A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ’N’ Roll, A Whole Lotta Fun

Northeastern State University and The Sequoyah Institute are gearing up for opening weekend of the NSU Summer Series 2006, set for June 22.

This year's theme is "A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock 'N' Roll, A Whole Lotta Fun." For country music lovers, Downtown Country is performing two shows, "Tribute to the Opry" and "Star Spangled Country," at the University Playhouse. Rock 'n' Roll lovers will find much to enjoy at the River City Players' two rock- and pop-based shows, "Golden Oldies" and "River City Top 40," at the Shawnee Street Theatre.

"You don't have to travel all the way to Branson for high-quality, top notch entertainment," said Megan White, director of The NSU Sequoyah Institute. "We have some amazing talent and wonderful shows right here in Tahlequah."

Shows start at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through August 5, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturdays. "Star Spangled Country" and "River City Top 40" run Thursday and Saturday nights, while "Golden Oldies" and "Tribute to the Opry" run Friday nights and Saturday matinees.

The four shows, currently in rehearsals, feature a range of talent, from first-timers to familiar faces.

"We were overwhelmed by the amount of talent we saw during auditions," said Kelli Doolen Farmer, Downtown Country director. "As a result, we have a phenomenal cast of performers and players that will wow our audiences."

Farmer's husband, Shannon, is a member of the band Ricochet, and has been hard at work rehearsing with the Downtown Country cast to bring a new dimension to the performance.

"We have an incredible cast this summer," said Robyn Magee Pursley, River City Players director. "All of the performers are strong individual singers and dancers. We should have a show-stopping summer."

Tahlequah High School vocal music teacher and NSU graduate Margie Green is returning to serve as River City Players Vocal director, and Diane Maroney Grigsby is again serving as choreographer.

"Star Spangled Country" will make you stand up and salute as the performers bring audiences a patriotic tribute to the music of America - country music. The high-energy show features music from the red-hot stars of yesterday and today.

"Tribute to the Opry" honors one of the greatest traditions in country music, "The Grand Ole Opry." The show spans more than 80 years of history, paying tribute to the circle of legendary performers of the Opry.

"River City Top 40" will tune into the top 40 most requested hits of the River City Players. From Broadway to Rock 'n' Roll and everything in between, this show will leave the audience wanting more.

"Golden Oldies" will journey back to the Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll, when the kings and queens of the jukebox were born. This show will take audiences back to those magic moments when music was fun and the dance was just getting started.

"River City Players and Downtown Country are the best musical review shows in Oklahoma," said Dan Vivion, a performer returning for his seventh year with River City Players.

Tickets are currently available from the Summer Box Office, located at the Woods House, 529 Seminary, or by calling 918-458-2075. Ticket prices are $12 for adults, $10 for NSU alumni and employees, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children, students and groups of 20 or more. The Summer Pass is also available.

"With shows running every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, there are plenty of opportunities to make memories and see some great shows with Downtown Country and River City Players," White said.