Temple Sinai Players Thrill Audiences with Oklahoma

Temple Sinai Players, a community theater group based in Dresher, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the musical OKLAHOMA by dazzling audiences with a production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic this past week. The show was highlighted by a spectacular cast, featuring Joanne Shanzer as Aunt Eller, Joshua Stein as Curley, Tracey Roffman as Laurey and Howard Blum as as the farmhand Jud. It also included Zoe Halperin as Ado Annie, Matthew O'Donnell as Will and Andrew Rifkin as the travelling peddler, Ali.

"Everything was stunning. From the singing and dancing to the costumes and sets," explained Alice Gable of Warminster. "It was such a wonderful show."

Sarah Joseph, Tracey Roffman, Kaitlyn Harrington and Hailey Roffman

OKLAHOMA was the product of the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II in 1943. It was also the first in a new genre, the musical play, blending Rodgers' sophisticated musical comedy style with Hammerstein's innovative operetta compositions. Set in the Oklahoma territory during early 1900s, the Rodger and Hammerstein musical tells the tale of two love stories and features some of the duo's most recognizable and beloved songs including, "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin',"Kansas City," "Many a New Day" and, of course, "Oklahoma."

The Temple Sinai Players' production team was led by Jill Florin, Tracey Roffman, who also played Laurey Williams, and Jeff Workman, who also served as stage manager. Florin explained the process the production team goes through when selecting a show, saying, "We typically seek out shows that will have many roles for various age groups. Our hope is to always have as many participants as possible."

Joshua Stein and Howard Blum

The appeal of a classic, beloved musical like OKLAHOMA was also a major factor in its selection. It also helped that it is celebrating its 75th anniversary and has recently returned to Broadway. As she went on to explain, "In years past our focus has been on more Disney-type shows. However, in the last few years we wanted to transition a bit, and this year with a more well-known classic production like OKLAHOMA. Unlike Disney, the focus is on an older age group, with more adults, while still allowing for teens and younger kids to still be involved."

Dan Guest, Aaron Domsky, Matt O'Donnell, Chris O'Donnell, Mark Harrington

The show was directed by Kim Bantle-Taylor, with musical direction by Diane Reckner, choreography by Lauren McGinnis, set design by Murrie Gayman and Chaya Gayman and costuming by Karen Knodel.

Aaron Domsky, Andrew Rifkin, Michael Marcus, Jeff Workman

The Dresher-based acting troupe has been putting on shows for over 60 years with recent performances that include "MARY POPPINS," "OLIVER," "PETER PAN," "SHREK THE MUSICAL," and most recently "BYE BYE BIRDIE."