'Stepping into a piece of history': 'Oklahoma!' takes the stage at Harbor Playhouse

John Oliva, Corpus Christi Caller Times
·2 min read

Starting Friday, people can expect to step back to 1906 at Harbor Playhouse in downtown Corpus Christi.

The local community theater will debut its production of "Oklahoma!," the 1943 musical about farm girl Laurey and her courtship by two rival suitors — Curly and Jud Fry.

The production will run until Sunday, April 7. Tickets can be purchased at the community theater or online at harborplayhouse.com.

Director Alexandra Shaw said she had a certain vision for the musical and why she wanted to show it now.

From left, Nastassia Abshire, Sheri Whittle and Jaxon Mabry perform "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" during dress rehearsal of "Oklahoma!" at Harbor Playhouse Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Abshire portrays Laurey, Whittle portrays Aunt Eller and Mabry portrays Curly.
From left, Nastassia Abshire, Sheri Whittle and Jaxon Mabry perform "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top" during dress rehearsal of "Oklahoma!" at Harbor Playhouse Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Abshire portrays Laurey, Whittle portrays Aunt Eller and Mabry portrays Curly.

"The charm of it is that it is an 80-year-old musical," Shaw said. "Harbor is 99 years old this year. We are on the threshold of our 100-year anniversary. The idea that we have (Richard) Rodgers and (Oscar) Hammerstein's first collaborative work and the playhouse is 20 years older than when 'Oklahoma!' debuted is really stepping into a piece of history."

Leads Jaxon Mabry and Nastassia Abshire portray Curly and Laurey, respectively.

Mabry, a Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi acting major, said this is his first time with Harbor Playhouse. He said he had bad experiences with community theater in his hometown Houston, but said it is the complete opposite with Harbor.

"This is the best community theater I've ever seen," Mabry said. "My stage manager and director have been really great. It's so professional here. If anyone wants to start acting, or enjoy theater in any sort of way, you need to come here. This has been one of the most positive experiences I've had."

Nastassia Abshire and Jaxon Mabry perform "People Will Say We're in Love" during dress rehearsal of "Oklahoma!" at Harbor Playhouse Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Abshire portrays Laurey and Mabry portrays Curly.
Nastassia Abshire and Jaxon Mabry perform "People Will Say We're in Love" during dress rehearsal of "Oklahoma!" at Harbor Playhouse Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Abshire portrays Laurey and Mabry portrays Curly.

Community theater is an important part of Abshire's life. She said connecting with her character, Laurey, reminded herself of when she was younger.

"Laurey has to be strong-minded, and I wasn't that in my younger years," Abshire said. "I didn't always know what decisions to make, and I can relate to her because of that. But being in community theater brings me out of my shell and helps expand my horizon while making new bonds, friends and family. It makes me more confident in myself."

Shaw said Corpus Christi is blessed to have a "thriving" performing arts community.

Logan Barraza, in yellow, and the male ensemble perform "It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!" during dress rehearsal of "Oklahoma!" at Harbor Playhouse Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Barraza portrays Ali Hakim.
Logan Barraza, in yellow, and the male ensemble perform "It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!" during dress rehearsal of "Oklahoma!" at Harbor Playhouse Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Barraza portrays Ali Hakim.

"Between this theater, Aurora Arts, Corpus Christi Ballet, Corpus Christi Chorale and so many others, it's so artistic and creative," Shaw said. "If we don't have audience members, there's really no point to keep going. Simply buying a ticket is saying you want this to continue."

Aurora Arts Theatre will hold its production of "Lone Star" and "Laundry & Bourbon," two one-act comedies offering the audience two sides of the same coin. The production will run from Friday, March 29 through Sunday, May 5. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at auroraartstheatre.com.

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva.

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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: 'Oklahoma!' takes the stage at Harbor Playhouse