MOH sets auditions for ‘Oklahoma!’

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Updated: March 25, 2012 8:05AM

Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso will hold auditions for its upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical “Oklahoma!” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 27 and 28.

Directors Colleen Archer and John Peluso along with music director Chris Stalbaum, choreographer Drew Nellessen and producer Brian Schafer will be present. “Oklahoma!” will run June 1-10.

“Oklahoma!” was the first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II.

Set in Oklahoma Territory outside the town of Claremore in 1906, it tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. This musical epitomized the development of the “book musical,” a musical play where the songs and dances are fully integrated into a well-made story with serious dramatic goals that are able to evoke emotions other than laughter. 

Some of the many recognizable songs include “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “Many a New Day,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “The Farmer and the Cowmen,” and, of course, “Oklahoma!”

The directors note the show is a lot of high-energy fun, but also has some very dark themes based on a difficult time in American history. This will not be the hokey, silly, over-the-top “Oklahoma!” that theater people love to hate. These are real people with authentic stories of the time, and this production will bring them to life.

The auditions will be open call and the cast requires 25 men and women ages 16 and up. Would-be cast members should bring prepared sheet music in their key, 16-32 bars of a relevant musical theater song to showcase their vocal ability. There will be a dance ensemble and a vocal ensemble, but all those auditioning for the ensemble will be required to sing a prepared song. 

The directors will have a read-through, sing-through and a few rehearsals for the larger dance numbers and dialect work with the principals in March, but regular rehearsals will start a the first week of April.

The Memorial Opera House is at 104 Indiana St., Valparaiso. Call 548-9137 for more information.

Rummage sale fundraiser

Footlight Players of Michigan City will hold a spring rummage sale 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 10 at the theater, 1705 Franklin St. 

Proceeds from this event will be used to complete the theater renovation started last year. Individuals wishing to donate items for this event may do so by dropping them off noon-3 p.m. March 5, 6 or 7. Or, call  the theater at 874-4035 to schedule a more convenient drop-off time.