‘Oklahoma!’ Saddle up for this Broadway classic

Join cowboy Curly and farm girl Laurey for the musical ‘Oklahoma!’ this weekend. (JACKIE HUBER/BELLAWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY)

BY CRAIG SCHULIN

THE FREE LANCE-STAR

They say “the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet when the wind comes right behind the rain.” In “Oklahoma!” that is!

The Christian Community Theater will be performing six shows of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 1943 classic starting tonight and running through Sunday.

“This is the second show being performed by the CCT, so we wanted it to be one the audience is more familiar with,” said artistic director Pam King. Now in its second year of existence, the theater group, which performs one show a year, was formed  as an affiliate of the area’s Christian Youth Theater.

That group is  open to students ages 8–18 while the CCT is open to all ages. Neither group is affiliated with a church and are open to members of all faiths.

“Development of character and providing wholesome family entertainment are what we are about,” said King. This production is being directed by Ruth Arensdorf.

Though relatively new to the area, Arensdorf, a trained classical ballerina, was involved for years with the Houston CYT. “I’ve choreographed 13 shows and directed seven,” said Arensdorf. “We’re really going to miss her,” said King, referring to  Arensdorf’s imminent move away from the area to her husband’s new duty station as a Marine in Florida.

Still, the theater group has much talent and experience to continue to draw upon. Jean Aylesworth, who at 77 is the oldest member of the cast, has been involved in community theater for years.

Cori Briggs, a recent high school graduate who is considering college studies in the performing arts, is appearing in her seventh show with the CYT and CCT. “It’s been an awesome learning experience.

This is a capable group of people, one with lots of talent.  All of  this combined with  Broadway-caliber costumes, sets and makeup and you have one heck of a show. So,

“Yeeow! Ayipioeeay!” Don’t miss one.

WANT TO GO?

What:  “Oklahoma!” Where: Spotsylvania High School, 6975 Courthouse Road When: Today through Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 3 and 7 p.m.

Cost: $13; $11 group discount of 10 or more.

Info: 540/604-5156;  cytfredericksburg.org

Craig Schulin: 540/374-5403

cschulin@freelancestar.com

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