Oklahoma
at Sun Valley High School

Reviewed on March 19, 2022

Aiden Kaliner
Harriton High School
Submitted for publication to WordPress Site and Cappies Page

Hidden underneath the beautiful mornin' sunshine are bubbling tensions, conflict, and secrecy. Sun Valley High School's production of Oklahoma! encapsulated the western prairie life quite phenomenally.

Written by the Golden Age duo, Rodgers and Hammerstein, in 1943, Oklahoma! is widely regarded as one of the most significant musical theatre pieces for revolutionizing the art form itself. Set in the early twentieth century, before the Oklahoma territory became a state, the musical revolves around the story of the complicated romance between Laurey, a farm girl, and Curly, a cowboy. The plot thickens with conflict, courtship, and even perilous murder.

The cast of Sun Valley's production transported audiences straight to the farmland. With consistent and accurate southern accents, the leading and supporting actors were a joy to watch. Furthermore, the ensemble of dancers, most notably in the "Dream Ballet," was astonishing and utilized their strong skills to accelerate the story. The ensemble, as a whole, sang through the classic score brilliantly. Their beautiful harmonies throughout the musical were pleasant.

Seamus McGroary was utterly captivating as Curly, leading the show with poise and talent. His performance, anchored in strong vocals and brilliant acting choices, enchanted audiences, specifically with his entrance of "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'." McGroary's charming demeanor played beautifully off of Ella Peterson's stubborn Laurey. McGroary and Peterson's growing chemistry was lovable, heartwarming, and genuine.

Kerra Johnson's incredible portrayal of Ado Annie must be commended. Her show-stopping number, "I Cain't Say No," set the tone perfectly for the rest of her performance. Johnson's stage presence brought lively energy and comedic relief to the production. Alec Cianci (Jud Fry) masterfully portrayed Curly's foil. His terrifying and jaded acting choices, enhanced by his spot-on accent, added to the building suspense. Kayden Mariorine (Will Parker) entertained audiences with his dashing charm and humorous deliveries. The hilarious duo of Maiorine and Johnson was a stand-out aspect of the production.

The Sun Valley Stage Crew efficiently moved the set after each scene. The changes were quick and barely noticeable. Additionally, the Sun Valley Lobby Team, in charge of decorating the lobby to reflect 1900s Oklahoma, set the mood perfectly before walking into the theater. Although the lighting, designed by Gavin Closs, Emily Nguyen, and Dior Sy, left some actors in the dark when using the spotlight during the first act, the designers seemed to have improved during the second act.

Sun Valley High School's Oklahoma! had audiences humming classic tunes while displaying the timeliness of yearning for love.

Anna Fattizzo
Upper Darby School District
Submitted for publication to WordPress Site and Cappies Page

Most people are somewhat familiar with the foot-tapping fun of Oklahoma! Sun Valley High School's production of Oklahoma! captured both the joy of the musical itself and the joy of seeing remarkable high school theatre!

Based on the 1931 play by Lynn Riggs titled Green Grown the Lilacs, Oklahoma! was the first work of legendary musical theatre duo Rodgers and Hammerstein. The Broadway production premiered in 1943 and the musical has since seen many successful rivals. Set in 1906 before Oklahoma became a state, the plot centers around the courtship of farm girl, Laurey Williams. Laurey finds herself conflicted between the cowboy protagonist Curley McLain and the foreboding farmhand Jud Fry.

Oklahoma is considered a classic and the students of Sun Valley High School did it justice. The cast captured the spirit of the show all while delivering strong vocals and crisp choreography. The students were equally adept at capturing both the lighthearted moments of the show in high-energy numbers such as "Oklahoma", as well as portraying the more serious themes in contemplative numbers like "Out of my Dreams" The absolute standout from the production was the Dream Ballet. The dance ensemble delivered a layered performance that was both poetic and engaging to watch.

Curly is characterized as charming and devoted to Laurey, and Seamus McGroary's take on Curly was spot on. McGroary's voice was impressive as he skillfully crooned famous numbers like "The Surrey with the Fringe on the Top" Additionally, McGroary was a fabulous scene partner to Ella Peterson's Laurey. McGroary and Peterson worked very well together balancing the comical banter between the couple and the more tender and intimate moments.

The supporting cast also delivered memorable performances. Kerra Johnson's Ado Annie delivered a show-stopping rendition of "I Cain't Say No" Johnson's voice was clear and powerful and the physicality she used during her performance made it all the more enjoyable. Ado Annie's love interest, Will Parker, portrayed by Kayden Maiorine also delivered a highly energetic and comical performance.

Although few, the student done technical elements of the production were well executed. Microphone cues and levels were mainly on point except for a few errors in the second act. The lighting though polished, at times, could have been better used to illuminate the entire cast's faces more clearly. The crew did remarkably well with smooth transitions of large set pieces.

Sun Valley's take on the great Rogers and Hammerstein classic was impressive. Both lead actors and the ensemble delivered a show full of energy, dancing, and ultimately fun. Sun Valley's truly dynamic production of Oklahoma once again reminded me of how great it is to see live theatre!

Sam Bailey
Harriton High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies Page

Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain / And the actors don't dally in the performance at Sun Valley / With a production that is sure to entertain!

Oklahoma!, based on Lynn Riggs' play, Green Grow the Lilacs, is the first musical by duo Rodgers and Hammerstein. It is a tale that can resonate with modern audiences due to surprisingly feminist themes, despite the era in which it was written and the occasional outdated lyric or remark; Laurey is an independent young woman, being courted by two men, neither of whom seem especially desirable to her from the beginning. Since its smashing debut in 1943, Oklahoma! has been a popular choice for school and community productions, for the themes develop and progress as the years go on.

Sun Valley High School Theater's production of the Golden Age musical did not shy away from the grimmer ideas, without abandoning essential levity and, of course, soaring musical numbers. The performers, all showing off impressive accent work and distinct characterization, acted as an ensemble to produce the mighty musical with grandeur.

From his first entrance, a slow gate through the audience, (Curley) Seamus McGroary was a charismatic leading man. His charm and witty line delivery made his eventual romance with Ella Peterson's Laurey credible. The pair had excellent chemistry, adorably awkward in all the right moments but evident in their passion.

Alec Cianci's interpretation of the dangerous Jud Fry was legitimately unnerving. His limbering walk paired with a constantly fidgeting hand made for a completely unpredictable character; the audience could never be sure when he would inevitably snap. Kerra Johnson was a scene-stealer as Ado Annie, a girl who simply "cain't say no." Her comedic delivery felt fresh and original, and her vocals were perfection in her quintessential song. Ado Annie had not one but two potential love interests in the musical: Kayden Maiorine and Jose Martinez as Will Parker and Ali Hakim respectively. Both were undeniably hilarious, offering the audience a distraction from otherwise disturbing plot events. Caitlin Riley was able to show off her virtuosic grace and skill in the beautiful act one finale, "Dream Ballet."

Sun Valley's production was enhanced by crisp and professional sound design by Adrianna Campini, Hailey Hoffman, and Hannah Wissinger. A certain gunshot effect, at the hands of Cianci's Jud Fry, inspired real gasps of terror from the audience. Additionally, the lighting, designed by Gavia Closs, Emily Nguyan, and Dior Sy, transformed the stage, not simply into the American west, but into a beautiful, fantastical musical mirror of society.

Oklahoma is a grand and difficult musical to produce well, but Sun Valley High School succeeded in every element exceptionally. Oh, what a beautiful production!

Pauline Hartman
Archmere Academy
Submitted for publication to Cappies Page

Western accents? Cowboy boots? Neighborhood farmhand rivalries? What other show could it be besides Roger and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!? And "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin", or rather evening, it was to see the stupendous cast of Sun Valley High School take on this Golden Age classic!

Originally opening on Broadway in 1943, Oklahoma! was the great duo of Roger and Hammerstein's first musical. Set in Oklahoma Territory in 1906, the show follows Laurey Williams and her courtship with two different men, Curly and Judd. Cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Judd Fry have an intense rivalry over who will take Laurey to the box social and ultimately marry her. Oklahoma! shaped musical theater as we know it today, integrating songs and dance numbers that not only assisted in shaping the plot but added to the complexity of a story-line.

Sun Valley's leads shined brightly as they not only took on difficult singing and acting, but incorporated an Oklahoma dialect into each word they said. In particular, Seamus McGroary as Curly brought the house down, especially through his gorgeous vocals that encapsulated his love for Laurey and his vivid range of emotions that portrayed his hatred for Judd or his friendship with Aunt Eller. Leading lady Laurey played by Ella Peterson took on such a demanding vocal role with ease, showcasing her lovely soprano voice through songs like "Many a New Day" and brought to life her true feelings for Curly in their lovely duet "People Will Say We're In Love".

The supporting cast made the performance an even more spectacular one. Alec Cianci, who portrayed Judd Fry, had an excellent range for this complex character, able to fluctuate between his love for Laurey, hatred for Curly, and overall anger for the world. Actress Kerra Johnson who played Ado Annie had the audience roaring with laughter and simultaneously in awe at her vocals in her hilarious song "I Cain't Say No!" Complimenting Johnson was her love interest Will Parker played by Kayden Maiorine. Maiorine's desperate love for Ado Annie and his tremendous comedic timing showcased his excellent range.

Scene Three's "Dream Sequence" demonstrated the very talented Dancer Ensemble. From classical ballet to ragtime, the lengthy dance number brought to life the complex feelings Laurey had for Curly and Judd. Specifically, Caitlin Riley, who played Laurey in the dance sequence, was an excellent ballerina with immense talent. Not only was her dancing beautiful and graceful but her body language also personified every emotion Laurey feeling before the number.

With difficult light cues, especially in the Dream Sequence, the Lighting team did an excellent job of highlighting the beauty of the show. While the spotlights sometimes only followed one person on stage and darkened everyone else on stage, these issues were resolved by Act II.

Sun Valley High School's performance of Oklahoma! did much more than do the classic justice; the cast and crew illuminated the community connections and the importance of love and friendship in the early 20th century American West.