Hold on tight…because Wilton High School Theater is about to blow you away!
The classic musical, Oklahoma!, recipient of multiple awards, including a Pulitzer Prize, will be presented May 15-17 at WHS’ Clune Center for the Arts. A cast and crew of more than 75 talented and dedicated individuals have devoted much of their lives over the last few months preparing for this spectacular show.
Directing the spring musical this year for the first time is Chris Kozlowski, a 2008 graduate of Wilton High School. Chris was heavily involved with theater in high school, as well as with football and lacrosse. “I cherish my experience with Wilton High theater,” Chris reflects. “Directing this show certainly evokes a feeling of nostalgia, but it is undeniably rewarding to be giving back to the program that gave me so much. It feels great to come full circle and convey the things I’ve learned in all my years of acting to a fresh group of students.”
As always, the sets, costumes and lighting are beyond magnificent, and will be sure to transport audiences back to the Old West with their authenticity. Kozlowski emphasizes, “It’s vital to mention how great the cast has been this year in terms of their energy, focus and dedication to the production. In addition to working hard at rehearsal, we also require they fulfill at least 5 hours of tech work (set building, painting etc).” This production will move you, humor you, and impress you to the point that you’ll forget you’re not watching paid professionals, but high school students!
The first musical ever written by the infamous duo of Rogers and Hammerstein, Oklahoma! debuted on Broadway in 1943, and held the record for the longest running musical for 15 years. The story is set in the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the century when cattlemen and farmers were fighting over fences and water rights. In the middle of that controversy are two romantic rivalries. One between a cowboy called Curley and a hired hand named Jud, both of whom are in love with Laurey. The second involves Ado Annie, Will and Ali Hakim, a trio that will provide plenty of laughs.
The show was subsequently made into a major motion picture, and has had numerous Broadway revivals and national tours both here and abroad. Oklahoma! helped set the stage for the American musical as we know it today, and was also the first musical to have its entire score recorded, thus creating the original cast album. It would be challenging to find anyone who isn’t familiar with the music, which includes “Surrey With The Fringe On Top,” “People Will Say We’re In Love,” “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “I Cain’t Say No,” and “Oklahoma!” In addition to a great score and wonderful script, Oklahoma! also features extensive, intricate dance scenes. The impressive student dancers will dazzle you with everything from ballet to square dancing!
The WHS production of Oklahoma! will run at The Clune Center for the Performing Arts, Thursday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, May 16 at 8:00 p.m.; and Saturday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m.. For Tickets: Call 203.834.4844 or email whstix@wilton.k12.ct.us. Remaining tickets will be available at the door.