Emilie Kushner
Senior Editor
Strap on your dancing shoes and mosey on down to Middle America for the new spring musical, “Oklahoma!”, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Set in Oklahoma Territory in 1906, “Oklahoma!” tells the love story of cowboy Curly McLain, played by senior Andrew Gruseke, and his relationship with farmer Laurey Williams, played by senior Ali Rusch. Cast member junior Emma Urban, described the play as, “A comedy that has a very dark side to it as well.”
With past performances such as “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” and “Sweet Charity”, the theatre department has often opted for less mainstream productions. “We usually do some more unique, less-well known musicals, so it’s really cool to be a part of one of America’s most renowned and classic musicals,” Ali said.
For seniors Katayoun Amir-Aslani, Olivia Canning, Tyler Giggi, Andrew Gruseke, Olivia Marcus and Ali Rusch, “Oklahoma!” is not just a story of love, but one of bittersweet endings. This spring musical will be their last high school production.
Assistant choreographer Olivia Canning will be wrapping up a four-year journey with the drama department. “I’ve been in theatre since the beginning of my freshman year,” she said. “So I think it’s every senior’s hope that this will be a great last show.”
While “Oklahoma!” will be the last NCHS Drama performance for the seniors, many will be continuing their passion in college. “I’ll be studying acting at NYU, so this may be my last musical for a while,” Ali said. “This is my fifth and final production here, so I’m really proud of this show and I’ll miss NCHS theatre very much!”
Andrew, who has been part of ten productions with the NCHS’ drama department, will be continuing his theatrical career through college by double majoring in theatre next year at Bucknell University. “Through the Arts Merit Scholarship, Bucknell has given me the opportunity to perform and study in my [next]four years,” he said.
According to drama department chair Dee Alexander, while graduating high school is already bittersweet, leaving such a tight knit program has proved even more so. “The kids that go the distance and make it to the end of the year with this final musical are the kids that love this program and that found a family in this program,” she said.
Photos by Mary Bar
