Toe Tapping Triumph
Oklahoma! Dazzles with Classic Charm and Energy
The stage of the Poppenga Gymnasium at Delavan High School came alive this past weekend with a vibrant production of the beloved musical Oklahoma! The talented cast of students transported the audience to the sweeping plains of the early 20th-century Midwest, delivering a performance that showcased their dedication, energy, and passion for musical theater.
Directed by social studies teacher Alison Knapik, the production overcame several challenges, from the threat of severe weather – which caused the opening night performance to be rescheduled an hour earlier than planned – to a minor elbow injury suffered by Cash Calsyn-Grys, who portrayed Curly, that occurred during a compellingly choreographed fight scene with Seanik Gagliardi, who played Judd Fry. Despite these hurdles, the students poured their hearts into the performance, earning a standing ovation on opening night.
The heartfelt duet of “People Will Say We’re in Love” performed by Calsyn-Grys and co-lead Jayley Fisher, who played Laurey, captivated the audience. The ensemble’s rousing rendition of “The Farmer and the Cowman” had the crowd enthralled, while the haunting desperation of “Lonely Room” drew awe-struck silence.
The comedic relief provided by Piper McWhorter’s performance as the plains sage Aunt Eller, Bryson Horning’s as the lovesick cowboy Will, Makenna Diekhoff’s as the fickle-hearted Ado Annie, and Elisha Waggoner’s as the scheming Persian Peddler Ali Hakim had the audience laughing throughout.
Behind the scenes, an army of dedicated students, teachers, and parents worked tirelessly on creating a visually stunning depiction of Oklahoma’s open prairies, including the exquisite set constructed by the show’s technical advisor, David Knapik. The musical accompaniment of Susan Litwiller on piano and Jennifer Boyd on violin provided a flawless complement to the cast’s vocals.
