Steven graduated Cum Laude from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications, focusing on film studies, journalism and theatre arts. Dubbed a "prolific" writer by Hollywood icon Kenneth Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, V, The Bionic Woman, Alien Nation), Steven has been honored by the Arkansas College Media Association for his story writing prowess. He has also received recognition for his dramatic writing from the Eerie, Shriekfest and Screamfest horror film festivals. Publications include: Carroll County News, Saline Courier, Forum, Echo and Moroch.

'OKLAHOMA!' Comes to Benton: "Oh, What a Beautiful Day"

Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2015, at 4:05 AM

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" begins its two-week run in Benton, Arkansas Thursday.

"Oklahoma" begins its two-week run at the Royal Theater in Benton Thursday. Here is the official release from the company's newsletter:

The Royal Players will present Oklahoma! July 9-12 and 16-19. Director is Kathy Bartholmey with music direction by Valerie Couch and choreography by Jenny Johnston. Oklahoma! was the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration and one of the most produced musicals in America.

The story is built around Laurey, a headstrong farm girl who doesn't want to fall willingly into the arms of the handsome cowboy, Curly. In her attempts to avoid him, she turns to the dark-hearted farm hand, Jud Fry, who wants to do more than take her to the dance. In the Royal production Hannah Blacklaw portrays Laurey, and Matthew Burnett is Curly.

Other featured actors are Daphne Shoppach as Aunt Eller, Kaede Wilson as Ado Annie, Michael Bartholmey as Will Parker, Brian Roberson as Ali Hakim, Jeremy Clay as Jud Fry, Clay Burnett as Andrew Carnes, Nonia Gordey as Gertie Cummins, Jason Green as Ike Skidmore, and Matthew Burns as Cord Elam. The ensemble includes Rylee Bolls, Claire Green, Annie Harris , Morgan Potter, Eliana Scully, Madison Treat, Elizabeth Winkler, Lillian Morrison, Rachel Jones, Hannah Curry, Michael Fuhrman, Will Davis, Nathan Clay, Gabe Gordey, Max Green, Darren Winkler.

Thursday through Saturday performances are at 7 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. This production is sponsored by the W. W. and Anne Jones Charitable Trust.

Tickets are $12 adult, $10 senior, $5 student and may be purchased at theroyalplayers.com.

Reservations may be made at 501-315-5483.