Samantha Perera
Staff writer
The Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival will present its 32nd season, “Summer of Secrets,” with six shows from June 17 – July 17.
According to the website, OSF was established by Molly Risso in 1979 in Durant. Risso believed in the magic of theatre and as the artistic director of OSF built a strong theatre department at Southeastern.
Today, Riley Coker, Risso’s daughter, keeps the dream alive as OSF’s producing director.
OSF opened its doors for the first production, “An Evening with Josh Harris,” from June 17 -18 at 7.30 p.m. The show appeared at The Playhouse in the New Theatre Building, formerly the old Activity Center.
The first show, “An Evening with Josh Harris,” was a cabaret of different songs that showcased Harris’s talent, said Taylor Donaldson, the production stage manager for OSF.
Harris will be moving to Charleston, SC as a resident actor.
Along with the songs there was a story line that went from the beginning stages of his career and how he got to where he is now, said Donaldson.
Harris was followed by “Grease,” which was a teen and children’s theatre production. All performances were at the Montgomery Auditorium with the showtimes as follows:
• Wednesday, June 22 at 7 p.m.
• Thursday, June 23 at 7 p.m.
• Friday, June 24 at 6.30 p.m.
The third production for the summer season, Disney’s “Mulan,” a children’s theatre production was presented at the Montgomery Auditorium.
Coker directed the productions of “Grease” and “Mulan.” Tickets for these productions were only sold from the box office and showtimes were:
• Friday, June 24 at 7.30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 25 at 2 and 7 p.m.
• Sunday, June 26 at 2 and 7 p.m.
OSF also performed Neil Simon’s “Rumors” on July 9, 12 and 15 at 6.30 p.m. The production was a dinner theatre and held at the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Directed by Tracy Arnold, “Rumors” showcased the talents of a star cast consisting of Amber Taylor, Aaron Adair, Coker, Dell McLain, Becky Walters, Aaron Rains, Dillon Heape, Sheridan Hill and Aleisha Stills.
The season musical, “Oliver,” was directed by McLain and held in the Montgomery Auditorium.
Oliver Twist was played by Stephen Marcum and was joined by Austin Aguero, Adair, Taylor and Boomer Lowrie. The showtimes were as follows:
• Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 13 at 7.30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 16 at 7.30 p.m.
The last production for the season was William Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” The production was held at The Playhouse on July 8, 14 at 7.30 p.m. and July 17 at 2 p.m.