Curtain set to rise on Oklahoma!

A FUN night is in store at the University Concert Hall this weekend, as the curtain raises on Oklahoma!.

The Limerick Musical Society has assembled an all-star local cast for their take on the acclaimed musical, which opened last night.

Actors include Michael O’Dwyer playing Curley, Orla Walsh as Laurey, Martin McNelis as Jud Fry; Jamie Sheehan as Will Parker; Kim Burke as Ado Annie; Nigel Dugdale of Limerick Local Heroes as Ali Hakim and Dermot Winston as Old Man Carnes.

Widely considered one of the all-time great musical plays of the 20th century, Oklahoma was on stage on Broadway for more than 15 years.

In this time, it held the record as the longest running musical on Broadway. It is a simple and refreshing love story with an Americana bucolic background.

Cowhands, farmers, and rustic characters liven the plot and ballet sequences add artistry and energy everywhere. There is a comic secondary pair of lovers, a shifty charlatan and a vile, evil force in the person of Jud Fry, who strikes delicious fear into the sentimental story, but also provides the romantic lead with some comic opportunities.

Here, Oklahoma! will be directed by Des Henn, while the choreography will be done by AIMS award-winner, Niamh Twomey and the musical direction will be looked after by Maire Keary-Scanlon.

A stunning set has been erected at the concert hall, and tickets remain on sale.

Visit www.uch.ie, or telephone 061-331549 for more information, and to purchase tickets.