Mother always said if the boy teases the girl it means he likes her. Now what to do when neither the boy nor girl will confess their feelings?

This is something to ask about Curly McLain and Laurey Williams in the Regional Theatre of the Palouse production of “Oklahoma!,” which will open tomorrow.

The story tells of Curly and Laurey and their misadventures in loving each other but refusing to admit it. Throughout most of the show, the two characters constantly take jabs at one another. But what would be a romantic story takes a twist with the inclusion of one Jud Fry.

“I would call it a dark romantic comedy,” said Paul Hanes, who plays Curly. “The reason I say that is that is has its rather charming love story (and)…also has a much darker element.”

This darker element is Jud, a farm hand who works on Laurey’s aunt’s farm. Jud takes a liking to Laurey as well, but unfortunately for him, the feelings are not returned and he comes off more creepy than romantic. Paul said Jud’s villainous character personifies much of what keeps Curly and Laurey apart.

Michael Todd, who plays Curly’s friend Will Parker in the show, said Jud is a little creepy but also might be a bit misunderstood. He’s the kind of character who needed acceptance but never got it, so he was trapped being the creep everyone thought he was, he said.

“The tone of the songs comes across as goofy and lighthearted,” said Bethany Hanes, who plays Laurey. “Then (the characters) have to deal with the idea of being stalked.”

The relationship among Laurey, Curly, and Jud is not a love triangle, Bethany said. Laurey just isn’t sure how to deal with Jud. It doesn’t stop the men from going head-to-head every time they’re onstage.

Todd said his character Will is Curly’s friend and can relate to the romance issue. Will also takes a liking to the flirtatious Ado Annie. The couple has their own obstacles to jump over to meet one another halfway.

The humorous aspect is the relationship among the actors playing the characters. In RTOP’s production of “Les Miserables,” Paul and Dennis McGreevy, who plays Jud, played Javert and Valjean respectively. The relationship they share in “Oklahoma!” and “Les Miserables” is very much the same.

During a couple fight scenes in the show, both men have sustained real-life black eyes and bruises from a stray fist.

“He’s a good sport (and) I love working with him,” Paul said. “In a way, it’s a lot of fun playing these scenes.”

Bethany, who also worked in the “Les Miserables” show, said it was interesting to see the very different side McGreevy as he went from the redeeming Valjean to the stalker Jud. Working with him before made dealing with his onstage creepiness much easier, she said.

“He’s very dedicated to get into the psyche of Jud and portrays it very well,” Bethany said. “It helps me act in response.”

Real-life spouses Paul and Bethany Hanes play two characters romantically linked in the show. The last time Paul played Curly, his Laurey was portrayed by a married woman, Bethany said. This required him to play out the romance while respecting his fellow actor.

“It’s nice to play the romance and be comfortable,” she said.

Paul said there is a level of comfort doing those scenes with his wife playing the role. It helped because he didn’t have to worry about how the actor would respond, because he knew her.

“The (scene) that’s my favorite is all the scenes I do with Laurey,” Paul said. “Partially because most are sweet, (and) my wife is playing Laurey.”

Todd said his favorite part in the show is Aunt Eller’s talk with Laurey, giving wisdom to the young woman in this overly crazy, hectic time in her life.

“They really give the message of the play that hard things happen,” Todd said. “You appreciate the good things in life by enduring the hard times that happen to us all.”

“Oklahoma!” will play at RTOP downtown. Show dates and times are Nov. 6–8 and 12–15 at 7:30 p.m. There are matinee shows at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 8, 9, 15, and 16. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for children under 12.