"Oklahoma" Cast Shines at Rising Star Awards

The Rising Star Awards, often called, "The Tony Awards of New Jersey High School Theater," acknowledges the exceptional work of high school musical performers. In the past, Cranford High School has been rewarded for their high caliber theater program, and this year was no exception. Cranford High School's spring production of "Oklahoma" was nominated for 12 Rising Star Awards, including Outstanding Overall Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Cara Costa as Laurey), Outstanding Overall Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Matthew Stoke as Curly), and Outstanding Overall Production of a Musical.

"We were thrilled beyond belief to receive the recognition, because it means that you're doing something right," Musical Director and nominee Anthony Rafaniello said. "Somebody appreciates the work that you put into it and the work the students put into it. You never know what to expect."

"Oklahoma" is a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about a tight-knit community and the measures they take to ensure one another's happiness. Considering the familial bonds the cast and crew share, the choice of the show could not have been more appropriate.

"They're such passionate kids," Rafaniello said. "Because they share their passion for their art and their show in common, they really grow together. They have this wonderful bond."

Sophomore Emily Grable agreed. 

"We're all very close to each other," she said. "We're like a family, and we just love to have fun with each other here and backstage, when we're not rehearsing." 

Junior Costa believed that the show's success was largely due to the zeal of the directors. 

"[The directors are] so passionate, and they put so much effort into it," she said. "It makes it rewarding for us, but also for them. It makes it a better experience for everyone."

Both Rafaniello and students admitted to being most thrilled with the nomination for Outstanding Overall Production. The award takes into account all aspects of the show, such as costuming, set design, and choral precision.

"I take pride in making sure the chorus is really tight musically, Rafaniello said. "Having that really shows the depth of our musicals. We really care not only about what our leads are doing, but what the other level of performers are doing to back them up. They did a really fantastic job."

For the cast, the nod was a welcome acknowledgement of their dedication to both the show and each other. 

"I was really happy we got an overall nomination," Senior Stoke said. "That's not the individual stuff. It's about the culmination of everything coming together and making a great show, which is what the show is really about."

"I was so glad we got nominated as a show," Senior Maeve Brady, nominated for her supporting role as Aunt Eller, said. "When we closed, I was so proud of the final product that we had. I didn't expect to get Best Show, but I had really hoped we would." 

"[Best Show] is really what I wanted to be nominated for, we worked so hard," Costa added. "We had so many talented people with us working together and that's really what I was hoping for. We're very tight-knit. Everyone is friends here."

The Rising Star Awards were held at the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn Tuesday night, where Cranford High took home three awards--Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Member (Emily Grable as Dream Laurey), Outstanding Achievement in Choreography (Michelle Masa), and the Student Achievement Award for Costume Design (Emma Fhyr) . But for the cast and crew of "Oklahoma," knowing they put on a stellar show means more than any trophy could.

"It's about making a great experience and a great show, and that experience of those kids walking out on that stage that weekend and doing beautiful work," Rafaniello said. "That really means a lot to us, and the memories and the learning that happens while they're doing that."