but this time is special because I actually have lines! I’m having so much fun!”

The cast also includes Amber Traylor as Ado Annie and Nicole Godwin as Aunt Eller with members of both the Theatre and Fine Arts departments making up the chorus and the twelve pack of dancers.   “The dancing in this production is some of the best ever performed here at Southeastern.” said McLain, “We are so furunate that our dance program and the creation of the Southeastern Sparks dance team have begun to pay off with major dividends.”

            A portion of the proceeds from the production will be donated by Theatre at Southeastern to the Molly Risso Scholarship and the Reba McEntire Scholarship Fund.  Dr. Risso was director of theatre for two decades and Ms. McEntire, a Southeastern alumnae, made her Broadway musical debut in Annie Get Your Gun.  “This show is such a terrific opportunity to showcase our terrifcally talented students and faculty,” said McLain.  Music direction for Southeastern’s production of Oklahoma! is provided by Dr. Aaron Adair.  Choreography is by Riley Coker.  Vocal Direction is by Dr. Stacy Weger and the orchestra is conducted by Dr. Michael Miles.  The costumes will be designed by SOSU new theatre faculty member Kathleen Hardgrove with scenery and lighting design  by Dr. James Cunningham and properties design by senior theatre major Rachel Joslin.