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State Fair Broadway Original Cast


Based on the screenplay by Oscar Hammerstein II Based on the novel by Phil StongRodgers & Hammerstein's only musical written directly for the screen is now a stage musical that's had critics raving from coast to coast. Set against the colorful backdrop of an American heartland tradition, STATE FAIR travels with the Frake family as they leave behind the routine of the farm for three days of adventure at the annual Iowa State Fair. Full synopsis

Original Replacement

Original Cast

Midway Pig
Violet

(the Chief of Police's daughter)
Jeanne (u/s)
Midway Cow
Vivian (u/s)
Emily Arden (u/s)
Jeanne

(a cooch dancer)
Harry

(Margy's boyfriend)
Peter Benson, who has an extensive Broadway resume including roles in Promises, Promises and Cabaret, also showcased his talents in State Fair. more...
Melissa Frake

(Abel's wife)
Eleanor (u/s)
Violet (u/s)
(Understudy)
Abel Frake
Melissa Frake (u/s)

SuEllen Estey was part of the original company of State Fair on Broadway, adding to her extensive theater resume that includes over 100 professional productions. more...
Dave Miller (u/s)
Hank Munson (u/s)
Judge Heppenstahl (u/s)
Lem (u/s)
The Hoop-La Barker
(Understudy)
Abel Frake (u/s)
Clay
Fair Announcer

(a farmer)
Charlie

(a newspaper photographer)
Hank Munson

(a farmer)
Dave Miller
Judge Heppenstahl

(the local storekeeper)

(Wayne's girlfriend)
Susan Haefner, who graced the Broadway stage in STATE FAIR, has an impressive resume that includes performances in THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE and 42nd STREET, as well as national and international tours of BILLY ELLIOT and DAMN YANKEES. more...
The Hoop-La Barker (u/s)
Vivian

(a cooch dancer)
Fairtone
Wayne Frake (u/s)

Ian Knauer, a seasoned performer with Broadway credits including "Dames at Sea," "Mamma Mia!," "By Jeeves," and "State Fair," brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career on stage and screen. more...
Midway Cow (u/s)
Midway Pig (u/s)
Performer
(Understudy)

(Wayne's sister)
Andrea McArdle, renowned for originating the title role in the 1977 mega-musical Annie, brought her exceptional talent to the original Broadway cast of State Fair, where she portrayed Margy Frake. more...
Emily Arden

Donna McKechnie, renowned for her Tony Award-winning performance as Cassie in A Chorus Line, brought her exceptional talent to State Fair. more...
Gus
Harry (u/s)

(the Frake's hired man)
Mrs. Edwin Metcalf of Pottsville
Charlie (u/s)
Gus (u/s)
Performer
Uncle Sam (u/s)
(Understudy)
Mrs. Edwin Metcalf of Pottsville (u/s)
Chief of Police
Clay (u/s)
The Astounding Stralenko
The Chief of Police
(Understudy)
Steve Steiner, who has had an illustrious career in the performing arts spanning nearly five decades, brought his extensive experience to "State Fair," contributing to its success with his rich background in theatre that includes Broadway, Off-Broadway, and numerous regional productions. more...
Lem

(a farmer)
Fairtone
Pat Gilbert (u/s)
The Astounding Stralenko (u/s)
The Chief of Police (u/s)

Scott Willis, who played a member of The Fairtones in the Broadway production of STATE FAIR, has an extensive career spanning Broadway, national tours, and television, including notable roles in AN AMERICAN IN PARIS and PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert. more...
Pat Gilbert

(a newspaper reporter)
Wayne Frake

(son of Abel and Melissa)

Production Team

Gary Leonard Bell Scenic Designer
Michael Bottari Costume Designer
Kay Cameron Musical Director
Ronald Case Costume Designer
George M. Fraggos Hair Designer
James Hammerstein Director
(Co-Director)
Natasha Katz Lighting Designer
Bruce Pomahac Orchestrator
Brian Ronan Sound Designer
Randy Skinner Choreographer
Director
(Co-Director)

BroadwayWorld TV


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