VOL. XVII, NO. 7
JANUARY 16, 1976
'Oklahoma' Is '76 Musical
Maine Township High School West will present Oklahoma as this year's musical. Singing and acting auditions for parts in the play have already been held.
Singing tryouts, under the direction of Mr. Robert Kuite, were held Jan. 7 - 9. Students need to be cast in the musical's chorus and approximately 20 larger roles. Tryouts for roles that are basically speaking parts were held this past week.
The faculty director of this year's musical is Ms. Nancy Santori. Ms. Santori is a new member of the Maine West faculty and is engaged in working with the Speech and Debate Teams.
Mr. Bruce Nelson is in charge of the technical aspects of the production. This includes the building of the sets and other behind the scenes activities. Crews to assist Mr. Nelson will be selected in the near future. The main characters of the play are Laurey, Curley, Ado Annie, Will, Jud, and the Peddler. The setting is in the Oklahoma territory during the turn of the century before admission to the union. Laurey, Curly, and Jud provide the main love triangle which gives the show a dramatic plot. The second important triangle consists of Ado Annie, Will, and the Peddler. These three characters supply comedy and a subplot to the show.
Singing tryouts, under the direction of Mr. Robert Kuite, were held Jan. 7 - 9. Students need to be cast in the musical's chorus and approximately 20 larger roles. Tryouts for roles that are basically speaking parts were held this past week.
The faculty director of this year's musical is Ms. Nancy Santori. Ms. Santori is a new member of the Maine West faculty and is engaged in working with the Speech and Debate Teams.
Mr. Bruce Nelson is in charge of the technical aspects of the production. This includes the building of the sets and other behind the scenes activities. Crews to assist Mr. Nelson will be selected in the near future. The main characters of the play are Laurey, Curley, Ado Annie, Will, Jud, and the Peddler. The setting is in the Oklahoma territory during the turn of the century before admission to the union. Laurey, Curly, and Jud provide the main love triangle which gives the show a dramatic plot. The second important triangle consists of Ado Annie, Will, and the Peddler. These three characters supply comedy and a subplot to the show.
Richard Rodgers composed the music, and Oscar Hammerstein II wrote the lyrics for the play. During the time between the two World Wars, all musical entertainment was in the form of comedy and revues. In 1943 both these men collaborated on a musical version of the play, Green Grow the Lilacs, and named it Oklahoma. Oklahoma is combination of music, story, setting, and dance to tell a semiserious story, which is different from all musicals before it.
Songs include Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," Surrey With the Fringe on Top," "I Can't Say No," People Will Say We're in Love," and the title song, "Oklahoma," sung at the show's finale. Mr. Paul Magnusson, music director, said, "The music in the show portrays in every way this bustling, exciting time in American history."
The musical will be performed on the nights of Mar. 18, 19, and 20. There will be a matinee on Mar. 17.
The Maine West Music Boosters is sponsoring this year's production.
Songs include Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," Surrey With the Fringe on Top," "I Can't Say No," People Will Say We're in Love," and the title song, "Oklahoma," sung at the show's finale. Mr. Paul Magnusson, music director, said, "The music in the show portrays in every way this bustling, exciting time in American history."
The musical will be performed on the nights of Mar. 18, 19, and 20. There will be a matinee on Mar. 17.
The Maine West Music Boosters is sponsoring this year's production.