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Mid Valley H.S. to stage “Oklahoma!” next weekend
Around Town
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April 1, 2016
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by Christopher Cornell
ADVANTAGE EDITOR
The Mid Valley Drama Club, under the direction of 30-year veteran Patricia Powell, will present Rogers and Hammerstein’s enduring musical Oklahoma! next weekend. Oklahoma!, set in the Oklahoma territory just after the turn of the 20th century, follows the loves and conflicts of the cowmen and the farmers who settled that region. The original Broadway production ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances and was adapted into an Oscar-winning 1955 film. Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II won a special Pulitzer Prize for it in 1944. “I chose the Oklahoma! with my students in mind,” Powell said. “The group that I have this year works well for the show’s ensemble requirements. It has room for many wonderful actors and vocalists.” For example, there’s senior Nicolo Manzo. Oklahoma! will be Manzo’s 10th musical with the Mid Valley Drama Club. “He began working with me when I recruited him from the elementary center,” Powell said. “He was only 7 years old when he played Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol. He was as cute as a button then, and he has grown up to be a highly respected member of the Mid Valley family.” Manzo had roles in South Pacific, The Sound of Music, Oliver, The Dress Rehearsal, Once Upon a Mattress, War Bonds, Legally Blonde and Fiddler on the Roof. In addition to his work with the club, Nicolo is also president of his senior class, president of the drama club, editor-in-chief of Mid Valley’s newspaper, was named student of the month and is a member of the National Honor Society and the student council. He will play the lead role of Curly opposite senior Beca Chieffallo as Laurey. Senior Charlene Hartman will portray the fun-loving Ado Annie; her suitors Will Parker and Ali Hakim will be played by junior Dylan Tackley and sophomore Nick Borgacci,
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The cast includes, from left, seated: Chloe Stoffey, Natalie Vasileff, Devan Raniello and Beca Chieffallo. Standing: Dylan Tackley, Nick Borgacci, John Lasewicz, Justin Kucharski, Jordan Kucharski, Nicolo Manzo, Charlene Hartman and Nikohl North-Mozda.
respectively. Justin Kucharski, a junior, will play Judge Carnes, Ado Annie’s worried father. The role of taciturn farmhand Jud will be played by junior Devan Raniello, and wise Aunt Eller will be played by Nikki North-Mozda, a sophomore. The ensemble will include other students from grades seven to 12, including Gianna Manzo, Jordan Kucharski, Natalie Vasileff, John Lasewicz, Jack Romeo, Damien Chmielewski, Ginger Hill, Anthony Giovagnoli, Jake Donlin, David Slachtish, Michael Fedorka, Marissa Bennici, Keri Adolfson, Mallory deQuevedo, Jessica Kasper, Liz DePew, Kayleigh DePew, Melody Tonart, Samantha Kostage, Samantha Evanina, Noelle Arcaro, Viktoria Meehan, Samantha Reid, Sydney Kobesky, Chloe Stoffey and Marlena Raniello. Students Marty Monahan, Brandon Rodriguez, Angel Ortiz and Mateo Lopez will be part of the orchestra. The cast will be supported by the technical direction of senior Skye Wood on sound and senior
Courtney Comonie on lights. Ginger Hill will serve as stage manager. Powell will be assisted by music director Linda Orseck and choreographer Kelley Dougherty. As at most schools in the area, the biggest challenge to any dramatic production is working around the students’ hectic schedules. “All of our students work part-time jobs, and they participate in many extra-curricular activities. ” Another challenge involved some footsore chorus men. “Oklahoma! has a lot of dance; getting the cowboy-boot-wearing boys to be light on their feet is a challenge,” Powell said. “Luckily, we have some hard-working guys with good senses of humor.” The show will be presented Friday and Saturday, April 8 and 9, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium, 52 Underwood Road in Throop. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased in advanced at the high school or at the door.