NEW Earswick Musical Society brings a touch of reality to next week's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.
Yorkshire farmer Neville Maw will be leaving behind his plough to become a cowhand in the principal role of Curly McLain, while fellow lead Helen Nicholls - she plays Laurey Williams - was once a sheep farmer.
These stalwarts of the Yorkshire amateur stage will be joined in Ann McCreadie's production by, among others, Clark Howard. A member of the group since his early years, he has now finished his A-level studies and is no doubt gaining life experience, just like his character in Oklahoma!, Will Parker.
Other roles go to Sarah Barker, as Ado Annie; David Cox, as the disreputable farmhand Jud Fry; Steve Kenwright, as travelling tinker Ali Hakim; John Fryer, Cairns; Beryl Long, Aunt Eller; and company newcomer Helena Brown, as Gertie.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's first musical collaboration, which opened on Broadway in March 1943, gave the world such favourites as Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'; The Surrey With The Fringe On Top; Kansas City; I Cain't Say No; and People Will Say We're In Love.
Oklahoma! runs from November 11 to 15 at 7.30pm nightly. Box office: 01904 768182 or 01904 623568 (York Theatre Royal).
Updated: 10:15 Friday, November 07, 2003
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