CHS Proudly Presents Oklahoma Tuesday, October 11, 2011 By Sophomore Joe Pratt The poster for Oklahoma! that can be found around town in local businesses and can be seen on Walnut street here in town. - Derek Williams Advertising Last fall, the Cameron High School Drama Department presented the musical, Rags to Riches. This year Cameron High School looks to duplicate their success in the musical Oklahoma. Director Mr. Derek Williams said, “The musical is Rogers and Hammerstein’s first collaboration, which is a big claims to fame. It is about the turn of the century, right before Oklahoma becomes a state. It’s three different love stories: the couple that has always loved each other since there were little kids, the couple where the girl is a little fickle, and the couple who would have a shotgun wedding. It’s funny and goofy with a little bit serious mixed in.” Mr. Williams said, “I chose to do Oklahoma this year, because I felt like with the kids we have this year, it fit our group pretty well. We haven't done a true classic musical for several years, so I thought it would be nice to mix it up since we always try to keep things new and fresh and that [Oklahoma] was our best option.” Senior Matt Duncan plays Curly McLain, a cowboy who is trying to win the love of a girl named Laurey. Matt said, “I think it is going to be a really good play. We have a lot of talent this year. The attitude is better than it has been in other years as well.” Seniors aren’t the only ones thinking the play will be good this year. Even though freshmen have never had the chance to be involved before, they are still enjoying the experiences on stage. Freshman Jordan Studyvin, an understudy for a tall creepy character named Judd, said, “The musical is really going well. It’s been fun going to practices.” Although the cast is having a great time at practice, there is still a plethora of work done. “So far it’s been doing well. Of course there is much of work to be done. There are many new challenges. We are down to a single director and there are a lot of kids, especially younger kids who don’t realize what is ahead of them. There are a ton of people who love this show and know the songs and characters, so there is a little more pressure on the kids. They can’t get away with some of the mistakes we have in the past, because no one knew the show. Now people will know [if they make a mistake],” said Mr. Williams. The performance nights of Oklahoma are November 18-19 at Goodrich Auditorium at 7pm (doors open at 6pm) and all tickets are just $5. Cameron High School looks forward to making this musical as great as others in years past. The community and student body alike are anticipating the performance of this widely known musical.

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