This year, Richard Seymour’s Summer Theater Camp production will highlight a place “where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.”
The community is invited to the summer camp’s presentation of “Oklahoma!” on Friday, June 8 and Saturday, June 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Huntington Middle School’s Kenneth F. White Auditorium, 1700 Huntington Drive. There will be a matinee performance on June 9 at 1 p.m. at the same location.
The non-profit organization, San Marino Community Theater, produces the theater summer camp every year for children and teens from ages 5-15.
Seymour said he chose to put on “Oklahoma!” this year because he loves traditional Broadway musicals as well as the team of composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II.
“I felt that it was about time to do ‘Oklahoma!’ because I had the kids who could sing it,” he said. “I think it’s an appropriate musical for kids of this age.”
Seymour said he received great feedback from the young actors and community on his choice.
Charlotte Hart, 12, of San Marino, said she really enjoys playing the role of Laurie Williams.
“It’s fun to have a character that you can really step into their shoes,” she said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s really worth it.”
Chris Bensinger, 14, of Sierra Madre, said he’s excited about acting in “Oklahoma!” especially because he gets to play the character of Curly McLain.
“I feel like I fit that role more than anyone else in the show,” he said, adding that he likes that the show has been around for a long time.
“Oklahoma!” revolves around the love story of cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams in the Oklahoma Territory in the early 1900s. It is based on the 1931 play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs.
This is the ninth year of Richard Seymour’s Summer Theater Camp, where participants study music, dialogue and choreography- to put on a musical each year.
Seymour said he hopes the community comes out to see the show to support the talented local children who have been working very hard on it.
“It’s going to be a spectacular production and everyone will totally enjoy themselves,” he said. “It’s a bargain for the price of $12 a seat.”
Ticket prices range from $10-$30 depending on the time of the show and seating preference. For tickets or more information, visit www.smctc.us and download a ticket form or email smctc.us@gmail.com. Tickets also will be sold at the event.
