Oklahoma!

Growing up I watched a lot of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals- one that always stuck out in my mind was Oklahoma! I loved it, the sweeping music and I found Gordon McRae to be so handsome.

In 2003, I saw the Playmill production of Oklahoma and it was perfection. I was in college at the time studying to be a Theatre teacher and so I filed the show away to direct sometime in the future.

When I started at Hunter, I wanted to direct Oklahoma, but I had to wait for the right kids. (Whenever I direct a show, the first thing I consider is what is the best fit for the kids.) Last March I was talking with my music director and I was thinking about what may be a good fit. I was thinking about the kids and I realized that this would be the year for Oklahoma! I quickly asked my colleagues and they were excited with the idea- and it just felt right. Whenever I pick a show, I have to have a moment where I just feel like it's right. I spend so much time on the show, so much time with it on my mind, it stays with me for a few months- it has to be right.

 

Anyway, I think it's appropriate that I am finally doing one of my favorite shows in my 10th year of teaching.

 

It was interesting- when I told friends and family that I was directing Oklahoma, the reaction was quite mixed. I either got- "Yay! I love that show!" or "I hate that show." So I silently made it my personal goal to appeal to both of those types of people. And even if they still don't like the storyline, my hope is that they will enjoy my production.

I often get asked which show I direct is my favorite and I always say the one I'm working on. Which is true. And right now I am in love with this show. But there has been something so gratifying about working on a show that I've wanted to do for so long.

Casting this show was difficult. Not for reasons you may think- it was because I had too many talented kids. I was excited for the cast but also truly heartbroken for those who wouldn't get what they wanted. But, I was humbled and surprised at how the kids reacted. Of course there was dissapointment, but they accepted my choices and supported them and have gone above and beyond to be leaders in other ways. I am blown away. My students are some of the most incredible individuals on the planet.



 

Right now, my life is incredibly stressful. With grad school, teaching directing and hard times in my personal life, it has been hard. However, I can't help but be in awe of what I get to do. It is amazing to go through the process of directing a show with the kids. To see them grow, to see them grow up, to be a part of that process. Anyway, this show in particular has been an utter joy. My cast is so kind, sweet, hard working and talented. The show is beautiful. I am so excited to present it.



It's good to have a reminder that amidst all the craziness that I need to pause and be grateful for this moment. So, if you can- come see the show. It's beautiful and everything I wanted it to be.