[NEohioPAL]OKLAHOMA! Tickets selling quickly at Porthouse Theatre

[emadden]

Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! previews July 25 and opens July 26 at 
Porthouse Theatre.  Tickets for this classic musical, comedy are selling 
quickly.  Several performances are close to being sold-out.  To order your 
tickets for the musical that changed the face of stage musicals by telling an 
emotional story through music, lyrics and dance, call 330-672-2497 or 
1-800-304-2363.  The box office is open Monday - Saturday; 11 AM - 5 PM in the 
Music & Speech Center on the main Kent State University campus.

Rodgers & Hammerstein=92s musical comedy, OKLAHOMA! tells of fun, love and 
romance in the lives of families living in the Oklahoma territory at the turn 
of the century.  Porthouse Theatre presents this musical treat July 25th 
through August 10th.  Opening night, July 26th is followed by a complimentary 
champagne reception.  OKLAHOMA! is directed by Terri Kent, artistic director 
of Porthouse Theatre and choreographed by John R. Crawford, producing director 
of Porthouse Theatre. A free pre-show, referred to as =93The Greenshow=94 begins 
one hour prior to every performance, and will feature the Young Professional 
Company of Porthouse Theatre under the direction of MaryAnn Black.  The group 
will perform song, dance and folklore of the Wild West and pioneer life.

Based on the 1931 Broadway play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs, 
OKLAHOMA!  tells the tale of a two men, a cowboy named Curly and Jud, the 
brooding farmhand, rivaling for the affections of lovely farm girl, Laurey. 
The love triangle is set amidst a rural environment dominated by the rivalry 
between cattlemen and farmers during the turn of the century in the Indian 
territory.
=09
=93This show transcends time and place.  It reminds audiences of the true 
American dream - land, family, community and love,=94 said, Director, Terri  
Kent. =93 Rodgers and Hammerstein are known for their songs of hope =96 and in 
today=92s world, a world complicated by terrorism and war, Oklahoma! opens our 
hearts to the simpler world of the past.  A world where hope and love are the 
most important things.=94

The cast includes:
 
MaryAnn Black* - Ado Annie
Kayce L Cummings* - Laurey
Mitchell Fields* - Andrew Carnes
Lissy Gulick* - Aunt Eller
James Love =96 Curly
Sarah Lyon =96 Gertie
Rick Montgomery, Jr. =96 Cord Elam
Chivas Perkins =96 Ike Skidmore
Michael Sherman =96 Jud
Eric van Baars* - Will Parker 
Rosario Costanzo* - Ali Hackam

Ensemble
Kaitlyn Black
Cole Burden
Lauren Champlin
Katrice Monee Headd
Nicholas Horton
Andrew Hubacher
Lisa Kuhnen
Laura Miller
Dan Puck
Kelly Simmons


Tickets prices range from $15 - $22, depending on the day of the week.  
Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more, seniors and 
students. Reserve tickets by calling 1-800-304-2363 or 330-672-2497.  
Performances are at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. on 
Sunday.
=09=09=09=09
Porthouse Theatre, founded in 1971, is the premier summer theatre in Northeast 
Ohio.  Set on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, 1145 Steels Corners Road, 
Cuyahoga Falls, Porthouse offers audiences the finest in professional summer 
theatre.  The comfortable 500-seat, outdoor, covered pavilion theater is 
located next to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  Audience members are 
encouraged to arrive early to picnic on the grounds, or guests can reserve 
space in the Thornbury picnic pavilion for a minimal charge.  Boxed dinners 
are also available for $9.  A full menu can be found at 
http://www.theatre.kent.edu/porthouse/Tickets/menu.htm .

Porthouse Theatre is a cultural service of Kent State University and is a 
member of the Akron Area Arts Alliance.  Porthouse Theatre=92s programs and 
activities are made possible in part by funding from the Ohio Arts Council.
=09Follow Your Heart To Porthouse Theatre in 2003!

Elisabeth Madden
Managing Director
School of Theatre & Dance
Porthouse Theatre
330-672-0103
emadden at kent.edu