By Gina Yarbrough
San Diego, CA–Cygnet Theatre is set to revive the beloved American musical “Oklahoma!” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, running from June 11 to July 27.
Directed by Sean Murray, this production marks Cygnet’s final show at its Old Town location, offering audiences a unique, reimagined version of a time-honored classic.
This iconic musical follows the heartwarming and dramatic story of cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams, whose budding romance is shadowed by the brooding farmhand Judd Fry. Set against the backdrop of the Oklahoma Territory’s path to statehood, the show explores themes of love, rivalry, resilience, and community. With iconic numbers like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” Oklahoma! continues to capture the spirit of the American frontier.
Director Sean Murray promises a fresh and intimate take on the musical. “Oklahoma! is rightly celebrated for its joy, optimism, and unforgettable score,” Murray said. “We’re embracing the magic of the Old Town Theatre’s unique space to present the show in a way that’s both traditional and surprisingly new. With actors playing instruments and a focus on close-up storytelling, it’s going to feel immediate, immersive, and heartfelt.”
The cast features Michael Louis Cusimano (Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812) as Curly McLain, Ariella Kvashny (Evita) as Laurey Williams, Jacob Caltrider (The Rocky Horror Show) as Judd Fry, Eli Wood (A Christmas Carol) as Will Parker, Jazley Genovese as Ado Annie Ricky Bulda as Ali Hakim, Marc Caro-Wilcox as Ike Skidmore/Ensemble, Manny Fernandes (El Huracan) as Andrew Carnes, Linda Libby (Gypsy) as Aunt Eller, Olivia Mitchell as Ellen/Ensemble, Paul Morgavo as Cord Elam, Tamara Rodriguez as Gertie Cummings, Amy Smith as Kate/Ensemble, and Jaxon Smith as Fred/Ensemble.
The creative team includes Jill Gorrie (choreography), Patrick Marion (music direction), Jordan Miller (fight choreography), Mathys Herbert (scenic design), TJ Fucella (sound design), Anne E. McMills (lighting design), Jessica Cuoto (props), Zoë Trautmann (costumes), and Peter Herman (wigs and makeup). Matthew Bantock serves as Production Stage Manager, with Jesse Marchese as Assistant Director.
Tickets start at $34 and can be purchased at the Cygnet Theatre box office, by calling (619) 337-1525, or online at CygnetTheatre.org. Performances take place at Cygnet Theatre, located at 4040 Twiggs Street in San Diego’s Old Town Historic State Park.
