Classic musical plays on campus

By KELLY HARAMIS
Collegian Arts Writer

The musical Oklahoma! is a classic American production that often graces stages of all levels --from small high school auditoriums to lavish Broadway theaters. And for several members involved with the Penn State Thespian's production of the musical this weekend, this is not their first experience with this particular show.

Allison Green was an extra that sang and danced in her high school's rendition of Oklahoma!. That is exactly the reason why she (freshman-elementary education) was that much more excited when cast as Laurey, the lead in the Thespians' presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!.

The Thespians will perform the traditional musical, based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs, by Agnes De Mille, at 8 p.m. today in Schwab Auditorium. The 22 cast members have been making an effort in order to impress their audiences, and have been practicing for four hours every Sunday through Thursday for the last few weeks. The Thespians practiced in various places on campus, from the Pollock piano lounge to empty classrooms in one of the other University buildings.

Last Thursday, the Thespians brightened up a desolate classroom in the Walker Building as Green's mellifluous voice floated down the hall in harmony with her fellow cast members in the many musical numbers they practiced.

The actors cleared the center of the floor, which they used as their stage, and sat against the wall waiting for their cues and watching the others emerge into character.

Those not on stage applauded enthusiastically at the end of each and every song and dance. The small group of actors smiled, laughed and seemed to share a common bond that made their performance click.

"I really enjoyed working with a small cast, you get to know everyone -- it was fun," Green said.

Working with a small and friendly cast is just what director Amy Alleman wanted when she applied for the job.

"Fresh, clean and simple," is Alleman's motto for the show. She (senior-theatre) was also an Oklahoma! extra that sang and danced in her high school's production of the American classic.

For Thespians, Alleman tried to cast new faces and took the basic approach of letting the actors convey their natural expressions of their roles in the play. Alleman said the actors knew what to do and the scenes all fell into place, so she preferred to let them go.

But Alleman is also striving for professionalism from the cast, and is also taking the needs of the audience to heart.

"I hope if the audience had a bad day . . . that they will walk away, feeling better and happier," she said.

Oklahoma! will also be performed 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. tomorrow in the Schwab Auditorium.