Oklahoma Boot Camp, Performances Set At Price Center

San Marcos, TX – For 16 years, Wimberley talent coach Lee Colee’ has brought an intense theatre boot camp experience to aspiring “triple- threat” performers. This year, the musical theatre classic, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma,” will be the focus of the signing, acting, and dancing camp for young performers, which begins Monday, June 6 at the Price Center. More than two dozen students ranging in age from 8 – 18 will learn the songs, lines, and moves to the Broadway classic and then present nine performances in the Center’s historic 1910 Room June 17 through June 26.

Unforgettable songs such as “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “Kansas City,” “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning,” “The Surrey With The Fringe on Top,” and the title song are Rodgers & Hammerstein at their best and will likely have theatre patrons singing along.

The cast works for 10 days straight from 9 a.m. – 6pm to learn the full-length production. To insure success, industry professionals join Colee’ in classes, private coaching and the demanding rehearsals. For the fourth straight year, film, stage, and TV actress Kathleen Griffith of “Friday Night Lights” fame will be on board as assistant director. Choreographers and music directors also work intensely with the performers to bring skills up to par and showcase individual strengths.

Cast members come from all over the hill country, the state and even out of state. Some roles are double cast. Lila Griffith from Dallas and Ainsley Gamble from Dripping Springs will play the role of Laurie. Mac Daniel Howard from San Marcos and Zachary Moreland of Lockhart will play the cowboy, Curly. Playing the villain, Jud Fry is guest performer Frank Lenoir from Austin. The comic roles of Will Parker will be played by Hudson Lee and Jeremy Laue of New Braunfels and Ado Annie will be played by Elizabeth Armer and Caroline Sprague of Wimberley. Cassie Martin of Dripping Springs and Evie Jennings of Wimberley will take on the iconic role of Aunt Eller. Filling out the cast of singers, dancers and actors are Derek Jobin from Dripping Springs, Kaylee Mims, Jadyn Winn, Tegen Sanford Natalia Torres, and Carigan Davis from Kyle and Buda. From San Marcos is Jeffrey Brown, Kaelee Crowder, Truett Martin, Tres Rios, Camerin and Addison Salazar, Autumn Stroup White and Christian Young.

Also from Wimberley is special guest actor, Marvin Carson as Andrew Carnes and Codi Justus, Carleigh Lewis and Molly Massey. Professional actor and former Colee performer, Dylan Blunk will serve as stage manager.

An accomplished freelance concert artist, professional actress and former dancer, Colee’ is also known for directing and presenting sold out and standing room only productions through the Black Diamond Cabaret Theatre and her performing arts school, Lee Colee’ Studios.

Local businesses often help cast members needing financial assistance by sponsoring their studies. Central Texas Wellness and Rejuvenation, The XLR8 Ranch, Sean Crowder, CPA, Small Fries Child Care & Learning Center, Milagros Mexican Cantina and Grill, and Guy Equipped have provided full tuition for many of the kids. The San Marcos Academy, Ault & Ault Orthodontics, Alex’s Paint and Body, The Starlight Symphony Orchestra, Century 21, Nissan of San Marcos, Palmer’s Restaurant & Bar, Powell Sports Equipment Roadway Striping, Inc, Sun Tech Electric and Timberlake Site Services have provided partial scholarships to others.

Tickets for evening shows and Sat/Sun matinees are available online at www.blackdiamondshows.com  or by reservations through the box office (512-847-7934).

Curtain is at 7:30pm for evening shows and 2:30 for matinees. The Price Center is located at 222 West San Antonio in downtown San Marcos.

For additional information, please visit lee@atnip.net .