Nicholas Rodriguez, Steve Blanchard and More Set for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's Upcoming Season

Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma today announced major casting decisions for its 50^thAnniversary Season in 2013, featuring new and returning national talent including Nicholas Rodriguez, Heather Botts,Steve Blanchard, Heather Botts, Alan Muraoka, Lyn Cramer, Kristy Cates, Tom Flagg, Erin Bowman, Derrick Cobey and more. All four shows-TARZAN, THE KING AND I, THE Will Rogers FOLLIES and BIG RIVER-will be performed at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City.

"Casting these major, summer musicals could be likened to throwing an excellent dinner party-you want the perfect combination of people, personalities and talents," said Michael Baron, Lyric's artistic director. "We are ecstatic to have so many amazing actors, designers and directors on board to help ensure that Lyric's 50^th Anniversary Summer Season is bigger and better than ever before."

To kick off the four-musical run, New York-based actor Nicholas Rodriguez is slated to play the title character in TARZAN, June 25 through 29. One of the actor's most notable roles was Curly in Arena Stage's non-traditionally cast production of OKLAHOMA! alongside Eleasha Gamble who, as previously announced, will play Kala in TARZAN. Broadway actor Steve Blanchard, who most recently graced the Lyric Stage in last summer's CALL ME MADAM, will play Kerchak and Heather Botts will join the cast as Jane.

Two notable additions to the technical staff of TARZAN are Daniel Stover and Erin Latham. Stover is currently director of AntiGravity Orlando, a well-known acrobatics performance group. The aerialist will train the TARZAN performers to create the high-flying effects the show requires. Local Oklahoma City award-winning artist Erin Latham is collaborating with Helen Hayes Award-winning scenic designer Adam Koch to design the set for TARZAN. Latham's mixed media printmaking will add to the look of Koch's innovative design.

THE KING AND I cast will be led by Director Alan Muraoka. Known widely for his acting work on Broaday, TV and film. His directing credits include Lyric's XANADU, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL and many more. The show will run July 9 through 13.

Lyn Cramer, who directed and choreographed Lyric's production of BYE BYE BIRDIE last summer, will direct this year's production of THE Will Rogers FOLLIES. Joining the cast is Broadway actress Kristy Cates, last seen in Lyric's RAGTIME,as Betty Blake, Erin Bowman as Zigfield's Favorite and Tom Flagg as Clem Rogers, who is currently in the cast of THE FANTASTICKS in New York City. THE Will Rogers FOLLIES will run July 23 through 27.

Lyric's Summer Season will be capped off by BIG RIVER, running August 6 through 10. The dynamic duo of Huck Finn and Jim will be played by Alex J. Enterline, most recently seen in Lyric's THE GLASS MENAGERIE, and Derrick Cobey, who was recently seen in the Broadway production of THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and also appeared in Lyric's RAGTIME.

Tickets to all of Lyric's 2013 shows are now on sale. To buy tickets, visit Lyric's box office at 1727 NW 16^th Street, call (405) 524-9312 or visit LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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