Published: July 07, 2009 12:08 am      

CITY OF LOCKPORT: 'Oklahoma' comes to Palace Theatre this weekend

A classic Broadway musical will hit the stage in Lockport this weekend, as Curtain Up Productions puts on a version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”

Rehearsals are wrapping up for the show, which opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and continues through next weekend.

“It is the classic show,” Director Christopher Parada said. “Everybody knows it, whether you’re young or old.”

The musical, written in 1943 by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, is set in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906. The story revolves around cowboy Curly’s romance with farm girl Laurey, and the show includes songs such as “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Many a New Day,” “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’ ” and the title song, “Oklahoma!”

The musical was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1955.

The Palace show features musical direction by D.J. Pimm and choreography by Peter Schratz.

Behind the scenes, Parada said a lot of work has gone into the sets.

“It’s very big, very detailed,” he said. “The dance numbers are huge.”

For this production, Curtain Up staff traveled to New York City and held auditions for the part of Curly. They hired John Kownacki, a performer who was recently part of the East Coast tour of Cinderella.

It’s the first time the Palace has hired an actor from New York City, Parada said.

During the production, Kownacki has been living in Lockport and teaching at the Palace Theatre’s Performing Arts School.

“He’s very good, (with) a beautiful voice,” Parada said.

The cast also includes Buffalo natives Kelly Jakiel and Steve Copps. Parada said Jakiel has performed at Studio Arena and Artpark and came to Lockport to audition.

“People are traveling to come audition for these shows,” he said. “(Jakiel) heard of the reputation of the theater and the shows we’ve done. ... (The Palace) is starting to take shape of a more respected theater company.”

After “Oklahoma!” finishes its run, the theater has several shows planned. Next season, the stage will play host to productions of “Nunsense,” “Scrooge! The Musical,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Annie Get Your Gun” and the play “You Can’t Take It With You,” Parada said.

“It’s a very comedic season,” he said. “They’re all happy shows, kid-friendly.”

For more information, visit www.lockportpalacetheatre.com or call 438-1130.

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.