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Show r - - -U-- 1 Talented actor of stage, screen and radio, Alfred Drake, star of "Oklahoma!", will play the leading role in the forthcoming Utah Centennial commission musical drama, "The Promised Valley," to be staged at the University of Utah stadium bowl from July 91 thrr,,h A,ot a Star of "Oklahoma!" to Play Lead in Centennial Musical Alfred Drake, star of the fabulous Broadway musical success, "Oklahoma!" has been signed for the leading role in the Utah Centennial commission's dramatic musical, "The Promised Valley," Gus P. Backman, director of the centennial observance, announced this week. Search for a "name" star to portray the lead in "The Promised Valley," highlight of the centennial's centen-nial's theatrical productions, was started months ago, said Dr. Lorin F. Wheelwright, production manager. man-ager. "We feel that Mr. Drake, as an actor and a singer, is just the right person for this part," he said. "The Promised Valley" will be staged nightly, except Sundays, at the University of Utah stadium bowl from July 21" through August 9. Mr. Drake, most recently seen on Broadway in "Beggar's Holiday," Holi-day," is master of ceremonies and singing star of the C o lu m b i a Broadcasting Company's network show, "Broadway Matinee." He made his motion picture debut in Columbia's "Tars and . Spars." His contract -with Columbia Pictures is unique in that a stipulation stipu-lation was made to permit him a "vacation" from movies six months of the year. During these six-months periods he is associated with the Theater Guild and is free to accept any outside out-side roles. It was because of this clause in his contract that the Centennial Cen-tennial commission was able to sign him for "The Promised Valley." In his role in "The Promised Valley," Mr. Drake will have ample opportunity to use the talents which brought him stardom in "Oklahoma!". With a cast of m,ore than 100 persons, "The Promised Valley" is based on the historical event of the pioneer trek across the plains to Utah and of the early day life in Utah. Its telling will employ dialogue, songs, dancing and romance. The entire production, one of the most ambitious ever undertaken in Utah, will be comparable to any Broadway Broad-way production. Staging of the extravaganza at the University of Utah stadium ; bowl contemplates all the special I effects and gorgeous costuming so : typical of major Hollywood productions, pro-ductions, said Dr. Wheelwright. Tickets for the performances are $3.00; $2.40, and $1.20. |
