June 12, 2014

‘Oklahoma!’ to hit the McLeod Theater stage

CARBONDALE, Ill. – The McLeod Summer Playhouse brings the great American musical “Oklahoma!” to the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus as the first play of its 2014 season. 

Performances in McLeod Theater in the Communications Building are June 20-22 and 27-29.  Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances beginning at 2 p.m. 

Set in the prairie territory, just before Oklahoma became a state in 1906, the musical tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain, his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams, and the rivalry with mysterious and dangerous farm hand Jud Frey.  A secondary romance plot between cowboy Will Parker and flirty Ado Annie lends a comedic air to the musical as well.  

The McLeod Summer Playhouse production features a cast of talented young professionals under the direction and choreography of Wes Drummond, who is visiting from New York City and serving as associate artistic director for the Playhouse this summer.  SIU faculty members Mark Varns and Tim Fink lend their expertise to lighting and musical direction/orchestra conducting, respectively. 

Tickets for the production are $25 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets are available from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the McLeod Theater or SIU Arena box offices, online at playhouse.siu.edu or by phone at 618/453-6000.  Tickets will also be available at the McLeod Theater box office one hour before each performance.  All seats are reserved.