When the curtain opens this Friday night for New Canaan High School’s final show of the season, OKLAHOMA! the familiar words “oh what a beautiful morning” will soon be heard from Curly (Andrew Gruseke) as he heads over to find Laurey (Ali Rusch) who lives with her outspoken loving Aunt Eller (Katayoun Amir–Aslani). He plans to ask Laurey to the box social that evening. And so, this wonderful familiar musical by Rogers and Hammerstein will start to unfold.
Set in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the century, it is the story of two lovers Laurey and Curly who have a number of obstacles to overcome in their somewhat secret romance. A major obstacle is hired hand Jud Fry (Vincent DeMarco), a dark and menacing man, who is also in love with Laurey. In an attempt to make Curly jealous Laurey agrees to go to the box social with Jud, but very soon regrets it. Later that evening when the two men bid on Laurey's basket at the box social and Curly out bids Jud by selling everything he owns, their love for each other is no longer a secret.
At the same time, Will Parker (Tyler Giggi) has just come back from an exciting trip to the big city, where he says - “everything’s up to date in Kansas City” and he’s plenty anxious to get back to his girl, Ado Annie (Christie Coco). But Ado Annie, a girl who admits “she can’t say no” is in a flirtation with a travelling peddler, Ali Hakim (Brett Gerardi).
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Historically Oklahoma is about to become a state, a thrilling notion to the people of the state. Actor Andrew Gruseke who plays Curly said this fact “helped to give him positive energy needed in the show.” Ali Rusch who plays Laurey feels the audience will really enjoy the show. “Even for the people who have seen Oklahoma, they will be seeing a different spin on this classic musical”.
The show will be performed June 1st at 7:30pm and June 2nd at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets will be sold through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm in the high school lobby and one hour prior to show times. Sponsors for the show include Garden Catering, Performing Arts Conservatory of New Canaan, Karl Chevrolet, Masonic Lodge of New Canaan, The Studio, New Canaan Cleaners, Barbara Cleary Real Estate, Parker Ear, Nose and Throat, and Walter Stewart’s Market.
