“Oklahoma,” the first musical written by the legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, is based on a 1931 play, “Green Grow the Lilacs.” Set in the Oklahoma territory in 1906, the musical focuses on the story of cowboy Curly and his romance with Laurey Williams. In addition, there is a secondary romance with Ado Annie and her long-time fiancé Will Parker.
“Oklahoma” opened Thursday. The next performance is Saturday at Fort Osage High School, 2101 N. Twyman Road. Because of the Fort Osage High School football game Friday evening, the usual Friday performance has been moved to 7 p.m. Monday.
Admission is $6.
Director Janice Welch said there has been a lot of adjustment in terms of rehearsals because of student schedules. But she said, she feels everyone has put in hard work and effort to make the show a success.
“I chose ‘Okalahoma’ because I love the show,” she said. “It has all kinds of humor, and it is simply a classic. I am really pleased with their progress, and the kids of really show how hard they can work to put something like this together.”
Junior Andrea Watkins-Davis plays Laurey, a strong-willed woman who is “very flirty” with Curly. She said more than any other production, she has really learned a lot about herself during the preparations for “Oklahoma” and believes the audience will fall in love with the story just as the cast has.
“I have learned to be very aware of what I am doing onstage because that comes across in my character,” she said. “There is so much humor and giggles in this production that I hope that comes across to those in the audience. It is a fun musical to be a part of.”
Senior Brook Branstetter plays Aunt Eller, a spunky, opinionated and oftentimes grouchy woman. Branstetter said the role is her largest to date at Fort Osage High School and she is excited to end her high school theater career on a high note.
“It is a good part to have in my last musical. I have had a good time being up there with everyone,” she said. “My favorite song is the ‘Farmer and the Cowman.’ I think it is because I get to sing and also do a little dancing. I hope the audience takes away with them the comedy in this musical as well as the romance. Aunt Eller and some of the other characters have some wisdom too, so there is a little something for everyone.”
