Broadway in Annapolis: “Oklahoma!”
Broadway, opera and stage performers to appear
TICKETS: https://www.marylandhall.org/broadway-annapolis-oklahoma
Broadway returns to Annapolis when Live Arts Maryland presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” on February 10-11 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts. Joining Music Director J. Ernest Green, the Annapolis Chorale and Annapolis Chamber Orchestra for this production is a stellar cast of guest artists from Broadway, opera and musical theater. Katie Dixon, who first appeared with LAM in December’s Messiah performances, stars as Laurey, joined by Broadway performers Wes Mason as Curley and Cody Williams as Will Parker. Audience favorite Kimberly Christie returns as Ado Annie joined by several welcome faces from the regional theater scene, Duncan Hood as Ali Hakim, Dianne Hood as Aunt Eller and Bennett Umhau as Jud Fry. Members of the Annapolis Chorale will also appear. Catrin Davies, also a performer in many Broadway in Annapolis productions, is the director of “Oklahoma!”
Live Arts Maryland’s “Broadway in Annapolis” productions are a signature combination of beautiful staging and great singers performing with an orchestra and chorus. This mix allows the audience to hear the musicals and their composers intended, with a full orchestra – something rarely heard anymore on New York stages. For “Oklahoma!”, the unique mixture of Broadway performers, opera singers and theater actors will create a very special experience for audiences.
With music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, this classic changed the face of American musical theater when it premiered in 1943. “Oklahoma!” was a smash hit and a critical success, running on Broadway for 2,212 performances and winning multiple Tony Awards for the original and subsequent revival productions. The 1955 movie version starring Shirley Jones and Gordon McRae won two Academy Awards. With such memorable songs as “People will say We’re in Love,” “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “Cain’t Say No” and “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” audiences leave the theater humming after every performance.
There are two opportunities to see “Oklahoma!,” Friday’s Casual Friday event at 7:30 p.m., that includes a question-and-answer session with the cast, and Saturday’s 8 p.m. performance. Live Arts Maryland offers free student rush tickets one hour before the concerts to all full-time students with a valid ID or those under 18 years of age. Tickets are $40 for adults, $12 for pre-paid students and are on sale now at the Maryland Hall Box Office at 410-280-5640 or www.marylandhall.org. There is a $5 per-ticket service charge for individual tickets. Group rates are available.
Live Arts Maryland is a non-profit arts organization that is passionate about making life in our community better by presenting high-quality music and providing music education for all ages. Live Arts Maryland’s performing ensembles include the Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Chorus, Cantori, a women’s ensemble, the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra and the Annapolis Youth Chorus. It is supported by the Maryland State Arts Council, the Arts Council of Anne Arundel County and the City of Annapolis.