July 6, 2013
For Immediate Release
By Robin Humphress
CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky Classic Theatre and Campbellsville University are partnering again this summer to bring another classic American work to the Mobley Theater stage: Rodgers' and Hammerstein's “Oklahoma!,” Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 11-13 at 7 p.m. in the Russ Mobley Theater of the Alumni Building at 114 University Drive, Campbellsville.
The show is a little over two hours, and people can come to the show and still be out in time to see the fireworks, which according to Allen Gaddis, who is on the Independence Day Celebration committee, won't begin until around 9:45 p.m. on Friday, July 12.
“‘Oklahoma! is the great American musical,” said director G.B. Dixon. “It combines comedy, drama, song and dance in a way that forever set the style of shows to follow” - shows like ‘The Music Man,' which KCT and CU presented last July to restart community theater in Campbellsville.
Dixon said the record crowds for that production cemented the idea to make summer theater an annual offering at the school.
“We are truly honored and delighted to once more join with Campbellsville University in a project of community enrichment, public development, and local activity,” he said.
Without a doubt, this year's production will touch even more people as a portion of the proceeds are slated go to benefit victims of the recent tornados in Oklahoma. Kentucky Classic Theatre's Robin Humphress believes, “This is a great opportunity to support your local arts community as well as help another hurting community. We are proud to be a part of that.”
Tickets for “Oklahoma!” are $10 Adults and $5 (12 & under) and are available by telephone: (270) 402-2196 or (502) 550-9813. Advance tickets are also available at both Taylor County Bank locations in Campbellsville. Remaining tickets will be made available at the door.
Bigger and better is the watchword for the summer 2013 production which includes an orchestra and boasts a cast of 30.
As community theater, KCT mainly recruits and develops local talent to complete its cast rostrum, although occasionally, some “big city” professionals will help round out the ensemble. Playing Laurey Williams is Tegan Hanks, a singer/actress from Lexington who just finished performing in the popular “It's a Grand Night for Singing” at the University of Kentucky. This will be Hanks' final Kentucky performance before heading to the theaters of New York City, later this month.
Others in the “Oklahoma!” cast include, Chad and Bethany Shively, Carrie Fowler, Dr. Atam Abbi, Suzanne Mobley, Jerico McCoy, Dr. Mark Bradley, Michael Cecil, Jerry Fowler, Barry Bertram, G.B. Dixon, Sherry Howard, Amanda Lanham, David Johnson, Adria Whitfill, Silas Humphress, Gaubrielle and Emma Humphress, Isaac Mattingly, Nico McCann, Presley Wilson, Bobby and Gracie Wilson, Debbie Nunery, Sydney Raikes, Claire Goff, Ashtyn Harmon, Alex Curry and Harper Bennett.
“Oklahoma!” broke all box office records when it opened in 1943. The music and lyrics of “Oklahoma!” have proven to be among the top in musical theatre with songs that include “Oh What a Beautiful Morning,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We're in Love,” “I Can't Say No,” “Oklahoma!” and many more, making this a musical treat for all the family.
Director Dixon hopes that parents will bring their children to a performance to introduce them to a vanishing form of entertainment.
“‘Oklahoma!' is funny without being crude, interesting without being salacious. It is the gentler entertainment which once was and is still needed,” he said.
Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 3,600 students offering 63 undergraduate options, 17 master's degrees, five postgraduate areas and eight pre-professional programs. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.