Oh, What a Beautiful…

                   Musical

Oklahoma, performed by two distinctively dynamic casts and presented by the Sayville High School Drama and Music Departments, gave audiences a “wonderful feeling” with powerful singing, accomplished acting, and splendid dancing every night.

The story:

The moment Curly enters the spotlight and sings Oh, What a Beautiful Morning, the simple story of young love among rural folk in the Oklahoma territory begins with unbounded optimism.

Cowboy Curly McClain loves farm girl Laurey Williams. While their magnetism is obvious to all (People Will Say We’re in Love), both fear being first to declare their true affections, which leads to teasing (Surrey With the Fringe on Top) and misunderstandings (Many a New Day).

 The performance:

• Playing Cowboy Curly McClain for one night’s performance, Doug Kenny smoothly adapted his expert musical skills from orchestra to center stage as the lead.  In the same role for three nights, Harrison Schenkel orchestrated his invigorating voice and acted like a seasoned master of musical theatre.

• As Laurey Williams, Christina Jackson gave her performance like “a bright golden haze on the meadow,” full of sweet music and playful energy that toyed with Curly’s heart, while Alexis Minogue, gifted with a coloratura as magnificent as “the wind sweepin down the plains,” portrayed the stalwart frontier woman with a enduring love for her man.

The story:

Matriarch Aunt Eller, a spitfire as tough as leather, holds the reins when it comes to common sense and encourages Curly to woo Laurey. Unfortunately, the menacing farmhand, Jud Fry, grown weary of living in his Lonely Room, has become obsessed with Laurey and has trouble on his mind. When Curly fails to dissuade Jud in Poor Jud is Dead, Jud, like a dangerous rattlesnake, reacts with sinister intent.

The performance:

• Maintaining full control of her character and voice, Deanna Lumley completely embodied the vigorous Aunt Eller, a tough old lady with a heart of gold and a real head on her shoulders, while Amanda Rizzo was uplifting in voice and energy as a wise Aunt Eller weathering the territorial winds of change.
• The seasoned James Harlin was dark and ominous, using his rich baritone to enhance his portrayal of Jud Fry. Also as Jud, newcomer to the High School stage Andrew Campbell unleashed his powerful baritone with frightening effect, foreshadowing the descent of his character.

The story:

Among the inhabitants of the Oklahoma territory who provide comic relief, there is the well-traveled (at least to Kansas City) Will Parker who has sampled enough of the world to know his heart belongs in Oklahoma with the indecisive, (I Cain’t Say No) Ado Annie Carnes. Her ever-straying heart has roamed to vagabond peddler Ali Hakim (It’s a Scandal), whose fear of marriage is second only to his fear of shotguns. Touting a shotgun, Andrew Carnes, Ado Annie’s father and local judge, is aiming to settle his daughter in marriage.

The performance:

• The spritely Miles Whittaker displayed comic presence and proved light on his feet as naïve cowpoke Will Parker. Reprising the role for three nights, well-rounded Kenneth Murray not only kicked up his experienced dancer’s heels as Will, he sang and acted with the confidence and ability of someone born for the stage.
• Dithering Ado Annie, portrayed by the always versatile Kassandra Golka, was simultaneously silly about men and sly about marriage. Willowy Mary Carrado played to Ado Annie’s quirkiness with an impressive “spin.”
• As Ali Hakim, engaging Matthew Iovino was smarmy and slick, while Michael Miller showed comic finesse as the smooth talking peddler.
• As the overbearing Andrew Carnes, Will Schadt stood tall and strong with his great timing and booming voice.
• There was no mistaking Gertie Cummings and her outrageous laugh, thanks to the startling cackles of both Kayleigh Brennan and Georgia Grant.

The story:

The ensuing plot is enhanced by unforgettable songs (Out of My Dreams, The Farmer and the Cowman, and Oklahoma!)  which made it a box-office smash on Broadway, and later an award-winning movie.

The performance:

• The entertaining choreography throughout the production included an impressive “Dream Ballet” that showcased the High School’s remarkable dancers. “Laurey” in the ballet was performed by either the accomplished Casey Jarvis or the amazing Aline Koinoglou with the nightly “triple threat talent” of Kenneth Murray as “Curly.” (During certain performances of All Er Nothin, Ken Murray as Will Parker briefly partnered with his sister Valerie Murray as “first girl” in a pleasing dance number.)

While Sayville High school’s tradition of double casting has doubled the opportunity for many students, it made coordinating the production much more complicated, “the result is near panic!,” as stated in the program notes by Mr. Hailey. With thirty-five rehearsals involving more than 100 performers for the double casts constantly interrupted by snow days, winter break, conflicts with sports, SCMEA rehearsals, and dance competitions, as well as college interviews, it was a wonder the curtains opened on time. Special thanks go to Mr. Steve Hailey, who has for more than 30 years found faith in our Sayville students to pull it all together for show time.

Additional thanks and congratulations go to everyone whose orchestra-pit or backstage talents contributed to this Music and Theatre Departments’ production, including but not limited to, Musical Director Fred Diekmann; Orchestra Conductor Peter DeSalvo and his student musicians;Sound Supervisor Andy Giammalvo and his crew; Technical Supervisor Ken Van Essendelft, along with Construction Manager Michael Forsberg (assisted by Joe Cook, Michael Kennedy, and Dan Anderson); Artistic Supervision by Taylor Takats; Prop Manager Samantha Litter; House Manager Andrea DeVenuto; Choreographers Penny Hough, Irene Kent, and South Shore Dance Studio for space and equipment; Lighting Manager Gary Leigh-Manuell with assistant Daniel Koehler; Costume Supervision by Aline Koinoglou; and Makeup, Prop, and Costume assistance from Mrs. Donna Hailey.

“You’re doin’ fine indeed!” Congratulations to all for another fine musical production that was certainly more than just OK!