MCC PRESENTS OKLAHOMA

The Murray County Central Theater cast and crew are slated to present “Oklahoma!” at 7 p.m. on November 8 and 9, as well as 2 p.m. on November 10, in the high school auditorium.

“Oklahoma!” is a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical set in the early 1900s on the American frontier. The story follows the romance between Curly, a cowboy, and Laurey, a farm girl, as they navigate love, jealousy and the challenges of their tight-knit community. With memorable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Oklahoma!” captures the spirit of a young America, blending humor, heart and drama. The timeless musical celebrates the triumph of love and the pioneering spirit of the West.

Director Isaac Harms said they have a younger cast and crew this year but that they are doing fabulous. About 40 students help with the production. “You will see about 25 students on stage as actors, with the others helping out on the production end of the musical, doing lights, sound, orchestra, stage crew and set painting,” he said. “It’s going to be a spectacular show and an entertaining experience for the entire family.”

Auditions for the musical took place during the first week of school and the first practice began the second week of school. Harms’ wife, Kristen, is serving as assistant director again this year. “Practices are going well,” Isaac Harms said. “We’ve enjoyed working with the kids again this. It’s always a fun time of year doing the musical.”

This will be the first time Harms has directed “Oklahoma!” but he participated in the musical on the very same stage when he was in high school years ago.

It’s likely that a lot of others in the area took part in the production or were in the audience back then as well. Either way, the Harms encourage people to show their support for the theater program. “Invite your friends out on the town and come support our young, local talent here at MCC,” he said. “We have some future stars in the making for sure!”

Sophomore Logan Stoel portrays Curly McLain, a charming, confident cowboy who falls in love with Laurey. “His playful nature masks his deep feeling for her, and he’s determined to win her heart despite obstacles,” Harms said.

Freshman Annie Scandrett is cast as Laurey Williams, a strong-willed farm girl who is torn between her affections for Curly and her fear of vulnerability. She struggles to admit her feelings and is pursued by both Curly and the menacing Jud, who is portrayed by senior Carson Engelkes. “Fry is a brooding, misunderstood farmhand who harbors dark feelings for Laurey,” Harms said. “His jealousy and isolation make him a threatening presence in the story.”

Senior Sophie Nelson is cast as Aunt Eller, Laurey’s wise and tough aunt, who serves as a stabilizing force in the community. She offers both practical advice and comic relief, keeping the peace between the younger characters, Harms said. Senior Agasi Nelson plays the role of Ado Annie Carnes, a fun-loving, flirtatious girl who can’t seem to decide between her suitors, Will Parker and Ali Hakim. Harms explained that the young woman’s humorous indecisiveness adds a lighthearted touch to the story.

The two biggest challenges in pulling off a successful production like “Oklahoma!” have been learning the dialect and all the dances. “This musical has some dialect that makes it a bit hard to read and pronounce, but our performers are doing a great job and having fun with their accents,” Harms said. “Learning the dances always takes up the most time, but the audience will love the toe tapping, boot stomping thrill within ‘Oklahoma!’” Harms predicts that the songs will really stand out for audience members while watching the classic show. “There are a variety of upbeat songs that involve quite a bit of dancing and choreography,” he said. “Songs like ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,’ ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top,’ ‘Kansas City,’ and of course, ‘Oklahoma’ are always crowd favorites.”

Ticket prices are $7 for adults and $5 for students. Activity passes will also be accepted.