Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair occupies a unique place in musical theatre history. Originally created for the silver screen in 1945—the legendary duo’s only musical written directly for film—it later found new life on the stage in a successful 1996 Broadway adaptation. Now, audiences have the chance to experience this warm-hearted slice of Americana at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, where the Frake family’s annual trip to the Iowa State Fair brings romance, blue ribbons, heartbreak, and plenty of unforgettable music. Before the curtain rises, JHPENTERTAINMENT caught up with four of the production’s young leads—Andrew Hutton (Wayne Frake), Caylin Maguire Gray (Emily Arden), Laura Walker (Margy Frake), and Robert Hatter (Pat Gilbert)—for a Rapid Fire 20Q conversation about their characters, favorite musical moments, fairground fun, and what makes State Fair such a timeless Rodgers & Hammerstein classic.
RAPID FIRE 20Q WITH THE KEETON DINNER THEATRE’s STATE FAIR YOUNG COUPLES
RAPID FIRE WITH STATE FAIR‘s PAT GILBERT, ROBERT HATTER
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Pat Gilbert has that classic smooth-talking leading man energy, but there’s also a sincerity underneath it all. What’s been the key to finding the balance between Pat’s charm and vulnerability?
ROBERT HATTER: I think the key is understanding who he is with at any given moment, especially because he isn’t sure who he can trust yet. At the beginning of the show, he used to get the big stories as a reporter. But now, he’s a little washed up, so he doesn’t know who he can trust with that information. When he’s with a group of people that he may not know very well, he tries to be more charming. But with someone he’s closer to, Margy and Charlie for example, he feels that he can open up a little more.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Pat represents excitement, possibility, and a world outside Margy’s everyday life. What do you think ultimately makes him such an appealing character in her story?
ROBERT HATTER: Ultimately, Pat is someone who has had a taste of what it’s like to leave home and explore the world. I think that’s what Margy finds most appealing about Pat. It’s his experience and knowledge of life outside of Iowa that makes Margy very curious about his character. It seems like Margy’s life has already been laid out for her, especially when we meet Harry, who everyone else around her has paired her off with. She finally has a glimpse at something outside of her small world in Pat.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Your scenes opposite Laura Walker’s Margy are such an important part of the show’s emotional core. What’s been your favorite moment developing that chemistry together in rehearsals?
ROBERT HATTER: Laura Walker is incredibly talented, and it’s such an honor to get to work with her in this show. She inspires me to push myself to be a better performer. To pin down one favorite moment of developing chemistry together is difficult because I think that all the time spent running scenes, as well as the time in between, has helped incredibly in developing our chemistry. If I had to pick one, I would say our very first dance rehearsal for our song, “Isn’t It Kinda Fun.” I’ve always felt like dancing is my weakest point when it comes to performing. Having her there to help me has really boosted my confidence, and pushed me to work hard. Laura has studied dance and has so much expertise in this field, and she has encouraged me so much throughout the process.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Between Dylan Kim’s direction, Royce Phillips’ music direction, Kimberly Wolff’s choreography, and Alexandra Anglim keeping the entire production moving backstage, what has stood out to you most about this creative team’s approach to bringing State Fair to life?
ROBERT HATTER: I think what’s stood out to me the most about this creative team is the level of professionalism and care they’ve shown throughout the entire process. It’s also been their willingness to help out whenever someone has a question that’s really stuck out to me. There have been many times when I’ve needed to ask Kimberly a question about a dance move, or Royce about a certain bar of a song. They’ve always been very quick and happy to help, and I’ve really appreciated that through this process.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s only movie-first musical still feels timeless all these years later. Why do you think audiences continue to fall in love with State Fair and its characters generation after generation?
ROBERT HATTER: I think there are two reasons. First, the comedic elements in this show are incredible. There have been moments every night where I find myself cracking up at a line or movement somebody does. This show is just filled with great humor. Second, I think the theme of debating between settling down vs. pursuing opportunities outside of your comfort zone is prevalent throughout the show. It’s a decision that I think everyone faces at some point in their lives, and State Fair does a great job of making the audience member face these decisions and see how things play out.
RAPID FIRE WITH STATE FAIR‘s MARGY FRANKE, LAURA WALKER
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Margy Frake is, in my estimation, one of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most relatable young heroines. The story itself is wonderfully simple and heartfelt. While many modern musicals incorporate mind-boggling stage effects and cutting-edge technology, what is it about the simplicity of State Fair that makes it so enduring?
LAURA WALKER: I think that the simplicity of State Fair is crucial to being able to tell the story well – we see the Frake family both in their natural habitat, as well as in their yearly excursion to the fair. We see a glimpse into their everyday, so similar to many of our own lives, even 80 years apart. While the tech and effects used in so many musicals are wonderful to watch, State Fair is a show that benefits from being given the space to breathe: it is all-around heartwarming, earnest and fun. With such strengths as the breathtaking score, the relatable family dynamics, and the sweetness of the character relationships, one doesn’t need a live hog onstage, or an operable tilt-a-whirl.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: “It Might As Well Be Spring” has such an incredible legacy — from the 1945 film where Jeanne Crain portrayed Margy while Louanne Hogan provided the singing voice, to Broadway favorite Andrea McArdle taking on the role in the 1996 stage revival. What does it mean to you to step into that musical lineage?
LAURA WALKER: Being able to put my own twist on such a gorgeous song has been a really wonderful treat. The melancholic hope described in this song does a beautiful job of setting the stage for the world this show is set in, and is so much fun to sing! It has become very near and dear to my heart throughout the rehearsal process, and being able to put my own spin on it is an opportunity I’m very grateful to have!
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Margy dreams about a bigger world beyond the farm and the familiar rhythms of everyday life. What parts of that longing and restlessness do you personally connect with?
LAURA WALKER: All of it! Growing up in a smaller community, I always felt tired of doing the same routines day after day. One thing I appreciate about Margy, though, is that while sheknows she wants to experience more, she still appreciates the life she has grown up in. I feel the same way in this regard- thankful for what I’ve been given already, while still being ready to leap into new and exciting adventures when they come along.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Margy has two very different suitors in the story — Robert Hatter as Pat and Connor Olen as Harry. What has it been like building those relationships and romantic dynamics with both actors?
LAURA WALKER: The first step that I always find helps in building any sort of onstage relationship is by simply making a new friend. Luckily, both Robert and Connor are easy people to be friends with! Connor is a hoot to be around, and his joy is infectious both on and offstage. Robert has also been both a great friend and onstage partner. Both of us have been passionate about putting forward the best performance we can, while still infusing the joy and fun from our friendship into our characters’ relationship.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Since State Fair was originally created as a film before becoming a stage musical decades later, do you feel there’s a cinematic quality to the storytelling or score that makes this show unique among Rodgers & Hammerstein classics?
LAURA WALKER: I’ve always loved Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals because of their knack for beautiful storytelling, and State Fair isn’t any different in this regard. I would say the biggest difference between the original film and other musicals of theirs is that State Fair was originally written to be shown to everyday Americans across the country, rather than being written mainly for Broadway audiences. I think this gives State Fair an even stronger connection to the world that it finds itself set in. The same mothers who were entering mincemeat competitions and fathers who were raising prize-winning hogs were the intended audience for the film, requiring precision in telling both the story of the Frake family, as well as the stories of families across the country that had been through a particularly rough few years, and were trying to get back to “normal” everyday life.
RAPID FIRE WITH STATE FAIR‘s WAYNE FRAKE, ANDREW HUTTON JHPENTERTAINMENT: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s State Fair has such a warm, nostalgic charm to it. What first drew you to Wayne Frake as a character, and where do you personally connect with him the most?
ANDREW HUTTON: Wayne is a strong-headed and focused young man. He has his own goals set in mind, but plans change so quickly around him. I love how he is easily taken in by the magic of the Fair & by Emily. I think I connect with this. Since I graduated college, I found out real quick that the plans you make will quickly be derailed. And I learned soon after that that it’s probably for the better.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Wayne spends much of the story balancing family expectations, romance, and figuring out who he really wants to be. What’s been the most interesting part of unpacking his emotional journey?
ANDREW HUTTON: Wayne is an interesting case, emotionally. Early 20s, ready for love, yet doesn’t prioritize his family as he should. It’s very interesting to see where he lacks maturity, then springs into a passionate and honest man.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: You already alluded to Wayne’s fascination with Emily, who he meets at the fair. To that end, Wayne finds himself caught between two very different romantic dynamics in the show. What has it been like sharing the stage with your two leading ladies, Caylin Maguire Gray as Emily and Julia Mowry as Eleanor?
ANDREW HUTTON: Both Caylin and Julia are so talented and professional. I’ve had the honor to work with Julia Mowry while we both attended Trevecca Nazarene University in several productions – my personal favorite, Little Women (Julia as Jo March, myself as Laurie). But this is the first time I’ve gotten to work with Caylin. She’s been a wonderful scene partner and such fun to play off of. In our various scenes together, I love that she challenges me to react based on her honest delivery. It’s something every actor wants in a partner.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Since the whole show revolves around fair competitions and blue ribbons, if Andrew Hutton entered the State Fair himself, what hidden talent would most likely earn you the Blue Ribbon?
ANDREW HUTTON: Oh boy! This one is tough. If I had a Blue Ribbon for a hidden talent, I’d say it was for Musical Composition. I sometimes play around with writing music for orchestras or small ensembles. Nothing published or performed, but still a fun hobby.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Is there a specific moment, lyric, or musical sequence in the show where you feel Wayne’s heart the clearest — the point where you really feel connected to him as a character?
ANDREW HUTTON: I LOVE a short little scene between Wayne and his sister Margy. Both of them, separately, waiting to meet up with their significant other. They bump into each other and have a silly sibling side-eye moment. But right before Wayne leaves, he asks her if he needs to wait with her – as a brother, I really connect with the desire to see the wellbeing of a sister–love you, Abby.
RAPID FIRE WITH STATE FAIR‘s EMILY ARDEN, CAYLIN MAGUIRE GRAY
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Emily Arden brings so much sparkle and energy to the midway scenes. What’s been your favorite part of discovering her personality throughout rehearsals?
CAYLIN MAGUIRE GRAY: Emily is such a dynamic character. It has been fun finding how she contrasts with the farm folk of the fair as she has her eyes set on stardom. This role has brought a lot of confidence out of me as I have explored her confidence in herself. I have also loved exploring the depths and inner conflict that she feels throughout her scenes with Wayne as she gives herself over to the fleeting romance.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Since your parents, Donna Driver and Kevin Driver are playing Margy’s parents in the show, was there ever any thought about auditioning for Margy yourself, or did that feel just a little too close to home?
CAYLIN MAGUIRE GRAY: I auditioned for the show with an open mind for roles! I put myself out there for both Margy and Emily and am thrilled with the way the casting went. Laura is beautiful as Margy and I have had so much fun as Emily. We have also joked that Wayne’s character must have “mommy issues” because I look so much like his “mom.”
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Emily has a confidence and charm that immediately catches Wayne’s attention. What qualities do you admire most about her?
CAYLIN MAGUIRE GRAY: I admire her confidence to chase her dreams no matter what. She prioritizes her goals of stardom over romance and staying put. I personally prioritize family in my own life, but I have loved exploring a character so driven. In terms of her romance with Wayne, she also exudes confidence and control over what she wants and how to get it, but she also lets herself fall into some vulnerability with him.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Emily feels a little more polished and worldly compared to the rural wholesomeness of the Frake family. How much have the costumes, the sets and overall look of the show helped you step into that mindset and define who Emily is?
CAYLIN MAGUIRE GRAY: The contrast between her and the Frake family has been a fun dynamic to explore. Emily’s costumes are elevated and glitzy, juxtaposed with the simple outfits of the fair crowd. She sticks out like a sore thumb, in a good way, and that is why Wayne and others become so enamored with her. This has really added to the confidence I was talking about: she draws attention in every space she walks into.
JHPENTERTAINMENT: Even though the story takes place in another era, what part of Emily or her relationships do you think modern audiences will still instantly recognize or relate to today? AND What do you hope audiences take with them long after the last tent is down at Keeton’s State Fair?
CAYLIN MAGUIRE GRAY: Emily is a motivated, driven character who is hesitant to let herself succumb to a romance because of her past and aspirations. She slowly allows herself to fall into the vulnerability of love with Wayne despite her better judgment. I think people can relate to the feeling of a fleeting weekend of passion with a stranger before going back to real life. I hope audiences take with them the feeling of endless possibilities that can come from a weekend at a state fair. It is a fun and exciting show that I hope has the audience smiling ear to ear. I hope it provides the audience with a good memory of a fun night at the theatre.
From Ferris wheel romances and blue-ribbon dreams to one of the most beloved scores Rodgers & Hammerstein ever penned, State Fair continues to remind audiences that sometimes life’s biggest adventures happen when we step away from the familiar. Be sure to catch State Fair on stage at The Keeton Dinner Theatre (108 Donelson Pike) Friday, June 12 thru Sunday, June 28 and discover why this charming musical has been winning hearts for generations. CLICK HERE for tickets.
State Fair marks the final show of The Keeton‘s current season, but their 2026/2027 season is right around the corner kicking off with Come From Away on stage August 14-30. CLICK HERE to take advantage of their upcoming season subscription. So you don’t miss out on upcoming shows at The Keeton Dinner Theatre, follow them on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Interested in coverage for your latest entertaining endeavor? Click the contact page and drop me a note. You can also follow JHP Entertainment on Instagram and Facebook. In the meantime, #GoSeeTheShow!