OKLAHOMA! is presented through special arrangement with R & H Theatricals: www.rnh.com. For more information, visit our website at www.festivalplace.ab.ca To purchase tickets call our Box Office at 780-449-3378
Synopsis Curly rides his horse through the cornfield. He arrives at Aunt Eller’s farm. Laurey Williams is Aunt Eller’s niece, with whom Curly is in love. Laurey clearly feels the same way but is loath to admit it. Curly has come to ask her to a party that night, but Laurey is offended that Curly has waited until the morning of the party to ask her. To make him jealous, she agrees to go with Jud, Aunt Eller’s surly hired hand, though she is afraid of him. At the train station, Aunt Eller meets roving cowboy Will Parker, who has just returned from Kansas City and is hoping to marry Ado Annie. Meanwhile, Laurey meets up with Ado Annie, who is with a traveling salesman named Ali Hakim. Laurey reminds her that Will is returning from Kansas City. Ado Annie is in a dilemma, unable to decide between Will and Ali. She explains to Laurey that she can never resist a romantic man, though she knows it is wrong. Will is reunited with Ado Annie, and meets Ali Hakim, unaware that he has been spending time with Annie. He reminds Annie her father agreed to let him marry her in exchange for $50. He has managed to earn $50 – but spent it all on presents for Annie. She initially tries to resist, but Will wins her over. Several local families arrive at Aunt Eller’s ranch to prepare for the party that night. When Gertie flirts with Curly, he is uninterested but uses the flirtation to make Laurey jealous. Laurey is hurt, but as she and the other girls freshen up for the party, she tries to convince them and herself that she doesn’t care. Ado Annie’s father learns Will spent all his money, and when Ado Annie introduces Ali, her father forces a proposal from Ali at gunpoint - though Ali is a rover and has no desire for marriage. In the orchard, Laurey tells Curly to keep his distance, but Curly is quick to point out that she is as much to blame for the rumors as he is. Curly asks Laurey if she will go to the party with him instead, and though she clearly wants to, she is too scared of Jud’s reaction to turn him down now. In anger, Curly goes to confront Jud about his feelings for Laurey. At first, things seem harmless enough. Curly teases Jud about his reputation, and Jud joins in. But Jud deduces why Curly has come to see him, and angrily threatens him and Laurey. As the party draws near, Laurey is miserable. When she uses a bottle of smelling salts bought from Ali, which she was told was a magic elixir, she slips into a trance. In her dream, she and Curly are about to marry, but Jud crashes the wedding and eventually kills Curly. Jud wakes Laurey. Laurey knows Curly is the right man for her, but it’s too late to change her mind about going to the party with Jud. Curly, unwilling to go with another young lady to the dance, decides to take Aunt Eller. Jud has no intention of taking Laurey to the party. He slows down and attempts to sweet-talk her. But when he tries to kiss her, Laurey grabs the whip and causes the horses to bolt. When they eventually stop and Jud leaps down, Laurey whips up the horses and leaves Jud stranded. The party is in full swing, though the local farmers and cowmen are at loggerheads. Aunt Eller and Mr. Skidmore, the party’s host, manage to make peace. Aunt Eller leads
Synopsis cont. an auction of picnic hampers prepared by the local girls. Will discovers Ali is engaged to Ado Annie. When Ali learns Will needs $50 to marry her, he buys the presents Will bought, some for more than twice what they’re worth, allowing Will to recover the needed $50. Ado Annie’s father is forced to let Will marry his daughter. Meanwhile, Curly and Jud, who has arrived just in time, vie furiously for Laurey’s hamper. Curly wins, but not before he has sold his saddle, horse and gun. Jud tries to kill Curly with a “Little Wonder” – a kaleidoscope-like device with a dagger concealed inside it – but is foiled by Ali Hakim and Aunt Eller. Will Parker tells Annie that now that they are engaged, she must stop flirting with other men. Jud confronts Laurey, but she fires him. He says she will never be rid of him. She finds Curly and explains what has happened. Seizing his chance, Curly proposes to her, and she accepts. Ali bids goodbye to Will and Ado Annie and leaves. Curly and Laurey are married. Gertie arrives at the wedding party, announcing she is also married. Her husband turns out to be Ali Hakim - Gertie’s father forced Ali to marry her. But the festivities are disrupted by Jud, who sets fire to a haystack and threatens Curly with a knife. Curly jumps him, and inadvertently causes Jud to fall on his own knife, killing him. A makeshift trial is held at Aunt Eller’s house. Curly is found not guilty, and he and Laurey depart for their honeymoon in the surrey with the fringe on top.
Song List “Overture” - Orchestra (played before the film begins) “Main Title” - Orchestra (played over the opening credits) “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” - Curly “Laurey’s Entrance” - Laurey (“Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’”) “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” - Curly “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top (Reprise)” - Curly “Kansas City” - Will, Aunt Eller, Male Ensemble “I Cain’t Say No” - Ado Annie “I Cain’t Say No” (reprise) - Will and Ado Annie “Entrance of Ensemble” (“Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’”) - Curly, Gertie, and Ensemble “Many a New Day” - Laurey and Female Ensemble “People Will Say We’re In Love” - Curly and Laurey “Pore Jud Is Daid” - Curly and Jud “Out of My Dreams” - Laurey and Female Ensemble “Dream Ballet” - Ensemble “Entr’acte” - Orchestra “The Farmer and the Cowman” - Carnes, Aunt Eller, Ike Skidmore, Ensemble “All Er Nuthin’” - Will and Ado Annie “People Will Say We’re In Love (Reprise)” - Curly and Laurey “Oklahoma” - Curly and Ensemble “Finale Ultimo” (“Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’”) - Ensemble “Exit Music” - Orchestra
Orchestra Names Edmonton Pops Orchestra Flute - Kendall Leighton Oboe - Kara Loewer Clarinet - Debbie Hockett Horn - Ken Fossey, alt. Ross McLean Trumpet - Martin Walters Trombone - Kelsey Getzinger Percussion - Dale Osbaldeston Keyboard - Joselito II De Los Angeles Violin I - Valerie Sim, alt. Lydia Metzger Violin II - Grace Huang Viola - Darrell Soetaert Cello - Joshua Ching Bass - Sean Croal Conductor - Michael Clark
Thank you’s Shelley’s Dance Company Edmonton Dance Factory Elope Musical Theatre University of Alberta Horizon Players Theatre Jennifer Linder Walterdale Theatre -----> Thom Burke Audrey’s Books
Director’s Notes In 1944 the show had won a special Pulitzer Prize and made Rodgers and Hammerstein the new, hot musical theatre writing team. Oklahoma! is one of the most produced shows in the entire world and is the most important of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. It set a new standard for Broadway musicals in which the music, lyrics, book and choreography were all an integral part of the story. Interestingly, the lyrics and the book were written before the music, to allow for a seamless continuity of the story from spoken to sung text, and frequently to dance as well – as beautifully portrayed in the ACT 1 ballet. Speaking of the ballet. This massive and gorgeously choreographed dance piece by the incredible Shelley Tookey, brings our audiences into the emotionally bold psychological world of courtship, seduction, and obsession in the love triangle between Laurey, Curley and Jud. Never before has any dream dance piece in a musical comedy taken an audience onto such wild, vivid and true-to-life ride as this one. Dreams, desires and pretenses are a handful of essential components of the show. They give them hope for a bigger, better and brighter future as the Indian territory becomes a new state in the Union. The characters try to scratch out a living on the land while starting to create a structure and a community for themselves. And this is most likely why the audiences took to the musical so well when it first opened on Broadway. In the darkest times of the World War II, as the nation struggles to hold onto their strength to fight against fascism, the show with the rousing ‘We know we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand’ allowed them to see something unique on stage – themselves, the common American folk. It depicted a story centered around them, their lives, their hard work and struggles, passions, the simplicity of their lives, but also optimism, a new dawn for a new love, a new frontier and a new state…. And this, I think, is why Oklahoma! stood the test of time. Even though 75 years have passed since the show first opened, the world around us has not changed much. We see bits of ourselves in every one of these characters. We identify with the vast array of emotions these characters experience. In the hardships of life, facing incredible challenges, these characters seek out hope – hope for a better tomorrow. They hope to marry the one they love and create meaningful and fulfilling lives for themselves. Somehow, we can’t help but fall in love with Curly’s optimistic view of life. Start off the day right and it’ll end right, too. You wake up singing a beautiful tune, and by 9pm you’ve purchased yourself a basket (or a bride for that matter). Or Annie’s indecisiveness – which in her mind is just another word that describes ‘positive thinking’. Always keep your options open… And, everyone needs an Aunt Eller – a hardy woman, who is tough-as-nails, with solid life-advice, who is not afraid to break-up a fight, and who in the first 30 minutes of the show reveals that she does not wear undies… but all kidding aside, what is most important about her is that she sees the good in everyone, including the misunderstood Jud Fry. I can’t express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this show a possibility. Our amazing team – Shelley, Michael, Allene, Madi, Brian, Leland, James and Kim, the entire cast, crew, orchestra, set builders and painters, the box office and the County of Strathcona. Putting on a show of this magnitude takes tremendous amount of resilience, strength, focus and dedication. Now sit back and enjoy Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Martin Galba
cast bios Anna Johnson Anna has been working on song writing and performing original songs as well as dancing for many years. She recently performed popular hits as a guest vocalist at the Edmonton Pops Orchestra Gala. Anna took on the role of Mary Poppins in Victoria Schools Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical, as well as Polly Baker in Crazy for You. Anna has previously been involved with Festival Players as an ensemble member in Anne of Green Gables, and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins. Anna has won many awards and accolades for her singing, including the Junior Winner at Big Valley Jamboree’s- ATB Financial Homegrown Stage.
Annie Bizuk Annie is happy to be joining the cast of Oklahoma! and would like to thank Shelley and Martin for this opportunity. Annie is a fifteen-year-old Grade Ten student at ABJ School who also enjoys dancing at Shelley’s Dance Company. Annie’s previous performances with Festival Players include playing Tinkerbell in Peter Pan, and various roles in the 25th Anniversary Musical Revue, Fiddler on the Roof, Anne of Green Gables, Honk! JR., Oliver!, Cinderella JR. and Seussical JR.
Anthea Lavergne This is Anthea’s third show with Festival Players, she has been in Singin’ in the Rain and the 25th Anniversary Musical Revue. Starting at the age of three, Anthea has been dancing in various styles and has been in la Jeûnes Classique and Alberta ballet Nutcrackers. She has also been in a multitude of musicals including Avalon’s productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie as Millie, 13 as Kendra and Charlotte and James and the Giant Peach as Ladybug and Harry Ainlay’s production of Noises Off as Dotty. Anthea is also a two-time Futures Fest winner for musical theatre.
Avery Nault Avery is very excited to add Oklahoma! to her theatre experience. She is grateful to have gotten the opportunity to be a part of this show. This is her first production with Festival Players. She has been in school productions at Sherwood Heights Junior High including Hansel and Gretel, where she played the Wicked Witch. She danced at Step by Step for 7 years before deciding to focus on theatre.
Carly Holm This is Carly’s first Christmas show with Festival Players, but she has been acting throughout the Edmonton and Strathcona County communities since she was 13 years old. She is in her final year of university, pursuing her Bachelor of Arts (Drama) combined with her Bachelor of Education (French). Carly is so proud of the cast of Oklahoma! and hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has enjoyed working on it!
Colin Stewart Colin is very excited to be making his debut with the Festival Players! He recently appeared in Where Heroes Lie at the Edmonton Fringe Festival and in the St. Albert Dinner Theatre’s production of Barely Heirs. Colin would like to give a special thanks to his wife Nadia for helping him memorize his lines and suffering through all his failed attempts at a southern accent.
David Son David is excited to be taking part in his first Festival Players production alongside such a wonderful cast and crew. He has spent the last 25 years as part of the incredible Edmonton dance scene and has recently decided to branch out and explore other aspects of being on stage.
Ellena Wujcik Ellena is a 23-year-old singer, dancer and actor from Spruce Grove. She has always been very passionate about performing arts and is excited to get the opportunity to be a part of the cast of Oklahoma!. She most recently took part in a Broadway Intensive in Calgary where she worked alongside Tyler Hanes and Annette Tanner to put on a show in 5 days titled Unplugged. This past summer she was also a part of the cast of MEAT the Musical at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. She recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education Degree and currently teaches Grade. 5. In her spare time, she enjoys composing her own music.
Francie Goodwin-Davies Francie is thrilled to be reprising this role from many years ago. She’s also had the extreme pleasure of being in the first theatrical production ever done on this stage as well the 25th Anniversary Musical Revue celebrating Festival Place. Francie has most recently picked up two outstanding actress awards for Stage Stuck the one act play festival for her role in Cut and this year for her role in Killing Captain Slapdash. Other roles include Mitzi Morotzik, Bonobo Bacchanale. Stardust Players, Song of the Martingale, Valentines Train. Madame Arcati, Blithe Spirit, Nanny Ogg, Wyrd Sisters, Helga Ten Dorp, Deathtrap, Nat, Rabbit Hole. Joan, Pieces. Janet, Full Monty. Virginia Carpolloti Three Viewings, Widow Corney, Oliver and Yenta, Fiddler on the Roof. SING! SING! C’mon now! Sing!
Georgia Cooney Georgia is so excited to be returning to the Festival Players stage! This is her fifth show with Festival Place, having previously been apart of Singin’ in The Rain, James and the Giant Peach, Charlottes Web and Anne of Green Gables. She loves singing, dancing and all things musical theatre. Georgia can’t wait for you to enjoy the show!
Hannah Kelly Hannah Kelly is thrilled to be a part of the Ensemble of Oklahoma!. This is her first time on stage since moving to Edmonton. Her past musical performances include Urinetown, Guys and Dolls, and Beauty and the Beast. She couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew to have put this show together with, and she hopes you enjoy every moment of this classic musical!
Jack Bizuk Jack is excited to join his Oklahoma! castmates and perform with Festival Players. As a lover of the stage, you may have seen Jack previously in the cast of Fiddler on the Roof, Anne of Green Gables, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Oliver!, Annie Get Your Gun, Wizard of Oz, or Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat. Jack would like to thank the cast, crew and director for their support in the making of this production.
cast bios cont. Jason Cardwell Jason grew up in Sherwood Park, attending both Archbishop Jordan and Salisbury Composite high schools where he immersed himself in the drama programs, appearing in numerous productions including Grease, Ten Little Indians and Arsenic and Old Lace. More recently, after a 33-year hiatus from the stage, he has appeared as an ensemble member in Young Frankenstein and Once Upon a Frost.
Joel Sims Joel is an actor and singer based out of Sherwood Park. He is very grateful for the opportunity to make his Festival Players debut as Curly McLain. Joel has always had a passion for the performing arts and could be previously seen in the Citadel Theatre’s Young Musical Companies Bat Boy: The Musical and in St. Albert Childrens Theatre’s Tuck Everlasting. Joel would like to thank his friends and loved ones for all their support and would like to dedicate his performance to his Grandmother Ruth, who always wanted to see him do a “happy show like Oklahoma”.
Kathleen Sera Kathleen is thrilled to be appearing in her 15th show with Festival Players after taking a year off to get married. Favourite past roles include Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, Jellylorum in CATS, Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins and Fruma Sarah in Fiddler on the Roof. She has also appeared in several productions in the Edmonton area, most notably as Inga in Young Frankenstein, Cinderella in Disenchanted!, Hedy LaRue in How To Succeed…, and as a guest singer for her husband’s band, Revved Up Zeke.
Kimberly Lang Kim is thrilled to be back on the Festival Players stage again for Oklahoma!. She has had a riot being in Westside Story, Mary Poppins, Anne of Green Gables, Fiddler on the Roof, Once Upon a Frost, and of course the 25th Anniversary Musical Revue this fall. She loves adding interesting characters to each performance and sharing the experience with fellow actors. Oklahoma! has been a favourite of hers for a long time and she is beyond excited to be a part of this production. All the best to the cast and crew of Oklahoma! Yeow!
Kyden Seeto Kyden is thrilled that Oklahoma! is his debut appearance with Festival Players. Previous theatre credits include Citadel productions of A Christmas Carol and Evangeline (Charlottetown, PEI /Edmonton, Alberta). He has studied at the Robbins Academy Foote Theatre School. Kyden is currently in Grade 10 at Ardrossan High School. Outside of acting, he has taken up both guitar and vocal lessons. He also plays on the school volleyball, basketball and badminton sports teams. He is thankful for this opportunity with Festival Players and is grateful for all the love and support he has received.
Laura Eschak Oklahoma! is the third production Laura Eschak has performed with Festival Players, previously performing in Oliver and the 25th Anniversary Musical Revue. Laura has been involved in 40 productions, through either performing, costumes, ASM or playing in the pit. Laura has also performed through dance, majorettes playing saxophone and choirs. Laura enjoys story telling through movement, music and song both on stage and behind the curtains. Sit back and enjoy Oklahoma!, the first Broadway show that successfully incorporated dance, story and music into a smash hit.
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cast bios cont. Lindsay Patterson Lindsay is excited to join the cast of Oklahoma!. Previous roles with Festival Players include Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach and Music Man Jr. Lindsay also enjoys acting in drama productions at her school and singing with the Elk Island Regional Honour Choir. Lindsay has enjoyed working with the cast of Oklahoma! and hopes you enjoy the show!
Lyndsay McClelland Lyndsay enjoys performing with her school improv team and student dramatic productions. She has performed at the Edmonton Fringe Festival for two years and has written and performed her own sketch as a guest artist with the Odd Wednesday Comedy Players. Lyndsay has also enjoyed her previous roles in the Citadel Theatre’s A Christmas Carol and is excited to be a part of Oklahoma!
Maren Richardson Maren is seventeen years old and in grade twelve at Bev Facey High School. You might have recently seen her as Kathy Seldon in Singin’ in the Rain, Eva in Bring it On!, and in Festival Place’s 25th Anniversary Musical Revue. She recently performed as a vocalist with the Edmonton Pops Orchestra Gala at the Hotel MacDonald, and with the Wye Strings Ensemble. Maren spends her free time playing piano, taking ballet lessons, learning new languages and studying biology. She currently works as a Disney Princess and sings opera at West Edmonton Mall! Maren would like to thank the cast and crew for an amazing show!
Owen Connolly Owen is an athlete, an actor, a musician, and a grade eleven student at Harry Ainlay high school. He began acting a few years ago when he joined his school’s improv team. Owen really enjoys improv, he finds that it’s an amazing form of theatre and nothing compares to the feeling of going on stage without a script memorized. When Owen’s not at rehearsal or stuck at a desk in school, he enjoys playing guitar, snowboarding, rock climbing, and going to the dog park with his dog Shadow.
Quaid Blom Quaid is happy to be joining the Festival Players in this production of Oklahoma!. This is his third production with Festival Place. An avid singer and performer, Quaid takes voice lessons and is a member of the Kokopelli- Shumayela choir. When not singing, Quaid enjoys nature photography as well as taking care of his little flock of chickens.
Sam Michaelchuk Sam is thrilled to be in the production of Oklahoma!. Previously he has performed with Festival Players in Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach, Once Upon a Frost and Music Man. He performed at the Edmonton Fringe Festival for the last two years and enjoys his classes at the Foote Theatre School. If Sam is not in the theatre, you can find him gaming or playing hockey. He hopes you enjoy the musical!
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cast bios cont. Selah Mrochuk This is Selah’s fifth performance with Festival Players, and she is super excited to be in this year’s production of Oklahoma!. She loves to sing, act, dance, and just be onstage in general. She has been taking voice and piano lessons and has recently begun dancing at Shelly’s Dance Company. Her previous acting experiences with Festival Players include Charlotte’s Web, James and the Giant Peach, Music Man Jr, and the 25th Anniversary Musical Revue.
Shawn Wells After Singin’ in the Rain last year as R.F. Simpson, Shawn is thrilled to be back with Festival Players. You may also recognize him from his numerous shows with ELOPE, TOWTTB and Foote in the Door Productions. Fun fact: the actors write their own Bios and can put anything they want here. Shawn is the bestselling author of the Harry Potter series which he writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling.
Talitha Mrochuk This is Talitha’s fourth production with Festival Players. She is in grade seven and has been acting since she was nine. She also enjoys playing the piano and sewing. Her previous shows included James and the Giant Peach, The Music Man Jr and the 25 Anniversary Musical Review.
Tyler Warawa Tyler was last seen playing Kenickie in Grease, Tony in West Side Story, The Wolf in Into the Woods... Over 20 years ago. He is delighted to FINALLY return to the theatre world with the Festival Players and to be learning and performing with such a highly talented cast and crew. He would like to thank everyone involved in this production for giving him this opportunity, and his wife and young child for the patience as he attends rehearsals!
Will Brisbain Will is thrilled to be returning to the Festival Place stage and joining the wonderful cast of Oklahoma!. He has previously appeared in Oliver, Anne of Green Gables, Charlotte’s Web and James and the Giant Peach. Other credits include A Christmas Carol, Evangeline and Matilda at the Citadel Theatre. Will is in grade 9 at FR Haythorne Jr. High and enjoys acting, dancing and film making. He would love to thank his family and friends for their continued support. He hopes you love the show!
production bios Allene Hodgins – Production Stage Manager Allene is thrilled to be in her 21st production at Festival Place, productions have included Joseph, White Christmas, Oliver, Cat’s Mary Poppins and last’s year’s Singin’ In The Rain. It is a true passion of Allene’s to be working with such amazing and talented people. Allene can’t thank the production team enough for all their hard work, as well as the group of talented actors who make a stage manager’s job easier. This show is dedicated to her father, this one’s for you “Popski”.
Brent Schultz – Set Builder Brent is one of the four Lead Scenic Builders for this year’s production. Brent is a carpenter by trade and is thrilled to be involved with set building. This is Brent’s 4th production building the massive and semi-professional sets for Festival Place. Brent enjoys spending time with his family when he is not working or building a set.
Brian Bast – Costume Designer Brian Bast is a designer by destiny and has designed numerous productions. He is a multiple Sterling Award Nominee for his set and costume designs. He has designed for many theatres in Alberta: Citadel Theatre, Shadow Theatre, Grant MacEwan University, Theatre Network, Alberta Opera, Grande Prairie Live Theatre, Theatre Yes, Red Deer College and Victoria School of the Arts. This is for K,Q,H. Enjoy the show.
Carol Ljuden – Scenic Painter Carol Ljuden’s paintings can be seen in the collections of the AFA and Strathcona County, amongst others, she has been a long-time participant as an artist in the Alberta Gallery of Arts annual event, “Art on the Block”. At Mystic Scenic she worked on the first of Disney’s Big Red Boats, including Props, Backdrops, and Scenery. Other clients included Disneyworld and Universal Studios Themeparks, and Castlerock Entertainment.
Chris Szott – Foley Sound Artist Chris has been a stage technician for several years at Festival Place. Chris has a Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering. He had the opportunity to do an internship at a post-production studio Belgium. He is the owner of Little Hook Sound company which keeps him busy, creating sounds for the big screen and the small stage for Festival Place productions.
Cody Boyd – Lighting Technician Cody is a graduate of Red Deer College and has been a technician at Festival Place for many years and in Toronto as well. Creating lighting for concerts and the musicals. Cody also teaches the classes in video production at Festival Place. He has worked on multiple show including Fiddler On The Roof, Anne of Green Gables, Mary Poppins and most recently Singin In The Rain. Thank you for coming to see this year’s Oklahoma!.
James Odenbach – Lighting Designer Over the past decade James has designed the lighting and effects for all the Festival Players productions including Joseph, Oliver, Cats, Mary Poppins, and last year’s Singin’ in The Rain. Designing the Rain system last year was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects he has ever been involved with. Outside of Festival Players productions, James also works on several other projects such as the Strathcona County Digital LED Tree. Enjoy the show!
production bios Cont. Julie Murphy – Fight Director Julie is an award-winning choreographer who works as a professional movement director—specializing in dance and theatrical movement, combat, violence, intimacy. Julie is a graduate of the University of Alberta’s Education and Drama degree programs; performs as a company member with Viva Contemporary Dance; trains as a certified actor combatant with the Academy of Fight Directors Canada and serves as the resident violence and intimacy director for Get Off the Stage Productions. Enjoy the show!
Kimberly Lang – Props Wrangler/Paint Assistant Kim loves to find the little things that make a story on stage, real, and this is a real opportunity to bring Oklahoma alive in all of its country glory. Past prop works include: Anne of Green Gables and West Side Story.
Leland Stelck – Set Designer Leland’s last design for Festival Place was Singing in the Rain and boy did we make it rain! Oklahoma like Alberta is ‘Big Sky Country’ with higher corn and, wow, he had fabulous set painters. Other designs include: Beauty and the Beast, Little Women, She Loves Me and Carousel for Foote in the Door. Look for his upcoming design for Merrily We Roll Along at Walterdale Theatre in June. Now that he is retired from the work world you might also see Leland back on stage. Thanks also to Judy who continues to support me through the long hours I put into my theatre fantasies.
Madison Hucal – Assistant Stage Manager Madison has been involved in the dance and theatre world since the age of three and it has been an ever-growing passion for all these years. She spent her time at Archbishop Jordan Highschool in both the Drama and Technical Theatre program where she won awards for excellence in both. Madison loves dipping her toe in as many elements of theatre as possible including props wrangling, set painting, costuming, hair and makeup, acting and most recently as Assistant Stage Manager. Instead of putting all the productions Madison’s worked on, it’s simply easier to say she’s done an insane amount! She wants to thank everyone in her life for always supporting her ridiculous dreams and helping to make them come true!
Martin Galba – Director Praised for his significant contribution to the arts in Canada, Martin is the distinguished recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Not a stranger to Festival Players, having directed South Pacific performed the role of Freddy Einsford-Hill in My Fair Lady, Bobbie Child in Crazy For You, Al in A Chorus Line, Lun Tha in The King and I and most recently assistant directed Fiddler on the Roof. Select directing/choreography credits: Beauty & the Beast, West Side Story, Guys & Dolls, Phantom of the Opera, Young Frankenstein, Miss Saigon, La Cage Aux Folles, and RENT.
Michael Clark – Music Director Michael is happy to return in his seventh season as Music Director for Oklahoma! Earlier this year, his new musical Once Upon A Frost was premiered at Festival Place for which he wrote the book and music. Michael has toured internationally, and his musical arrangements have been performed across Canada. He is currently writing another musical, a ballet, and regularly writes and performs with the Edmonton Pops Orchestra. Check them out!
Nick Hucal – Scenic Builder Nick is one of the lead scenic builder for this year’s production of Oklahoma!, this is Nick’s 6th production with Festival Players. Nick is a man of many talents including carpentry, photography, music and computer technologies. He loves devoting his time to developing new talents and he is extremely excited to be taking part in such a traditional production.
Quinn Fisher – Scenic Builder Quinn’s is one of the lead scenic builders for this show he has also performed in 3 shows with the Festival Players, he was in Anne of Green Gables as Malcom Andrews, as well as Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof. He has also performed as Mr. Brownlow in Oliver! Quinn is currently a carpenter working for Habitat Studio. Building is his passion, creating sets for a plethora of shows is something he would love to do. He has practiced Taekwondo and is a 3rd degree black belt with 12 years of training. Quinn loves music, he has been playing drums for 6 years as well as guitar. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Robbie Tkachyk – Technical Director Robbie is a graduate of the Grant MacEwan Theatre Production program and has been with Festival Place for over 20 years. Having worked numerous productions such as Cats, The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Fiddler On The Roof and last year’s Singin’ In The Rain. The annual Christmas musical is always a highlight of the season. He is excited to be involved once again in this year’s production of Oklahoma!
Ron Smith – House Technician Ron Smith has been an audio engineer for 25 years specializing in concert sound. As part of his work at Festival Place he was thrust into the world of the theatre where he has witnessed the hard work and dedication of amateurs who perform for the LOVE of their craft. He has worked on such shows as Cats, West Side Story, Mary Poppins and last year’s Singin’ In The Rain.
Shelley Tookey – Choreographer Shelley has choreographed and directed many musicals over the past 18 years. Such as White Christmas, Oliver, Kiss Me Kate, Wizard of Oz, Annie Get Your Gun, Crazy For You, Sound of Music, Joseph, Cats and West Side Story, just to name a few. Shelley is pleased to be working with such a fabulous production team, cast and crew. Please enjoy this fun filled and classic musical!
Wade Screpnek – Stage hand and all-around helper Wade has been working at Festival Place as a Day Porter since June, 2005 and enjoys helping with the annual Christmas production. He attended the Citadel Theatre Acting School from 1989-92, danced with Arkan Ukrainian dance group and received his Teacher Assistant Certificate from GMCC in 1999. Wade enjoys being surrounded by and working with the arts community in Strathcona County.
William Gerow – Technician This is William’s second year working on the Festival Place Christmas musical. His previous production credits include the 25th Anniversary Revue, The Music Man, Once upon a Frost, and Singin’ in the Rain. He is thrilled to be a part of Oklahoma! and hopes you enjoy the show!
sponsors Festival Place would like to thank the following members of our corporate community who have chosen to support our Christmas musical, Oklahoma! Please support them with your patronage.
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LESSONS & WEJAM PROGRAM
TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PROMOTION LARGE SELECTION OF INSTRUMENTS AND ACCESSORIES INCLUDING FENDER, ROLAND, MARSHALL, GIBSON, AND MORE! www.sherwoodparkmusic.com – (780)467-5537
EDMONTON’S AUTHORITY FOR LOCAL LIVE EVENTS SINCE 2009 Connect with Edmonton's largest audience of active, live event-goers Contact James Jarvis, Ad Manager - james@yeglive.ca
Presenter Series: Remaining Shows for the 2019/2020 Season January 2020 Jan 17 An Evening with Jack Semple Blues Jan 18 Tebey with Special Guest Sons of Daughters Country/Bluegrass Jan 31 Little Miss Higgins Country/Bluegrass Café Series by Qualico Communities
February 2020 Feb 7 Hillsburn Pop/Rock Feb 7 The Small Glories County/Bluegrass Café Series by Qualico Communities Feb 8 Laila Biali Jazz Feb 13 Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar Blues Feb 14 Peking Acrobats Family Feb 15 Peking Acrobats Family Feb 16 Classic Albums Live Presents: Tom Petty Damn the Torpedoes Pop/Rock
March 2020 Mar 5-8 Festival Players for Kids Presents: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Family Mar 7 Ken Stead Singer/Songwriter Café Series by Qualico Communities Mar 13 Ray Bonneville Blues Café Series by Qualico Communities Mar 13 Dervish Celtic Mar 14 Red Dirt Skinners Country/Bluegrass Café Series by Qualico Communities Mar 15 & 16 Colin James Blues SOLD OUT Mar 20 The Celtic Tenors Classical/Vocal
April 2020 Apr 8 Shane Koyczan Spoken Word Apr 9 Still Crazy - The Music of Paul Simon Pop/Rock Apr 14 Sue Foley & Crystal Shawanda Blues Apr 25 The Southern Rock Revue Featuring The Cooper Brothers With Special Guests! Country/Bluegrass
June 2020 Jun 4 Black Hen Travelling Roadshow Folk
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Coming December 2020! Tickets On Sale Now
Festival place staff Logan Beach
Customer Service Representative
Cody Boyd
Assistant House Technician
Crysta Brown
Fund Development Coordinator
Keri Clark
Performing Arts Assistant
Steve Derpack
Artistic Director and Facility Supervisor
Kathleen Empey
Accounting Assistant II
Crystal Gibbons
Customer Service Representative
Lisa Hamly
Customer Service Representative
Allene Hodgins
Building Monitor
Carly Holm
Customer Service Representative
Mim Keryliuk
Building Monitor
Cindy MacGowan
Volunteer Coordinator
Brandy Morrison
Customer Service Representative
Susan Mullen
Performing Arts Programmer
Chuma Nwobosi
Customer Service Representative
James Odenbach
House/ Lighting Technician
Marcie Pringle
Box Office & Customer Service Representative Supervisor
Wade Screpnek
Day Porter
Ron Smith
House Technician
Peggy Thomas
Event and Promotions Representative
Robbie Tkachyk
Technical Director
Rob Swyrd
Festival Place Photographer
Thanks to the many community volunteers that make our guests so welcome
2016 ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP WINNER
We work closely with our clients to customize the services we provide based on their specific needs and circumstances. We’re proud to be a leading Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service in the Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan and surrounding areas. Always willing to go the extra mile whenever and wherever we’re needed. Contact us today to get in touch with our team of experienced professionals.
LOCATIONS 11-52 BRENTWOOD BLVD 780.467.8582 9705-90ST FORT SASKATCHEWAN 780.998.9411
WWW.MASTERCLEANER.CA MASTERCLEANER/SHERWOOD PARK
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