“Oklahoma!” auditions were “O-K!” 

MOORHEAD—On Sept. 14, 2024, over 50 Concordia College students gave it “all er nuthin” for a chance to perform in the 1943 hit musical, “Oklahoma!” 

Over 700 productions of “Oklahoma!” are produced each year. This year, Concordia will be producing it for first time in at least 64 years, according to Concordia College Theatre’s History page.  

Based on the 1931 play “Green Grow the Lilacs”, “Oklahoma!” was the first musical to utilize integrated storytelling, or using song and dance to move the plot along.  

“Oklahoma!” isn’t your typical love story with farmers and cowboys. It encapsulates a beautiful mix of comedy and drama that has encapsulated audiences for generations, all while taking place in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the century.  

There were over 50 auditionees, and over 50 callback sessions scheduled on Sept. 15, 2024. Not every actor was called back, but they called several actors to have them read for an additional role.   

“Our philosophy for it was if we think we might want to see somebody for a role, we’ll call them back,” said Kiley Snobeck, assistant director of “Oklahoma!” 

On Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 at 4:45 p.m., the cast list for “Oklahoma!” was sent out by stage manager, Tommie Treptau.  

The official cast list included 40 students selected to perform in the production, with around half of the cast making their debut on the Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre’s main stage.  

Many students were also noted as “covers” for some of the leading characters, something that the department doesn’t normally do.  

“Last year, we had someone get sick the week of performances for ‘Guys and Dolls’ and we had to do a really quick put-in,” said Snobeck, “We had to train somebody else to do that role.” 

Covers alleviate the stress of having to do a quick put-in. The cover will learn the track (or role) that they are covering to fill in if needed on short notice.  

“Oklahoma!” will be directed by Leslie Stevens, guest director.  

Stevens originated the role of “Anne Dindon” in the original Broadway cast of “La Cage aux Folles” in 1983. The production won the TONY Award in 1984 for “Best Musical.”  

Stevens has performed a variety of well-known actors, including Julie Andrews. Stevens grew up in Tulsa, Okla., and is “very excited” to produce a show about her own state.  

“This is such an entertaining show,” Stevens said. “You’ll not want to miss this one!” 

“Oklahoma!” will run in the Frances Frazier Comstock Theatre from Nov. 14-17 and Nov. 21-23. Tickets are free for current students, faculty, and alumni, a deal you “cain’t say no” to.  

Tickets will go on sale on Oct. 31, 2024.