“People Will Say We’re in Love (With this Show)!”

By Shayna Jast and Suzie Hicks

On March 14, 15 and 16, Colts Neck High School takes you back to the early 1900s with the Cougar Catwalkers Drama Club's performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!

With timeless songs including "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’" and "I Cain't Say No!” Oklahoma! tells the playful love story between confident cowboy Curly, and headstrong farm girl Laurey, and the craziness that ensues when farmers and cowmen must fight for their land, and furthermore, their women.

The musical is being directed by newcomer Mrs. Melissa Moore Reimertz, who believes, “It's an absolute must-see musical; I am so incredibly proud of how hard the cast has worked!"

Mr. Ted Scheffler is choreographing, while Mr. Jack Maniaci and Ms. K are vocally directing.

Amanda Blandford and Shannon McDermott are the student assistant directors, with Lidiya Shutaya as the stage manager, who collectively say, “The cast is working very hard and is very excited to see everyone enjoy our show”.

Assisting with choreography are students Meredith Gallagher and Rachel Greenberg. Gallagher acknowledges that, “My favorite part of the musicals at CN has always been the dance numbers. Now, as assistant choreographer, I’m able to be even more involved in what I love most about the performance!”

Mr. Dave Niemierowski is the technical director.

Along with a phenomenal crew, there is a fantastic cast who has been working so hard to put on an incredible performance. Dominic Umbro, a junior who will be taking on the daunting role of Curly McClain, declares that, "Being in the show is amazing, and I never thought I'd be leading a musical!"

Shayna Jast, a senior, says that "Laurey has been a dream role of mine, and I couldn't ask to be part of a more spectacular cast!"

Junior Suzie Hicks will be playing the rambunctious Ado Annie, and she feels that, “This cast takes it to the next level of hilarity, talent, and camaraderie; I’m honored to be a part of it”.

Tom Dibella, a junior, is thrilled to be playing Will Parker: “It has been both a challenging and rewarding experience; I love every second of it!"

Senior Theresa Velardi plays the role of universal mother, Aunt Eller, and is so proud to “see how hard everyone works day in and day out to make this show go out with a bang!"

The role of the villain, Jud, will be played by junior Johnny Kavanagh, who exclaims that, "Acting has always been my passion, and I couldn't think of a better group to express it with!"

Ali Hakim, the humorous peddler, will be played by junior Brandon Fox, who loves “playing such a unique, comedic character in such a unique show!"

As you can clearly see, you cannot afford to miss this show! Oklahoma! will run in the Colts Neck High School Auditorium March 14 at 7:30pm, March 15 at 8 p.m., and March 16 at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors and students. We’re going to take you out of your dreams and onto the stage!