OKLAHOMA!
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March 18, 19 & 20 2021
at 7:00 PM As the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Oklahoma! set the gold standard for American musical theatre. It was the first musical to treat its dramatic action seriously and to use both song and dance to advance the plot. It stressed the importance of community at a time when war was fracturing the world. Now, over 75 years after its premiere in 1943, this is Oklahoma! as you’ve never seen or heard it before — reimagined for the 21st century. You’ll tap your toes and sing along to so many of its memorable songs including “Kansas City”, “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, and of course the title song, "Oklahoma"! This show-stopping, boot-stomping musical is full of fun, romance and music for the entire family.
Set in ranch country, Oklahoma! tells the story of the feisty farm girl Laurey Williams as two rival suitors, the charming cowboy Curly McLain and the lonely and misunderstood farmhand Jud Fry, compete for her affection. Woven into this story in a secondary love triangle between the playfully brazen Ado Annie, her hapless suitor Will Parker, and a flirtatious traveling salesman. The spirited rivalry between the farmers and the cowboys creates the perfect background for musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a prosperous future in the great state of Oklahoma. Virtual Concession
While we can not be in the auditorium watching the show it would be great if you would consider making a purchase in our "virtual" concession. Every bit counts - please also share with any family/friends watching the show.
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The Cast
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Curly - Jackson LaMorte u/s - Ethan Jones Laurey - Charlotte Jensen u/s - Julia Lamoreaux Aunt Eller - Megan Lydon u/s - Lynea Pace Jud Fry - Ethan Jones u/s - Drew Bench Ado Annie - Maren Lysenko u/s - Chloe Smith Will Parker - Will Haddad u/s - Lucas Orwicz Ali Hakim - Andy Dooley u/s - Lucas Orwicz Gertie Cummings - Avery Russey u/s - Caitlin Gelchie Skidmore - Lyaea Pace u/s - Tahela Denu Carnes - Lucas Orwicz u/s Charlie Besgen Dream Laurey - Nicole Talamo u/s Annabelle Murphy |
Ensemble:
Drew Bench Charlie Besgen Evie Bradley Emily Fox Julia Lamoreaux Harry Lee Annabelle Murphy Chloe Smith Nicole Talamo - dance captain Mia Wells Pit Singers: Erica Angiletta - ensemble swing Tahela Denu Caitlin Gelchie Hannah Reid Amanda Robertson - ensemble swing Amelia Totaro - ensemble swing Peyton Zaletsky - ensemble swin |
Directed by Kate Simone
Kate is honored to return to New Canaan High School to make her directorial debut with Oklahoma!. While a student at NCHS Kate was in all the musicals and plays including Grease!, Barnum, Oliver! and Once Upon a Mattress. After graduating in 2005 she went on to major in musical theatre at Syracuse University. She received her BFA in 2009 and moved to New York City. Upon graduation Kate became a member of the Actors' Equity Association and performed in many regional theatre productions all over the country and in NYC including Camelot at Sacramento Music Circus, South Pacific at the St Louis MUNY, Sunset Boulevard directed by Michael Mayer for the Roundabout Theatre Company and many productions at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan. Favorite roles include Lucy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Vivienne in Legally Blonde and Louise in Gypsy for which she won the 2016 Connecticut Critics' Circle Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Kate has been seen on TV in Mistresses (ABC) and HAPPYish (Showtime) and the pilot of The Smart One (ABC). She is a member of SAG-AFTRA. She also worked as a production assistant for Lombardi on Broadway in 2011 and for The Golden Globe Awards with Dick Clark Productions in 2010 and 2011. For the last four years Kate has taught voice and theatre at Music Theatre of Connecticut in Norwalk and The Studio in New Canaan.
It is a complete joy and a privilege to return to her alma mater and to her beloved NCHS Theatre Department to work with these inspiring and talented students. She hopes to continue the department's legacy of producing first class musicals.
Kate resides in New Canaan with her husband Rob, children Rob and Claire and yellow lab Ellie.
It is a complete joy and a privilege to return to her alma mater and to her beloved NCHS Theatre Department to work with these inspiring and talented students. She hopes to continue the department's legacy of producing first class musicals.
Kate resides in New Canaan with her husband Rob, children Rob and Claire and yellow lab Ellie.
Choreographed by Grace Calio
A Ridgefield native, Grace grew up performing in productions at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan. She is excited to return to the town where she herself was mentored and is honored to be given the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented students of NCHS.
While attending Ridgefield High School, Grace received the Outstanding Actress award at The Connecticut High School Musical Theater Awards for her portrayal of Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2009. Grace went on to be a finalist in the first National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards). Grace attended The Boston Conservatory and graduated in 2013 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and has performed regionally across the country. Favorite credits include: Kate/Chutney in Legally Blonde at Sacramento Music Circus, Young Frankenstein at The MUNY, Beauty and the Beast at PCLO, The Wizard of Oz at Kansas City Starlight, and The Donkey Show directed by Diane Paulus at The American Repertory Theater. Grace is a resident of New York City where she has had the pleasure of performing pieces choreographed by Associate Choreographer of Hamilton, Stephanie Klemons, and current Hamilton cast member, Karla Garcia. She has appeared in The Neon Coven’s workshop of Oscar at the Crown and their production of Rocky Horror at The Muse. Grace recently performed with Yvie Oddly, the winner of VH1’s Rupaul’s Drag Race at NYC’s World Pride Opening Ceremony at the Barclay’s Center hosted by Whoopi Goldberg.
Grace is so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this creative team with Kate and Jenna, and to be able to collaborate with these young actors at a time when the performing arts industry is at a stand still.
While attending Ridgefield High School, Grace received the Outstanding Actress award at The Connecticut High School Musical Theater Awards for her portrayal of Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2009. Grace went on to be a finalist in the first National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards). Grace attended The Boston Conservatory and graduated in 2013 with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She is a proud member of the Actor’s Equity Association and has performed regionally across the country. Favorite credits include: Kate/Chutney in Legally Blonde at Sacramento Music Circus, Young Frankenstein at The MUNY, Beauty and the Beast at PCLO, The Wizard of Oz at Kansas City Starlight, and The Donkey Show directed by Diane Paulus at The American Repertory Theater. Grace is a resident of New York City where she has had the pleasure of performing pieces choreographed by Associate Choreographer of Hamilton, Stephanie Klemons, and current Hamilton cast member, Karla Garcia. She has appeared in The Neon Coven’s workshop of Oscar at the Crown and their production of Rocky Horror at The Muse. Grace recently performed with Yvie Oddly, the winner of VH1’s Rupaul’s Drag Race at NYC’s World Pride Opening Ceremony at the Barclay’s Center hosted by Whoopi Goldberg.
Grace is so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this creative team with Kate and Jenna, and to be able to collaborate with these young actors at a time when the performing arts industry is at a stand still.
