A classic but exciting love tale set in the Oklahoma territory with no shortage of lighthearted moments, that is just a short summary of the story that our drama students will be telling in their upcoming musical. Our drama students’ new musical, “Oklahoma!”, will encompass classic themes told in familiar settings mixed with the highs and lows of great, crushing love, with a touch of comedy. The musical will take place at the Liberty High School’s auditorium on April 9-11, from 7-9 p.m.
Ellie Force (11), an actress in “Oklahoma!”, went into greater detail about the story that they would be telling in their upcoming musical.
“Oklahoma is a great musical about a small town in the territory of Oklahoma surrounding a girl named Laurey Williams that is in love with a cowboy named Curly McClain and a farmhand named Jud Fry,” Force said.” The whole story is about the process of who Laurey is choosing and how all the people are planning to run their state.”
Sophia Otto (10), an actress in “Oklahoma!”, also expounded on the story that they would be illustrating.
“‘Oklahoma!’ is a classic, golden-age musical about love and community with a side of comedy,” Otto said.
Additionally, this musical at Liberty is all student-run, which means that students direct the performers, and coordinate all of the technical effects and mechanisms, and build the entire set, under the guidance of director, Mrs. Melissa Gehrke. There are over 90 students in the cast and crew for “Oklahoma!”
Hayli Cranmer (12), Co-Student Technical Director of Liberty’s Performing Arts Program, indicated why it was so special that this musical was all student-led.
“As a student technical director, it’s really fun for our program to be student-run because all of us in leadership actually get to give a lot of input and opinions on ideas for the show,” Cranmer said.
Force expressed why it was significant that this musical was all student-led too.
“Having ‘Oklahoma!’ being all student-run makes its outcome so much more meaningful because all of us put so much work into every little detail of this show,” Force said.
“Oklahoma!” can also have a great impact on students because they are able to visualize and listen to a story that is playing right out before them that carries a meaningful message. And then they can go and apply that message to things that are relevant in their own life today and reflect on their own actions and relationships.
Otto further conveyed the impact that this musical would have on Liberty students.
Ellie Force (11), an actress in “Oklahoma!”, also communicated why students and staff should come and see this musical in particular.
“People should come to see ‘Oklahoma!’ because it is truly a classic, loved show, and we would love to see our community come and support us!” Force said.
What’s more is that students can spread the word about this musical through many different ways like talking about it with others, making posters and/or announcements in class, reposting links on social media, etc.
Louis Stoyanov (12), Co-Student Technical Director of Liberty’s Performing Arts Program, articulated how students could spread the word about “Oklahoma!” as well.
“They can talk about it or repost us on @drama.liberty on Instagram,” Stoyanov said.
Otto added that students should tune in one the drama team’s Instagram during show week.
“Tune in on @DramaLiberty during show week, we will be doing some Instagram takeovers featuring actors and tech,” Otto said. “We will be answering questions and showing you all the backstage magic that goes into the show.”
