The lights turn on and the stage is set as the audience is immersed in a field of corn stalks and blue sky. As the music begins with “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” the audience settles in further for the Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) production of Oklahoma!
As an annual tradition now, AAA’s Sylvan Chorale, with additional cast and crew, delighted the audience with the rollicking but meaningful production of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Many of the musical numbers were familiar classics, and people could be heard humming the tune throughout the crowd.
The immense amount of work and dedication is owed to Melia Williams, director of Sylvan Chorale and Oklahoma! She explains that musical education is necessary and the Oklahoma! shows how the arts exemplify real life and capture the heart of human nature.
Lauren Ziegele, AAA senior and Oklahoma! cast member, explains that, although the play is a comedy, it comments about societal class distinctions. “Sometimes we focus on things that make us different, but really we have so much in common," she says. "Our differences should not keep us from getting along.”
Oklahoma! was a Pulitzer prize-winning production in 1944 and continues to grace various stages including AAA. Its themes of tolerance and love are needed in today’s turbulent times.
Stephanie Case, AAA senior, playing the part of Aunt Eller, notes that, although the play was not produced flawlessly, it was fun and memorable for each cast member. “When you hear the gasps, the laughter, you become part of the story," she says. "It is very rewarding to see the audience become a part of it.”
Audience members were drawn into Claremore, Oklahoma Territory, in 1906 watching Laurey Williams (played by Heidi Kissinger, AAA senior) decide between love and social obligation. There are several characters surrounding their love story including the scary and sinister character Jud Fry, performed by Keagan Griffin, AAA sophomore, who seeks Laurey for his own.
Each student individualized their characters and the stage was alight with their interpretations as Ziegele laughingly explains: “There’s a lot of sass in this play. Like a lot. You don’t realize it until they’ve sunk in, but then you’re like, that was a good line!”
The “sass” was evident, especially through AAA senior Sally Tonkin’s character, who is constantly distracted by a variety of men and cannot decide whom to love. “Garrett [Wolverton] and I knew our characters well and could interact based on that," Tonkin explains.
Wolverton, AAA freshman, played Will Parker. “It was really fun working with Sally," Wolverton says. "She and I have similar personalities and could somewhat identify with our characters.”
Tonkin adds, “My favorite part was doing it with Sylvan, my family.”
The show's immense amount of work and dedication is owed to Melia Williams, Sylvan Chorale and Oklahoma! director. She explains musical education is necessary and Oklahoma! shows how the arts exemplify real life and capture the heart of human nature.
Another year, another play and another evening ended on a high note for Auburn Adventist Academy as audience members went away singing, “Oh, what a beautiful day … .”
Oklahoma! was a Pulitzer prize-winning production in 1944 and continues to grace various stages including AAA.
Auburn Adventist Academy students with the Sylvan Chorale put on a musical performance in the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma!
Audience members were drawn into early 20th-century Claremore, Oklahoma Territory, to watch Laurey Williams, played by Heidi Kissinger, AAA senior, decide between love and social obligation.
