East Jackson Comprehensive High School Drama Club will perform the beloved and classic musical Oklahoma! March 26th, March 28th, March 29th and April 2nd and 3rd in the EJCHS auditorium. The production is directed by Ashley Ware. The vocals are directed by EJCHS Choral Director Alan Bunn and the Orchestra is led by EJCHS Band Director Miguel Guisasola.
Based on Lynn Riggs play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” Oklahoma! was the first collaboration of the award-winning team of Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book & lyrics), earning them the Pulitzer Prize in 1944. Though many thought it would be a flop since it lacked big stars and gags, Oklahoma! premiered in 1943 and broke all box-office records, running on Broadway for an unprecedented five years and nine months (2,248 performances) before touring to 71 cities. It was the first musical to have its entire score recorded, thus creating the original cast album.
Set against the backdrop of farming and ranching in Oklahoma around 1900, this Rogers & Hammerstein collaboration is full of fun, music and romance and features popular songs that have become American standards such as “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With The Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re In Love” and, of course, the rousing title song.
Find out what's happening in Daculafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The cast and crew features over 70 EJCHS students; from actors, dancers, singers and student leaders working back stage on set construction, lights, sound, props, costumes and publicity. Oklahoma! stars Courtney Mull and Isabella Cleghorn as Laurey Williams, Bobby Reidling and Curley McLain, Daniel Derochers as Will Parker, Aly Hertzog and Marion Mealor as “Ado” Annie Carnes, Amber Griswold and Jessica Pass as Aunt Eller and Reeves Nesmith as Jud Fry.
Tickets are $10 for Adults and $7 for students at the door. Tickets for the Sunday, March 29th matinee are $5.