As an actor performing in Stars Over Veishea’s “Oklahoma!” this weekend, Trevor Helmers has a lot to live up to. His father.

Trevor, sophomore in LAS-open option, is paying the lead role of Curly, the same role his father, Scott, played in SOV’s “Oklahoma!” in 1966.

Coincidence? Trevor thinks so, and he attributes the situation to pure luck.

“Every time you go out for something you want the lead,” he explains. “But I was surprised when I got it.”

Trevor says he’s used to playing older, more fatherly-type characters – he’s even played a grandfather before. He says that landing a romantic lead is something he’s always aspired to do.

Eve Himmelheber, director of “Oklahoma,” says the fact that Trevor’s father played Curly 35 years ago didn’t have any influence over auditions.

“It’s a complete coincidence,” she says. “He auditioned for any role in the show, and was easily considered for Curly. His voice and personality and stage presence made the decision for the casting team.”

Trevor says that his father was extremely supportive of him after he found out he was cast as Curly. Scott was very involved in acting throughout high school and college, and the idea of following in his father’s footsteps doesn’t bother Trevor a bit.

“I really respect my dad,” he says. “I don’t mind if people draw comparisons between us.”

The two have spent much of their time together singing duets for church and men’s choruses in their hometown of Sibley. Scott says the performing arts have always been a focus in the family and when Trevor was nine or ten, they even took a trip to the East Coast to catch a few Broadway shows.

Trevor says over Easter weekend, the two sang through a few songs from “Oklahoma!” together and joked about how Trevor is “the real actor” between the two. He says his dad is definitely the singer of the family.

Scott agrees, and adds that he doesn’t try to pressure Trevor about his role in any way, but will throw out the occasional idea or tip for him if he thinks he needs a pointer.

“I certainly wouldn’t want to tell him anything that would conflict with what his director or voice instructors were teaching him,” Scott says. “He’s good on his own.”

Trevor has been interested in acting since his high school days, where he was involved in various musicals and plays. He also had a part in last semester’s “I’ve Got Something to Say Too,” playing the role of Ben Franklin. Although he says that the role of Curly isn’t the most taxing he’s ever played, it’s the largest role he’s taken on.

“Sometimes I wonder how my dad worked out certain parts,” he says. “But I try not to draw from that as much as from the director’s visions.”

Himmelheber has a great amount of faith in Trevor and says he’ll add a lot to “Oklahoma!” this weekend. She says she wouldn’t be shocked if Helmers acquires a few fans after this show either.

“He is just a darling – very much like Curly. He is charming, clever, bright and sincere,” Himmelheber explains. “I find myself grinning when he is up there [on stage].”

Megan Helmers, senior in English, is Trevor’s sister and adds another dimension of the family into the show as she is the dance captain and involved in choreography.

Trevor says his parents and family are planning on attending all of the performances of “Oklahoma!” this weekend to continue their ongoing support. But he says he doesn’t feel too pressured by all of the hype.

“If people boo me off stage,” he says, “[my parents] would still be happy.”