Oklahoma!

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and rules of modern musical theatre. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly, a charming cowboy, and Laurey, a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie and hapless Will Parker in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.

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Laurey, Female, Soprano, (18-35)  She has an innocence and yet an air of knowledge about her. She lives with her Aunt Eller on a ranch and is in love with Curly, though she may not admit it. 

Curly, Male, Baritone, (18-35)  Has a confident swagger and deserves it, he is the most handsome man in the whole county. He is in love with Laurey, but refuses to admit it. He’s a cowboy and the romantic lead. He is called Curly for his curly hair.  

Aunt Eller, Female, mezzo, (40-?)  She acts as the town’s aunt, a fun-loving caretaker. She watches over the town and a ranch with her niece, Laurey and a hired hand, Jud. She sees the good in everyone.  

Will Parker, Male, Tenor, (18-35)  Will is a cowboy who is skilled enough to compete in rodeos. Being able to do rope tricks is a plus. Will is a dance role, tap dancer preferred. He is interested in Ado Annie, but isn’t the brightest bulb.  

Jud Fry, Male, Baritone, (18-35)  Described as dark and growly by others, Jud takes care of the ranch Laurey and Aunt Eller live on. Jud does not fit in with the society he lives with, he is seen by most as an outsider and misunderstood. He has feelings for Laurey. He works hard to take care of Laurey and Aunt Eller on the ranch.  

Ado Annie Carnes, Female, Soprano, (18-35) Andrew Carnes’ daughter, she “Can’t Say No” to anyone. She wants everyone to be happy. Her heart is always in the right place, but she isn’t always the best judge of character. A comic, romantic lead, she is wooed by Ali Hakim, but deep down she feels a connection to Will parker. 

Ali Hakim, Male, (18-35)  Traveling peddler who says he’s from Persia (present day Iran). Though we aren’t sure how much of what he says we can believe. He, like Jud, is an outsider to this community but not feared by most. He likes pretty things and women. He pursues Ado Annie and Gertie Cummings. 

Gertie Cummings, Female, Alto or Soprano, (18-35) From the next town over, she has eyes on Curly and isn’t waiting around for Laurey to say no to him. She has a unique laugh.  

Andrew Carnes, Male, Tenor, (40-?)  He is very protective of his daughter, Ado Annie. He doesn’t want Will Parker to marry her because he believes the cowboy’s life to be risky and unreliable. To prove this isn’t true he asks for Will to maintain $50 in order to have his daughter’s hand in marriage. He is a rancher, and doesn’t feel very kind to cowboys in general.  

Other Characters: 

Ike Skidmore, M, Baritone, Farmer, (30’s+) Owns the ranch where the Box Social takes place. 

Fred, M, Baritone, Farmer (16+) 

Slim, M, Dancer, Farmer (16+) 

Ellen, F, Alto/Mezzo/Soprano 

Kate, F, Alto/Mezzo/Soprano 

Sylvie, F, Alto/Mezzo/Soprano 

Armina, F, Alto/Mezzo/Soprano 

Aggie, F, Alto/Mezzo/Soprano 

Cord Elam, M, Tenor/Bari/Bass, (16-35) 

Cowboy Jess, M, Tenor/Bari/Bass, (16-35) 

Chalmers, M, Tenor/Bari/Bass, (16-35) 

Mike, M, Tenor/Bari/Bass, (16-35) 

Joe, M, Tenor/Bari/Bass, (16-35) 

Sam, M, Tenor/Bari/Bass, (16-35)