Lawrence Township Native Stars In 'Oklahoma!'

Love triangles, violent rivalries, cowboys. Oh, and music by Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II. These are just a few of the things in store for the area theater fans beginning July 15.

“” opens this Friday at Mercer County Community College’s Kelsey Theatre. The show is a Yardley Players production, directed by Marge Swider, with musical direction by David Bohn and choreography by Laura Murey.

Lawrence Township native, Del Howard, will play the slightly “dimwitted” Will Parker.

The classic musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1943, is based off the play "Green Grow the Lilacs" by Lynn Riggs. As the name suggests, the play takes root in the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the century, amidst tension emerging from pending statehood.

The story revolves around the romance between a cowboy named Curly and Laurey, a girl who runs her Aunt Eller’s farm. The budding affair is complicated by the interference of the shady farmhand, Jud Fry, who also harbors feelings for Laurey that turn volatile.

The rivalry functions as a microcosm of the conflict between farmers and cowboys in the town, who cannot agree over property issues. Cowboy Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancé, Ado Annie, also enter the chaotic mix, culminating at ––what else?–– a square dance. 

Luckily, Howard is no stranger to the dance floor. He’s been dancing since he was 10 years old and owns Broadway Ballroom of Lawrence.

He said that his strong dance background has helped in “Oklahoma!” – which features two-step and square dancing. The show will operate on a number of strengths, he said, including the cast’s “high energy… strong singing, dancing and production.”

As the “simple country-boy,” Howard said he drew inspiration for his role as Parker from southern relatives and his father, who used to train and work with horses.       

He’s been performing with the Yardley Players since 1999. He said that the Kelsey Theatre is much more than the host of “high quality” shows.

“After being there for so many years, it seems like home,” he said.

“Oklahoma!” will run Fridays, July 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, July 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays, July 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults; $14 for seniors; and $12 for students and children. Free parking is available next to the theater.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.