NPHS set to stage 'Oklahoma' this Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Members of the North Putnam High School cast of "Oklahoma!" (from left) Samantha Flannelly, Taylor MacGruder, Rachael Lubinski, Jerica Bean, Jenna Olson and Cheyanne Elliott) react to a scene during rehearsal of the classic musical.

The North Putnam High School Music Department and thespians will present the musical "Oklahoma!" on Friday, April 12, Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14.

Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the NPHS gymnasium. Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy portrayed by Alan Skillern, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl played by Ellese Cox, play out their love story.

Lead characters include Aunt Eller (Gwen Mazur), Will Parker (Lance Clodfelter), Jud Fry (Colton Cox), Ado Annie (Jenny Zehner) and Ali Hakim (Topher Poore).

Supporting cast members include Andrew Carnes (Alexander Moore), Cord Elam (Austin Robertson), Gertie Cummins (Savannah Rambis), Ike Skidmore (Jacob Buchanan), Mike (Tristan Montgomery) and Fred (Brody Downey). Laurey's friends include Ellen (Cheyanne Elliott), Kate (Samantha Flannelly), Vivian (Jenna Olson), Virginia (Jerica Bean), Aggie (Jessica Games), Sylvie (Sarah Asher) and Armina (Rachael Lubinski).

A special appearance will be made by North Putnam Principal Alan Zerkel, in the role of Slim.

The dream ballet will be danced by Sydney Harmon, Jacob Buchanan and Andrew Rude. Harmon choreographed the ballet.

Chorus members include Annie Adams, Kaitlin Adkins, Elizabeth Alford, Audrey Barger, Madison Carnes, Katie Gilliam, Brittany Higgins, Taylor MacGruder, Shelby Mason, Laney Mink, Alexandra Moore, Paige Patterson, Lyndsay Roberts, Jessica Schubert, Daniel Sparks, Lacy Taylor, Whitney Willard and Haley Wilson.

Kelly Thomas will be producing the show and Kathi Elliott will be directing. Student directors include Alex Wittig, Cheyanne Elliott and Sydney Harmon.

Thomas also serves as the vocal director and choreographer, with assistance from Sydney Harmon. Deb Myers will play the piano with orchestral accompaniment under the direction of Rachel Pierce.

Linda Gjesvold is the set designer and technical director for the show. Alex Wittig is in charge of sound.

Micayla Jones and Christina Lewark will run the lights. Stage crew includes Jim Elliott, Jacob Buchanan, Nate Woolums, DJ Hubbard and Jessie Cox. Mary Owen and Christian Rice will provide the make-up.

The orchestra pit includes Maddie DeLattre, Lauren Fisher, Brandon Wunderlick, Kelsey Summerlot, Amanda Modlin, Sara Kippert, Trey Ritter, Morgan Price, Rachael Campbell, Taylor Thornell, Jake Gaddis, Kaylee Henniger, Darion Brown, Eli Klein and Davin Faries.