Temple Sinai Players to Perform Classic Musical Oklahoma

Temple Sinai Players, a community theater group based in Dresher, will be performing the stage musical “OKLAHOMA,” which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The acting troupe has been putting on shows for over 60 years with recent performances that include “MARY POPPINS,” “OLIVER,” “PETER PAN,” “SHREK THE MUSICAL” and most recently “BYE BYE BIRDIE.”

Set in the Oklahoma territory during early 1900s, the Rodger and Hammerstein musical tells the tale of two love stories. The first is between a cowboy, Curley, played by Joshua Stein, who struggles to admit he has feelings for Laurey, played by Tracey Roffman, as Judd, played by Howard Blum, a hired hand on Laurey’s farm, tries to come between them. The second is the story of Ado Annie, played by Zoe Halperin, who is torn between Will, played by Matthew O’Donnell, a local cowboy, and Ali, played by Andrew Rifkin, a travelling peddler.

Will Parker (Matthew O’Donnell) and Ado Annie (Zoe Halperin).

OKLAHOMA was the product of the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1943. It was also the first in a new genre, the musical play, blending Rodgers’ sophisticated musical comedy style with Hammerstein’s innovative operetta compositions. The musical features some of the duo’s most recognizable and beloved songs including, “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,”Kansas City,” “Many a New Day” and, of course, “Oklahoma.”

The show is co-produced by Jill Florin and Tracey Roffman, who also plays Laurey Williams. Florin explained the process the production team goes through when selecting a show, saying, “We typically seek out shows that will have many roles for various age groups. Our hope is to always have as many participants as possible.” The appeal of a classic, beloved musical like Oklahoma was also a major factor in its selection. It also helped that it is celebrating its 75th anniversary and has recently returned to Broadway. As she went on to explain, “In recent years our focus has been on more Disney-type shows. However, in the last few years we wanted to transition a bit, and this year with a more well-known classic production like Oklahoma. Unlike Disney, the focus is on an older age group, with more adults, while still allowing for teens and younger kids to be involved."

Set designers Murrie and Chaya Gayman in ‘the surrey with the fringe on top.’

The show is directed by Kim Bantle-Taylor, with musical direction by Diane Reckner and choreography by Lauren McGinnis. In charge of Stage Management is Jeff Workman. Set design is by Murrie and Chaya Gayman with costume design by Karen Knodel. The cast features performers of all ages from around the region with many from and Upper Dublin and Dresher areas.

Show performances will take place on Wednesday, February 27 (7:30 pm), Thursday, February 28 (7:30 pm), Saturday, March 2 (7:30 pm) and Sunday, March 3 (2:00 pm) in the Temple Sinai theatre located at 1401 Limekiln Pike in Dresher Pa. Tickets are currently available at the TSP Online Box Office.