Oklahoma at Heritage High School

When the colorful band of cowboys, farmers, and frontier women on Heritage High School's stage Friday night sang out “You’re doing fine, Oklahoma!”, they were definitely speaking for the audience, too.

A groundbreaking musical for its time, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! was among the first ever to develop character through song. The show opened in 1943 and was a huge success, running for 2,212 performances and winning a number of awards and nominations. It tells the story of Curly (Brandon Spann) and Laurey (Christi McCarthy), two young lovers kept apart by the dangerous farm-hand Jud Fry (Christian Meudt).

Crates, boxes, a big blue farmhouse, and a pleasant farmland backdrop were all part of a set--designed by Jack Martin and Garrett Hill--that was instrumental in creating this small, early 20th century Oklahoma town. Filling this world was a cast of vibrant and energetic students, who brought life to the town, as evident in the number “The Farmer and the Cowman”, a song that showed underlying tensions between the various townsfolk.

As Curly, Spann portrayed a charismatic and sharp young man with a cheerful disposition, as evidenced in the opening song “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin' ”, kicking off an evening of consistently strong vocal performances. Christi McCarthy portrayed his romantic interest, Laurey, a stubborn yet endearing young lady. She demonstrated her impressive vocal range and clarity in songs such as “Many a New Day” and “Out of My Dreams”, as well as an authentic heartland accent, which remained consistent whether she was speaking her lines or singing. Though some actors weren't as believable in their portrayals of young affection, Spann and McCarthy were quite convincing in their duet “People Will Say We’re in Love”.

Heritage High School’s production was bolstered by a number of strong actors and actresses, including Christian Meudt as the unpleasant Jud Fry. Meudt’s raw, gruff delivery and stiff mannerisms combined with sensitive vocal work to convey a layer of depth rare among adolescent performers. Especially in “Lonely Room”, his sweet, clear baritone reveals a gentler side to Jud. Raymond Calderon, as Persian peddler Ali Hakim, was a reliable comedian throughout the show, using his accent and over-the-top expression to draw laughs.

A number of featured performers and tech elements also gave life to Oklahoma! Allison Perhach, in the role of Dream Laurey, was a superb and elegant dancer in the “Dream Ballet”, a number that she also choreographed. Devon Isaac, another choreographer for the show, played Gertie Cummings, a young girl in love with Curly who is cursed with an extremely annoying laugh. The lights, designed by Jessica Rich, were spot on and enhanced the southern feel of the show with a number of creative elements, including a string of hanging lights that illuminated the stage for a portion of the second act.

Heritage High School’s Oklahoma! told a universal story of young love and country living, with a relatable cast of characters and the believable world they created.

by Mitchell Buckley of Westfield High School

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Imagine a single spotlight shining down upon on one of America’s most iconic cowboys, Curly McLain--hoping to win the affection of Laurey Williams--as he sings “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’”. And don’t forget the spirited Aunt Eller, the vivacious Ado Annie and her man Will Parker. Mix it all together and you’ve got Oklahoma! as presented by Leesburg’s Heritage High School.

Based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, this timeless classic composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein debuted on Broadway in March 1943 and was a huge hit at the box office. Set against the

backdrop of Oklahoma’s quest for statehood in the early 1900‘s, Oklahoma! tells the story of Curly and Laurey’s romance.

Christi McCarthy shined as the ingenue Laurey Williams. McCarthy’s angelic voice was pitch perfect and her captivating portrayal of Laurey was spot on. Brandon Spann played the male lead, Curly McLain. His energy was infectious and his vocals resonated with passion. Their duets were endearing and mesmerizing, especially in their duet “People Will Say We’re in Love.” The two actors had dynamic chemistry on stage, making their portrayals of their distinguished characters seem natural and believable.

Hannah Johnson clearly had a good grasp of Ado Annie’s character, charming the audience with her enthusiasm and lively vocals. In the role of Judd Fry-his vocals advanced far beyond his years-was Christian Meudt: each note was sung with pure perfection, each line delivered with clear motivation. Meudt and Johnson gave standout performances.

The always anticipated "Dream Ballet" was a medley of superbly combined dances, featuring choreographer Allison Perhach as Dream Laurey. Her dancing capability and the precision of her every move were stunning to watch. In addition to her fancy footwork, Perhach had fabulous facial expressions throughout. The Dream Ballet also featured an ensemble of dancers who never fell short of expectations.

Heritage High School’s production came to life with the energy and charisma produced by the entire cast as well as the pit band. The vocals meshed in perfect harmony, and everyone was in step throughout the elaborate dance numbers. The production even incorporated a children’s ensemble to join in on the big ensemble numbers such as “The Farmer and the Cowman” and the title song, “Oklahoma.” The enormous ensemble, though not flawless, never lost focus.

Though scene changes could have gone a bit more swiftly, in general, Oklahoma's technical elements-such as the simple but effective set, designed by Jack Martin, Garrett Hill and David Bates--added to the country feel of the production. The costumes were fabulous and fitting for the time period.

You just “Can’t Say No” to Heritage High School’s Production of Oklahoma!

by Margaret Murphy of Fairfax High School

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Caught up in the whirlwind of young love, pretty farm girl Laurey Williams seems destined for a happy, if uneventful marriage to cowboy Curly McLain- until it's revealed that Jud Fry, a farmhand, has an obsessive interest in her. Welcome to "Oklahoma!". Heritage High School took a traditional approach to this upbeat, emotionally compelling musical, and made it memorable through the skill and dedication of their many talented performers.

Based on the 1931 play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, and opening in 1943, “Oklahoma!” was the first musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, and today it's a popular choice to produce in schools. The musical chronicles Laurey's and Curly's romance, and the complications that ensue when Jud makes things dangerous for the happy-couple-to-be. In a hilarious sub-plot, Laurey’s free-wheeling friend Ado Annie is forced to make a decision between her wild ways and her love, Will Parker.

Heritage High School exhibited a wealth of talented performers. Christi McCarthy shone as Laurey. Her clear and obviously well-trained soprano was near pitch-perfect throughout the night, and her stage presence and thoughtful character choices gave her portrayal of Laurey a sense of realism. Chemistry simmered between McCarthy and Brandon Spann (Curly) during “People Will Say We’re in Love,” a humorous, yet ultimately very touching number that showed off the incredible vocal skill of these two performers. Spann’s performance was witty, believable, and indicative of incredible talent.

Christian Meudt,as the lecherous Jud Fry, was excellent. His emotional commitment was touching, bringing humanity to an otherwise despicable character, while his rich voice was a pleasure to listen to. His performance of “Pore Jud” was memorable and emotionally moving, the standout number of the night. Tyler Schulze was charming as Will Parker, displaying incredible skill as an actor, vocalist, and, perhaps most impressively, as a dancer. Especially in "Kansas City", his energetic movement and clear vocals were excellent. Throughout the production, the magnetism of Schulze and Hannah Johnson (Ado Annie), as well as their patent chemistry, made their relationship believable and fun to watch. Johnson was bubbly and spirited, with a powerful belt, and her hilarious commitment in “Can’t Say No” incited laughter throughout the audience.

Heritage High School’s technical crews assisted skillfully in the execution of an incredible production. While the makeup was somewhat exaggerated, it aided in visibility and characterization of some actors. The sets, including the quaint Williams family farmhouse, Jud's eerily realistic smokehouse turned home, their town's fairgrounds were realistic and simple, effectively transporting the audience into the Oklahoma territory.

This production's choreography was simply impeccable. Allison Perhach created numerous incredibly impressive dance numbers. The “Dream Ballet”, for which she was also principle dancer, was especially artistic, symbolic, and emotionally moving. The dancers at Heritage High School gracefully executed countless lifts, flips, and turns, while always maintaining synchronization. Furthermore, their dancing was expressive and emotional; the elements of dancing and acting were fused flawlessly.

“Oklahoma!” is a classic musical which requires a skillful and creative production team. The performers at Heritage High School made this tale new again with their passion for their roles and were a joy to watch.

by Siena Richardson of McLean

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It truly is a beautiful morning in the American West. For Heritage High School's production of Oklahoma! captured the spirit of the farmer and the cowman in deference to the lyrical stylings of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the two well-known playwrights who went against the mold to create a musical play such as this. Based upon Lynn Riggs' stage play Green Grow The Lilacs, Oklahoma! was unique in concept for reasons most notably including the opening of the show with a single character singing, rather than a big, showy number, and the integration of each musical number into the plot, rather than many discursive numbers for entertainment only. For Heritage High School, the production, which is largely an ensemble piece, was carried forward by the energy of the full group onstage.

The play being largely about character relationships, it is appropriate that the major strength of this production was the interactions between characters. Curley (Branndon Spann), and Laurey (Christi McCarthy), portrayed a believable relationship as Laurey continually pushes away Curley's attempts to win her over. McCarthy's singing voice and style, in particular, were extremely appropriate to the style of the piece. Curley's interactions with Jud Fry (Christian Meudt), the lumbering farmhand who also seeks after Laurey, were also well-executed and believable. Not only that, but their voices blended harmoniously in their number "Poor Jud," where Curley attempts to dishearten Jud by describing how much respect everyone would have for him if Jud hung himself. The differing qualities of their voices, Spann's light and sometimes brusk, and Meudt's rich and resonant, created an engaging contrast for the audience.

One character in the production, though, is responsible for the connectivity of the entire company. Aunt Eller (Laura Wride) created a very real persona as a matriarchal community figure, and her actions and interactions held the ensemble together. Though the energetic quality of her performance declined along with the rest of the company in the second act, her realistic portrayal nonetheless remained a strong influence on the quality of the piece overall.

Lighting effects were used purposefully and effectually throughout the show, and transitions were usually smooth. A few flubs in the microphone execution failed to detract much from the experience in general, as actors projected their voices well enough to compensate. The set, generally simplistic, added some affect to the production, but the changes, done by ensemble members, were generally lengthy. Despite this, the pit orchestra, which was lively and well-practiced, covered transitions well with music.

One sequence of the show stood out as the most highly dramatic and impressive moment in the production. The Dream Ballet, which ends Act One, was tightly choreographed, rehearsed, and performed as a manifestation of Laurey's inner confict. The featured dancer (Allison Perhach) who portrayed Laurey's dream of herself displayed incredible technical skill in her movement. Overall, Oklahoma! was an effort of portrayal which brought together the ensemble and audience in a lively production that was both technically strong and realistic in portrayal.

by Aaron Fellows of Albert Einstein High School

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With bales of hay, vibrant colors, and a little help from the “Surrey with the Fringe on Top”, Heritage High School transported their audience to 1906, Oklahoma Territory in their sparkling rendition of Rogers and Hammerstein’s debut musical Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!, written in 1943, was likely the first “book musical”, where the script was written first and the music created to suit the story. It was enormously successful, running for five and a half years on Broadway and while the Tony Awards were not around in 1943, it was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize in 1944.

It is the story of farm girl Laurey (Christi McCarthy) and her romance with a self assured Cowboy named Curly (Brandon Spann), and another romance between Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson) and Will Parker (Tyler Schulze). The chemistry between the two couples was palpable. McCarthy captivated the audience with her stunning soprano and Spann as Curly oozed confidence and charm as he serenaded her. Johnson and Schulze were the epitome of a sweet, innocent romance and their energy soared throughout the entire show.

However, it was Christian Meudt as Jud Fry who stole the show. He walked a very fine line in the role traditionally viewed as the “evil” character. His rendition of “Pore Jud is Daid” and “Lonely Room” evoked empathy for his loneliness, but simultaneously repelled the audience as his ambitions for possessing Laurey were revealed. His rich bass blended beautifully with Spann’s tenor, making the duet an impressive piece of musicianship.

Another element of note was the near perfect rendition of the Dream Ballet. Choreographed by Allison Perhach, she also performed as Dream Laurey. It was an impressive piece and her execution was flawless. The choreography clearly displayed the theme of possession in the musical and the predicament of women in the “wild west”.

The ensemble was large and this sometimes hindered the production when the stage was very overcrowded. However, every single audience member was one hundred percent committed to the show and it was evident in all of the big ensemble numbers. The set was beautifully constructed although the scene changes were too long. The sound was well done for much of the show, excepting some instances where it was too loud and there were several microphone mishaps. All in all Heritage produced a very enjoyable, well done version of one of the most successful musicals of all time.

by Julia Timko of Albert Einstein High School

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Heritage Drama says a great big Oklahoma hello in their fast-moving, energy bursting production of Oklahoma!

The original Broadway production of Oklahoma made its debut in 1943. The story takes place in 1906 in the Oklahoma Territory where the cowman and the farmer should be friends! The story centers on the story of romance between independent and strong-minded farm girl Laurey and the heart-breaking and handsome Curly. It also features the unpredictable love story of Will Parker and his frisky fiancée, Ado Annie, whose father demands 50 dollars in cash for his daughter.

This production was overall strongly enlivened by a consistently engaged ensemble and a well-balanced orchestra that persistently enhanced, yet never overpowered the happenings on stage.

Beginning with her first entrance, Christi McCarthy who played Laurey, had a striking stage presence and her characterization of Laurey was very fitting and authentic. At times I saw a very Snow White like element from Laurey. Brandon Spann who played Curly had strong chemistry with Laurey such as during their heartwarming performance of “People Will Say We’re In Love”. Curly also had another wonderful song with Jud, played by Christian Meudt who kept the audience on edge and his portrayal and dedication to his character was extremely notable.

The harmonizing throughout the show was fantastic and the choreography was acrobatic and attention catching. The singers did a wonderful job of watching the Pit Band Director and staying together with the orchestra at all times. The Dream Ballet was a very strong scene in this production. Allison Perhach who played Dream Laurey had not only beautiful dancing but also maintained her character persistently through precise acting and body movements. Carnes played by Josh Radcliffe was very humorous in “The Farmer and the Cowman”. His characteristic singing and facial expressions was hard to miss.

Throughout this production scenes moved effortlessly and the fighting scene before the musical number, “The Farmer and the Cowman” was well blocked and it seemed as if the fight flowed smoothly and every character knew where they were supposed to be.

The set was a great representation of the Oklahoma frontier and little additions such as the paper lanterns and benches were used effectively. The costumes were visually exciting and the addition of the children’s choir was extremely adorable. Although, there were a few sound problems, it never affected the scenes for the actors were very focused on their characters. The lighting effects were on point and created dramatic tension in musical numbers such as “Pore Jud”.

Bursting with talent and enthusiasm, Heritage High School’s production was entertaining and definitely a good time.

by Michiko Feehan of Albert Einstein High School

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What do you get when you cross a western with a musical with a night at the ballet? Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! at Heritage High School.

Oklahoma was Rodgers and Hemmerstein’s first show together. It was based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play Green Grow the Lilacs and opened on Broadway in 1943, where it was a box-office smash running for 2,212 performances.

Oklahoma! tells the story of young Laurey (Christi McCarthy) who finds herself in love with the charming cowboy Curly (Brandon Spann) who loves her as well, though neither of them will admit it. Because of their stubbornness Laurey finds herself going to the town social with Jud Fry (Christian Meudt) the dirty, intimidating, anti-social hired hand. Laurey wants to be with Curly, but is now terrified of Jud violently retaliating.

McCarthy led the cast with her beautifully floating voice, which went well with Spann’s rowdy, but sweet and smooth portrayal of Curly. Hannah Johnson as Ado Annie, Laurey’s best friend was a constant source of energy throughout the production, her characterization and voice were charged and on-point. Tyler Schulze as Will Parker and Raymond Calderon as Ali Hakim, Ado Annie’s two suitors, brought in laughs with their well contrasted characters. Meudt was especially notable, pulling off a difficult role, he evoked the audience’s sympathy while still causing chills with his creepy, wild characterization and his powerful voice. The show was constantly accented by Aunt Eller, played by Laura Wride, who’s amusing inflections, strong character and clear relationships with the others grounded the show.

The most memorable scene without a doubt was the dream sequence, which was a student choreographed ballet. It was not only well choreographed and executed, it advanced the story and gave insight into Laurey’s decision. The ensembles were well focused, entertaining and carried the harmonies of the show well. There were a few sound problems during the show, however the actors often still got the lines across to the audience.

Overall Heritage owned Oklahoma! and created a great night of theatre.

by Monica Larravide of Albert Einstein High School

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Heritage High School’s production of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Oklahoma was a great success despite a few inconsistencies in the production. One of the high points of the show was the large ensemble of settlers. There was a huge about of energy onstage and ensemble actors always seemed to be doing something of interest. They executed complex harmonies beautifully, quite a feat for a high school production. Overall, the ensemble added greatly to the fun of the show. The majority of leading players were also great successes. Brandon Spann (Curly) had a rich voice perfectly suited to the part he played and demonstrated impressive stage presence. Christi McCarthy (Laurey) obviously had a good amount of vocal training and also made successful acting choices. Hannah Johnson (Ado Annie) and Tyler Schulze (Will Parker) both had good characterization and were hilarious, as was Raymond Calderon (Ali Hakim). Christian Meudt (Jud Fry) embodied the darker side of the musical with ease, allowing the audience to see that not all was happiness and sunshine in the otherwise bright land of the musical.Set and lighting choices were basic but effective. Set moves took too long though and volume was often too high in the sound.

by Rebecca Murtha of Albert Einstein High School

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Review for Oklahoma at Heritage High SchoolOklahoma is the groundbreaking 1943 musical by Rogers and Hammerstein and at Heritage High School on Friday night the audience enjoyed the story of the turn of the century territory.

Brandon Spann as Curly the debonair cowboy who tries to win Laurey’s (Christi McCarthy) heart was smooth and charismatic. McCarthy had a pure clear soprano that really made her performance shine. Christian Meudt was a scary yet sympathetic Jud Fry with a rich baritone that was a highlight of the show. The ensembles were very enthusiastic, executing lots of choreography very cleanly and sometimes doing flip tricks that wowed the audience. There was an adorable children’s chorus that, though cute, sometimes just added extra people to an already crowded small stage. An absolute standout was Allison Perchach as Dream Laurey. Her dance and choreography in the Dream Ballet was the absolute highlight of the show, making the audience satisfied at intermission to leave the theater content.

The sound was a little loud at times, but definitely stronger in act one than act two. The lighting was simple but effective with realistic moonlight and even a red spotlight and cute hanging lanterns in act two.

Oklahoma was a very fun show that was full of energy and reminded the audience why it is a great standard musical.

by Rory Beckett of Albert Einstein High School

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With over thirty people on the stage most of the time, Heritage High School’s rendition of Oklahoma made both the stage and the audience tremble with excitement. Oklahoma, aptly named due to its location in the former Indian territory, was written by Oscar Hammerstein and Richard Rodgers. The show was based on an earlier play, Green Grows the Lilacs. Hammerstein wrote the plot and song lyrics then Rodgers followed with the music, leading to a strong bond between the story and the music that accompanied it. The play destroyed previous Broadway records. The optimistic play was so successful that it remains one of America’s greatest pieces of theatre, to this day.

The play consists of two major plotlines. Curly (Brandon Spann), an arrogant cowboy, attempts to woe Laurey (Christi McCarthy), a simple farm girl. Along the way, they prove their love and passion for each other while defeating the collective problem in Jud Fry. The other major plotline follows the Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson) and her exploits with Will Parker (Tyler Schulze) and Ali Hakim (Raymond Calderon). The cowboy Will Parker has just won fifty dollars from a fair in Kansas City. The only problem is he spent it all on gifts, for Ado Annie nonetheless. Ali Hakim on the other hand is a peddling salesman. In Will’s absence, he has been spending time with Ado Annie. He does not want the burden of marriage however, only the physical. Throughout the play, comedy and music enhance the plot. In the end, both storylines culminate happily, reflected the happy 1940s time in which it was created.

Among other things, one of Heritage’s great successes was its phenomenal acting. Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson) played her role of an indecisive and ‘friendly’ woman perfectly. Laurey (Christi McCarthy) portrayed her emotions with superlative experience. And of course, Jud Fry (Christian Meudt) brought an air of uneasiness whenever he set foot on the stage. One of the most notable cast members did not even speak. Allison Perhach, who portrayed ‘Dream Laurey’ in the ‘Dream Ballet’, absolutely amazed the audience. Her dancing experience was made clear when she flowed across the stage like an elegant mist. The ensemble acted with a tenacious fervor. Some of the ensemble members made their presence known, such as the nicknamed ‘spastic cowboy’ (Kenny Kaupin). Sometimes ensemble members would crowd the stage, making it hard to comprehend what was going on. It was entertaining, to say the least. Overall, the cast did an excellent job at nailing each song. At times however, sound quality would diminish, due to a fallen microphone or another technical error. This is understandable, due to the constant and well choreographed movement by the cast.

Oklahoma is one of the greatest musicals of our time, and Heritage High School has brought it to life with its enthusiasm. With all the energy put into their dancing, singing, and acting, it’s an amazing feat that they’ve performed it four times.

by Arjun Rao of Centreville High School

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The performance of Oklahoma at Heritage High School on Friday April 1st was anything but an April Fool’s Day joke. It was quite possibly one of the most impressive high school performances I have ever had the pleasure of watching.

I was pleasantly surprising by the vocal ability of the actors. Christi McCarthy had a fabulous voice and made the character of Laurey stand out in my mind. Also, Hannah Johnson’s song Can’t Say No as the character of Ado Annie, was definitely an audience favorite and every time she stepped on stage for the remained of the show she commanded attention. Brandon Spann made the character of Curley his own which made his performance more believable. I felt I was able to connect to Curley more as Spann made his accent and movements on stage very natural. As the character of Will Parker, Tyler Schulze made every joke and compliment to Ado Annie loud and clear, allowing time for audience laughter in between every zinger.

Technically, this show had a little bit of tweaking to be done. Lighting was very creative in the first act, however in the second act there were many opportunities for variations that were not taken advantage of. Also, there seemed to be some trouble with the sound system as some characters could not be heard very well in spite of microphones, while others experienced a bit too much feedback. However, the set was beautiful and the moveable “house” was incredible. It truly looked like a small home on stage.

Overall, this show was a joy to watch. While there had been some overcrowding for some group numbers, their ability to harmonize and act as a unit really brought the small town feel to Leesburg. I very much enjoyed this performance of Oklahoma, and I’m all ready to pack my bags and head out!

by Emily Dwornik of Centreville High School

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On Friday night Heritage High School performed a rip-roaring rendition of “Oklahoma!” the musical that changed the face of musical theatre. Based on “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, “Oklahoma!” was the first musical written by famous collaborators Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II, and it was the first to have the story line and lyrics written before the music. By writing the musical in that fashion, Rogers and Hammerstein were able to amplify the story through the music rather than distracting from the story line. This new theatrical innovation of the “book musical” was initially unpopular, but it soon caught on and became a box office smash on Broadway, going for 2,212 performances. The musical won Rogers and Hammerstein a Pulitzer Prize in 1944.

The musical follows the story of two young people, Curly (Brandon Spann) and Laurey (Christi McCarthy), who try to reconcile their feelings for each other and find love. The ominous presence of Jud Fry (Christian Meudt), a local hired hand, threatens their relationship with his own yearning for Laurey’s hand. Act I closes with a dramatic dream scene portrayed through a ballet between Curly and an alternate Laurey (Allison Perhach) that not only revealed Laurey’s love for Curly, but her fear of Jud Fry. A secondary plotline follows Laurey’s flirtatious friend Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson) and her on and off again relationships with Will Parker (Tyler Schulze) and Ali Hakim (Raymond Calderon). Both of these story lines climax at a community dance and auction later that day in Act II.

The vocal and dancing talent in Heritage High School’s cast was exemplary. Christi McCarthy performed many intricate and difficult vocals with ease. Her stage presence was consistent and her diction in both dialogue and song was very clear. Brandon Spann likewise had outstanding stage presence and vocal ability, but he also demonstrated sound dance ability in the Dream Ballet. Allison Perhach was an absolutely flawless dancer, and had great technique and flow in her movement. She made even the most difficult jumps, turns, and lifts look easy in pointe shoes. Her choreography that appeared throughout the show was creative and proved to be one of the best elements of the show. Christian Meudt had the challenge of portraying a stiff, disconcerting character, but he was able to tap into the sympathetic qualities of the mysterious Jud Fry and be one of the most engaging characters in the production.

The ensemble of the show was consistently energetic and involved with every scene. Their unwavering dedication was a vital aspect of the show. Each ensemble member had very distinct characters, from the spastic cowboy to the steady farmer. However, during some of the biggest numbers the stage appeared overcrowded and seemed to

hamper the choreography and vocal performance. The set was colorful, yet appeared cumbersome in scene transitions. The light and sound effects were very good additions to the show despite minor complications.

The overall feeling of the show was exciting and pleasant, leaving every audience member light-hearted by the curtain call. Heritage High School’s performance was indeed Oklahoma O.K.

by Lucy Stratton of Centreville High School

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Heritage High School’s production of Oklahoma was fun, energetic, and entertaining. With big voices, great acting, and amazing chemistry, Oklahoma was success. The musical is based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs. It is the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams, The original Broadway production opened on March 31, 1943.

Every Single cast member had a great voice and handled the music with ease and skill. Though the title number could have been bigger and more engaging, as a chorus the ensemble was perfect. With such a large cast, the stage was sometimes crowded, which for the audience was overbearing and sometimes distracting. Overall as an ensemble, the cast of Oklahoma did a great job in putting on a show that was believable, engaging and entertaining.

The one Highlight of the show was the choreography during the dream ballet scene. Done with such purpose and emotion, this scene was easily the best of the entire show. Without dialogue or song to lean on this scene portrayed the most emotion and moved the plot along nicely. The dancing was executed beautifully and Jud became the one character that had complete characterization and multiple layers. Jud was played by Christian Meudt, with so much emotion and conviction that the character became freighting to the audience, yet the audience also sympathized with him. With the shows best voice, Christian stole the show with the best performance of the night.

The only element that pulled the audience out of the show at times was the sound. Having everyone use a microphone caused the sound to be overbearing and loud. With the volume turned up too high, singing sounded like screeching and the audience could hear feedback from the microphones and excess noise that should not have been heard. This really became a problem when the cast was dancing and the microphones where coming out of place and bouncing around causing the feedback to be really loud.

With very few minor problems, amazing choreography and wonderful chemistry, this show felt at times as though it were not being done by a high school but by professional actors. The biggest compliment for the show is that it was entertaining and once it had a grip on the audience, it never let them go.

by Mitchell Cole of Centreville High School

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Oklahoma Cappie Critic Review

The Heritage High School Drama Department put on an enthralling performance of the timeless musical Oklahoma. This show is a story of a small western town in the territory of Oklahoma and explores in a hilarious way the

complexities of young love and relationships. The two lead actors played their role brilliantly. Curly, played by Brandon Spann, and Laurey, Christi McCarthy, had incredible chemistry on stage that the audience could really feel throughout the entire show. The high point of the show, however, was the dream scene. Through the phenomenal dancing of Allison Perhach, who played dream laurey, the eerie lighting and enthralling music came together to create a magical scene that was to be the highlight of the entire show.

Although the show was sensational, there were some small weak points in the performance. Firstly, the second act of the show seemed to have lost much of the energy that was so pervasive in the first act. The anticipation in the audience was built up during the first act but was let down in the second. Additionally the climactic fight scene between curly and Jud Fry was very fast and seemed to happen to quickly. This show, despite some minor problems, was very successful and gave an enticing performance of Oklahoma, and could be best described as being extremely close to a fantastic show with just a few details holding it back.

by Nicholas Cole of Centreville High School

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Rogers and Hammerstein's classic Oklahoma!, set in the wild, precarious west, swelled up in song on Friday night. Heritage High School presented the musical with skill and with ease, delivering a performance that had strengths at all points.

The cowboy Curly was played by Brandon Spann, who began the song "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" off stage. His voice shone with stability and a wonderful tone, only to be matched by Aunt Eller (Laura Wride) and later, Laurey (Christi McCarthy). Spann added charm and a quick wit as well to Curly, making him quite the favorite of the audience.

The counterpart to Curly was a sweet albeit naive Will Parker, played by Tyler Schulze. Schulze's energy could be felt through the jumping and bounding choreography, as well as the interaction he had with the unforgettable Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson). Johnson was bubbly and sweet as ever throughout the show, drawing all eyes to her whenever she appeared on stage.

One of the only actors to compare with Johnson in terms of impeccable timing and energy was Raymond Calderon, who played the peddler Ali Hakim. With exaggerated expressions and an amusing accent, he foiled Christian Meudt, who played the brooding Jud Fry. Both had strong, impressive voices, and where Calderon was hilariously sarcastic, Meudt was hauntingly foreboding.

While the show was high-energy all throughout, it was the quieter scene of the Dream Ballet that distinguished this rendition of the musical from all others. Choreographed by Allison Perhach, the ballet was not merely Laurey's fantasy. Instead, it turned into an entire dream world, with cast members playing ghostly parts to Laurey's memory. The end product included complex, story-telling choreography and graceful dancing en pointe by Perhach herself.

Overall, the shining cast was allowed to run smoothly even when joined by a large ensemble. The flexibility of the stage crew, in conjunction with mastery of lights and sound, created an environment for the actors, dancers, and singers, to perform their best.

by Estelle Gong of Dominion High School

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Farmers, cowboys, auctions, socials, wagons, guns, pin-ups, and unrequited love. Welcome to Oklahoma! Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! to be exact. Based on Lynn Rigg’s play Green Grow the Lilacs and first performed as a musical on Broadway in 1943, and later adapted as an Academy Award winning film, this musical combines the charm of the wild-west with family friendly song and dance numbers to make an unforgettable performance.

Heritage High School put together a wonderful rendition of the popular Rodger’s and Hammerstein musical, with brilliant lead actors and a faithful ensemble that took wonderful liberties in creating their own individual characters. The show started off on the right foot, as the audience was serenaded by the strong tenor of Brandon Spann, who played Curly. From the opening rendition of Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ the audience in caught in Curly’s quest to win the heart of the lovely Laurie, played with wonderful depth and femininity by the well-studied soprano of Christi McCarthy. The primary love story is told alongside the secondary unfolding of another love story. This one played out by Tyler Schulze who delivered a lovable interpretation of the popular cowboy Will Turner, who does all that he can in order to keep his beloved Ado Annie on the straight and narrow. Ado Annie was played by the unforgettable Hannah Johnson who infused the character with just the right amount of humor and light hearted coquetry. Both Schulze and Johnson showcased a wonderful chemistry that made the song All er Nothin’a crown favorite.

The ensemble cast was a standout on its own. Led by the wonderfully strong willed Aunt Eller (Laura Wride) the ensemble cast delivered the powerful undying energy needed to make a demanding musical like Oklahoma! work. The “Dream Ballet” choreographed by and starring Allison Perhach was a standout number in the musical. Effectively conveying the dark and frightening images that go through the young Laurey’s mind as she imagines a world without Curly.

Aside from a few technical malfunctions that were quickly and efficiently corrected, Heritage High School gave a wonder family friendly rendition of Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s western classic. Characterized by a high energy cast, and spot on vocals, this was certainly an entertaining and unforgettable performance.

by Ivana Headley of Dominion High School

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“Oh what a beautiful morning” sang Curley as he came on stage, a phrase that set the tone for the rest of this entertaining musical. Based on the play “Green grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, Oklahoma! is a story set in the Oklahoma territory of the United States in 1906 with book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Richard Rodgers. This musical was groundbreaking because it was the first musical in which the story was written first and then the music was written to fit the story. The show opened to rave reviews from critics and would become one of the most beloved musicals, with its most recent revival in 2002.

The story is centered on a small town in the Oklahoma territory where farmers and cowboys are trying to make a living. The romance between cowboy Curley McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams drives the story, as they struggle with their feelings for one another. There is also a romance between friends of theirs, the slick cowboy Will Parker and the whimsically flirty Ado Annie. Along the way they all must deal with obstacles separating one another, such as the disturbed hired hand Jud Fry. For these characters love can lead to their happiness and even their death.

Heritage High School took a fun approach to the play that was anchored by the cast members’ natural talent. The leads and ensemble kept tight harmonies in every song and gave the same amount of high energy to each number. They all adapted to the world of Oklahoma! and made you feel like you were looking into a living and breathing world as there was always something going on with the characters onstage.

The leads of this musical, Curly played by Brandon Spann and Laurey played by Christi McCarthy, both kept up believable characters and really made you think that they had taken on those personalities. This was especially noticeable through the fantastic chemistry between the two, and as the show went on and the characters

relationship grew, Spann and McCarthy made this progression feel organic, like they were naturally in love. They matched this with incredible voice talent which showed in each song they performed.

The romance between Will Parker, played by Tyler Schulze, and Ado Annie, Hannah Johnson, was also very believable. Not to mention Johnson was able to match the romance with Ado Annie’s relentlessly flirtatious personality, making her song I Can’t Say No one of the most fun songs of the night. One actor that really stole the show was Christian Meudt, playing Jud Fry. His portrayal of Jud both was incredibly creepy and sinister while still making the audience sympathize with the pain of the character.

The supporting cast kept up a great energy throughout the entire show, and helped to make the leads even better. On numbers like The Farmer and the Cowman the entire cast worked together to make an energetic and fun piece. But of course the piece that stole the show for everyone in the audience was the Dream Ballet. Cleverly choreographed, the dancers told a story through their dance without ever having to speak a line. This performance was topped off by the near professional performance by Dream Laurey Allison Perhach.

Heritage High School worked hard to make each scene of Oklahoma! both believable and of professional quality. Oklahoma! was a fun show to watch because every person on stage, from the littlest kid to the biggest senior, was having just as much fun as the audience watching them.

by Jacob Savos of Dominion High School

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Heritage High School’s, Oklahoma! Created the comedic yet dramatic story of following the American dream versus the heart with Laurey, torn between pride and her secret love for Curly, Ali Hakim roaming the wide open plains for a profit thrown into a love triangle with Ado Annie and Will Parker against his own will, and Jud Fry’s unhealthy obsession over possessing a woman for his own.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Based on the 1931 play by Lynn Riggs, “Green grow the lilacs,” created the first concept of a, “book musical.” Songs were chosen and loosely strung together in a short storyline. Hammerstein wrote the lyrics and storyline before Rodgers composed the music to flow properly with each scene. Set in Oklahoma territory of Curly’s romance with farm girl Laurey and a secondary romance with Laurey’s flirtatious friend, Ado Annie and her fiancé Will Parker. When the musical first came out on Broadway in 1943 it was a box office hit with 2, 212 performances.

With a large ensemble and a more than average choreography number starring Allison Perhach’s dream ballet, it was sure to make a lasting impression. Perhach’s leaps, twirls, and spins showed her professional skills as a dancer as well as the positive outcome of hard work and dedication. Even though the ensemble’s vocals may have slightly overshadowed the lead vocals by their large size, their collective enthusiasm created an enjoyable and fun production.

Enthusiasm and energy was what lead roles Curly and Jud Fry brought to the stage making both characters’ personalities believable. Jud Fry’s booming bass vocals and dedication to extreme outburst of rage at unsuspected moments was creepy enough to add to his insane character. And, Curly brought energy right from the beginning by maintaining just the right chemistry with Laurey, constantly expressing the funny responses of a love struck cowboy.

Some of the supporting characters’ reactions may have added a little too much energy, but luckily it showed how much fun they had playing their parts. And, in order to make an enjoyable production it was good that they kept the energy going even if it was a little overdone at some moments.

Overall, Heritage’s large ensemble could have been overbearing, but it managed to maintain a chemistry with each character that was on stage, which is not an easy task with so many high school students. What was important about their production of Oklahoma! was seeing their enjoyment and contagious energy on stage.

by Tionge Johnson of Dominion High School

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Oh, a morning on the open-range—a warm zephyr blows, the wheat gently sways, the cornfield appears to go on forever, and in the distant horizon a voice, a cowboy’s voice as bright and golden as the morning haze on the meadow. Heritage High School’s production of Oklahoma! invited the audience to experience simpler times in our country’s history. Heritage successfully saddled Rodgers and Hammerstein’s masterpiece, creating their own through laughs, danger, and ultimately love.

Oklahoma!, based on 1931 play Green Grow the Lilacs (Lynn Riggs), is a landmark, one of nine Rodgers and Hammerstein shows. Coining the term “Book Musical”, Oklahoma! fused story, song, and dance to advance plotline. Another novelty to musical theatre was the dream ballet (originally choreographed by Agnes de Mille), through which leading lady, Laurey, reveals her inner fears and desires. This revelation, original creators believed, could not more craftily be portrayed to the audience except through dance. Heritage High’s production demonstrated careful consideration of the history.

The cast rarely lagged in energy as it strove to convey the spirit of Western Frontier, prospects for a new state. Ensemble enthusiasm carried the show. Numbering an overwhelming 60+ people, cowboys, farmers, ladies, and a choir of children reacted appropriately to action on stage without detracting. Singing, the cast demonstrated timely cutoffs, pleasant quality, clear enunciation, and flawless harmonies. Cast quantity, however, constrained choreography. Overblown movements associated with Oklahoma! songs’ style were disappointingly absent. Although painting-like configurations combated space issues, lack of coordinated choreography prevented the title song from a crescendo climax audiences normally anticipate.

Leads’ vocals were always excellent, hindered only by delivery—actors didn’t consistently play each auditorium section. Christian Meudt’s portrayal of farmhand, Jud Fry, was particularly remarkable. His voice rattled the theatre, but he moderated his sound through dynamics, enhancing his solo “Lonely Room.” His decision to find humor and humanity in a dislikable character was brave and commendable. Comic female lead, Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson), sang with perfect playfulness needed for her character and she lit up the stage with a bright, innocent smile in scenes with Ali Hakim (Raymond Calderon) and Will Parker (Tyler Schulze).

Two noteworthy ensemble members stood out. Kenny Kaupin was conspicuously engaged in action; his goofiness during otherwise ordinary scenes drew the audience’s laughter. Allison Perhach was memorable as the angelic Dream Laurey; she not only danced en Pointe with phenomenal precision throughout the demanding ballet, she also believably reacted in silence to fellow dancers such as Curly, Jud, and her “real” self.

Tech enhanced the show significantly. Set design (Martin, Hill, Bates) was colorful and practical. The Great Plains backdrop added depth to the stage, creating the illusion of space, needed for the large cast. Lights (Jessica Rich) were especially effective during “Dream Ballet”. Rich softened the lights to a more dreamy state, then sharpened and darkened the stage as dream evolved into nightmare.

Heritage added creative touches that made the production their own and created a sense of expansiveness. For example, Curly’s entrance from house right for “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” painted the vivid picture of Oklahoma’s open-range and included the audience in the vast expanse. Act II also included actors in the house, contributing to the feel that the box social extended from the stage with attendence from all over the territory. Music director Nancy T. Riley’s incorporation of a children’s choir struck a particularly exciting note, accentuating

the spirit of Oklahoma! itself--an enthusiasm for making a state out of the territory where people would live for generations to come.

by Anne Norland of Fairfax High School

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Heritage High School’s performance of the classic Oklahoma! was lively and filled to the absolute brim with energy. Despite the slightly over-pronounced microphones, the opening note, sung by Brandon Spann who played Curly, resonated through the theater, bringing the audience into the historical play most of us know very well.

This production succeeded in bringing in the audience and really making them feel like they were part of the Oklahoma territory. The spectacular back drop aided the elaborate set of Aunt Eller’s house. Jack Marin, Garrett Hill and David Bates obviously put much thought and time into the design and construction of the set, the result being significantly wonderful, adding very much to the timeless story.

In addition to a well done set, there was an excited and full ensemble to fill it. The ensemble included a variety of colorful characters that filled the stage with energy and voices. Whenever your eyes might stray from the center of attention, you could find a plethora of Oklahoman people, all with something to say or do. An especially entertaining part of the ensemble was the cowboys. From their first entrance and into the first scene that contained the energetic number Kansas City; these boys presented themselves as a cohesive unit while still appearing as just a bunch of guys having a good time. With their obvious brotherhood came a familiarity that comprised of pats on the pat, hoots and hollers during the dance and the overall feeling of a good time.

As the show continued, the relationships between the main couple developed as well. After a shaky beginning, Brandon Spann (Curly) and Christi McCarthy (Laurey)’s relationship flourished through songs such as People Will Say We’re In Love and such scenes as the auction scene. Their vocals became a near perfect blend that suited this picture perfect couple.

The key comedy of this play was not overlooked in all the hustle and bustle of the ensemble and all the grandeur of the leads. Ali Hakim, as played by Raymond Calderon, stole the stage with his phenomenal facial expressions and priceless lines. While a few of the finest jokes might have been lost to speed, the energy and pacing of the show kept to audience in touch and in time with all the unforgettable characters of Oklahoma!

by Molly Weaver of Fairfax High School

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Oklahoma! Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain, where the wave in wheat can sure smell sweet. Unless of course you live by the stubborn Laurey and Curly! The crazy love-birds that seem to have too much pride to admit their feelings towards each other but, when Laurey accepts to accompany the awful Jud Fry to the Box Social (the party of the year to raise money for the school house) you see the jealousy arise and the two youngsters grow to each other in compassion. The Play “Oklahoma!” written by Roger and Hammerstein, create living on a farm into an exciting, humorous, drama filled show. Based off the show “Green Grow the Lilacs” you just fall in love with Heritage High Schools performers as they bring life to each character.

Right from the beginning you could sense the energy in the cast. Through every exciting tune from “The Farmer and the Cowman” to the soft ballads of “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” you keep your eyes glued to the stage every passing minute. The two leads, Curly (played by Brandon Spann) and Laurey (played by Christi McCarthy)

showed exceptional chemistry and had magnificent growth with their characters towards each other and to everyone else.

Ado Annie, the bubbly best friend of Laurey’s played by Hannah Johnson, was a thrill to have on stage, she played her character perfectly showing her desire for boys and the noticeable conflict for marriage between the comical Ali Hakim and the Dimwitted Will Parker. Ali Hakim is a character to go see if you want a laugh, the poor miserable man is trapped under marriage with Ado by the “barrel of her father’s shotgun” as Will was in need of $50 to win Miss Ado Annie’s hand. As for the set, Heritage High School had a gorgeous background of the open plains with a house and a windmill in the distance. Beside it was a small light blue quaint farm house that had a great look of innocence when you first glance at it with countless haystacks and barrels along the back.

Heritage High School had a wonderful and energy filled performance that had the audience leaving satisfied. It is a worthwhile show the see again and again with your family and friends.

by Sarah Hix of Fairfax High School

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Roger and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, is one of the most popular musicals of all time. With catchy tunes such as, “People Will Say Were in Love,” and “Cain’t Say No,” this musical won the hearts and mind of audiences all over the world. Oklahoma! is set during the early 1900s, and the main character is a girl named Laurey who lives with her Aunt Eller. Laurey is sweet and coy, especially when an attractive cowboy named, Curly makes advances toward her, but she is also loved by the hired hand on the farm, Jud Fry. The entire show is the portrayal of the conflict between these three people in this love triangle.

On April 1st, Heritage High School put on their rendition of Oklahoma!. Laurey (Christi McCarthy) and Curly (Brandon Spann) had fantastic chemistry as the main lovers with their number “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Laurey and Curly’s two best friends, Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson) and Will Parker (Tyler Schulze), had a relationship that made the whole audience laugh their heads off in the number, “Cain’t Say No.” This show also had wonderful technical elements with a beautiful set, and exciting light changes. These tech elements a great benefit to the show in the “Dream Ballet Sequence.” This number was fantastically performed and choreographed by Dream Laurey (Allison Perhach). Throughout the entire show a strong central ensemble helped move the show along, and kept the excitement stayed heightened.

Heritage High School obviously worked very hard on their, and it shows as they put on this exciting production. I hope that I will get the chance to see one of their productions again and I would recommend any who enjoys good classic musicals to go see this show.

by Libby Dowell of Hayfield Secondary School

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Although it was cloudy and gloomy outside, Heritage High School made it feel like one beautiful morning with their production of Oklahoma!

Set in the Oklahoma territory, a year before it became a state, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of a cowboy named Curly who is in love Laurey Williams who is the object of unnerving Jud’s affections. Meanwhile Ado Annie has a hard time deciding between a peddler-man and her boyfriend Will Parker. Opening on Broadway in March of 1943, “Oklahoma!” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration broke records when it ran for 2,212 performances.

Brandon Spann brought a new light to the character Curly, with great comedic timing and wonderful stage presence. Spann consistently had good diction throughout the show. As Laurey, Christi McCarthy shined with her beautiful soprano voice. McCarthy’s singing was strong on every note and it matched the feel of the show flawlessly. Spann’s and McCarthy’s chemistry was good in the first act continued to improve until the end of the show.

One actor the stood out was Raymond Calderon as Ali Hakim, the peddler. He had good facial expressions and made the audience laugh over and over. His energy was spot on in the number “It’s a Scandal.” Laura Wride gave a strong performance as the strong-willed Aunt Eller. She had a good voice and brought warmth to the character. Christian Meudt had an effectively booming voice for Jud Fry. Meudt and Brandon Spann played off each other nicely in the song “Pore Jud” creating a memorable and funny number. Hannah Johnson and Tyler Schulze played the parts of Ado Annie and Will Parker. Johnson was always committed to her character and Schulze showed his dancing skills in both “Kansas City” and “The Farmer and the Cowman.”

Although the ensemble was rather large, the stage rarely felt over crowded. Energy was impressive in the “Farmer and the Cowman” matched with great choreography by Allison Perhach. Perhach also danced the part of Dream Laurey in the Dream Ballet. She had expression and was a stellar dancer.

The set was effective, particularly the hay stacks that created levels in many scenes. The backdrop was a nice addition that added a great western. Lighting was effective especially in the Dream Ballet, when the colors showed the emotions.

Overall, Heritage High School, “Oklahoma!” made for a very entertaining evening.

by Ashleigh Markin of Herndon High School

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“Don't you wish you'd go on forever, don't you wish you'd go on forever, and you'd never stop? In that shiny little surrey with the fringe on the top.” That’s certainly how I felt after being transported to the wonderful world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, presented by Heritage High School. This innovated musical was originally based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs”, and opened on Broadway in 1943. The show reflects the feelings and values of the citizens in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906.

It was evident that Heritage’s cast put a tremendous amount of work and time into the extremely large group numbers and this overall production. The Dream Ballet was wonderfully choreographed. Farmer and the Cowman had an incredible amount of energy, while in other numbers energy was limited in comparison. The remarkable quality of diction and clear harmonies was continuous throughout the show.

Curly played by Brandon Spann, was a fantastic actor with brilliant comedic timing. His strong vocals opened the show and captured the audience immediately. The amount of characterization done by both Curly and Laurey was inspiring. The two actors had beautiful romantic chemistry and stole the show. Christi McCarthy was made to play the role of Laurey. She has a beautiful tone to her voice. Hannah Johnson was very bubbly; she fit Ado Annie also like a glove. Christian Meudt played Jud without fear and made him a very dynamic character. Also, Dream Laurey was an incredibly talented dancer, who incorporated innovated chorography into this classic musical. The male ensemble was particularly strong in energy and commitment to relationships between characters. This strong male energy was lead, with perfect comedic timing, by Raymond Calderon who played Ali Hakim. Aunt Eller, Laura Wride, had what seemed to be a personal connection to every actor on stage, and a gave the impression that she was personally aunt of every citizen in Claremore.

There were also some wonderful technical aspects such creating levels by using hay bails. Aunt Eller’s house was a massive movable set piece, in which much detail was clearly put into the painting and decoration. The use of hanging microphones was an effective way of picking up the beautiful ensemble harmonies. Although, there was a few issues in both technical and performing pacing, but the commitment made up for it in strides.

Heritage High School truly portrayed a community with in the entire cast, which reflected the feeling of the turn of the century Oklahoma Territory. Yeow!

by Cate Graney of Herndon High School

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The curtains open, the lights fill the stage, while a backdrop shows a vast expanse of the beautiful cornfields and blue skies. A cowboy begins to sing, “Oh, way a beautiful morning…” it can only be the beginning of Heritage High School’s musical production of, “Oklahoma!”

A collaborative effort of Rodgers and Hammerstein, the musical was based on the play, “Green Grow the Lilacs” and opened in New York City, 1943. Taking place in the early 1900’s, the story develops around plain Oklahoma folks, whose lives are filled with simple living, music and love.

The cast’s divine singing and dancing was surpassed from a typical high school performance level to a point where it almost reached professional theater. Although there were times on stage where it looked as though it was over crowded with the actors and actresses, they succeeded in performing in a synchronized manner and never dropped their energy throughout the show, keeping the audience well intact with the astounding dance numbers and solos.

Of all the dancing numbers, the Dream Ballet was by far the most impressive. Allison Perhach took on the role of dream Laurey and executed it incredibly. From her exciting fighting and struggle to escape Jud Fry, to her lovely and pleasant swift ballet movements, it was a thrill to watch her dominate the stage.

Leading the musical as Laurey was the radiant Christi McCarthy who kept her vocals in flawless form. McCarthy also demonstrated her skillful portrayal as a young, gentle farm girl. Alongside with Laurey was the quirky Hannah Johnson. In her comedic role, Johnson took on the challenge of playing Ado Annie and transformed it into a dim-witted girl who just “can’t say no” faultlessly.

Adding more charisma to the show was Jud Fry, who was played by the talented Christian Meudt. His effortless methods of acting were exquisite as he developed his character seamlessly throughout the show. His addition of remarkable, “creepiness” to the show was intriguing to watch. His take on Jud was dug into deeper layers of his character to a point where the audience felt pity for the antagonist of the story, which is very hard to accomplish.

The cast was supported by an amazing technical crew. Bright Lighting and an amazing backdrop brought a rural and cheerful feeling on stage. Scene changes were seamless, thanks to the skilled stage crew. Props done by Jessica Rich were authentic and made the scene appealing as they included real haystacks and a grand carriage.

The cast and crew of Heritage High School took a challenging show and made it into a memorable production. Congratulations and a great “Yee haw” to a job well done.

by Lenny Mendez of JEB Stuart High School

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The bright golden haze on the meadow is shown again in Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic, “Oklahoma!” at Heritage High School. This timeless tale of love in sweet ol’ Oklahoma was brought to life with a refreshing and lively production filled with endearing tunes, stunning ballet, and a whole lot of laughs.

Oklahoma was the first musical from the incomparable American composer and lyricist duo, Roger’s and Hammerstein. The musical opened on Broadway in 1943 and starred Alfred Drake, Celeste Holm, Lee Dixon and Joan Roberts. The Broadway hit went on to be revived in six major West End and Broadway productions as well as a hit film starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae. It’s classic tunes have soared across the decades and flown into the heart of the American culture and spirit.

Heritage High School took its leap into 1906 Oklahoma, where a colorful ensemble of characters was met. Leading the cast with lovely chemistry were Brandon Spann (Curly) and Christi McCarthy (Laurey) whose encounters proved to be endearing and included impressive vocal duets. Comedy was highlighted in the clever performances of Raymond Calderon (Ali Hakim), Hannah Johnson (Ado Annie), and Tyler Schulze (Will Parker). The dynamics amongst the three characters were humorous, partially due to the brilliant comedy seen in the script, and partially due to the physical embodiment of them by the actors.

Complimenting the cast with his appropriately chilling realism, was Christian Meudt’s performance as Jud Fry. His unique portrayal of Jud allowed the audience to have a much more sympathetic perception of his character. The typically hated villain of Jud had now developed complexities which are seldom seen in high school actors. Such a heart wrenching rarity made his performance an essentially gem to truly telling the story of “Oklahoma!” to it's fullest.

The ensembles in the production presented excellent characters which dramatically added to the liveliness and the enthusiasm seen the production. Each personality on stage was distinct and was never distracting to the main focus on stage. Such a balance and commitment is uncommon in many high school productions, and this refreshing zest of energy and focus lifted what could have been a typical take on “Oklahoma!”.

The show included a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, which was framed with hay,and other essentials to a farm in 1906. The front porch of the house was a believable element of the set, but seemed slightly out of proportion to actors, particularly the door. Lighting was effectively used to add intensity and theatricality in moments such as the “Dream Ballet”. This highlight of the evening was beautifully lit and performed to perfection and was led by the exquisite ballet of Allison Perhach who played Dream Laurey. Her impressive skill level,commitment, and believable acting, left the audience at the edge of their seats with bated breath. Make-up at times seemed to be far too dark and hindered the audience from focusing on the characters.

The sound quality suffered due to unclear and muffled sounds from the microphones. This, as well as a lack of diction and clarity in the lines, left the audience slightly unaware of what actors were saying. Actors also often lacked a sharpness and appropriate pacing with the comedy, which detracted from the humor to be portrayed to its fullest potential.

Heritage High School’s production was a sure-fire crowd pleaser, and not only left the audience knowing how to spell O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, but with memorable tunes which brought them back to the beauty of an American classic.

by Mariana Barbosa of JEB Stuart High School

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Oklahoma! at Heritage High School

“You’re doin’ fine, Oklahoma,” they sang, but they were doing more than fine at Heritage High School the night they performed Oklahoma! The cast, huge and energetic, brought to life a place where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain and every daughter has a father with a gun.

Oklahoma! made history. It was the first musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, but it also redefined musical theatre by being equally substantial in plot and lyrical aspects. Oklahoma! was an unprecedented success; in an age when no show ran for more than 500 performances, it lasted 2,212. Set right before the Oklahoma territory became a state, it focuses on two love triangles—sweet Laurey and the two men who love her: Curley, the young cowboy, and the sinister farmhand Jud Fry; and the comic trio of Ado Annie and the two men she “cain’t say no” to, skirtchaser Will Parker and peddler Ali Hakim.

When Christi McCarthy (Laurey) entered during the first song, oh, what a beautiful voice. She was a sweet complement to each scene. Brandon Spann (Curly) had a powerful and energetic voice, and after the first few songs built up physical energy to match. He alternated comic timing with soft, tender interactions with Laurey. Along with Christian Meudt, who played Jud Fry, Spann was particularly adept at stage combat. Meudt presented a strongly established and dynamic character. His presence created tension, and yet his soliloquies fostered empathy. Tyler Schulze, as Will, engaged the audience by totally embodying his character. Together, the energetic Hannah Johnson (Ado Annie) and the hilariously expressive Raymond Calderon (Ali Hakim) presented a lively caricature.

The enormous supporting ensemble always had something going on without distracting from the main action. The choreography team was faced with two major problems—a shallow stage and an oversized cast—but faced the challenge well. Some numbers had the dancers performing acrobatics or dreamlike stage combat; others were simply lively musical numbers.

The pit band lifted and accentuated the singers without ever outpacing or overpowering them. Hairstyles were consistent and period-appropriate throughout; however, makeup was sometimes overenthusiastically applied. The set, tiny and rustic, was overwhelmingly realistic. The carefully constructed front porch was framed by real bales of hay and saddle gear; the whole stage looked transplanted from the rolling fields of Oklahoma. Even without blackouts during scene changes, the stage crew handled a large multi-part set efficiently and quietly.

While the show was sometimes low-energy, Oklahoma! gained all the energy it needed by the end of the first act. Each scene was memorable, and, most notably, there was not a single bad or even mediocre singer. Oklahoma! overpowered problems to leave you with the same happy, satisfied feeling that infused the whole play.

by Allison Singer of James Madison HS

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You’re doin’ fine, Heritage High School! The cast of Heritage High School’s production of Oklahoma! came together for not just a fine, but a fantastic performance.

Oklahoma! was the first Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, opening on Broadway in 1943. It was a groundbreaking hit, running for 2,212 performances. Oklahoma! was based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs, which opened on Broadway in 1931.

Taking place in the Oklahoma territory in the early 1900’s, the show follows the cowboy Curly McLain. In love with Laurey Williams, he comes into conflict with her hired hand, Jud Fry, who wants her for himself. Meanwhile, Laurey’s friend Ado Annie can’t decide whether she wants to marry Will Parker or Ali Hakim, a Persian peddler who tries everything to get out of a marriage with her.

From the beginning, Curly (Brandon Spann) commanded the stage with his presence. The chemistry between the Curly and Laurey (Christi McCarthy) was evident, and it continued to develop and grow throughout the show. Their strong vocals came together beautifully in “People Will Say We’re in Love”.

Hannah Johnson (Ado Annie) embodied the young flirtatious nature of her character, especially in “I Cain’t Say No”. Will (Tyler Schulze) filled the stage with his energy in his song and dance number “Kansas City”. Raymond Calderon’s comic performance as Ali Hakim provided for a good foil to the dumb Will.

Christian Meudt’s well-rounded characterization of Jud Fry solicited empathy, especially in “Lonely Room”. Jud and Curly’s harmonies in “Pore Jud” were chilling.

Allison Perhach captivated the audience as Dream Laurey in “Dream Ballet”. Her choreography of the number effectively showed Laurey’s nightmare, mesmerizing the audience and adding depth to the plot.

The children were adorable in the opening number of Act II, providing for a sweet transition into the “Box Social”. Devon Isaac took to the stage with confidence as Gertie. The entire cast conquered the difficult musical score.

Although some lines were sometimes lost, overall, the sound was loud and clear throughout the performance. The lighting in some scenes, such as “Dream Ballet” and “Lonely Room”, added to the mood.

Full of energy, Heritage High School’s successful production of Oklahoma! went beyond just “O.K.”.

by Jannette Morris of James Madison HS

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Some might say the wind comes “sweepin’ down the plain” only in Oklahoma. But this weekend, some powerful gusts of talent certainly came sweeping through Heritage High School as their vivacious cast gave a rousing and fun filled rendition of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.

The first collaborative work by renowned American musical theater composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Oklahoma ventures into the rural world of farmers and cowboys that was the Sooner State during the early 1900’s. Traced by a soaring score, it is a story of love, brimming with humor. It follows Curly, a handsome cowboy, as he attempts to court a beautiful farm girl named Laurey. Hindered by the shady and villainous farmhand Jud Fry, the couple must navigate a stream of conflicts and setbacks just to be together. Meanwhile, secondary romances and subplots arise among the rest of the characters as their adventures entwine with one another. Since enjoying a run of over 2000 consecutive showings following its 1943 Broadway premiere, this continually celebrated piece has seen numerous tours and revivals around the globe.

A well suited and solidly constructed set adorned the stage. The porch of a small country farm house being the prominent construction, bales of hay and a pasture backdrop provided further embellishment. A maneuverable piece, it was removed for some scenes and replaced by flats or smaller pieces. The sound crew picked up all cues in proper time, but suffered from sometimes over amplifying the actors and picking up extra feedback or distracting shuffling from onstage movements.

With a pleasant tenor voice, Brandon Spann, as Curly, was every bit the swashbuckling cowboy. Bringing to life Curly’s charm and swagger, Spann strutted around with a perfectly suited winsome boldness. Using his engaging stage presence and seemingly natural charisma, he gave a strong comedic performance and generally crafted an extremely endearing character. Opposite Spann, Christi McCarthy gave an impeccable vocal performance as Laurey, with pristine technique and strong simultaneous characterization. Additionally, the two possessed palpable romantic chemistry with one another, executing sweet and tender moments with noteworthy maturity.

A clear standout, Christian Meudt’s portrayal of the brooding, socially rejected Jud Fry was believable and resonant. Utilizing a beautiful lower register, his vocal performance was nearly flawless as he brought his songs to powerful fruition. Playing the lonely villain, Meudt retained a threatening and creepy ambiance necessary to depicting the gruff laborer. However he also created an intriguing and empathically reachable character, bringing a sense of humanity to the role with an intricate dramatic effort.

As Ado Annie, a ditzy friend of Laurey who just can’t say no to a handsome boy’s advances, Hannah Johnson kept a constant energy during her endlessly amusing antics. The subjects of her perpetually shifting affections, the chivalrous and kindhearted cowboy Will Parker (Tyler Schulze) and an erratic Persian con man Ali(Raymond Calderon), formed an uproarious love triangle. Dancer Allison Perhach, showcased as Dream Laurey during the “Dream Ballet,” was utterly infallible in her performance, executing complex sequences with phenomenal dexterity and engrossing emotion during the striking dance scene. Perhach also fully choreographed the show, displaying apparent vision and skill in the finished product.

Teeming with energy and laughs, Heritage High School’s production of Oklahoma completely captured the essence of this joyful and entertaining show.

by Damian Leverett of McLean

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With the true spirit of the unrestrained prairie, the classic story of winning hearts on the open plane comes to stage with the exhilarating musical “Oklahoma!”

This classic Rodgers and Hammersteinf musical comedy tells the story of Curly, town heartthrob, attempting to woo the indignant Laurey, despite interferences from the frightening hired hand Jud Fry. Written in 1943 as the first piece Rodgers and Hammerstein worked on together, “Oklahoma!” was met with massively positive critical reception, including countless nominations and awards from its revivals around the globe.

Leading the play in the classically suave role of Curly was Brandon Spann. With debonair movement reflecting his actions, Spann bodily encompassed the freewheeling yet classy lover boy at the same time. His eligible love interest Lauey, played by Christi McCarthy, sang with a clearly well disciplined voice that effortlessly hit higher notes smoothly while also putting forth characterization through her lyrics. Playing the aggressive antagonist Jud Fry, Christian Meudt took a typically unlikeable character and added depth and power to his performance evoking empathy and understanding for his situation. Balancing dramatic and comedic acting all while staying a powerful vocalist, Meudt delivered in being intimidating while remaining believable.

Playing the girl who just can’t say no, Hannah Johnson effortlessly entertained as Ado Annie. Her escapades between her suitors gave her the perfect vessel for hilarious innuendo and energetic song and dance. Her estranged fiancé Will Parker played by Tyler Schulze electrified audiences with his fancy roping, vigorous dancing, and well executed acrobatics, twirling and catching his female cast members with ease. Ado Annie’s other potential partner Ali Hakim, the traveling peddler played by Raymond Calderon, had superb comedic timing and captured the spirit of a man who cannot be held down through tortured facial expressions and constant laments. Town grievance Gertie Cummings, played by Devon Isaac had the perfect airy, nasally laugh for her haughty, oblivious character. Allison Perhach performed an astounding dance sequence, emoting powerful passions through movement, truly intertwining classic ballet with strong drama. Supporting the shows complicated dances and intricate music, Heritages ensemble had incredible energy, making the show’s plot never lose its pace.

Student Allison Perhach masterfully choreographed the entire show, incorporating flips, throws, and many styles of dance within. From rowdy town boys welcoming a pal home from Kansas city with impromptu games of chicken fight, to a controlled poignant ballet sequence that maintained plot and interest throughout, and even to fights that kept both excitement and an element of danger at the same time, Perhach’s expansive choreography was near unbelievable and was one of the made some of the strongest points of the show.

The tech elements did a commendable job of adding to the western, open space feel of the production. The sets consisted of a robin’s egg blue porch, a dubious smokehouse, a pile of multipurpose hay bales, all surrounding the spacious backdrop of a classic Midwestern barn and cornfield. The lighting, albeit occasionally confusing, did a great job of affecting mood and helping understand the time of of nearly every scene.

Boasting extraordinary dance numbers, difficult harmonies, and rip roaring characters, Heritage High School’s “Oklahoma!” stole a piece of the great state and brought it to life in a production left all wanting to shout about the land where the wind comes sweeping down the plains.

by Max Johnson of McLean

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The classic Rogers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma! has been performed by numerous companies, professional and non-professional, since it opened in 1943. A staple of high school drama departments, the production was tackled this week by the students of Heritage High School, who more than excelled in their efforts.

The story (based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play “Green Grow the Lilacs”) tells the romance of cowpoke Curly (Brandon Spann) and his sweetheart Laurey (Christi McCarthy), her friend Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson), “a girl who cain’t say no”, and her lovers, cowboy Will Parker (Tyler Schulze) and Ali Hakim (Raymond Calderon), a Persian peddler, and the tale of a territory on its way to state-hood.

The vocal talent of entire cast must be noted and applauded. From the first time Spann walked into the theater, singing the familiar “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” the audiences’ mouths dropped, and they didn’t shut until the curtain closed at the end of the evening. The vocal quality of not only the leads, but the chorus as well, was remarkable.

The chemistry between all the actors onstage lit up the audience like fireflies in the Oklahoma prairies. Curly and Laurey’s romance developed genuinely from their first onstage interaction, to their first kiss. Their duet, “People Will Say We’re In Love,” was charming, and their lovers spats simultaneously adorable and heartbreaking. Johnson was perky and pretty as the helpless romantic Ado Annie. Both sweethearts as well showed their obvious devotion and affection for their Annie, with several enthusiastic Oklahoma hellos and Persian goodbyes.

A constant presence that must be noted was Jud Fry (Christian Meudt). Ever looming and sinister, Meudt was able to come off as both eerie and vulnerable. His rich bass blended well with Spann during their duet “Pore Jud”, and filled the auditorium and the audience’s hearts during his soliloquy “Lonely Room.”

The choreography (Allison Perhach and Devon Isaac) for this show was as impressive, if not more so, as its other aspects. The highlight of the show, dance-wise, was the Dream Ballet. An integral part of the performance, the students of Heritage astounded with their professionalism and ability. Allison Perhach (Dream Laurey), who starred in and directed the piece, was beyond astonishing. Spann, too, was remarkable, executing several complicated lifts and turns with his dance partner beyond what would normally be expected of a high schooler. Many of the characters were seen to be executing these difficult lifts and aerobatics- Will Parker, Jud Fry, and many of the ensemble.

The interactions of the ensemble were extraordinary as well. The Farmers and the Cowboys were energetic, enthusiastic, and convincing, always having fun onstage. All the members of the chorus were constantly engaged and involved, and really sold the crowded scenes like the Box Social with their energy and facial expressions.

Technical aspects of the show- from lighting to sound to set (David Bates, Seth Youngner, Jessica Rich, Garrett Hill, Melissa Lopez, and Jack Martin) went off with hardly a hitch. The lighting effects truly made many scenes, including

the Dream Ballet and the Box Social in the second act. The sets were all beautifully constructed, and though set changes seemed to lag, audience members were not left sitting awkwardly in the dark (this is what musical interludes are for!).

A musical almost 70 years in the making, Oklahoma! was just as magical in the Heritage theater as any professional production. Oklahoma! can be either “All er Nothin’,” and, undeniably, this one was an “all”, a performance straight “Out of the Dreams,” of any theater-goer or critic.

by Stephanie Davis of Paul VI Catholic High School

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Look out a state is about to be made! Out of the dreams of Rodgers and Hammerstein comes a show featuring song and dance numbers all about a territory that would one day become a state. It’s Oklahoma! Which was performed this past Friday by Heritage High School.

Based on the play Green grow the Lilacs, Oklahoma premiered on Broadway in 1943. Written by the well known team of Rodgers and Hammerstein the show is credited as being the first “book musical” which means that the book and lyrics were written before the music. The show follows the story of cowboy Curly (Brandon Spann) and his attempts to woo strong willed farm girl Laurey (Christi McCarthy). Curly eventually succeeds at winning Laurey over but not before having to fight to get her away from the clutches of the cruel but misunderstood farmhand Jud Fry (Christian Meudt). A comedic subplot follows Laurey’s friend Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson) as she works to learn how to say no to the boys that adore her and choose one of her many suitors to marry.

As Laurey, Christi McCarthy made the character her own. Her sweet soprano voice soared over the theatre and her interactions with all the cast members, particularly Curly, were superb. Playing opposite of McCarthy as Curly was Brandon Spann, whose strong comedy and charisma made Curly a character that was very easy to like. Both Spann and McCarthy’s voices blended well with the other cast members and with one another making them a believable couple.

As the loveable ditz Ado Annie, Hannah Johnson brought on laughs with her rendition of I Can’t Say No where she explains her romantic dilemmas to Laurey. Playing Annie’s unwilling fiancée Ali Hakim was Raymond Calderon who had strong energy in every scene he was in.

Playing Jud Fry was done with fervor by Christian Meudt whose powerful voice and strong characterization made the show’s antagonist’s actions and motivations understandable. Meudt could be both sympathetic and frightening at the same time as he attempted to pry Laurey away from Curly.

One of the show’s most memorable numbers was the Dream Ballet sequence featuring Allison Perhach as Dream Laurey. The scene was wonderfully choreographed by Perhach and Devon Isaac. It was also well executed by every cast member included in the number, as Laurey watched a dream version of herself being ripped away from Curly and forced to live her life with Jud.

Any technical issues were made up for by the cast’s high energy levels and strong vocals which dominated the entire show. Every song, be it a solo or a number featuring the entire cast was sung well with great crescendos and blend. With sweet melodies and likeable characters Heritage High School’s production made not only for a beautiful mornin’ but a beautiful show as well.

by Emily Kelly of Robert E. Lee High School

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Last Friday, a hoedown took place at Heritage High school in Leesburg. The energy packed cowboys and girls looked like they were having just a grand old time. Yes, Heritage’s show Oklahoma was quite a hit!

Rogers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma is a musical set in the early 1900, before Oklahoma became a state. The storyline follows the lives of a main couple, Curly the cowboy and Laurey the farm girl. The teasing lovebirds are challenged to face their own pride, as well as Laurey’s farmhand, the insidious Jud Fry. In the end, the two are married and Jud leaves the picture for good.

Heritage high school had quite the large cast with 62 performers. With so many people, it is a challenge to keep a high energy level, and everyone on tune and engaged. Heritage managed all three. The liveliness of the entire production was phenomenal, and kept the show moving from beginning to end. Each ensemble member had a definitive character and played the part, unbreakably, on the stage.

The first voice one heard when the show opened belonged to Curly (Brandon Spann) singing O What A Beautiful Morning. It was beautiful. Spann’s stage presence and animation made him an easy character to connect, sympathize, and laugh with. His performance only increased in quality as the show progressed. Laurey was played by Christi McCarthy. Her amount of voice control was phenomenal. McCarthy and Spann’s onstage chemistry made them a loveable couple. Jud Fry (Christian Meudt) was a talent. His first entrance onstage left the audience unsure of what to expect, but Meudt soon put those fears to rest. His low voice, body position, speech and most importantly, facial expression, made him the terror of the show. His tortured, greedy eyes made the audience cringe whenever he stepped on stage.

Some other characters who merit noting were Gertie Cummings (Devon Isaac), Ali Hakim (Raymond Calderon) and one of the cowboys (Kenny Kaupin). These three were the comic relief throughout the show and never failed to pull an expression or a laugh that would send the audience into stitches.

The choreography was marvelous; from line dancing to pointe, the moves where challenging and engaging. Although sometimes the dancers fell off beat, the energy and smiles made up for the temporary loss of rhythm. Oklahoma is a musical, so much of the production was sung. The songs themselves are not difficult, but add 62 people and four part harmonies and that is one difficult piece. The entire ensemble worked as a unit on diction, tempo and volume so that every song was well heard, understood and presented. The catch-song, Oklahoma, was sung with the entire cast sitting or standing, posed onstage. There was not much action as far as choreography went, but if there had been a lot of movement it would’ve detracted from the music, which was marvelous.

Heritage did an excellent job performing Oklahoma. To say that it was a good show would be an understatement. It was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, and rightly so, for the actors gave a memorable presentation.

by Catie Zadnik of Seton

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“O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, Oklahoma!” Last week, audiences were taken back to 1900 midwestern America for the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma, memorably performed by Heritage High School.

Oklahoma was the first musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein, written in 1942. It was based on a current play at the time, Green Grow The Lilacs, and was one of the first musicals to have music written based around the plot. It’s about an Oklahoma boy, Curly, striving to take his love interest, Laurie, to the box social. Along the way we meet the lovable Ado Annie and Will, along with the lonely Jud Fry.

The show opens with Curly, played well by Brandon Spann, giving an exceptional performance of Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’. He brought confidence and charm to the classic character, while maintaining the right amount of spark with his love interest, Laurie. Laurie was played by Christi McCarthy, who made the stubborn character likable, while retaining a beautiful singing voice, particularly in Many a New Day.

One unforgettable supporting character was the vivacious Ado Annie, played by Hannah Johnson. She portrayed Annie as a bubbly ditz and brought the stage to life. She was most memorable in her near-flawless performance of Can’t Say No.

Annie’s love interest, Will, was played by Tyler Schulze with great energy and a charming slowness. His band of cowboys brought a distinct and unique energy the stage in one of the most entertaining numbers of the night, Kansas City.

Other noteworthy performances were of Aunt Eller, played by Laura Wride very accurately, and Jud Fry, played by Christian Meudt, with distinct characterization. Also memorable was Allison Perhach as an impressive Dream Laurey.

The big ensemble sometimes overcrowded the stage, but made up for it by bringing so much energy and characterization to the show. The harmonizations of the group numbers were particularly impressive- as were all solo numbers. Sometimes actors sped through their lines, but only due to the great amount of energy present throughout the show.

The set, built by Jack Martin and Garrett Hill, was colorful and pleasing to the eye. Some technical errors occurred, but were very minor and didn’t detract from the quality of the show. The pit band was dressed in the era, and gave the show remarkable musical accompaniment.

Overall, Heritage did a wonderful job of taking the audience through the territories of Oklahoma!, and left us with one piece of information- The farmer and the cowman SHOULD be friends!

by Chris Sanderson of Stone Bridge

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Taken from the not-so-hot play, “Green Grows the Lilacs”, came a very successful musical. Written by composer Richard Rogers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, “Oklahoma” tells a tale about an Oklahoma Territory. With a bubbly script, and catchy music, “Oklahoma” is hard not to enjoy! Heritage High School’s production was no exception. With clear beautiful voices and high energy acting, this particular cast did a wonderful job of making a longer show thoroughly enjoyable.

Heritage hit their vocals hard. Starting off with Curly’s (Brandon Spann) clear voice singing (oh what a beautiful morning). When you thought vocals couldn’t get any better, Laurey (Christi McCarthy) hits a high note with her song “Many a new day”, literally. Although there were some microphone mishaps, overall, the many soloists were very pleasing to the ear. Especially the number “Cain’t say no” sung by Hannah Johnson who plays Ado Annie. A character that can be an overwhelming task of executing, Johnson’s character choices matched Ado Annie’s over the top personality perfectly. She and many other actors did a wonderful job of not breaking character; a few of them included Christian Meudt as Jud Fry, Raymond Calderon as Ali hakim, and of course McCarthy and Spann as Laurey and Curly. There was a special chemistry between the two that made their on-stage romance seem real. A different kind of chemistry was played off well between the farmers and the cowboys’ men ensemble. They seemed in tune to their roles, unlike some moments with the women’s ensemble. There was disconnect from time to time.

One of the strongest elements of this production was the choreography (Allison Perhach and Devon Isaac). They provided exciting and enjoyable dances. The use of the men’s athleticism to the numbers really impacted the presentation. Strong directing and choreography from Perhach made the dance ballet scene a favorite. With a strong execution in light design as well; the ballet had been one of the most enjoyable moments of the evening.

All in all, Heritage put on a fantastic production of “Oklahoma”; filled with joyous music and dances. You could feel the hope and happiness of the Oklahoma territory people; from the first chime of music from the pit band to the ending pose. Heritage has left a happy memory in their audiences mind.

by Katie Pfaff of Stone Bridge

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“Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” indeed. From the second the lights came up to the cast’s closing bows, Heritage High School’s production of “Oklahoma!” was high energy and entertaining.

“Oklahoma!” was written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, and first premiered on Broadway in 1943 -- one of the first musicals to incorporate closely knit story and songs. Set in 1906, it centers on the development of a budding romance between Curly and Laurey, two settlers out in Oklahoma territory. Meanwhile, Jud Fry, the dangerous farm hand hired by Laurey’s Aunt Eller, wants to be with Laurey, all while Laurey’s friend Ado Annie tries to work out some of the kinks in her relationships.

Brandon Spann played Curly, and had presence on stage. He sang richly and appeared comfortable in his relationship with Laurey, avoiding some of the awkwardness a romantic plot can entail for less experienced actors. Christi McCarthy made up the other half of this relationship as Laurey. Her voice was pure and soft, yet powerful when she needed it to be. She behaved frightened around Jud Fry, and rebellious around Curly, but kept her characterization feeling cohesive and consistent.

Jud Fry, played by Christian Meudt, portrayed his character’s dark, brooding tone without going over the top. He kept his character empathetic, yet threatening, by use of tonal shifts in his monologues and songs. Overall, his dramatic acting fit into his scenes appropriately. Epitomizing the lighter side of the musical was Hannah Johnson, who played Ado Annie, the gullible girl who “Can’t Say No”. Her lightness of character and energy brought the role to life, and all of her lines were backed up by her timing and physicality.

Raymond Calderon played the Peddler Man Ali Hakim, and his facial expression and obvious experience helped him to play the comedy of the character smoothly. He was entertaining and sympathetic in a role that could have otherwise been annoying. The huge ensemble for this piece was also well-handled. The harmonies provided by the ensemble were impressive, especially during the title song, “Oklahoma!” The choreography was also deserving of mention, as people weren't crashing into each other despite the stage being so crowded with ensemble members.

The set consisted of a large colorful backdrop, and a handful of large set pieces. The few set changes went smoothly, and the set as a whole fit the period. The make-up was a bit much, but worked for the most part. The orchestra played their part, and managed to keep their volume at just the right level, providing good accompaniment without being drowned out by the countless people on stage.

Overall, the production was polished and energetic. Its tone was handled well, and didn’t get out of hand, and the singing and dancing was fun to experience. All in all, Heritage High School’s “Oklahoma” was more then just “OK”.

by Anson Rutherford of Teens and Theatre Homeschool program

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The pit band starts playing, the lights dim, and the lyrics of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” echo through the audience at the commencement of Heritage High School’s performance of Oklahoma!

The musical Oklahoma! is based on Lynn Riggs’ play Green Grow the Lilacs. The musical made its Broadway debut on March 31, 1943, and later won and Academy Award in its 1955 film adaptation. The story takes place in 1906 when Oklahoma, then a territory, is on the verge of becoming a state. The theme of beginnings transcends into the plot, which involves the love life of Curly (Brandon Spann), Laurey (Christi McCarthy), Jud Fry (Christian Meudt), Will Parker (Tyler Schulze), Ado Annie (Hannah Johnson), and Ali Hakim (Raymond Calderon).

One of Oklahoma! ‘s strongest points was the outstanding singing abilities of the cast. The harmonies were spot-on during large group numbers such as “The Farmer and the Cowman,” and “Oklahoma!” Although choreography was not refined in all group numbers, the cast gave an impeccable performance in “Dream Ballet, ” led by Allison Perhach.

Brandon Spann as Curly delivered an energetic and believable performance throughout the show. Other memorable characters included the rough-façade-but-soft-hearted Jud Fry, Aunt Eller’s (Laura Wride) independent niece Laurey, played by Christi McCarthy, Hannah Johnson as the naïve, love-stricken Ado Annie, and one of her love interests Will Parker, played by Tyler Schulze. The characters had great chemistry on stage, particularly during an intense fight scene between Jud and Curly.

Raymond Calderon delivered a witty performance as Ali Hakim, whose gestures and facial expressions helped make his hilarious dialogue so well received by the audience.

The sets, designed by Jack Martin and Garrett Hill, transformed the stage back to Oklahoma in 1906. Heritage’s Pit Band was also spot-on throughout the whole show.

Overall, the cast of Heritage High School’s Oklahoma! delivered an outstanding performance that brought the audience to thunderous applause.

by Alison Branitsky of The Madeira School

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With a glimpse of a time not so long ago in America’s history when cowboys and farmhands rivaled for the hand of spirited young ladies, Heritage High School presented Oklahoma! to a thoroughly delighted audience.

The first musical written by the famous duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, Oklahoma! was a box office smash when it first appeared on Broadway in 1943. Based on the play ”Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, it tells the tale of lovers Laury and cowboy Curly, both too stubborn to admit their love for one another and divided by ominous farmhand Jud Fry, who craves marriage to Laury. Ado Annie, a flirtatious gal who “Cain’t Say No”, struggles to choose between Ali Hakim, the Persian peddler, and Will Parker, a dashing but dim cowboy. The whole town gets in on the action as these two couples fight for love and sing their hearts out along the way.

First-rate vocals dominated Heritage High School’s production of Oklahoma!, particularly Laury, played by Christi McCarthy, and Curly, played by Brandon Spann. Occasional sound troubles in the second act did not deter their voices from shining through and connecting the audience with the emotion of the narrative. While some actors struggled with clear and consistent accents, Jud Fry played by Christian Meudt executed his lines with effectively dark, brooding tones characteristic of the lonely farmer, and his doleful songs allowed the audience to feel sympathy for an uncouth character.

The use of red lighting in the first act lent a fittingly sinister tone to scenes such as the Dream Ballet, in which Allison Perhach danced Laury’s dream of being forced to marry Jud instead of Curly. Phenomenal choreography apparent in various parts of the musical came in full force here as Perhach and Spann made complex lifts and twirls appear effortless. Later, Will Parker played by Tyler Schulze also performed multiple remarkable flips of female partners, a prime example of all the male actor’s stunning commitment, energy, and effort.

Despite the large cast occasionally overwhelming the stage, particularly with the addition of an adorable but incongruous child choir, every cast member worked together throughout the production to believably react to events and convincingly portray endearing camaraderie, none so exceptionally as the cowboys. This rowdy group of boys impressed the audience from the first time they appeared on stage with their vigorous enthusiasm and robust singing.

Heritage’s colorful and merry production full of passionate actors and dazzling vocals was an outstanding achievement and the cast, crew, and wonderful accompanying student pit band should be commended for their successful endeavors.

by Hannah Wheelwright of The Madeira School

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Take a small patch of land and a few vested men and women, combined with the beautiful land of Oklahoma and you have the lovely musical Oklahoma! The musical was based on the play “Green Grow The Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, and was known for it’s quiet one man opening number, which was considered odd and unfamiliar at the time.

In the beginning, we hear the fantastic voice of Curly, played by the soft voiced and comedic expert, Brandon Spann. This actor had the complex job of playing the masculine but sensitive cowboy, and he played it well, with comedic timing that left the audience in stitches. By Curly’s side is the strong but endearing Laurey, played by the obviously musically trained Christi McCarthy. McCarthy’s voice was lovely, and kept her energy through the entire performance. Pursuing the young girl is the lonely and reclusive man, Jud, who lives in the smokehouse. The wonderfully dramatic and sympathetic Christian Meudt played Jud. Meudt played the character Jud with unabashed intensity. Every time he was on stage, the uncomfortable feeling in the theater rose immensely, making all eyes keep on him.

However, Oklahoma is nothing without humor and comedy. Enter Hannah Johnson playing the promiscuous and hilarious Ado Annie. Johnson played the ditzy and flirtatious teenager with finesse and constant energy. Never did her energy fall short of what was expected for such an energetic character. The two leading gentlemen next to Ado Annie is the endearing and loyal Will Parker and the independent and crafty Ali Hakim. Ali Hakim is played by the comedic genius Raymond Calderon, whose facial expressions brought the audience to tears. Will Parker, played by Tyler Schulze, had enormous stage presence, and kept his character constant throughout the entire performance.

While other performance songs were equally impressive, the most impressive song would have to be the Dream Ballet, specially directed by Allison Perhach. The scantily clad female dancers playing the characters who played the women from Jud’s pictures had every moment to be very awkward, but due to their complete devotion to the characters, they never seemed uncomfortable with this obvious uncomfortable scene.

The Heritage High School performed a devoted and completely into it almost the entire time. Thank you Heritage High School for a delightful performance.

by Kelsey Allison of The Madeira School

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Tonight's performance of Oklahoma! at Heritage High School was simply delightful. The talented actors over at Heritage brought the classic musical to life onstage with clear hard work and dedication to the show. With impressive use of the aisles that fully engaged the audience, and highly impressive choreography, Heritage did not disappoint in making this quite a memorable night. The cast of Oklahoma! had their audience smiling and laughing throughout the entire performance.

Oklahoma is a musical set in 1906 on Indian Territory (present day Oklahoma) right before it is accepted into the Union in 1907. It begins with a strong, clear tune sung by Curly who praises the beautiful Oklahoma morning. Throughout the show, Curly pursues the delightful Laurey, a beautiful farm girl living with her strong-minded and humorous Aunt Eller. However, the farmhand, Jud Fry, has also got his heart set on Laurey, which causes some trouble later in the show. Meanwhile promiscuous, but charming, Ado Annie has got her heart in a knot because she promises her love to many men (and isn’t afraid to sow it when someone talks “purdy” to her). Ultimately, the handsome young man, Will Parker, has good intentions for his wild Ado Annie. And as if it couldn’t get any crazier, a Persian peddler, Ali Hakim, livens up the show with his smooth conning and comical accent. Over all, Oklahoma! Is a show not to miss!

Although there were quite a few problems with the sound and lighting, the musi and dancing in the performance was cheerful well liked. The school orchestra was cleverly placed in front of the stage and it did not overpower the actors. The voices of Laurey, Curly, Jud Fry, Aunt Eller, Ado Annie, and Will Parker (played by Christi McCarthy, Brandon Spann, Christian Meudt, Laura Wride, Hannah Johnson, and Tyler Schulze) were simply captivating. Most people stayed true to his or her roles throughout the night, which was lovely to see. We also received a truly remarkable and almost professional performance from the dancers in Laurey’s dream that was quite breath taking. Every audience member could feel the emotion through Laurey’s (McCarthy) and Dream Laurey’s (Allison Perhach) facial expressions and careful dance moves. Bravo to the dancers!

Although the microphones system was temperamental throughout the night, over all, the production of Oklahoma! at Heritage High School was a very enjoyable experience. Oh, what a beautiful morning! Oh, what a beautiful show!

by Margaret Lewis of The Madeira School

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When Rodgers and Hammerstein first paired up in 1943, the result was Oklahoma! Based on Green Grow the Lilacs, a play written by Lynn Riggs in 1930, Oklahoma! was the first musical to tell a story with emotional depth, and introduced new storytelling techniques. For example, it was the first time that song and dance was used to advance the plot-line of a show and not simply be a diversion.

The show opens with Curly singing, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” as he approaches the house of Laurey and Aunt Eller. Although Curly and Laurey are clearly destined to be together, they both play hard to get a little too well. When Laurey accepts a dance invitation from Jud, the farmhand, things take a turn for the worst. Meanwhile, Will Parker wants to marry Ado Annie, who is as indecisive as possible when it comes to men; she can’t refuse them. The show ends after Laurey and Curly are married. A drunken Jud shows up and threatens Curly with a knife, but falls on it while fighting Curly. After the townspeople give a hasty trial (with a nonguilty verdict), Curly and Laurey leave on their honeymoon.

Curly and Laurey had strong voices and good chemistry. It was clear that they were in love. Ado Annie gave a fantastic performance of “Can’t Say No,” showcasing her strong voice and bubbly personality. Jud Fry was

portrayed as a lonely, desperate man whose only desire was a woman to call his own. In Laurey’s dream sequence, a ballet dancer came onstage as Laurey’s double, and gave an incredible performance. It was like watching a member of a professional dance company.

Although there were a couple awkward moments with scene changes, they didn’t take too long and didn’t detract from the pace of the show. Every person onstage was energetic, and it was clear that they were enjoying what they were doing. The costumes fit the time period, and worked very well. The sets weren’t incredibly complex, which is the way it should be. They looked good and allowed the actors space to do their job.

Heritage High School did a great job with Oklahoma! The audience was brought along an emotional roller coaster, from death and fear to love and hope. The story was moved a long by well-executed songs and good-looking choreography, and the audience fell in love once again with Oklahoma!

by Daniel Perkes of Thomas Jefferson High School

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When you think of Oklahoma you probably think of a small town with cowboys and farmhands. Well Heritage High School takes that idea and brings it to life. Oklahoma is a story about a cowboy and a farmhand with the same love interest, Laurey. And both of them will stop at nothing to get her affection. Add a few characters like Ado Annie, Ali Hakim, and Aunt Eller and you got yourselves a great show.

Heritage High took what could have easily been a romantic comedy with heavy material and brought some comedic life to it. There energy never seemed to die. Wheatear you were Curly or an ensemble member in the background. Whenever you hit the stage the audience felt the energy.

One person that really brought life to the stage was Curly(Brandon Spann). Its a tough job to open the show with a strong solo number. But Spann rose to the challenge and far beyond exceeded it. His opening number let the audience know of the warm loving feeling that this town has to offer. He really set the mood for his character of a cunning price charming type.

Two Characters I felt that brought a great comedic view to this story was Aunt Eller(Laura Wride) and Ali Hakim(Raymond Calderon). Aunt Eller smart aleck remarks at the end of every line really made you fall in love with this character. The same goes to Hakim. Him trying to weasel his way out of marriage really brought some life to this show. There were times where both characters jokes were lost due to diction but when you did hear the joke the audience roared with laughter.

Set design may have been pretty simple but very effective. It added to the very simple and small town. But when set change was came around it very long for one or two things to be changed. which often times let the audience mind wandering about. But the changes from day to night were ingenious. One light was changed to change the time of day. Which isn't big but very smart.

Which such a big cast the end number was one of the most effective ones. To have the cast sing about their there beloved state and unity was really brought the message across. Even at the end of the show this cast really had energy and it made you say "The shows over? I want more!"

by Arami McCloskey of Wakefield High School

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Most of us are familiar with the show Oklahoma! What we don't know is that at first, the successful show was, well, not successful. Based on the play "Green Grow The Lilacs" with music by Richard Rogers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and original dances by Agnes De Mille you would expect the show to have been an immediate hit, but with a cast of almost all fresh faces, it took a while for the production to become a hit. Eventually, though, it took off and there was no stopping it!

On April 1st, Heritage High School in Leesburg Virginia put on a very enjoyable performance of the hit production! The show began with Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', a simple yet breathtaking number sung by Brandon Spann (Curly). We are then introduced to Aunt Eller (Laura Wride), a fun and spunky old lady who knows everyone in town. Wride's chemistry with the entire cast was one that could not have been achieved with anyone but her. It was easy to see that she enjoyed her role.

With a cast of 20 and an ensemble of 43, the energy was definitely there, though the overcrowded stage was sometimes overwhelming to the audience and to some cast members, which you could see you in their faces. In addition to the 63 teenagers, there was a choir of 13 children. This was a very nice touch, though at times when the children were on stage, I wondered what their purpose was.

Laurey, played by Christy McCarthy, was one of the roles that stuck with me the entire show. McCarthy's voice was beautiful and I enjoyed the style of singing she picked, for it fit the production and her character very well. Another character who was outstanding and kept the show going was the peddler, Ali Hakim, played by Raymond Calderon. What was great about Calderon were his facial expressions. He knew just when and what face to make and it really added comical relief to the production.

If you ask any attendees to the show what their favorite part was, you'll probably get many different scenes, but by far the most memorable part of the show was the Dream Ballet. The silent scene was choreographed by Allison Perhach, who also played Dream Laurey. Allison's ballet was gorgeous and left the audience speechless.

The set for the production was very simple, with a house with a front porch where many of the scenes took place, an occasional smoke house for Jud, and a backdrop of a farm. Lighting was used very tastefully, helping set different moods according to what scene was going on. Costumes where also very simple, with skirts and blouses for the women and jeans and tops for the men. The simplicity of the men's costumes got in the way when trying to tell the cowmen and farmers from each other, characters who I wasn't even able to tell apart during The Farmer and the Cowman.

Heritage's production of Oklahoma! was outstanding. It showed us the greatness that high schools are capable of. Other then some sound, space and costume issues, the show was fabulous, with great voices, great dancing, and great energy.

by Carla Astudillo of Wakefield High School

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"Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain..." as Heritage High School sang their heart out.

Oklahoma! is the first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs. Set in Oklahoma Territory outside the town of Claremore in 1906, it tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. A secondary romance concerns cowboy Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée, Ado Annie, a friend of Laurey's. The original Broadway production opened on March 31, 1943. It was a box-office smash and ran for an unprecedented

2,212 performances, later enjoying award-winning revivals, national tours, foreign productions and an Academy Award-winning 1955 film adaptation. It has long been a popular choice for school and community productions.

As Curly (Brandon Spann) sang his heart out on Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' to Aunt Eller (Laura Wride) was really good. I enjoyed Brandon every time he came on stage. Laurey (Christi McCarthy) also had great vocals. They harmonized so well. Jud Fry (Christian Meudt) was so scary to me, but I liked his character. Christian played Jud really well. Adon Annie (Hannah Johnson) was funny. She also has great vocals. Especially when sang her song I Can't Say No. Will Parker (Tyler Schulze) came on strong when he walked on stage. Will and Ado Annie were the cutest couple and so had so much chemistry together. Dream Laurey (Allison Perhach) danced divinely during the dream sequence.

The set was good and so was the lighting. What bothered me the most was the big cast. I felt like there was no room to dance on stage and there was too much going on. The use of the children was cute, but sometimes they were distracting on stage. The singing was good and I liked how they harmonized a lot.

I enjoyed the show. It was very well put together. They were really on point with their singing.

by Delia Penalva of Wakefield High School

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On April 3rd, Heritage High School put on a great performance of the classic musical, Oklahoma! The show is about a close-knit small town that goes through multiple trials of love. Heritage did a great job of showing this story on Friday night.

Of course, key aspects of musicals are singing and dancing, two things that the Heritage players were great at. I was extremely impressed by the choreography that was performed. It seemed almost dangerous, causing it to be very exciting and suspenseful. The singing also blew me away. The harmony was beautiful, and the sopranos were some of the best I've ever seen.

As for individual performances, the show had very strong leads. Brandon Spann played the role of "Curly". Curly is a cowboy that has fallen in love with Laurie, but cannot show his love for her for the fear that she does not love him back. Thankfully Laurie and Curly fall in love, and eventually get married later on in the show. Spann did a great job performing this role. His singing was great and he had awesome stage presence. Laurie, played by Christi McCarthy, was a phenomenal soprano. Her high notes were extremely impressive and her onstage connection with Spann was great. Another great onstage connection was between Will Parker and Ado Annie. This couple was a lot different from Curly and Laurie. They were a lot more promiscuous and conflicting. However, their choreography was great, and they're duets as well.

This show was very well put together. I could tell that the cast had a lot of fun in the making of this production, and it was definitely worth the drive all the way from Arlington :)

by Mark Tanner of Wakefield High School

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While Ado Annie “Can’t Say No” to relationships, audience members could not say no to Heritage High School’s charming and hysterical production of Oklahoma! The technical nuances merged with directorial interpretation and the actors’ talent to create this above-average production. Though there were some problems, the overall performance was energetic and enjoyable.

Oklahoma!, Rogers and Hammerstein’s first musical, opened on Broadway on March 31, 1943, and ran for a 2,212 performances, a number of shows never before performed. The show circles around two romances: that of Curly McLain and Laurey Williams, as well as Will Parker and Ado Annie. Culminating an interesting character list and setting with a beautiful story, Oklahoma! will live on as the epitome of “Broadway Magic”. The leads provided energy and constant laughs for the audience every time they were onstage. Christi McCarthy, who played Laurey, effortlessly sang “Many a New Day” and “Out of My Dreams”, her beautiful voice accompanied by brilliant acting. She sustained her harmonies and commanded attention every moment she sang. Though her acting was somewhat simplistic, it worked with the character, provided Laurey with an extra charm. Brandon Spann, who portrayed Curly McLain, had some overall pitch issues during the show, but was hilarious and energetic nonetheless. His voice was enjoyable, as was his acting, but minor problems, such as flatting, prevented him from convincing the audience entirely. His charisma while onstage as well as his chemistry with the other characters in the show allowed for a brilliant performance. Lastly, Hannah Johnson and Christian Meudt, who played Ado Annie and Will Parker, respectively, provided extra comic relief, and more chemistry to enhance the overall performance. Johnson’s vocals matched that of McCarthy’s, unique and without errors or mistakes. Her bubbly and charismatic take on Ado Annie was a pleasure to watch.

The ensemble performed at a decent level. Though the title song, “Oklahoma!” had pitch issues, as well as rhythm issues, the ensemble kept up the energy and interacted with each other onstage. When the stage was full of ensemble members, they made their moments on stage last by provided unique moments such as skirmishes and arguments, that were a joy to watch.

Looking at the technical aspect of the show, there were some difficulties. The entire show, the volume on the leads’ microphones was much too loud. There was little feedback, which was an upside. The lighting design was simple, yet evoked the mood of the scene. The scene changes took much too long, but the set design was practical and interesting.

Overall, Heritage High School’s performance of Oklahoma! was enjoyable and interesting. The cast pushed through the mistakes and minor errors and created an almost seamless production.

by Alex Xourias of Walt Whitman High School

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From the first note of “Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’” to the last note of “Oklahoma,” the Heritage Drama’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma was wonderful. Full of both extreme energy and noteworthy vocals, this production left the audience begging for more as the lights came down at the end of the show.

Written by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Oklahoma was originally not successful, which is ironic considering it is now coined as one of musical theatre’s golden musicals. The story revolves around the relationship of Laurey and Curly. However, there is a farmhand named Jud who also wants Laurey’s affection. Additionally, the characters of the town like the flirtatious Ado Annie, the confident Will Parker and the peddler, Ali Hakim, help to create an entertaining plotline.

The ensemble in this production was one of the most amazing aspects. The large ensemble showed extremely noteworthy commitment. Not only was the ensemble devoted, but also the dancing was one of the most incredible features. Allison Perhach, who played Dream Laurey and helped to choreograph the show, had fabulous technique and passion that shined through in her excellent dancing.

Brandon Spann played Curly and he showed his wonderful stage presence from the moment he entered. His line delivery and facial expressions helped understand his character and his wonderful strong vocals shined. However, the most memorable part of Spann’s character portrayal was his chemistry with Christi McCarthy, who played

Laurey. As soon as they sang together, their relationship developed quickly and by the end of the show, the audience was rooting for them more and more.

Hannah Johnson, who played Ado Annie, was energetic and strong in her portrayal of this fun-loving and wacky girl. Her voice was strong and her character choices were bold. Her relationship with Tyler Schulze, who played Will Parker, was entertaining and hysterical. Schulze’s commitment and confidence during several dance numbers was wonderful. Raymond Calderon, who played Ali Hakim, also added to the show with his dry line delivery and great timing.

One of the most memorable technical aspects of the show was the lighting. The lighting design by Jessica Rich was effective and emphasized the different atmosphere of each different scene. The lighting in the Dream Ballet was one of the most well directed lighting design scenes in the show. The changes from the dancing with Curley to the dancing with Jud shined through in the lighting and that was an excellent addition to the show.

Heritage Drama’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma was a fun-filled and toe tapping show that had the audience latching onto the cast’s every word. Every second of the show was fantastic and the actors played their parts with confidence and dedication as they sang and dance this unforgettable show.

by Emily Madden of Walt Whitman High School

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Where can you find corn as high as an elephant's high? Not in Kansas you wont! Heritage School's production of Oklahoma was an adroit and emotional feat of song and dance.sjagieIn a small town in the state of you-know-where, the action focuses around the relationship between the benevolent, strong Curly (Brandon Spann) and the innocent, cautious Laurey (Christi McCarthy). However, their romance is threatened by the wrath of the hulking Jud, whose obsessive jealousy for Laurey's heart poses a threat to both of their lives. Opening in 1943, Oklahoma won raves and ran for over two thousand performances. A quintessential theater piece, the show established the term "book musical" in the first collaboration of the legendary lyricist and composer Rodgers and Hammerstein. The concept of cohesive songs and dancing fluidly weaved into the show's plotline has been used in most productions since.

In the spectacular finale of the first act, Laurey’s dream sequence carried a heavy impact. The extensive number, depicted in a series of continuous short vignettes, was set in a nightmare of Laurey’s involving her relationship with Curly and her interfering fear of Jud’s violent wrath. As “Dream Laurey", Allison Perhach's complex choreography was executed gracefully with many difficult jetés and lifts while conveying emotions through facial expressions and hand motions. With no words, the physical acting of the cast members left the audience gripping to the arms of their seats in suspense.

As the menacing Jud, Christian Meudt's flexible performance was a commanding force. The nuances of the character as not only a malignant being, but as a melancholy and detached one were thoroughly revealed, evident in the piece "Pore Jud". Spann and McCarthy's chemistry was among the finest of the night. In Oklahoma's trademark song "People Will Say We're in Love", his mature voice and her lilting soprano blended well.

The show was hallmarked by the vocal abilities of the cast which were not simply restricted to the leads. The each and every member of the ensemble was always on pitch, produced competent harmonies, and projected well.

Also noteworthy was the apparent camaraderie and energy of the group of cowboys. Remaining in character by reacting to all of the actions of the others, they also not only sang through all of their male harmonies, but danced in sync with the difficult choreography involving jumps and splits in the air.

Although the use of children in the scenes prompted many "aww"s from the audience, they often became detrimental in their attempt to properly focus on the show's action, and crowded the stage.

The set of a blue country house (Jack Martin, Garrett Hill, David Bates) along with a few bales of hay was simple yet effective. Other technical aspects of the rendering, including lighting and the presence of the orchestra above ground were smoothly operated and not distracting.

Heritage High School's production of Oklahoma was a pleasing experience and a fabulous demonstration of the cast's skill.

by Keno Katsuda of Walt Whitman High School

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The orchestra starts to play and the audience is brought to 1906 Oklahoma, where the cowboys ride wild with their horses and where the farmers diligently work in the fields. The performers of Heritage High School make the audience experience the countryside as they put on their version of musical Oklahoma.

Oklahoma!, which opened in Broadway in 1943, was a box-office hit that ran for 2,212 performances, later enjoying award-winning revivals, national tours, foreign productions and an Academy Award-winning 1955 film adaptation. It is set in Oklahoma Territory, outside the town of Claremore in 1906 and is based on 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs, by Lynn Riggs. The musical revolves around the story of cowboy Curly and his romance with farm girl Laurey. Oklahoma! is the first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.

The consistency of energy shown by the large ensemble was what held the show together. While performing vibrant and emotional dance and song numbers, the ensemble made the setting of Oklahoma more believable and made the audience feel every feeling and mood of the story.

Christi McCarthy gave an outstanding performance as the delightful protagonist Laurey. Performing “Many a New Day” and “Out of my Dreams”, she showed off her terrific vocal skills, hitting all the emotional notes her character required. With her prominent facial-expressions and clear dialogue delivery, McCarthy definitely transformed from a teenage high school student to a quirky farm girl from Oklahoma.

Playing the smooth and charming Curly was Brandon Spann. Singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ ” and “The Surrey with a Fringe on Top”, Brandon was excellent in displaying the endearing aspects of his character. With perfect timing and intonation, he delivered his lines expertly making the audience laugh and enjoy his reactions and expressions. Acting in love in a show like Oklahoma is something very challenging to do and takes someone who has skill to truly pull it off and succeed. The teamwork of Brandon and Christi was incredible and enabled them to convince and make the audience believe that they were the cowboy and the farm girl.

Ado Annie, who was played by Hannah Johnson, was one of the most amusing characters in the show. Showing her marvelous vocal ability when singing “I Can’t Say No”, Hannah was very entertaining to watch every time she was on the stage, all perky and flirtatious. She did a superb job showing Ado Annie’s strong desire for men, which made her perfect for the role.

It was a delightful performance from the ensemble. The cowboys and farmers were very fun to watch when they were dancing and singing in synchronization during “Kansas City”. Allison Perhach displayed outstanding ballet technique in the Dream Ballet scene as she danced on her toes with such elegance and emotion.

The cast of Heritage High School entertained the audience and made them enjoy Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain and the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet. Heritage High School truly showed the exciting romance that occurred between lovers in the countryside and the people around them.

by Paulina Reyes of Walt Whitman High School

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When “Oklahoma” first appeared on Broadway in 1943, it took a while for audiences to warm up to its unusual style as a book musical (a musical where the songs and dances are fully integrated into a well-made story) and the opening that is sung by one person rather than the entire cast. However, this was not the case at Heritage High School’s production last weekend. As soon as the orchestra finished their solid performance of the difficult overture, the audience burst into a well-deserved round of applause and cheering. This enthusiasm continued throughout the night as the cast and crew maintained their talent, passion, and well-timed jokes.

“Oklahoma,” which is the first musical collaboration of Rodgers and Hammerstein, tells the amusing and enchanting love story of Laurey Williams (Christi McCarthy) and Curly McLain (Brandon Spann), set in Oklahoma territory in 1906. McCarthy’s beautiful voice and charming portrayal of a Southern Belle demanded attention and perfectly complimented Spann’s interpretation of the funny but lovable cowhand, Curly. Both leads maintained their accents and had wonderful performances throughout the grueling show. The incredible ease and chemistry in which the two performers interacted created a believable and moving love story.

The entire cast maintained a high level of energy throughout the performance, despite demanding dance numbers and difficult harmonies. Laurey’s dream ballet sequence displayed an outrageous and impressive amount of athleticism and talent through challenging lifts and complicated routines. Allison Perhach’s extraordinary performance as Dream Laurey was awe-inspiring and moving through her beautiful dance moves and wonderfully communicative facial expressions. The meanings and motivations behind the two Laureys’ unspoken emotions throughout the dream sequence were very clear and easily understood.

Hannah Johnson was hilarious as the flirtatious Ado Annie, and had the audience in stitches during her performance of “I Can’t Say No.” Tyler Schulze was charming and lovable as Will Parker, a suitor interested in Ado Annie, and Raymond Calderon added to the hilarity as Ali Hakim, a peddler who unwittingly enters a love triangle with Ado Annie and Will Parker. All three captured attention with their solid performances, and demonstrated a strong grasp of their characters.

The technical side of the show was impressive as well. With few microphone problems in the first act and fairly quick set changes, the tech elements went smoothly and helped move the show along. The props and the set itself were very well put together, with a beautiful Oklahoma backdrop and impressive props that were in keeping with the setting and time period.

Although a few actors dropped their accents and there were a couple of microphone problems in the second act, the show went well and definitely earned the raucous applause that came with the curtain call. The individual talents of each of the principles were complemented wonderfully by the ensemble’s enthusiasm and made Heritage High School’s production of “Oklahoma” enjoyable and very entertaining.

by Simone Levine of Walt Whitman High School

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Oklahoma!Heritage High School

While everything may be up to date in Kansas City, Heritage High School chose to keep with tradition as they brought a packed auditorium back more than a century for their production of the American classic, “Oklahoma!”

As the first musical by the legendary duo of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II, Oklahoma! was based in the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs. It opened on Broadway on March 31, 1943 and has since become one of history’s best-loved American musicals. It follows the story of Curly, a rancher, as he tries to woo the simple farm girl Laurey and take her to the box social dance. Meanwhile, Will Parker returns from Kansas City, fifty dollars in hand, hoping that he can finally impress Ado Annie’s father and ask for her hand in marriage. Disastrously, Annie has fallen for traveling salesman Ali Hakim and can’t decide who she loves more.

Brandon Spann’s honest yet entertaining portrayal of Curly was charming as he tried to win Laurey’s affections. Played by Christy McCarthy, Laurey is the classic amiable, farm girl who stubbornly refuses to admit her feelings for Curly. The chemistry between Spann and McCarthy was convincing, as their characters fell in love before the audience’s eyes. Shining moments include their duet “People Will Say We’re in Love” and in their marriage during the second act.

Spann and McCarthly were hardly the only shining starts in this strong cast. An elaborate ensemble and cast of supporting characters kept the audience entertained! Raymond Calderon was an enjoyable Ali Hakim, the hapless traveling salesman trapped in Ado Annie’s web of confused emotions. Calderon projected high energy from start to finish, refusing to break character when his microphone fell off, he compensated by projecting his voice throughout the theater. Both Hakim and Ado Annie, played by Hannah Johnson kept the audience in stitches from start to finish.

The real standout performer in the show was Allison Perhach, a dancer who both choreographed and performed as Dream Laurey for the “Dream Ballet” at the end of the first act. She gracefully portrayed Laurey and wordlessly conveyed the details of her dream.

While there were some technical problems such as the erratic volume of the microphones, creative lighting effects were used to effectively add a somewhat eerie tone to “Pore Jud” and differentiate between the early morning opening to the show and the evening box social.

Heritage High School put on a charming performance of a classic musical that said you’re doin’ fine Oklahoma, Oklahoma, OK!

by Abby Picard of Westfield High School