Oh What a Beautiful Chance to See "Oklahoma!"

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

“Oklahoma!” opens this Friday at Mercer County 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. Three locals are starring in the production. Kathleen Kutalek, of Hightstown is the feisty Aunt Eller; Jack Petzko, of Cranbury, is Andrew Carnes, Ado Annie’s father and a fan of the shotgun wedding; and Joe Zedeny, of East Windsor, is Jud Fry.

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. 

Kutalek, who’s performed in 16 productions with the Yardley Players, said Aunt Eller will be her first leading role with the company, though it’s not her first time performing in “Oklahoma!” In high school, she played “Giggling” Gertii Cummings. Aunt Eller, she said, has been a different experience.

“I get to hold a gun, so it’s fun,” she joked.

Kutalek said the role is her favorite of her acting career and that she even relates to her character in certain respects.

“We’re both very petite people, but we have a lot of spunk,” she said. “…In a way, she and I are kind of leaders… because everyone listens to Aunt Eller.”

Preparing to assume the role of the dangerous Jud Fry was no new task for Zedeny, who has played his fair share of villains at the Kelsey Theatre, including Bill Sykes in “Oliver!” and Injun Joe in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” He’s worked with the Yardley Players for nine years. Zedeny said the experience has been a “whirlwind,” which will translate to the stage.

“It’s a little bit of everything, comedy, drama…It’s the type of show that’s a feel good for everyone,” he said. “…Any person of any generation can relate to it.”

“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 or by calling the Kelsey Box Office at 609-570-3333.