Tulsa Cascia Hall presents “The Will Rogers Follies”

Ziegfeld girls cast in “The Will Rogers Follies” to be presented March 5-8 at Cascia’s Performing Arts Center surround Larkin McCann, as Will Rogers. (Photo Courtesy Cascia Hall)

 

 

Larkin McCann is right up there with Keith Carradine, Mack Davis and Larry Gatlin. On the marquee that is, starring as Will Rogers in “The Will Rogers Follies.”

The big difference is age. Larkin is a high school student at Cascia Hall in Tulsa, in the last stages of rehearsal for their “Follies” presentation March 5-8 at Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center.

Carradine, Davis and Gatlin played Will in the Palace Theatre on Broadway and on the road.

“The Will Rogers Follies” an award-winning Broadway musical opened on Broadway in 1991 for 982 performances and won six Tony awards. Max Weitzenhoffer of Norman was an original producer.

The Tulsa show, which celebrates the 130th birthday of Oklahoma’s favorite son, will be presented at 7 p.m. March 5, 6 and 7 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 8.

It is an upbeat celebration of Will Rogers, born in 1979 on a ranch near Oologah. It portrays his life from birth to death especially as a vaudeville stage presence.

Other students in lead roles are Katie Brennan as Betty Blake, Will’s wife; Connor Blankenship as Clem Rogers, Will’s father; and Ricci Poormom as Mr. Ziegfeld’s favorite.

Gorgeous costumes, professional lighting and a 24-foot staircase highlight the show. Directed by Meredith Purgason, music director is Ann Zenhoefer and Debi Myers is choreographer.

Several Rogers County residents plan to attend the Sunday matinee as a Claremore-Rogers County event. Ticket prices are $5-$10 in the orchestra. To avoid the line, purchase advance tickets at www.myticketoffice.com or by calling 918-596-7109.

Cascia Hall PAC is located at 2520 S. Yorktown Ave., Utica entrance.