For those who attend the Theatre Company of Sun City’s upcoming production of “Oklahoma!” a sense of déjá vu may set in.
This is because Bob Hernandez and Sara Tustin, whose names are attached to many characters throughout the company’s history, are once again reprising their roles as Curly McLain and Laurey Williams, respectively, after 10 years.
“They were the best people for the roles, essentially,” says Dick Storer, a producer for the production. “The fact that they played these characters 10 years ago didn’t factor into them getting it again. Everyone has to audition and they were the best fit.”
“Oklahoma” cast members rehearse in Fountain View. It may not be dress rehearsal but the excitement is there. (Photos by Chris LaPelusa/Sun Day)
For Tustin, returning to the role came as a challenge.
“I wanted…to see if I could do it again but better than the first time,” she said. “I wanted to see if I could still hit those high notes required for the role, but I would have taken any role just to be in this classic American musical.”
Although the production is still a month away, with show times set for November 19-22, everything is already “coming together very, very nicely,” according to Storer.
“We have some new people in the cast and everybody has a lot of energy as far as wanting to learn the roles. We’ve got approximately 60 percent of the show blocked already, and the directors are very pleased with the progress as far as learning the music and remembering the blocking.”
Returning to the same role after 10 years has not been as big of a challenge to either of the actors.
“I fell in love with the movie the first time I saw it, and I’ve always liked the show,” says Hernandez. “[Returning to this role] came back really good. If I know the show and I know the music, I can do it. I have the lines pretty much down already.”
Hernandez credits his phonographic memory for being able to pick up the melodies and lyrics, while noting what he describes Tustin’s “photographic memory” as helping her remember a line or a move on stage. The two complement one another.
“I myself sometimes forget [a line or a blocking],” he adds. “She just kind of moves me around sometimes, so she’ll move me to where I need to be. I’ve told her before that she’s like Mary Poppins, in that she’s practically perfect. She grabs stuff so fast.”
Meanwhile, Tustin says their long history leads to the two of them instinctively knowing one another’s thoughts and helping each other perform.
“Bob is always solid in his performances and I can completely rely on him to know the role so I can relax and do a good job with mine,” Tustin said. “We have sung so many times together that now our voices just seem to blend naturally.”
Another interest fact (minor spoilers) is that while Curly and Laurey end up getting married, Hernandez and Tustin have married one another – on stage – at least 10 times.
Show goers can expect the same show they fell in love with either on stage or on the silver screen – though the stage version contains more songs. As far as upgrades, Storer notes the costumes will be better than in the company’s original production and the set pieces will also be new and improved.
Curtains rise at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 19, and Friday, November 20; 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 21; and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22. All performances are in the Drendel Ballroom.
Tickets for the production are on sale October 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Drendel Breakout Room; and October 19 and November 10 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. in the Fountain View Atrium. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12.
For further ticket information, call 847-515-8545 for Thursday and Friday tickets, or 847-515-1583 for Saturday and Sunday tickets.
