ALEX CROCKETT - Rehearsals for “Oklahoma!” Begin at RHAM

Yesterday, RHAM drama held its first rehearsal for the fall play “Oklahoma!”. While the principal roles were already posted in the morning, the rest of the 30+ cast members had to wait until after school to find out their parts. The casting this year was more selective than ever, using actors from both the middle and high school. Director Mr. Jancis says that due to the size and scope of a musical like "Oklahoma", the program needed to find the best dancers, singers, and actors the schools had to offer to be able to put the show together in the limited amount of time we had. The cast met in the auditorium and, after a lecture regarding stage safety near dangerous equipment along with rehearsal schedules, Mr. Mirakian took the cast to the choral room to rehearse three sections of music. The pieces chosen proved to be quite challenging for even senior members of the group, foreshadowing the shows difficult nature. Mr. Jancis made it extremely clear that the tone of the rehearsals would be an enjoyable one but would also be very productive, and that anyone who chose to be distracting would be asked to leave. With the high expectations of the director, the enthusiasm of the actors, and the long history of the play expect “Oklahoma!” to be another great produc tion from the Tri-gon players.
By Alex Crockett