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Drayton's production of Oklahoma! portrays idealistic view of simple life the £005 wash" is now underway with the launch at Rodgers and llummcr stem's rowdy musical may Ierpiece. Oklahoma!. This lime-honoured story oftender romance and fierce passion kicks off the theatre's 15th season of music and Laughter. Set in the Oklahoma Ter- ritory in the early 19005. Oklahoma! conveys an ide- aft/ed vision of a simpler time. You‘ll find yourself in good company with a cast of unforgettable characters, including handsome cow- boy Curly and Winsome farm girl Laurey. The courtship of these two young sweethearts inspires this energetic cele- bration of the human spirit. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins. love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. "Oklahoma! is an endur- ing favourite of theatregoers Ihroughoul the world." says Alex Mustakas, artistic direc- tor of Drayton Entertain, ment, "I am thrilled to we sent this charming produc- lion in the quaint country setting of the Waylon Fesli< val 'Ihealre, which is a fitting backdrop for this beloved musical." Rodgers and Hammer- stein's acclaimed Broadway musical launched the most successful creative partner- ship in the history of musi- cal theatre. It features an immortal score filled with such mem- orable songs as Oh, What a Beautiful Morning, The Sur- rey With The Fringe On Top, People Will Say We're In love and many more. Saw III pm hy First (inn in Canada! June " laurvv Wilma. Man Mm.» ant: meul With soaring melodies Ihere p, a "linghl gold- en hare" at the Dray- ton l-cslival Iheatrv. as Experience a one-of-a-kind outdoor concert like no other! kw “Hutu! Only awn-me in Ontario! Ame " and high-spirited square dancing. Oklahoma! will have you dosido-ing right out of the theatre. Drayton Entertainment's season-opening production, Oklahoma!, runs eight shows a week until June 4. Director Mustakas breathes new life into this a or unru- nu '--r- mm"... “In-u... .n -rm.. Iw.niaga Also featuring the smooth jazz stytings of: . Alexander lonrlt lb hands lie" tomer and Mn Whalum'. . Plan". of a Dream . Alfw lapparnsla . HIP Clavtorv'Srott (mum . Karon Gale rhnmrrv. . Robert Muhaelx . (oral Egan . Chantal Chamberland ARTS FOCUS venerable Broadway classic, and uses astute direction to capitalize on the Produc- tion's best elements of music. dance. comedy, and drama. It Niogoro's Dff1., June 11 a. 12, 1005 10arn - 10pm 938 Barton Street Winona ON (I C922? Awlahlo I 541005 N? @601 sifii7oth r nrpI'Iraf- VIP my mum \\ ll 1 an (“fumowil tttN Wanna Vim-mu I" Choreographer David Connolly entices the audi- ence with an alluring display of energetic and graceful dance numbers. Standout moments South American Explorer Cruise - Feb 2006 ‘0 "I” From the hush of the Chrlean Fysrds to the Joyous beaches of _ ' y Rm, the elegant ms Rotterdam explores both magmlicent coasts of South America. Thrs thvereie continent IS full of hrstory, , Culture, art and archrtedure, mesmmzrng beauty and colourful l, _ landscapes Our 20-day tour/cruise adventure offers the BES T " VALUE and I: a varatvon opporturvty you Will never forget. , :. a Seminar Wednesday, May " am... mm»... Seminar starts at 7:00 pm, call today to reserve your year. 746 King Street East, Cambndge, Ontan'o N3H 3N9 519-650-4640 www totatworhttrave.com include the elegant sequence for the Dream Bal- let and the complex manoeuvring in the Skidmore Ranch celebra- tion, The Farmer and The HAUNTED 'MOTO Over its extensive 62-year history. Oklahoma! has received numerous acco- lades including a special Pulitzer Prize, two Academy Awards, a special Tony Award and an induction into the Grammy Awards Hall of Cowman. Olivia Howell is extreme- Iy appealing as the fetching farm girl lame-y, and wally lessly blends humour. spunk. desire. and great vocals into the performance. In doing so, she captures the youthful heart and spirit of her character. Matt Cassidy makes the perfect foil as the cowboy Curly. Strong and aggressive, he swaggers with confi- dence, power. and charm - making him entirely believ- able as Laurey's object of affection. He also is a terrific singer, as demonstrated in the pow- erful opening number Oh. What A Beautiful Morning. Music Director Charles T. Cozens returns to Drayton, having entertained audi- ences in 2004 with the dynamic music of Fiddler on the Roof. Gowns master- fully leads a stellar ensemble and five-piece orchestra through this classic Wild West tale. Scott Iancastle. who has captivated Drayton Enter- tainment audiences in Carousel. The Secret Gar- den, and Man of la Mancha, adds a darkening presence to the production as the menacing Jud Fry the jeal- ous hired hand intent on destroying the couple's newfound happiness. An inspiring musical that explores the broad spectrum of love, the original 1943 production of Oklahoma! was an instant hit, and for 15 years it held the record as the longest-running show on Broadway. Continued on page 13