Newbury Park “cain’t say no” to Oklahoma!
On Sept. 8 – 12, the community gathered for the highly anticipated NPHS fall musical that rode in on a shiny little surrey. Oklahoma set the evening off with beautiful southern skies and lead performances by Darwin Rowland, Allie Mohlenitzky, and Chloe Scacheri. The show wowed audiences with its innovative set design and orchestra, setting a new standard for productions to come. NPHS will be putting on the spring play, The Crucible, at a later date next semester.
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A-yip-i-o-e-ay! – The cast of NPHS’ “Oklahoma!” performs the title track of the musical. Charlotte Oliver, senior, is a member of the technical theater program. She has been participating in the program for four years, and was the head stage manager of the production, “Oklahoma has been a long but rewarding process, I’ve been able to see the progress being made day by day at each rehearsal”, Oliver said.
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Jud is “ded”! – Senior Dominic Folino portrayed the role of Jud Fry, the villain of the show. Folino has been participating in theater since his sophomore year, and has grown within the community. “It is a community, it is a family, it is a home. During productions it can be a stressful time with a lot of uncertainty, so it’s crucial for us to be helping one another,” Folino said.
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We’re in love! – Darwin Rowland, sophomore, acted as the leading male role, Curly McLain. Rowland has been interested in theater since kindergarten, but no role could prepare him for the preparation needed for Oklahoma, “I’m not a huge dancer […] So when I had to lift Brooklyn it was scary […] The first time we did a lift was probably a month and a half before the show,” Rowland said.
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All er nothin’ – Brooklyn Mohelnitzky, freshman, has started her NPHS theater career with a bang! Being a lead soloist dancer, Brooklyn was able to truly showcase her skills, while also forming new friendships.. “Performing on stage is such an amazing feeling, so being able to do that with all of my friends has made this a perfect first musical for me!” Brooklyn said.
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Out of her dreams – Marilyn Strange, NPHS’ theater teacher, directed the musical. It was one of the first shows she ever wanted to put on, and was finally able to actualize it ten years later. After working with the cast, they were able to successfully bring her vision to life. “There is something magical about theater. You can rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, you think you have an amazing show, then you put it in front of an audience, and that show completely changes. And it did,” Strange said.
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OK! – Allie Mohelnitzky, senior, starred in the show as Laurie, the leading female role. Mohelnitzky has been doing theater since her freshman year, starting as a freshman in online zoom classes. Oklahoma! was a roaring success and a great way to start her senior year. “The enthusiastic applause I heard backstage as the overture finished was a sound and feeling I will never forget!,” Allie said.
