NTP’s manufacturing of ‘Oklahoma!” was imagined to debut tonight (Friday, October 17), however on account of male lead Gabriel White Marin leaving the world this week for a his new function in a touring firm manufacturing of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” the opening evening of “Oklahoma!” needed to be moved from tonight to tomorrow evening, in order that the present’s choreographer Christan McLaurine might correctly be taught the choreography of the present’s traditional struggle scene in his new further function as “Curly.” “It’s by no means straightforward to lose a present lead,” Paine says, “however I can’t consider a greater motive to lose one! We’re all excited for Gabriel and know he’ll do nice! We additionally know that Christan will do a tremendous job as Curly!”
Observe — If you might have tickets for tonight’s cancelled efficiency, NTP producing creative director and “Oklahoma!” director Nora Paine says you possibly can both have the price of your tickets refunded or you possibly can trade them for any of the remaining accessible performances. Name the New Tampa Gamers Field Workplace at (813) 543-6252 in the event you haven’t already to make your preparations.
As for the present itself, the guts of the American frontier comes alive on stage as NTP — New Tampa’s group theatre troupe — opens its extremely anticipated manufacturing of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” on the New Tampa Performing Arts Heart.
Directed by Paine (who additionally directed NTP’s “Singin’ within the Rain” in 2024), G. Frank Meekins (“Grease,” 2023) and Karissa Barber (“Into the Woods,” 2025), the manufacturing captures the spirit and appeal of this beloved 1943 musical recognized for its wealthy rating, iconic characters and sweeping depiction of life within the early Twentieth-century Oklahoma Territory.
A Traditional Reimagined For The Neighborhood
“Oklahoma!’ is greater than only a musical: it’s a celebration of resilience, hope, and love,” Paine says. “We wished to remain true to the traditional whereas additionally making it really feel recent and related to our group.”
From the opening strains of “Oh, What a Lovely Mornin’” to the stirring finale, the present options standout performances from a terrific forged of native expertise.
The multi-talented Mr. McLaurine, who wowed audiences as James “Thunder” Early in NTP’s manufacturing of “Dreamgirls” (he additionally was the unbelievable baritone voice of the man-eating plant Audrey II in NTP’s “Little Store of Horrors”), steps into the function of Curly for Gabriel. In the meantime, Isabella Ruano, a newcomer to the NTPAC stage, brings energy and heat to the function of Laurey. The supporting forged — together with NTP newcomer Madison DeBrino as Ado Annie, newcomer Tristan Horta as Will Parker, and long-time NTP veteran Michael Neary because the troubled farmhand Jud Fry — convey their roles to life with humor, coronary heart and depth.
The Coronary heart Of The Neighborhood, Too!
The manufacturing is a real group effort, involving greater than 50 volunteers. Main the group are costume designer Deb Lastinger, technical director Paul McColgan and scenic artist James Cass. Audiences will probably be particularly delighted by the colourful choreography by McLaurine and ballroom choreographer Erica Holland — a ravishing spotlight of the present.
Music administrators Rick Barclay and G. Frank Meekins have teamed as much as information this 23-person forged and 14-musician orchestra by means of a rating that may have you ever buzzing all the way in which house, together with the title music, plus “Oh, What a Lovely Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on High” and lots of extra.
Don’t Miss It!
Don’t miss your probability to expertise “Oklahoma!” like by no means earlier than and prepare to be swept away by the wonder, music and magic of this unforgettable manufacturing.
Purchase your tickets now, earlier than NTP sells out the remainder of this six-performance run! Performances of “Oklahoma!” will probably be Saturday, October 18, at 8 p.m., Sunday, October 19, at 3 p.m., Friday & Saturday, Oct. 24-25, at 8 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday, October 25-26, at 3 p.m. Tickets can be found at NewTampaPlayers.org and value $22-$40. Additionally, see the advert under for more information.
