Ben Roberts and Summer Davis
Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre, now in its 32nd season, is presents “Oklahoma!” Nov. 9-18. Directed by Sara Jane Lilly with musical direction by MVCCT veteran Cathy Manley, this production is sure to engage and entertain audiences of all ages. “Oklahoma!” is a true American classic that tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams alongside the drama of Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée, Ado Annie. Who doesn’t love timeless American songs like “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” and “People Will Say We’re in Love”?,
Performances will be held at a new venue for MVCCT: Bryant Alternative School, 2709 Popkins Lane, next to St. Louis Catholic Church and School. The temporary move is necessitated by the renovations of MVCCT’s usual performance space, Carl Sandburg Middle School.
“Oklahoma!” features 43 actors ages 8-18 and area schools represented include high schools: Bishop Ireton, Hayfield, Robert E. Lee, Robinson, South County, TC Williams and West Potomac. Other schools include Browne, Burgundy, Sandburg MS, Fort Hunt ES, Franconia ES, George Washington MS, Georgetown Day, Keene Mills ES, St. Mary’s, St. Louis, St. Patrick’s, Stratford ES, Walt Whitman MS and one home school.
Cast members: Kat Amato, Hannah Andre, Cara Bachman, Emma Brown, Jacob Cano, Emily Carbone, Kayla Cheney, Anjum Choudhury, Brevan Collins, Summer Davis, Adrianna DeLorenzo, Zoe Diamond-Tapper, Jack Fricka, Shanna Gerlach, Joshua Harasimowicz, Emma Harris, Declan Heist, Kayla Keeler, Emma Kelly, Helen Kitrosser, Cameron Long, Frankie Mananzan, Madeline Marshall, Theresa McCabe, Margaret McCabe, Sarah Peterson, MacKenzie Rivera, Anna Rizzi, Lucy Roberts, Ellen Roberts, Ben Roberts, Rebecca Roberts, Emily Roddy, Hannah Roddy, Lorna Ryan, Viana Schlapp, Kate Simpson, Chloe Sinn, Alia Smith, Rosemarie Spollen, Aidan White, Lark White, and Jack Wilson.
Founded in 1980 in response to community desire for a creative outlet for youth in the Mount Vernon area south of Old Town, Alexandria, MVCCT has consistently served its community by offering three annual productions, summer and spring break camps, and after school programs for area youth. An ongoing scholarship program assures participation and accessibility for a broad range of area residents. MVCCT is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and the Arts Council of Fairfax County. Additional support is provided by individuals and local businesses. MVCCT is reliant on a solid core of board members and volunteers.
“Oklahoma!”
Music by Richard Rodgers; book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein.
Based on the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs. Original dance by Agnes de Mille.
Nov. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m.
At Bryant Alternative High School, 2709 Popkins Lane. Tickets cost $10 in advance and $12 at the door. To purchase online visit www.mvcct.org.