In celebration of the opening of the new auditorium facility, the Munster High School Performing Arts Department is pleased to present the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic musical, Oklahoma!   Set in Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the century, it is the story of two headstrong romantics (Laurey and Curly) set against the high-spirited rivalry between farmers and cowboys.  Oklahoma! is punctuated by unforgettable songs like "People Will Say We're in Love", "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning", "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" as well as many other Rodgers and Hammerstein favorites.

The production features a large cast, including theater veterans in principal roles: Steve Pesich as Curly, Jenny Evans as Laurey, Kate Schoen as Ado Annie, Nicole Pellegrino as Aunt Eller, Brandon Sweeney as Will Parker, Sasa Vasic as Jud Fry, and Eric Tomeo as Ali Hakim.

This production will bring together the talents of Larry A Brechner as the Producer/Director and Timothy Bartlett as the Music and Orchestra Director, for their first time collaboration in Munster's theater.  Choreographer Julie Ason, Accompanist Jill Newsom, and Technical Director Eric Polley will return this season plus joined by the talents of Kathryn O'Connor as Assistant Choreographer and Carol Lynn Brechner as Assistant Director.

Munster's only previous production of Oklahoma! was in 1966. It was one of its very first full-length musicals under the direction of Dick Holmberg and Gene Forte, featuring our current accompanist (Jill Newsom) in the leading role as Laurey.  Oklahoma!, the first collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein, endures today as the modern definition of the American Musical Theater genre some 56 years later.

Oklahoma! will run  Friday, April 30;  Saturday, May 1 at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 2 at 2pm in Munster's newly renovated auditorium facility. A preview performance will be held on Thursday, April 29. Tickets are available at the Auditorium Box Office on performance nights or in advance by calling: (219) 836-3200 x245,  by email at boxoffice@iname.com.