Valley Christian Theater Production Captivates Audiences
by Steven Giordano

Valley Christian Theater’s spring musical, Oklahoma, is one of its finest accomplishments yet. The authenticity, dedication, and captivation of the audience by the performers brought people back for more.
The teachers had their own opening night on Wednesday, March 15. Their experience was that of astonishment as these were their students acting and putting on a show that could not be done to this quality even by those much older. Miss Julie Claypool stated, “I thought it was really good, very adult. It was a great romp all through Oklahoma!”
The official opening night, March 16, brought much excitement. Approaching the theater, one would notice the large “Oklahoma!” sign upon the wall of the education building, attracting and creating anticipation in everyone. Crowds were itching to get to their seats. Outside in the lobby, parents were gladly boasting about their kids who were about to stun one and all. On easels were sepia cast pictures in order to set the old fashioned mood. As one walked into the theater, immediately noticeable was the accompanying band in the pit right before the stage. When all was ready, the lights dimmed and the curtains slid, revealing the incredible set.
This set was seemingly perfect, with an authentic rustic quality and simplicity that characterized the turn from 19th to 20th centuries. The house of Aunt Eller, played by Charlotte Chapin, was quaint and uncomplicated. Barrels, haystacks, and corn, too, subconsciously imbedded the realistic feeling into the audience. Also, the added effect of VCT’s new fly gallery allowed the windmill and other objects to be dropped and taken away with ease from the ceiling, adding to the smoothness of the performance.
The play opens with Aunt Eller churning butter. She seemed to be the voice of reason throughout the play. Curly, played by Tyler Gonzales, then joins her with the musical’s first number. “O What a Beautiful Mornin’” premiered the shear musical ability that was to follow throughout the night. As the play goes along, the remaining cast is revealed in this tale of a community tied up with bouts of love, obligation, resentment, and confusion.
Will Parker, played by Jacob Jones, has returned from Kansas City, only to discover that he can no longer marry Andrew Carnes’ daughter, Ado Annie, played by Andrew Miller and Janelle Kester. This is confused by a Persian peddler Ali Hakim, played by Taylor Morris, who is interested in far less than true love and marriage. Hakim’s ridiculous predicament and mannerisms provide memorable comedic relief from the play’s various tensions. This story line, however, plays second to Curly and Jud Fry’s, Mr. Matt DeMeritt, struggle for the heart, or at least one night at a party, with Laurey, played by Faith Kriewall. This war of words leads to the famous “Poor Jud is Dead” duet and a plot climax that keeps the audience gripped to their seats. It of course cannot be revealed, especially since the play has tonight and Saturday night to close their final performances.
Many do not realize the grunt work that goes on behind and before the actual performances that make those nights, or matinees, possible. Beyond the all day rehearsals are the stage managers, set makers, costume designers, and lighting wizards. Much of the credit for Oklahoma belongs to those people in black that make the show tick. Michael Dominici is the backstage manager and deserves the thanks. Gonzales stated, “Most people don’t see what goes on behind the scenes and how our set takes form. Michael Dominici is one of many responsible for what goes on behind the scenes. He puts in hours later than anyone else.”
These performers were outstanding and held nothing back. The VC high school students’ performances truly displayed the poise and talent of those twice their age. Buy tickets if possible to tonight or Saturday to be a part of this experience. Congratulations to VCT for another great show.