Oklahoma
at Laura Secord Secondary

Reviewed on February 21, 2014

Austin White
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School
Submitted for publication to

Take us back to 1906 Midwest America and what do you have? Charismatic cowboys, talkative town girls, a Persian peddler, and a story about young love, dark times, and a simpler life. It's not easy to take a historical play like Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and do an upbeat rendition of a play that is known for its somewhat dark plot; however, Laura Secord Secondary School did a remarkable job in doing just that!

On Thursday, Laura Secord opened its doors to the public for their production of Oklahoma!, a Broadway classic that first opened on March 31st, 1943. It hasn't been performed in the area in over 30 years. A cast of 41 came together to form a powerful comeback.

It's a story about Curly (Joel Lewczynski) and Laurey (Elissa Rastegar), a ranch hand and a farm girl that are both too stubborn to admit their love for one another, causing Laurey to attend the box social with an obsessive, vindictive man, Jud Fry (Scott Robinson). As events unfold, the Oklahoma territory becomes chaotic and restless with young lovers, overprotective men, and dance numbers that will make you grin from ear to ear.

Lewczynski and Rastegar came together with the perfect balance of tension and romantic chemistry to bring their characters through the trials and tribulations of love in old western times.

With energetic, dynamic, and delightful voices, the cast delivered a performance that engaged the audience. It was characters like the flirtatious and fickle, Ado Annie (Alix Boyd); the eccentric and comical, Ali Hakim (Mason Vail); and dedicated and loving, Will Parker, (Chris Lortie); that made the play enjoyable and the audience high spirited.

The strong voices were matched by an impeccable live orchestra. Although overpowering at times, the music was precise and met every queue with ease. The combination of powerful voices and an exceptional orchestra made songs like the comical, "It's a Scandal! It's an Outrage!" and "Oklahoma", toe tapping and loveable.

If it wasn't the impressive lighting techniques that matched the mood, or the windmill that continuously turned, there was always something to admire. All sets were designed by students in set design classes at the secondary school. The detail on the rustic barn, cozy farmhouse, and turning windmill were splendid, and made it feel as if the audience was back in 1906 on the wide open Oklahoma territory.

It isn't until the end of the play that the message comes to light by the well-played, and outspoken Aunt Eller, played by the talented, Catherine Teichman. She reminds the audience that even through the darkest times, we must be tough. A statement that was relevant in 1943, and just as relevant in today's society.

Laura Secord's production of Oklahoma! was captivating and inspiring. With the help of an impeccable orchestra, energetic cast, and admirable set, they brought light to a classic, and gave it an exceptional comeback.

Helena Ma
Lakeshore Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to

The ability to transform a much lauded musical first performed on Broadway in 1943 to one that contemporary audiences can enjoy is definitely a challenge. Thankfully, Laura Secord Secondary School was up to the task.

This past weekend they brought Rodgers & Hammerstein's Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winning Oklahoma! to their stage and did not disappoint.

The opening instrumental number performed by the Laura Secord Orchestra showed the talent this all-student ensemble possessed as they transported the audience to the simpler era of turn of the century rural mid-west punctuated further by the simple sets and costume styling.

Moments in, the audience became aware of the vocal quality possessed by the main actors. Leading male Curly, played by Joel Lewczynski, was intriguing from his opening note. Following suit, Aunt Eller, (Catherine Teichman) joined in on the singing with a clear and authentic voice. Then Elissa Rastegar in the role of Laurey took to the stage and sang with a natural ease as her vibrato complimented her sweet but strong persona.

Midwest accents were flawless. The bonds and strains between characters were clearly conveyed. As more characters were introduced it became evident that the entire cast would not disappoint. Chris Lortie, who played Will Parker, had great stage presence and shared with the audience his uncanny ability to dance like it was 1906.

Ado Annie (Alix Boyd) brought a comical high energy to the production. Her voice was unique and befitting of the quintessential flirty girl who can't say no. Adding to the comic relief was Mason Vail portraying peddler Ali Hakim who brought levity to this story of love triangles, demands and expectations.

As the first act progressed, we were given a more revealing glimpse into Jud Fry (Scott Robinson). His character was, on the surface, cold and almost unapproachable. When Robinson broke into song his deep, powerful voice fit his foreboding character in the best way possible hinting at the darkness to come.

The supporting cast had great talent as well. Laurey's friends sang with beautiful harmonies that sent chills through the audience and Curly's boys lively hoedown style brought incredible energy further conveyed by their animated expressions.

Both added to the authentic feeling of the musical and kept the audience engaged. The first act closed with a surprisingly dark dream sequence brought to life with creative use of lighting. A twisted dance number that had Jud and Laurey in close contact made the audience bemused and a little anxious as to just what was going to happen next.

The second act built on the strengths of the first. The story line progressed at a good if not at times quick pace and tied everything together nicely. The number "Oklahoma" brought the entire cast together with their collective voices harmonizing wonderfully. In a time of smart phones and social media Laura Secord risked not connecting with today's audiences but it paid off as Oklahoma! was far more than OK!

Lauren Emberson
Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School
Submitted for publication to

Although first produced in 1943 this lil' ol' Western play, Oklahoma!, has become a relevant coming of age tale once again. With multiple love triangles, charismatic cowboys, flirtatious farmers, and even a Persian peddler, Laura Secord Secondary School's director Tracy Thorpe stays true to the origins and the era of the play. Not only does it follow old Western tradition, but it revives the story with modern stereotypes and relatable emotions.

The audience was immediately engaged, particularly by the story of a smitten Curly played by Joel Lewczynski and a stubborn Laurey played by Elissa Rastegar. Their unconventional love story captured viewers from the opening scene and managed to keep the audience on their toes, especially when Laurey became involved with the hired hand, Jud Fry, played by Scott Robinson. The plot became even more intriguing when Laurey's best friend, Ado Annie, played by Alix Boyd, was forced to choose between her cowboy lover Will Parker (Chris Lortie) and a sweet talking Persian peddler Ali Hakim (Mason Vail). With just the right expression and timing, the stage presence of the reluctant Ali Hakim was exceptional in producing comic relief in such a dark tale.

Despite a large cast of 41 all being choreographed, all actors managed to look candid. From the consistent accents, to the boys' hands in their belts, the Western folk integrated well into a modern take on the historic narrative. As every member of the cast or chorus reacted, character development became natural and acting grew more and more sincere as the play progressed.

Along with the acting, all music and dance numbers fit into the dialogue with smooth transition. Although the music volume was overpowering at times, the orchestra, conducted by Dave Sisler, never missed a beat and the cast met their cues seamlessly.

Lighting cues followed the tone of the play and emotions of the characters, all while mimicking the natural light of the setting. Noah Rastegar and his team enhanced the mood of the play very subtly, but very effectively. The technology crew emphasized the hair and makeup, lead by Alex Hill and Asia Sharp, to create a natural look.

The lighting showcased the talent, but also the set. Not only aesthetically pleasing, but interactive, creative, and versatile. The Stage Design classes were able to create an inviting atmosphere that fi the needs of the scenes.

Oklahoma! was brought back to life in a modern production of an old Western coming of age story. The balance between tragedy and comedy was enough to keep y'all intrigued for almost three hours. Including a cleverly layered plot, expert timing, and on point acting, this high school musical exceeded expectations and is guaranteed to keep future audiences on their toes, and on their feet.