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YEOW!Welcome to Dingbat Theatre Project's production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! We are so thrilled you joined us for this show. Below you'll find information about the cast, crew, and our re-imagining of this classic show. <3
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DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Welcome to Oklahoma! We are so excited that you decided to take time out of your busy schedule and spend the evening with us for some old school, golden age musical theatre. Dingbat Theatre Project has a history of not only creating new works, but also re-imagining classic works in an immersive and inclusive way. We've been making our way through major musical theatre composers with this in mind with Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Stephen Schartz's Rent, Kander & Ebb's Chicago, and more. This is our first time tackling the "og"s, Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Oklahoma! premiered on Broadway in 1943, marking the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Oklahoma is often regarded as the first musical, integrating story, character, song, and dance to advance the plot. This revolutionized musical theatre, which had previously mostly been musical comedies with loose plots where songs were disconnected interruptions to the story (Anything Goes as an example). The duo would also go on to compose Carousel, Souther Pacific, and The Sound of Music. But you can get more details on all of that from Google.
First of all, you'll notice that there aren't period costumes, petticoats, OR bonnets. Oklahoma!, at its heart, is a story about community and we wanted our production to resemble the community that we live in. In modernizing the aesthetics of the musical, we hope the play's messaging is more accessible. The audience can see themselves existing in this community, and if you're sitting in certain sections you literally are a part of the action. With this community-approach, it is interesting to note the patriarchal and colonialist overtones existing the script, as well as who the community chooses to "other" and for what reasons.
That's all I'll say about that, but then there's the ending.....
Oklahoma! premiered on Broadway in 1943, marking the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Oklahoma is often regarded as the first musical, integrating story, character, song, and dance to advance the plot. This revolutionized musical theatre, which had previously mostly been musical comedies with loose plots where songs were disconnected interruptions to the story (Anything Goes as an example). The duo would also go on to compose Carousel, Souther Pacific, and The Sound of Music. But you can get more details on all of that from Google.
First of all, you'll notice that there aren't period costumes, petticoats, OR bonnets. Oklahoma!, at its heart, is a story about community and we wanted our production to resemble the community that we live in. In modernizing the aesthetics of the musical, we hope the play's messaging is more accessible. The audience can see themselves existing in this community, and if you're sitting in certain sections you literally are a part of the action. With this community-approach, it is interesting to note the patriarchal and colonialist overtones existing the script, as well as who the community chooses to "other" and for what reasons.
That's all I'll say about that, but then there's the ending.....
SPOILERS!!!!!!!! DON'T READ THIS PART UNTIL AFTER THE SHOW
The ending of Oklahoma! has always left a strange taste in my mouth, A man dies and we just just move on? Kangaroo court scene, break the law, honeymoon, happy ending? That's it? In re-examining this piece, we thought it was important to showcase the ending in a different light. How, historically, we as a country go the extra mile in pursuit of protecting the cisgender, heterosexual, white man at the cost of the safety, trauma, and lives of those around him.
This re-interpretation is inspired by recent court cases and hearings for Brock Turner, Brett Kavanaugh, abusers included in recently released documents, and countless other perpetrators of sexual violence, police brutality, domestic violence, and racist, xenophobic, homophobic, and transphobic hate crimes who roam the streets free because they were "promising young men," "a brilliant businessman," "an exceptional athlete," or "a patriot."
This also comes at an interesting time politically where legislation is being passed encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands. As with a recent bill in Kansas (interestingly, a neighboring state to Oklahoma) that would empower citizens to report people they think might be using the wrong bathroom. In February 2025, The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issued a "Red Flag Alert" in regard to people identifying as transgender in our country.
The rousing anthem of "Oklahoma" is a celebration of the American Dream, a land of endless possibilities. It is layered, however. The Oklahoma territory, previously called "Indian territory" is where the trail of tears led to, the forceful removal of indigenous people from the Eastern United States across the Mississippi River. Interesting to note that there are no indigenous people in Hammerstein's script, It begs the question... who is the American Dream for? Especially when this country is built on stolen land on the backs of slaves. I digress.
We felt, as the the West Coast of Florida's only theatre company with an explicit dedication to serving and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, it was our duty to tackle this material in this way. The world is becoming an increasingly difficult place to live in, and we didn't want to sugarcoat this story in exchange for cheap applause. The ending of Dingbat's production of Oklahoma! can be trigger, shocking, and upsetting. I would like to urge you to channel those emotions into community building and activism. Art at its core is a form of protest and can be a catalyst for change. Change is made at home in our communities first and foremost. Don't think just because you live in Florida, the south, etc. that there aren't queer people who also live, work, and create in your community. They're here. Beyond the ballot, we should be taking measures to engage with our community FACE TO FACE. Know your neighbors, attempt to empathize, and use your privilege to listen and uplift the marginalized voices and experiences around you before it's too late.
As a queer person born and raised in Arkansas, it's been incredibly rewarding tackling the stories and music of Oklahoma!, Wildflowers, and Seussical alongside our artistic community. The intention behind The BakYard was to celebrate community, while also holding a microscope to the deeper layers and oppression that exists within them. Backyards oftentimes have associations with family, cooking out, gathering, etc. Dingbat's The BakYard is a backyard for found family, and I feel so grateful to have these incredible artists (and now YOU) apart of that found family.
Thank you for supporting our theatre and our production of Oklahoma! Seussical has a happy ending, I promise.
With love,
Luke Manual
Producing Artistic Director
Dingbat Theatre Project
This re-interpretation is inspired by recent court cases and hearings for Brock Turner, Brett Kavanaugh, abusers included in recently released documents, and countless other perpetrators of sexual violence, police brutality, domestic violence, and racist, xenophobic, homophobic, and transphobic hate crimes who roam the streets free because they were "promising young men," "a brilliant businessman," "an exceptional athlete," or "a patriot."
This also comes at an interesting time politically where legislation is being passed encouraging citizens to take matters into their own hands. As with a recent bill in Kansas (interestingly, a neighboring state to Oklahoma) that would empower citizens to report people they think might be using the wrong bathroom. In February 2025, The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issued a "Red Flag Alert" in regard to people identifying as transgender in our country.
The rousing anthem of "Oklahoma" is a celebration of the American Dream, a land of endless possibilities. It is layered, however. The Oklahoma territory, previously called "Indian territory" is where the trail of tears led to, the forceful removal of indigenous people from the Eastern United States across the Mississippi River. Interesting to note that there are no indigenous people in Hammerstein's script, It begs the question... who is the American Dream for? Especially when this country is built on stolen land on the backs of slaves. I digress.
We felt, as the the West Coast of Florida's only theatre company with an explicit dedication to serving and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community, it was our duty to tackle this material in this way. The world is becoming an increasingly difficult place to live in, and we didn't want to sugarcoat this story in exchange for cheap applause. The ending of Dingbat's production of Oklahoma! can be trigger, shocking, and upsetting. I would like to urge you to channel those emotions into community building and activism. Art at its core is a form of protest and can be a catalyst for change. Change is made at home in our communities first and foremost. Don't think just because you live in Florida, the south, etc. that there aren't queer people who also live, work, and create in your community. They're here. Beyond the ballot, we should be taking measures to engage with our community FACE TO FACE. Know your neighbors, attempt to empathize, and use your privilege to listen and uplift the marginalized voices and experiences around you before it's too late.
As a queer person born and raised in Arkansas, it's been incredibly rewarding tackling the stories and music of Oklahoma!, Wildflowers, and Seussical alongside our artistic community. The intention behind The BakYard was to celebrate community, while also holding a microscope to the deeper layers and oppression that exists within them. Backyards oftentimes have associations with family, cooking out, gathering, etc. Dingbat's The BakYard is a backyard for found family, and I feel so grateful to have these incredible artists (and now YOU) apart of that found family.
Thank you for supporting our theatre and our production of Oklahoma! Seussical has a happy ending, I promise.
With love,
Luke Manual
Producing Artistic Director
Dingbat Theatre Project
CAST HEADSHOTS
THE CAST.
CAST BIOS
BIOS
GRETCHEN BEAUMIER (Performer: Gertie Cummings | Lighting Design/BakYard Design Team) [she/they] is the Co-Artistic Director and Technical Director for Dingbat Theatre Project. Gretchen grew up in Sarasota attending Pine View School before studying at University of North Carolina School for the Arts. Since graduating, she has been on the leadership team at Dingbat Theatre Project and worked at many area theatre in multiple capacities. She recently co-directed productions of I'M GONNA MARRY YOU, TOBEY MAGUIRE and HERCULES, and has appeared onstage as Peter Pan in PETER PAN. Lighting Design: WINNIE-THE-POOH, HEATHERS, I'M GONNA MARRY YOU, TOBEY MAGUIRE, HERCULES, PIPPIN, SPEAKEASY ALICE, LYSISTRATA, JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, THE WIZARD OF OZ, ROSE, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE, and FORBIDDEN RBAODWAY. Scenic Design: PIPPIN, SPEAKEASY ALICE, LYSISTRATA, THE WIZARD OF OZ, IT'S A BIRD... IT'S A PLANE... IT'S SUPERMAN, CHICAGO: A MUSICAL VAUDEVILLE, PROOF, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS.
BROOKE CANDELLA (Jud Fry) [he/him] is extremely excited to be a part of Dingbat Theatre Projects’ production of OKLAHOMA! Brooke is a recent graduate from Western Michigan University, earning a BFA in acting. Some recent credits include: THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, ARGONAUTIKA, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, PRIVATE LIVES (WMU), FUN HOME (Ridgedale Players), and RENT (Sarasota Players). Much love to my partner, friends, family, and pets for their support. And much love and gratitude for every queer person of yesterday who paved the way for every queer person today <3
DANIEL COLE (Dep. Marshall Fred) [he/him] is making his Dingbat debut with OKLAHOMA! He has performed in a variety of productions with Venice Theatre, The Players Studio, and Lemon Bay Playhouse. Most recently ALICE IN WONDERLAND, RETURN TO MARGARITAVILLE, PICKLEBALL, GOD'S COUNTRY, and THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. Dan is also singer in the Venice Chorale and Diversity: The Voices of Sarasota. He is also a multi-instrumentalist and all around swell guy.
MARK-ALAN* (Andrew Carnes) is so excited to be returning to the Dingbat stage after a fantastic run in I'M GONNA MARRY YOU, TOBEY MAGUIRE. Other roles in the SRQ area: Reverend Mother, in NUNSENSE @ St. Boniface. Rudy in HELLO, DOLLY! @ The Sarasota Players. The Modern Works Festival @ Urbanite. He has also a proud board member of the Sarasota Rising team and The Living Arts Festival 2026.
*Mark-Alan appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association
*Mark-Alan appears courtesy of Actors' Equity Association
SARAH CONTE (Laurey Williams) [she/her] is so excited to be working with Dingbat Theatre Project again! Her recent credits include Heather McNamara in HEATHERS at Dingbat Theatre Project and Amy in LITTLE WOMEN at The Sarasota Players. When she isn’t on stage, Sarah enjoys sewing and working at the Ringling Museum of Art. She is also appearing in Wildflowers.
SERENNA JONES (Vivian | Vocal Director) [she/her] is a graduate of Florida State University, where she she received her Master's degree in Voice and Opera. She performed in numerous musical theater and opera productions during her time in college. Some of which include the title role in Respighi's SLEEPING BEAUTY, Pheobe D'ysquith in A GENTLEMEN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, and Pamina in THE MAGIC FLUTE. More recently, she's performed at local theaters in roles such as Patsy Cline in the Sarasota Players' production of ALWAYS... PATSY CLINE and at Dingbat Theatre Project playing Lois Lane in IT'S A BIRD... IT'S A PLANE... IT'S SUPERMAN! and Glinda the Good Witch in THE WIZARD OF OZ. When she is not performing, Serenna serves as an adjunct voice instructor at the State College of Florida.
ASHLEY LEWIS (Kate/Cord Elam | Laurey u/s) [she/her] is beyond excited to be in her first production with Dingbat Theatre Project! Having recently graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Voice Performance, Ashley is back in her hometown of Sarasota and ready to be back on the stage. Some favorite past roles include Clara Johnson in THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, Iola Stover in PARADE, and Pamina in THE MAGIC FLUTE. Ashley wants to thank her friends and family for their constant support, as well as the rest of the cast for making this such a wonderful experience!
MICHAEL LUCK (Will Parker) [he/they] is incredibly excited to be part of Dingbat Theatre Project's BakYard productions of SEUSSICAL and OKLAHOMA! His previous credits include HEATHERS(Beleaguered Geek/J.D. u/s) with Dingbat and RENT (ensemble) with The Sarasota Players. Michael would like to thank their mom and partner for putting in so much time and effort to let him be able to be part of these productions, their friends for always supporting him, and the wonderful people at Dingbat that make these shows so amazing to be a part of.
LUKE MANUAL (Director/BakYard Design Team) [they/them] is the Producing Artistic Director and Founder of Dingbat Theatre Project. They are a transplant from Little Rock, AR, where they were born and raised before studying Marketing and Theatre at Mississippi State University. They are a multidisciplinary theatre artist with experience directing, performing, music directing, teaching, and writing. They have a passion for building community through theatre, which led to the founding of Dingbat in 2020. Favorite Dingbat Directing Credits: WINNIE-THE-POOH (also writer), I'M GONNA MARRY YOU, TOBEY MAGUIRE (BwayWorld Best Director of a Play), JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT, THE WIZARD OF OZ, IT'S A BIRD... IT'S A PLANE... IT'S SUPERMAN, PETER PAN (also writer), SHREK THE MUSICAL (BwayWorld Best Director of a Musical), and CHICAGO: A MUSICAL VAUDEVILLE. They have also directed for Venice Theatre, The Sarasota Players, The Loveland Players, & The Basket Cases Theatre Company. As a performer, they have frequently appeared on local stages for the last eight years, portraying Hedwig in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, Audrey II in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Jack’s Mother in INTO THE WOODS, among others.
INDIA X MILLER (Aunt Eller) [she/her] is a small town midwestern kid who grew up to be a wonderfully complicated citizen of the world. Currently India is grateful to call Sarasota her home, and its citizens a part of my ever growing family. This is India's theatrical stage debut and she am so incredibly excited, grateful, and to be honest, just a skosh nervous to give it a go! She did have a role in a high school musical back in 1986 playing a tattooed sailor with a coconut bra and a hula skirt singing about Dames, you theater geeks out there will appreciate the ironies at play. She shares her life with her partner Jak and their lovely canine companion, Karma. She has worked in industries as varied as fashion, Investment Research and Global Education, but what she most enjoys is advocacy for marginalized voices. "So often it involves so much risk for those most marginalized to advocate for themselves publicly and when i can i try to use any privilege i have to try and speak up."
AJ TRINCI (Ali Hakim) [they/them] has enjoyed returning to Sarasota theater after getting their BFA in Musical Theater at FSU. Over the past year they have appeared in THE FANTASTICKS (Mute) at The Manatee Players, FUN HOME (Alison) and CABARET (Fritzie) at the Sarasota Players, and WINNIE-THE-POOH (Tigger/Owl) at Dingbat Theatre Project. They directed Dingbat's production of Wildflowers.
JOEY TRICARICO (Ike Skidmore) is 17 years old, in his senior year at Pine View School, and absolutely thrilled to be taking part in his second at Dingbat Theatre Project. You may recognize him from other shows such as NEWSIS (Jack Kelly), THE LIGHTNING THIEF (Percy Jackson), HEATHERS (Ram Sweeney), and upcoming SEUSSICAL at Dingbat. He would like to extend a massive thank you to the whole team at Dingbat and the extremely talented cast who have brought life and community to this meaningful story. Last but not least, he would love to of course thank his family and friends for their endless support.
ZACH TUDOR (Curly McClain) [he/him] is over the effing moon to be back at Dingbat Theatre Project working with his favorite director of all time. You might remember him from his performances in Dingbat's productions of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL and IT'S A BIRD... IT'S A PLANE... IT'S SUPERMAN or Venice Theatre's recent productions of THE AMISH PROJECT and THE MOUSETRAP. He would like to thank his amazing girlfriend, Serenna, for her support, and his favorite director, Luke, for writing his bio.
CAITLYN MERCEDE TURNER (Ado Annie Carnes) [she/they] is thrilled to be spending some time in The Backyard! Caitlyn is currently an undergraduate student at New College here in Sarasota and is pursuing a degree in Theatre, Dance, and Performance studies. Past Credits include: SPRING AWAKENING, JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, STUPID FUCKING BIRD, HEATHERS, FALSETTOS, and RENT. She will also be playing Ado Annie in Dingbat's upcoming production of OKLAHOMA! Caitlyn feels the most at home while performing, and she is so thankful to be given the opportunity to be a part of the Dingbat family once again. She would like to thank her family and friends, as well as her professor Tim O’Donnell, for their unwavering and constant support.
DONORBATS
DONORBATS
The following list of donorbats represents patrons who donated between December 1, 2025 and February 19, 2026
$7,500+
Dr. Jeffrey Hambline & Mark-Alan, Osprey Consulting, Gretchen Beaumier & Luke Manual, Joe Cincotta & The Sarasota Modern Hotel
$5,000+
Anonymous, Jeff Cima, OfficeMax, Debbie & Terry Austin, Bill & Rose Johnson,
$2,500+
Florence & Chris Bunten, Gulfcoast Community Foundation, Red Wing Shoes of Bradenton, Alisha Tyler-Lohr & Ethan Vail, Homewell Care Services
$1,000+
Buchmeier Family Trust, Dan Cole & Lisa Taylor, Samantha Fuller
$500+
Cathi Bell, Brent & Stacy Pinkerton, BlackJack Air & Mechanical, Jessica & Andrew Berent
$250+
Jason Ellis, Anna Lee Ernst, Stev & Nancy Johnson, Mary Howell, Serenna Jones, Shawn Sellitti, Emily Uritz, Susan Talbot, Bill Troetel & Margo Shneeloch, Patrick Mounce, Sarah Conte, Joseph Tricarico, Zach Tudo, Julie Wells, India X Miller
$100+
Allynid M. Bunten, Liv Coleman, Ellen Kramer, Don & Barbara McFatrich, Boyd Parris, Julie pInkerton, Sue Rupp, Wallace Schroeder, Catherine Seress, Sherrie L. SHirky, Ann Thompson, Suzanne Williams, Mia Strickland, Laura Grieme, Jane Callaghan Trinci
$50+
Donald Anderson, Erica M. Fults, Cindy Maloney, Linda Mangold, Mark Montagna, Dianne Polletta, Emily Rizzo
$5+
Ashley Averi, Mary Abbruzzese, Theresa Arena, Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins, Max Augsburger, Ariel Blue, Roger J Boulanger, Giovanni Bruschetta, Eric Charping, Jacquelyn Cetola, Chesselica Davidson, Laura Dessauer, Joan Ennis, Beth Girgis, Kathleen Horne, Elizabeth Kamm, Francis M. Kelly, Kim Kollar, Jalex Leissler, Kennedy Lollar, Amanda Martin Nunes, Theodore Medrek, Sherrie McKinley, Susan Murphy, Laura Murray, Gregory Sitnek, David Stein & Hannah Murphy, Gina Sussi, Sudi Van Dien, Julie Wells, Maurie West, Jen Zak, Peg Green, Terry Pierson, John Cugasi, Michelle Martin, Christopher Slaughter, Caroline Dziekan, RJ James, Kim Livengood
$7,500+
Dr. Jeffrey Hambline & Mark-Alan, Osprey Consulting, Gretchen Beaumier & Luke Manual, Joe Cincotta & The Sarasota Modern Hotel
$5,000+
Anonymous, Jeff Cima, OfficeMax, Debbie & Terry Austin, Bill & Rose Johnson,
$2,500+
Florence & Chris Bunten, Gulfcoast Community Foundation, Red Wing Shoes of Bradenton, Alisha Tyler-Lohr & Ethan Vail, Homewell Care Services
$1,000+
Buchmeier Family Trust, Dan Cole & Lisa Taylor, Samantha Fuller
$500+
Cathi Bell, Brent & Stacy Pinkerton, BlackJack Air & Mechanical, Jessica & Andrew Berent
$250+
Jason Ellis, Anna Lee Ernst, Stev & Nancy Johnson, Mary Howell, Serenna Jones, Shawn Sellitti, Emily Uritz, Susan Talbot, Bill Troetel & Margo Shneeloch, Patrick Mounce, Sarah Conte, Joseph Tricarico, Zach Tudo, Julie Wells, India X Miller
$100+
Allynid M. Bunten, Liv Coleman, Ellen Kramer, Don & Barbara McFatrich, Boyd Parris, Julie pInkerton, Sue Rupp, Wallace Schroeder, Catherine Seress, Sherrie L. SHirky, Ann Thompson, Suzanne Williams, Mia Strickland, Laura Grieme, Jane Callaghan Trinci
$50+
Donald Anderson, Erica M. Fults, Cindy Maloney, Linda Mangold, Mark Montagna, Dianne Polletta, Emily Rizzo
$5+
Ashley Averi, Mary Abbruzzese, Theresa Arena, Rebeca Arrigall-Watkins, Max Augsburger, Ariel Blue, Roger J Boulanger, Giovanni Bruschetta, Eric Charping, Jacquelyn Cetola, Chesselica Davidson, Laura Dessauer, Joan Ennis, Beth Girgis, Kathleen Horne, Elizabeth Kamm, Francis M. Kelly, Kim Kollar, Jalex Leissler, Kennedy Lollar, Amanda Martin Nunes, Theodore Medrek, Sherrie McKinley, Susan Murphy, Laura Murray, Gregory Sitnek, David Stein & Hannah Murphy, Gina Sussi, Sudi Van Dien, Julie Wells, Maurie West, Jen Zak, Peg Green, Terry Pierson, John Cugasi, Michelle Martin, Christopher Slaughter, Caroline Dziekan, RJ James, Kim Livengood