January 22, 2001

Contact: Leslee Caul (509) 963-1760

The Central Washington University theatre arts and music departments are preparing for what promises to be the musical event of the season, the Feb. 1 opening of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" in McConnell Auditorium.

Thirty cast members and a 22-member orchestra are currently in rehearsal, under the direction of CWU theatre professor Michael J. Smith, director, and university music professor Peter Gries, musical director. Cast members include:

Eric Hamlin, a sophomore majoring in theatre arts and computer science, is Curly. Hamlin has appeared in several student one-act plays, was seen most recently as Sagot in "Picasso at Lapin Agile." He is the son of Harry Hamlin and Lisa Scott of Burien and Terrie Smith of Seattle.

Robin Dyer, a senior music major, makes her CWU stage debut as Laurey. She is the daughter of Gary Dyer of Shelton, and Joanie and Brian Offord of Olympia.

Terri Brown, a graduate student and theatre arts teaching assistant, is Aunt Eller. Brown's CWU credits include "The Crucible," "True West," and, most recently, "Oh Coward!" She also served as the vocal coach for "Quilters" and "Little Shop of Horrors." Brown lives in Ellensburg with her husband David and daughters Madison and Mackenzie.

Alex Clark, a sophomore theatre arts major, is Ali Hakem. Clark has appeared in "Caucasian Chalk Circle," "Translations," "Rex Masters (Comma) Private Dick" and, most recently, as Schmendiman in "Picasso at Lapin Agile." He is the son of Gary Clark of Kent.

Lisa B. Corey, a sophomore public relations major, is Ado Annie. "Oklahoma!" marks Corey's first mainstage production. She also appeared in last season's Original One-Act Festival as Mary in "Deals" and Dawn in "Gardenias." She is the daughter of Craig and Janis Corey of Port Orchard.

Matt Ney, a freshman music major, is Will Parker. A member of the Ellensburg High School Class of 2000, Ney appeared in "Fiddler on the Roof," "My Fair Lady," "Pirates of Penzance" and "Hello Dolly," as well as the Laughing Horse production of "The Music Man." He is the son of Loretta Ney of Ellensburg.

Dema Pogrebniak, a graduate student in music, is Jud Fey. Among his previous roles are the Pirate King in "Pirates of Penzance" and Simone in "Gianni Schicchi."

Other cast member include (in alphabetical order): Katie Berg, Don A. Childress, Joshua Durham, Nellie Doelman, Sarah Greene, Anna J. Hudgens, Annie Jantzer, Delondra Johnson, Jennifer Kennelly, Isaac McKenzieSullivan, Joshua Madera, Ellicia Mertens, Kelly Michel, Zach Nause, Christie Newbill, Jeff Ouradnik, Naomi Ruiz, Josh Schulz, Joseph Roger Sasnett, Ry Sherrell, Adam Thiessen and Sara Trowbridge.

Orchestra members include: Darcy Graybill, flute and piccolo; Erin Klotz, oboe; Jason Rose and Mariko Intlekofer, clarinet; Stephen Lamm, bassoon; Kerrie Cardwell, horn; Aiko Watanabe, horn; Arlin Peterman and Delsin Thomas, trumpet; Phillip Dean, trombone; Curt Cheever, percussion; Jennifer Lynch, Lisa Rushton Smith, Aundrea Schmidt, Kate Dorsett and Katie Corcoran, violin; Brian Hillyard, Benndan Smith and Beth Sato, viola; Lauren Rosenkrantz, cello; Joe Sokolik, cello; and Albie Bjornberg, bass.

Discount performances of "Oklahoma!" are Feb. 1 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Feb 4. at 2 p.m. All tickets for discount performances are $7. Additional performances are Feb. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $15 general admission and $7 for students and seniors and advanced ticket purchases are recommended.

Tickets can be purchased by phone with a VISA or MasterCard at (509) 963-1774. They may also be purchased in person at the Tower Theatre box office, open weekdays from noon to 5 p.m., or the McConnell Theatre box office, which will be open one hour prior to each performance.

For more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1774, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.