Oklahoma! at East High School

Theater: East High School
Show: Oklahoma!
Seen: February 29, 2008
Reviewer: Rosa Hargrove

Bright lights fill a stage, while a backdrop shows a vast expanse of cornfields and blue skies. A strapping cowboy begins to sing, “Oh, what a beautiful mornin’…” It can only be the beginning of East High’s Oklahoma!, one of the most popular musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Curly McLain is a young, stubborn cowboy who’s in love with Laurey Williams, but both are too proud to show it. Unfortunately, the unsettling farmhand Jud Fry is interested in Laurey as well. Other cowboys are having trouble with romance too; Will Parker is upset that his girlfriend, Ado Annie, won’t stop romancing other men, particularly the peddler, Ali Hakim.

East High School’s cast was exuberant and fun. The success of the show is easily attributed to the obvious chemistry and talent from the entire cast.

Danielle Zelinsky gave a wonderful performance as Laurey. Her sassy, stubborn character commanded the stage and her clear, luminous voice shined on songs such as “Many A New Day.” Stephen Schroth’s Curly McLain was a swaggering cowboy whose chemistry with Laurey was obvious in songs such as “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Ryan Wallace played Jud Fry’s dark persona skillfully, making him appear not only unnerving, but also conflicted due to his inability to have relationships.

As Ado Annie, Ashley Hard brought a ditzy charm to the cast, while Dan Dorff was hilarious in his role as Ali Hakim. His effortless wit, pained expressions, and entire persona (down to his garish plaid sport coat), seemed to garner laughter. Chris Brown’s portrayal of Will Parker, a bumbling cowboy, was enjoyable, and he held his own dancing with the other cowboys during “Kansas City.”

The set, with the bright lighting and backdrop of cornfields, felt authentically rural and cheerful, much like the entire musical. However, the smokehouse that Jud lives in was appropriately gloomy and claustrophobic. Scene changes were seamless, thanks to the skilled stage crew.

With authentic performances and amazing chemistry, East High School’s production of Oklahoma! was a fun foray into small-town life.

by Rosa Hargrove of Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School