CCP to sing its way to 'Oklahoma!'

Carnation City Players is set to transport audiences to the heart of the American west with its production of the classic musical “Oklahoma!”

The show will run Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 23-25 at the Firehouse Theater in Alliance.

Set against the backdrop of the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the 20th century, the musical, with an iconic score by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, captures the spirit of a young and vibrant America. The tale unfolds with a blend of romance, humor and spirited choreography.

Alison Matas Smith returns to the Firehouse Theater stage in the role of Laurey. Matas Smith is no stranger to captivating audiences, previously appearing as Marian Paroo in “The Music Man”; Margo in “Bright Star”; and Miss Honey in “Matilda the Musical.”

Tim Pinter III brings his extensive theater background to his performance as Curly. Pinter has appeared in 19 stage productions, including roles as Marcellus in “The Music Man”; Willard in “Footloose”; and Sir Lancelot in “Spamalot.”

Clare LaTourette will play the lively Ado Annie. LaTourette has been showcased in previous productions such as “A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.”

In his debut performance with CCP, Frank Lucas takes the stage as Will Parker. Boasting a repertoire that spans more than 25 productions, Lucas has portrayed characters ranging from Clyde in “Bonnie and Clyde”; Ren McCormack in “Footloose”; J.D. in “Heathers”; and Tunny in “American Idiot.”

Terry Everett will appear as Aunt Eller; Randy Rininger Kline will portray Ali Hakim; and Micah Harvey will be Judd Fry.

Other featured cast members include Jeff Baker as Andrew Carnes, Joe Faust as Ike Skidmore, Grace Bailey as Gertie Cummings, Dakota Albertoni as Slim/Cowboy, Michael Porter as Cord Elam/Cowboy, Blake Knore as Fred/Cowboy, Aaron Owens as Joe/Cowboy, Andrea Dager as Ellen/Chorus, Madison Wike as Vivian/Chorus, and Ava Fritz as Kate/Chorus.

Rounding out the cast are Natalie Austin, Melissa Brand, Joan M. Conlon, Clarice DiRuzza, Lena Dunham, Aaron Farmer, Gina Falconer, Cheryl Foutz, Sofia Fritz, Vivian Fritz, Katie Heppe, Aidan Kern, Nellie Lanzer, Kerra Locklear, Alaena Locklear, Nicole Lucas, Gianna Phillips, Hailey Strnad, Linda Teis, and Deana Wilt.

Don McCallister is directing “Oklahoma!” Music director is Kim Lewis, and choreographer is Chanda K. Porter.

Tickets are available at carnationcityplayers.org or through the CCP box office at 330-821-8712. Adult tickets are $15, while student tickets (ages 18 and younger) are $13. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

‘Oklahoma!’ in Alliance

WHAT – Carnation City Players presents Oklahoma!

WHEN – Feb. 16-18 and Feb. 23-25

WHERE – Firehouse Theater, 450 E. Market St. in Alliance.

SHOWTIMES – 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. Sundays.

TICKETS – Reservations: www.carnationcityplayers.org or 330-821-8712.

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Carnation City Players sings its way to 'Oklahoma!'