‘OKLAHOMA!’ Onstage at Parkland High School
By Susan Bryant
Eighty years after first appearing on the Broadway stage, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “Oklahoma!” is gracing the stage April 12-16 at Parkland High School.
Adapted into a musical in 1943, and based on Lynn Riggs 1931 play “Green Grow The Lilacs,” “Oklahoma!” tells the story of Laurey Williams, Cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry, in Claremore, a town in northeastern Oklahoma.
The production uses new music and lyrics composed by Rodgers and Hammerstein in place of the traditional folk music in Rigg’s play.
Emily Bachl, who plays Laurey Williams, commented on her role.
“Laurey Williams lives on the farm with her Aunt Eller,” Bachl stated. “Her strong-willed personality promises all of her friends that she doesn’t need a man, but the confident Cowboy Curly may convince her otherwise.”
Bachl said she loves playing Laurey because she is so tender, yet she is never afraid to hold her ground.
“Being in ‘Oklahoma’ has been so rewarding and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the cast and everyone involved,” she said. “I love getting to perform the classic, golden-age music.”
Addison Treat, who plays Aunt Eller, and Eric Wood, who plays Curly, discussed their roles.
“She is spunky and sassy, and wants Laurey and Curly to get together,” Treat stated. “I love how blunt and honest she is.
“Everyone loves her, and she is the comic relief.”
Treat said she likes being in this musical because she loves getting to do what she loves, acting, with the people she loves.
Wood described his character as an arrogant cowboy who is in love with Laurey.
“He is used to living outdoors and on his own, but as the show goes on, he changes,” Wood said.
Wood enjoys interacting with the other characters on stage.
“This musical has a great group of actors to work with and is just an overall good experience,” he said.
“Oklahoma!” is directed by Lori Colacito, with assistance from music director Alison Lagan, and choreographer Kelly Jean Graham.
Set design is by Katrina Miller, lighting design is by Haley Brown, set construction is by Mike Wawrzynek and costumes by Michael McDonald.
Colacito chose “Oklahoma!” because it is a classic Golden Age musical with a large cast and lots of music and dancing.
“Set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian 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,” Colacito stated. “A secondary romance concerns Cowboy Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée, Ado Annie.”
“Oklahoma” is being performed 7:30 p.m. April 12, 13, 14 and 15; and 3 p.m. April 16 in the auditorium at the high school, 2700 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., South Whitehall.
Tickets are $15 for adults, and $12 for seniors, students and children.
Ticket are available at showtix4u.com.