For Immediate Release:

Contact: David Kuehn, Executive Director

Cotuit Center for the Arts

Phone: (508) 428-0669

Email:

Website: ArtsOnTheCape.org

2nd Wednesday Theater Presents “Oklahoma” Singalong at Cotuit Center for the Arts

Cotuit Center for the Arts’ 2nd Wednesday Theater presents a staged reading and singalong of “Oklahoma” on Wednesday, July 8, at 7:30 PM.

The audience is invited to pack a picnic supper or a pie, dress up as Ado Annie, Curly, Aunt Eller, or Jud Fry and enjoy a lighthearted summer evening. The cast will read the script of “Oklahoma” and lead the audience in singing the tunes from the show. Lyrics will be projected on the big screen.

“This is a first for us, but we’re hoping to make it an annual tradition,” said Christine Ernst, producer of the show. “We have a great cast and it is going to be a lot of fun for everyone. We’re hoping families will participate—it’ll be great way to introduce kids to musical theater. And of course, they can all dress up. I really hope folks will dress up!”

Jennifer Perrault will play Laurey, James O’Brien is Curly, Steve Ross is Jud, Rebecca Riley is Ado Annie, Jon Cornet is Will, David Kuehn is Ali Hakim, Christine Ernst is Aunt Eller, Alex Speck is Gertie, and Michael Ernst will play Ado Annie’s father, Andrew Carnes.

“Oklahoma” opened on Broadway in 1943, the first collaboration by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. It was a box-office smash and ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances. Revivals of the show have won numerous awards over the years. A movie based on the show came out in 1955.

Set in Oklahoma Territory in 1906, “Oklahoma” follows the romance of cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams, who tries to make him jealous by going to the box social dance with Jud Fry, a lonely and disturbed farmhand. Adding levity to the show is Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée, Ado Annie, who also falls for a Persian peddler, Ali Hakim.

In addition to the infectious title song, “Oklahoma” boasts a host of much-loved songs: “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning,” “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “Kansas City,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “Many a New Day,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Poor Jud is Daid,” and many more.

Second Wednesday Theater is a monthly play-reading series of rarely performed classics, undiscovered gems, and exciting new works. Admission is free, and wine is available for $5 a glass.

Cotuit Center for the Arts is at 4404 Route 28 in Cotuit. For more information, visit artsonthecape.org or call 508-428-0669.

# # #

What:

2nd Wednesday Theater presents “Oklahoma”

Where:

Cotuit Center for the Arts, 4404 Route 28, Cotuit

When:

Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 PM

Admission:

Free

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