San Andreas, CA…After the longest intermission in CHS Theatre history, we are delighted to return to our community with a completely reimagined, outdoor production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!”

“It has been a long and winding road to bring ‘Oklahoma!’ to our community,” said Ann Mazzaferro, director and instructor of theatre arts at Calaveras High School. “When we postponed our production 36 hours before opening night due to COVID-19 in March of 2020, none of us ever thought that it would take this long to come back to a story that we have come to love so deeply. We are lucky that the majority of our original cast and crew can return for this production, and that these amazing students can finally realize the dream that they have worked so hard to achieve.”

An instant classic since its premiere in 1943, “Oklahoma!” tells a timely story of love, longing, loss, and resilience. In a Western territory just after the turn of the 20th century, a high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys provides a colorful background for Curly (Zack Zahniser), a charming cowboy, and Laurey (Amaya Halepota), a feisty farm girl, to play out their love story. Their romantic journey, as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road, contrasts with the comic exploits of brazen Ado Annie (Stella Garrett) and hapless Will Parker (Nate DeYarmon) in a musical adventure embracing hope, determination and the promise of a new land.

The cast features Samantha Leach as the indomitable Aunt Eller, Michael Barci as the brooding Judd Fry, Marco Ortega as the charming peddler Ali Hakim, and Emma Darmsted dancing the role of Dream Laurey. The ensemble includes Jolee Aleshire, Anna Alziebler, Anthony Barci, Jordan Barry, Christopher Cathcart, Joseph Gates, Sydney Guerrero Snyder, Cora Heusel, Wyatt Moore, Samuel Shelton, Tyler Squires, Zoe Stockdale, Sophia Stokes, Danielle Visperas, Travis Wright, and Kyra Zeugin. The production is directed by Ann Mazzaferro with choreography by Emma Darmsted and Taylor Wilson, technical direction by David Duggan, and stage management by Cody Young. Set design is by Karan Bowsher and scenic art is by John Turnbeaugh.

Performances will be held at the Upper Field at Calaveras High School, June 17-20, at 7:00 pm nightly. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for guests 18 and under. Tickets must be purchased or reserved prior to the performance and will not be sold at the door. Purchases can be made at https://calaveras-high-school-theatre-arts.ticketleap.com/oklahoma/ and reservations can be made by email at amazzaferro@custudents.net, or by calling 209.754-1811, ext. 5213.

Social distancing will be observed, and parties will be seated in groups of no more than six people per group. Performances will be held outdoors. Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs (no canopies, please) and blankets for seating. Chairs will not be provided.

Due to current state mandates as well as the requirements of the Calaveras County Department of Public Health and the Calaveras County Office of Education, masks are required for all attendees.

If you purchased tickets through Brown Paper Tickets for this production in March of 2020, we will still honor those tickets for no additional charge. Please email Ann Mazzaferro at amazzaferro@custudents.net for reservations.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma” is presented through special arrangement with Concord Theatricals, with music provided by The MT Pit LLC.