It's a Summer of Stars at NSU

TAHLEQUAH Weekends in Tahlequah are filled with stars and music this summer, thanks to the Northeastern State University Stars in the Summer Series 2007 featuring Downtown Country and River City Players.

"For more than two decades, NSU has provided outstanding musical entertainment in a summer repertory theatre," said Megan White, managing director the Stars in the Summer Series and director of the Sequoyah Institute. "Our summer shows attract thousands of visitors to Tahlequah every year and provide Branson-quality shows to our local residents."

Downtown Country will present two shows this summer, "Chart Toppin' Country" and "Celebrate Oklahoma!" "Chart Toppin' Country" pays tribute to songs, stars and events that defined the past 75 years, featuring hits from Bob Wills, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty, Crystal Gayle, George Strait, The Judds and Brad Paisley.

"Celebrate Oklahoma!" highlights the contributions of Oklahoma's numerous country music artists over the past century. With hits from Gene Autry, Patti Page, Roger Miller, Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Albert E. Brumley, Ricochet and Oklahoma's favorite son Will Rogers, it's evident that Oklahoma is not only the heartland of the USA, but also the true heart and soul of country music.

River City Players will also present two shows, "Rockin' Across the USA!" and "Old Time Rock 'n Roll." Hit the road with the River City Players as they go "Rockin' Across the USA!" Travel from north to south, east to west with hits like "Midnight Train to Georgia," "Your Momma Don't Dance," and "Shake, Rattle and Roll." A stop in Oklahoma showcases the states numerous contributions to rock 'n roll with a collection of songs written by Oklahoma artists, including "These Boots Are Made For Walking," "Tight Rope," and "Joy To The World."

Take a trip to the glory days of rock 'n roll with "Old Time Rock 'n Roll" with a mixture of '50s and '60s classics. This blast from the past features songs by the legends of rock 'n roll, from Chuck Berry and The Supremes to Frankie Valli and Aretha Franklin. And of course no trip to pinnacle of rock 'n roll would be complete without revisiting Beatlemania.

Cast and crewmembers have been in rehearsals since May to prepare for opening weekend.

"Rehearsals are pretty intense at times, but this experience has only made me a better performer," said Kimberly Hurt, a Downtown Country performer and the reigning Miss NSU. "Downtown Country has been one of the best opportunities I could possibly be involved in. I'm very excited to be working with everyone on such an excellent show."

The casts, who come from across Oklahoma, represent the best and most talented performers the state has to offer.

"It's fantastic to be working with River City this summer," said Danica Lee, a Checotah native in her first summer with RCP. "Oklahoma has raised a lot of wonderful and talented people, including everyone in the cast and crew."

The 2007 NSU Stars in the Summer Series runs every weekend from Thursday, June 14 through Saturday, Aug. 4.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for NSU alumni and employees, $8 for seniors, and $6 for students, children and groups of 20 or more. For reservations, call 918-458-2075. June is early bird month, with a $1 discount for shows from June 14 through June 30.