Rogers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma
When it comes to Drama Dock’s “Oklahoma!” …the old saying “the show must go on” truly resonates.
In the Vashon arts community, Libbie Anthony is a household name. The long time director and entertainer in her own right, has brought to stage such hit shows as ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Annie’ and ‘Oliver’. This year’s production of “Oklahoma” was in the home stretch of rehearsals when Anthony experienced health problems that kept her from returning to the production.
Thankfully, theater professional Phil Dunn was already involved with the production in a featured role and overseeing set construction. He seamlessly stepped in to complete the directing job and bring Anthony’s vision to the stage. Vashon High School theater instructor, Stephen Floyd has also come to the rescue to assist Dunn and over-see the technical direction of the show. Backing them up is faithful Stage Manager, Jim Roy and the hard-working Producer, Gaye Detzer.
Anthony is on the road to recovery but no doubt will be content to know it took 3 men plus one woman to replace her! Says Dunn, Taking on the job of bringing this show to completion has been both terrifying and exhilarating! My goal at this point is to smooth the transitions between scenes, keep the cast’s energy level strong and appropriate to this great classic.” Dunn first performed in “Oklahoma!” as a teen, singing and dancing in the chorus. Now he has come full circle and says “it’s been great to return to those memories and make some new ones.”
Based on the stage play ‘Green Grow the Lilacs’ Rodger and Hammersteins ‘Oklahoma!’ was a smash hit when it first graced the Broadway stage in 1943 and went on to run for 2,212 performances.
In addition to the team of Directors, this production brings together the talents of Marita Ericksen (Music Director), and Kathy Bonner (Choreographer). Drama Dock is collaborating with Blue Heron Dance Studio for the ballet number in Oklahoma!. Other dances will be lively foot stompin’ fun.
The cast of 40 includes the talents of islanders popular with Drama Dock audiences. David Katz, leads the cast as good humored cowboy Curly. Zoey Rice is a spirited Laurey with Kristina Turner as her feisty Aunt Eller. David Hackett is featured as love-sick cowboy Will Parker in pursuit of flirty Ado Annie played by Lissie Nichols. Randy Marinez plays against type taking on the part of baddie Jud Frye. In addition to wrapping up directing duties and designing the set, Phil Dunn is keeping a smile on everyone’s face with his entertaining role, Ali Hakeem. Kirk Beeler rounds out the leads as the stern Mr. Carnes.
The full cast includes Drama Dock newcomers plus a plethora of talented islanders who have demonstrated their talents in previous island productions. The cast includes: Kate & Anne Atwell , Bud & Sheila Blakely, Alexis Carlton, Kaitlyn Davies, Sue DeNies, Laurie & Will Hennessey, Ellie & Isaac Shepherd-Hughes, Richard Kasden, Max Lopuszynski, Luther Marinez, Tim McTighe, Anne & Mable Moses, Joan Newcomb, Keanu Roush, Claudia & Stella Gross Shrader, Annie Strandberg, Jordi & Roman Marguez-Twisdale, and Calen Winn. Featured dancers include Alexis Carlton, Barbara Gustafson, Amorita Juarez , Camille Kappelmann, Mag Sayre, Trudy Soriano, Jarrod Swenson and March Twisdale.
Adding to the show will be a remarkable group of local musicians including Paul Swenson, Steve Amsden, Jean Richstad, Dick Gordon, Randy Bruce, Melanie Taitano, Dan Brown, Josie Veatch, Sarah Church, Joanne Kicinski, and George Heidorn. A full orchestra was gathered to record the "Dream" ballet sequence and some of the musicians will be featured on stage as a country band.
Make “Oklahoma!” part of your summer plans – “Oklahoma!” is O.K.!
Drama Dock presents: Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!
- Thurs.-Sundays July 8-18, 2010
- Ticket prices: Adults $15, Students/Seniors $10
- Special pricing for Thursday performances Adults $10/Students & Seniors $5
- Tickets available at Vashon Book Shop, Books By the Way and www.brownpapertickets.com
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Drama Dock presents Into The Woods Junior,
a Musical Theatre Intensive Training Program
Drama Dock presents Into The Woods Junior, a Musical Theatre Intensive Training Program for participants aged 13 years thru 20 (meaning: If you are or will be 13 thru 20 years at any point in 2010 you are the right age for this program!).
Monday, July 26th thru August 7th.
12 noon to 6 pm daily at the Open Space, July 26 thru August 6th.
Two performances will be presented on August 7th at the Open Space.
The Drama Dock Summer Musical Theatre Intensive Training Program is a perfect way for Vashon Island students, ages 13 thru 20, to learn to express themselves and build self esteem through the development of their creative performance skills, while having a ton of fun. Students will be immersed in intensive theatre training, receiving over 70 hours of classes in acting, singing, dance and theatre production. At the end of the program, their hard work will culminate in two public performances of their student-realized production of “Into The Woods Junior,” with music and lyrics by Tony Award winning musical theatre composer Stephen Sondheim, and book by James Lapine.
Students will be mentored by Vashon Island based theatre professionals at every step, as they learn by doing everything it takes to make a musical theatre production become a reality. Students will be hands-on thru the design process and be assisted with developing practical solutions to the costumes, sets and properties called for in ” Into The Woods Junior.” The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them further to explore the consequences of the character's wishes and quests.
Casting up to 12 roles for girls & up to 8 roles for guys.
Tuition: $325 (Some Financial Aide & Scholarships are available--do ask!)
To apply to this program or to request additional information contact
Elizabeth Ripley: eripley13000@hotmail.com or 463-6388
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Season Tickets for 2009-2010 Season
Members $25Senior Members $20
Non-Members $40
Senior Non-Members $25
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