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Homecoming musical Oklahoma! hits the stage

As part of the school’s homecoming festivities, Oklahoma Christian University students are performing Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” this weekend. The musical was first performed in 1943 and has been a staple in Oklahoma and across the country ever since.

Set outside Claremore, OK in 1906, “Oklahoma!” follows the life of a farm girl, Laurey Williams, and her romance, which develops between her and two rival suitors, Curly McLain and Jud Fry.

“At first, I had no idea there was an Oklahoma musical and had no expectations, good or bad,” senior Jack Smith said. “But after learning the show and seeing the full of it, it is an awesome theme and serves its purpose in celebrating Oklahoma heritage. Although the show’s plot does not necessarily represent Oklahoma—rather the Wild West—the song ‘Oklahoma’ definitely represents Oklahoma.”

The show contains a number of classic songs, such as ‘Oklahoma,’ ‘The Surrey with the Fringe on Top’ and ‘Kansas City.’

“My favorite song in the show is ‘The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,’ but I don’t sing that one,” Smith said. “I do enjoy singing ‘Oklahoma’—it is just really nice to sing all the harmonies together with the rest of the cast. After the performance, I hope the audience is thoroughly entertained and can hum the melodies.”

According to Smith, getting all the harmonies to come together is one thing, but making sure the scenes run fluidly together is the hardest part.

“Scenes tend to be isolated because of the way we rehearse but when combining, it is difficult to see and put into practice how they flow together,” Smith said. “I really enjoy being a part of this show and am honored to have gotten the chance to do so. Everyone has worked with diligence in creating a great ‘Oklahoma!’ show. If the audience walks away laughing, then I have done my job.”

Junior cast member Elizabeth Killough said she hopes “the audience leaves the show feeling refreshed and feeling the joy that comes through the camaraderie of living and work together, despite differences.”

Killough said she believes they have successfully accomplished the difficult task of performing “Oklahoma!” with all its history and contributions, not only to Broadway but also to the state of Oklahoma.

“The hardest part of the show has been the legacy of the show itself,” Killough said. “To perform a classic like ‘Oklahoma!’ in the state of Oklahoma is a lofty task that I believe we have accomplished. The show has something for everyone from fights, unity, love and humor.”

The show will be in Hardeman Auditorium tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending the musical can purchase tickets from the box office from 3-6 p.m. or right before each showing.

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