BY TINA EDEN

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Oklahoma! Production Receives Standing Ovation

Niwot High School presented four performances of Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical Oklahoma! With period costumes, a farmyard set, a 16-piece orchestra and superb acting and singing by freshmen through seniors, the audience was transported back to rural Oklahoma, circa 1906.

The double-cast musical featured a noteworthy performance by freshman Cody Mowrey as Jud Frey. Mowrey, who has recently been accepted to Denver’s School for the Arts, portrayed Frey with the proper degree of menace, holding the audience’s attention in each of his scenes.

Photo by Tina Eden

A powerful dream sequence which began with the entire cast happily dancing onstage was soon transformed into the malevolent crescendo of the Dream Ballet. Ominous lighting and a fight concluded the first act on a dramatic note.

In sharp contrast, the second act began with the lively tune, The Farmer and the Cowman, sung by freshman Robert Haisfield and senior Kathleen DiScipio. Both actors portrayed their older characters adroitly, commanding the stage in many of their scenes.

The production was a culmination of efforts by several school departments. Music teacher Kim Watkins served as the vocal music director and producer. Drama teacher Tari Burger acted as the dramatic director; Art teacher Jason Watkins led his technical crew in lighting and set design.

Music teacher Keith Ellison led the orchestra, and Art teacher Laura Beth Collier-Fogdall served as choreographer. Senior Annie Ganousis played the role of Aunt Eller as well as serving as student director.

Last Theater Production Of School Year

The Advanced Drama classes will host two performances of their “Taste of Niwot” Dessert Theater  on April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. Drama students will direct and perform one-act plays they wrote, while students from foods classes will provide dessert during intermission.

Tickets are $5 and will be available at the door.

Junior Meg Thornbury State Winner Of Annual Shakespeare Competition

Junior Meg Thornbury will represent Colorado in the English Speaking Union’s 19th Annual Shakespeare Competition held in New York City the first week in May.

Thornbury performed a soliloquy from Midsummer Night’s Dream by Helena (Act III, Scene II), and Sonnet 60. For winning state, she received an all expense paid trip to NYC for the competition.

The winner of the national competition will receive a paid semester at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Second prize is $1,000.