NCHS Drama Department Presents Classic Musical ‘Oklahoma’

One of America's most beloved musicals is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and the Natrona County High School Drama Department is celebrating by presenting their production of "Oklahoma" at the John F. Welsh Auditorium.

"Oklahoma", the story of farm girl Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and a sinister a farmhand Jud Fry, first opened on Broadway in 1943. It was the first collaboration between composer Richard Rogers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II, and was a huge box-office hit.

Audiences at the current NCHS production will be treated to many familiar favorite musical numbers including "Surrey With The Fringe On Top", "Oklahoma", and "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning", among many others.

"It's got some great songs and it's got a great story, and it's hilariously funny for being 75 years old, " said Director and NCHS Drama Teacher Zach Schneider. " Nobody can match Oscar Hammerstein with great lyrics."

Schneider said between the cast, crew, and orchestra there are more than 80 students involved with the production. They've dealt with a lot to get the show on the boards including illness and a major snowstorm, but it's all part of the learning process.

"I mean we've had so many obstacles thrown up against us and these kids have pulled together a really special show," said Schneider.  "This is the power of theatre for the kids, it teaches them how to work on something that's bigger than themselves, to overcome adversity and to strive for excellence and boy, these kids surely have done that."

"Oklahoma" at Natrona County High School runs through March 16th at 7:00pm, Thursday and Friday March 21st-22nd at 7:00pm, and Saturday March 23rd at 2:00pm at the John. F. Welsh Auditorium. Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased at the NCHS main office, at www.nchs.booktix.com or at the door.