Lyric Theatre to Present BIG RIVER, 8/6-10

By: Jun. 12, 2013
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Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma will round out its 50th Anniversary summer shows with the presentation of Oklahoman Roger Miller's BIG RIVER. This country music tapestry will run August 6 through 10 at the Civic Center Music Hall, starring Alex John Enterline as Huck Finn and Broadway's Derrick Cobey as Jim. Based on Mark Twain's classic novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, BIG RIVER combines bluegrass music with moving gospel melodies.

"Lyric's BIG RIVER will be a beautiful show with soaring voices," said Michael Baron, Lyric's artistic director and director of the show. "BIG RIVER has been wowing crowds for years-winning the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1985 and Best Musical Revival in 2004. The story is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale and the perfect ending to our summer."

Enterline was most recently seen in Lyric's production of THE GLASS MENAGERIE, where he moved audiences to tears as the lead character Tom. Cobey is best known for his work in the original Broadway production of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and as Coalhouse Walker in Lyric's RAGTIME. Joining them in the cast will be Lyric favorite Vince Leseney as Pap Finn, Jerry Jay Cranford as The Duke, Stephen Hilton as The King, powerhouse singer Sheran Keyton as Alice and many more.

Helen Hayes Award-winning scenic designer Adam Koch will design an original set for the show. Best known for his work in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, Koch is also designing the set for Lyric's production of TARZAN, running June 25 through 29. The production will feature music direction by David Andrews Rogers, costume design by Jeffrey Meek, lighting design by Helena Kuukka and sound design by Toby Algya.

Tickets to all of Lyric's 2013 shows are now on sale. To buy tickets, visit Lyric's box office at 1727 NW 16th Street, call (405) 524-9312 or visit LyricTheatreOKC.com. Performances will be held at the Civic Center Music Hall on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m.

Lyric's production of BIG RIVER is sponsored by MidFirst Bank, W&W/AFCO Steel, Chesapeake Energy and The Oklahoman. Annual support is provided by Allied Arts, Inasmuch Foundation, Kirkpatrick Foundation, Oklahoma Arts Council and The Shubert Foundation.

Founded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma's leading professional theatre company. For 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces four large-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall each summer, as well as four smaller works at the Plaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric's ThElma Gaylord Academy is a professional training ground for students ages 5-18 offering classes in all aspects of musical theatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in two full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatre stage. For more information visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

Photo by Keith Rinearson

 

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