Royal Oak High School Drama Presents Oklahoma Nov 14-16
(RO Schools Press Release, Nov. 3, 2014)
Royal Oak High School Drama Club Oklahoma! Opens Friday November 14 at 7PM
Student Preview on Thursday November 13th at 7PM
Public Invited for three shows; Friday November 14th at 7PM, Saturday November 15th at 7PM and Sunday November 16th at 2PM
The critically acclaimed Royal Oak Drama Club will perform the beloved and classic musical Oklahoma! November 14 – 16 in the Royal Oak High School auditorium. The production is directed by Ed Nahhat (Water Works Theater) and Brittany Ward. Both are graduates of Royal Oak High 
Schools.
Based on Lynn Riggs play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” Oklahoma! was the first collaboration of the award-winning team of Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book & lyrics), earning them the Pulitzer Prize in 1944. Though many thought it would be a flop since it lacked big stars and gags, Oklahoma! premiered in 1943 and broke all box-office records, running on Broadway for an unprecedented five years and nine months (2,248 performances) before touring to 71 cities. It was the first musical to have its entire score recorded, thus creating the original cast album.
“Our Oklahoma! is full of excellent singing, superior dancing, awesome rope work and a hilarious good time for everyone,” said ROHS Drama Coach Ed Nahhat. Set against the backdrop of farming and ranching in Oklahoma around 1900, this Rogers & Hammerstein collaboration is full of fun, 
music and romance and features popular songs that have become American standards such as “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With The Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re In Love” and, of course, the rousing title song.
The cast and crew features over 70 Royal Oak High School students; from actors, dancers, singers and student leaders working back stage on set construction, lights, sound, props, and publicity. Oklahoma! stars Kristina Samborski as Laurey Williams, Mike Miller and Curley McLain, Jarod Clark as Will Parker, Kara Barbieri as “Ado” Annie Carnes, Grace Holcomb as Aunt Eller and Deryk Nagengast as Jud Fry. Student Stage Manager is Sydney Nyla McMillan.
Nahhat emphasized that every aspect of the show is run by students, and that many students also design parts of the show. “We have award-winning professionals coach the students though rehearsals”, he explained. “But this Drama Club prides itself on turning the live performances over to student leadership.” The vocals are directed by ROHS Choral Director Deborah Buffa, the Orchestra is led by ROHS Orchestra Teacher David Jensen with additional directing assistance provided by ROHS grad Brittany Ward and combat and dialect coaching by theatre professional and Royal Oak resident Frannie Shepherd Bates.
Tickets are $10 for Adults and $5 for students at the door. Reserved tickets are available NOW at www.rodrama.com for $11 Adults and $6 students.