THIS year marks the 75th anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein's debut collaboration, Oklahoma!.

"Not seen in York for many years, we bring you this feel-good musical full of sunshine and cowboys, as well as catchy tunes and dancing girls, all topped off with humour and plenty of drama," says producer Lesley Jones, ahead of the Bev Jones Music Company staging the show at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, from October 24 to 27.

"Oklahoma! is guaranteed to leave audiences clapping, singing, tapping their toes and laughing out loud. What better recipe on a cosy autumn evening? Or a Saturday matinee, which is nearly sold out.

"With Sally Lewis, director of Fiddler On The Roof, at the helm, this lovely musical will set your hearts on fire with The Surrey With The Fringe On Top, I Cain't Say No, Many A New Day and, of course, Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'."

Set in farming country outside the town of Claremore, Oklahoma Territory, in 1906, Oklahoma! tells the story of farm girl Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the sinister and frightening farmhand Jud Fry.

"For Her Majesty The Queen's favourite show, we're welcoming some new talented faces to our company, as well as stalwart company members. I can honestly say I have never staged a show that has been so popular with all the cast, so much so that they can't wait to get to rehearsals, such is the fun we're having," says Lesley.

New to the Bev Jones Music Company ranks are Martin Lay, Andrew Isherwood, Gavin Shaw, Laura Jane Hagston, Shannon River Daly, Ethan-Ray Winteringham, Ceridwen Daly and Suzanne Perkins.

"It's so nice to welcome new faces and I'm pleased to announce that many are staying on for The Full Monty, our next show in March 2019," says Lesley.

"It's lovely to be able stage different things for different ages and likes, and I'm also delighted we have the back-up of a new management team that includes Beverley Goring, Rich Hawley, Chris Hagyard, Peter Condon and Melissa Boyd, who bring a vast array of talent and expertise, plus a desire to see the company grow as a big family. A cliché I know, but it's what the company say they feel."

Lesley is delighted with the casting. "All our leading principals are so strong in their portrayals, and their on-stage relationships flourish as a result," she says.

"Beth Winteringham and Martin Lay take the major roles of Laura and Curly; Richard Alan is Jud Fry; with the hilarious comedy trio of Clare Medley, Steven Jobson and Andrew Isherwood playing Ado Annie, Will Parker and Ali Hakim respectively. Add to this Beverley Goring's powerful performance as Aunt Eller, supported by Gavin Shaw and Melissa Boyd as Carnes and the irritating Gertie, and you have a star line-up."

Lewis's cast also features Rich Hawley as Cord Elam; James Noble, Ike; David Hartley, Fred; Jack Fry, Joe; Kelly Bolland, Kate; Rachel Gordon, Ellen; Ethan-Ray Winteringham, Mike, and Rachel Hartley, the ballet double for Laurey.

Sally and Lesley are joined in the production team by choreographer Lois Hardy, musical director Phil Redding and stage manager Peter Condon. "We all laugh at every rehearsal, such is the hilarity of the script," says Lesley.

"We're incorporating all the expected dance routines: the men with their vigorous Kansas City high-kick romp; the ladies with their quaint dancing in Many A New Day; the magnificence of the full company in the Box Social Barn Dance and, finally, the often left-out Ballet Dream Sequence, which we're embracing fully. Young Rachel Hartley features in the ballet sequence with her delicate portrayal of the tortured Laurey."

Looking ahead, the Bev Jones Music Company will follow up next spring's The Full Monty: The Musical with Chess next October, directed by Craig Kirby, a stalwart of the York musicals scene. "I can also confirm we've secured Return To The Forbidden Planet for 2020," says Lesley.

"Our future is now secure and we'll continue to bring quality productions to the York audiences who still fondly remember our late founder, Bev Jones, and his passion and flare."

Tickets for the 7.30pm evening performances and 2.30pm Saturday matinee of Oklahoma! are on sale on 01904 501935 or at josephrowntreetheatre.co.uk.