Brandon Twp.- Brittany Ward watches as Brian Andrus lifts Scout Crowell above his head on stage during a rehearsal for ‘Oklahoma!?
Crowell is balanced with arms outstretched and Andrus holds her in the air for a few moments. While the two students look fairly comfortable now, Ward, the musical’s director, notes it took perhaps a dozen tries before they nailed the move when rehearsals first began for the Brandon High School production of ‘Oklahoma!? which will be performed March 11-13 at the Performing Arts Center, 1025 S. Ortonville Road.
Lifts and throws in the dance-heavy production were practiced first and Ward is at ease with her students? abilities, even having recent experience with the real drama of theater. As she sits down to discuss ‘Oklahoma!? her first production at BHS as a first-year choir teacher in the district, she reveals she suffered a mild concussion two days prior while rehearsing for a production she has a role in.
‘I was being carried off the stage after my character died and they dropped me on my head,? she says with a rueful smile. ‘These things happen.?
The mishap hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm in the slightest and she is excited to be teaching and directing a cast of 24 BHS students.
‘The kids are really talented,? she said. ‘It makes the job easier and they are passionate and dedicated to theater, which is most important.?
Ward replaces long-time BHS musical director and choir teacher Debbie Sebetic, who retired last year. While this is her first teaching position, Ward has coached drama at Royal Oak High School for the past four years. She has a degree in music education and literature from Adrian College.
‘Oklahoma!? was an easy selection for her first BHS production, as Ward directed the popular musical last year in Royal Oak, and was able to borrow costumes from there. She was also loaned costumes and set pieces from Oakland University.
The musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein is set in 1906 in Oklahoma territory and features feuding cowboys and farmers as well as a love story between Curly McLain, a cowboy, and Laurey Williams, billed as ‘an independent young woman.? A secondary love story involves Ado Annie and Will Parker.
There are eight musical numbers, including the title song, as well as ‘Oh what a beautiful mornin?? and ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top.?
Erin Wolfert, who plays Ado Annie, sings ‘I Cain’t Say No,? which epitomizes her character.
‘She loves being the center of attention and wants all the guys,? Wolfert said. ‘She’s very flirtatious and friendly.?
The sophomore, who also had a role in the musical ‘Cats,? said she wanted the role of Ado Annie because she thought it would be a stretch for her since she is not flirtatious and friendly ‘that way.? The musical benefits from vocal lessons Wolfert has taken for the past several years. She believes those who attend the BHS production of ‘Oklahoma!? will enjoy the humor.
Andrus, who plays Curly, agreed.
‘I think audiences will like the setting and the music and the atmosphere and will find it relatable in one way or another,? he said. ‘My character fits my personality? he’s never serious, always messing around, easy-going.?
Andrus found another challenge in the musical besides the lifts and throws? his first stage kisses, with two different actresses, one of which he has known since kindergarten.
‘It was weird,? he said, but added they ‘are getting used to it.?
When the musical arrives on stage in a few weeks, Andrus hopes ‘Oklahoma!? will transport audiences.
‘I like musicals because they take people away from their regular life,? he said. ‘It helps people forget about their problems. Singing takes me away from regular life, too.?
‘Oklahoma!? will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on March 11 and 12, with a 2:30 p.m. performance on March 13, all at the BHS PAC, 1025 S. Ortonville Road. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 for adults, with tickets available in the BHS PAC lobby from 3-6 p.m., March 7-10, or at the door.
Reserved seating and performances will start on time, don’t be late. Details: 248-627-1820.