Columbia Falls students head for the plains

For the first time in 30 years, Columbia Falls High School is offering a production of a major Broadway musical.

The classic Rodgers and Hammerstein show "Oklahoma!" will be presented in the Columbia Falls Little Theater on April 1-2 and 8-9 at 7 p.m. each night.

"Oklahoma!"tells of fun, love and romance in the lives of the families living in the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the century. After its 1943 debut, "Oklahoma!" ran for 2,212 performances at Broadway's St. James Theatre. It was the longest running musical during its day.

The show includes song standards such as "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning," "The Surrey With the Fringe On Top" and "Oklahoma."

Cast members include Nellie Lutz as Aunt Eller, Andrew Sweeney as Curly, Carrie Hopkins as Laury, Bobby Opp as Will Parker, Andrea Turci as Ali Hakim, Sydney Jordt as Gertie Cummings, Meghan Hayes as Ado Annie and Alex Branch as Jud Fry.

The Columbia Falls Wind Ensemble members make up the orchestra.

The show is directed by Lea Shanks, with Danae Sande as vocal director and Karen Ulmer as instrumental director.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students and $5 for seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the Glacier Wallflower and Town Printer in Columbia Falls and at Western Outdoor in Kalispell.