As the Guild's first attempt at dual casting, this show presented new challenges for everyone. The actors, the director, and even the orchestra had to adapt to different styles and strengths. While it is not expected that dual casting will become the norm for future shows, it gave almost twice as many quality performers the opportunity to share their talents on stage. Two of the leads not dual cast were Curly and Will. Bill and Tim didn't mind though as Bill got to kiss two Laureys and Tim got to kiss two Ado Annies. Dual casting caused a few logistical problems with rehearsal time and staging, but it provided us with yet another theatrical learning opportunity.
The show had a large cast, including children for the first time since Bye, Bye Birdie. Lisa Ortiz' choreography was spectacular, making dancers out of "cowboys" and even converting the stage into a gigantic wedding celebration with more than 30 people dancing at once! Laura Gerard was the Vocal Director and Robert Peri was our Orchestra Director.
This Rodgers & Hammerstein 1943 musical follows the rivalry of cowboy named Curly and a farmer called Jud who have fallen for the same woman. The Farmers and the Cowboys must be friends, though, and, with the exception of Jud, they manage to get along fine in the end.
With Aunt Eller's help, Curly and Laurey finally admit their love for each other, Will settles down with Ado Annie, and even Ali Hakim "gets the girl" in the end when he marries Gertie. Alas, poor Jud is dead, but dual cast Jake Demel and Kevin Drewes who played Jud, will live on in everyone's memory.
...Directed by Jill Aufill
....Produced by Kayleen Clements
