IUK production of 'Oklahoma' continues through weekend

Apr. 12—Everything's going to be OK in Havens Auditorium this weekend. Hopefully, it also goes well.

Indiana University Kokomo students will perform "Oklahoma," the classic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II musical, through Sunday afternoon. Performances began Thursday.

If you aren't familiar with the show, IUK's Director of Music, Wendy Grice, explained the musical takes audience members to Oklahoma's early statehood in 1906. Farmers and cattlemen argue over land and men compete for a woman's affection.

"Instead of picking the newest, most modern show that's out, we try to pick something that we think is going to be a good educational experience," Grice said. "And this book and this music is really, really good. It's excellent."

She added each IUK musical has featured live orchestral accompaniment since the school opened Havens Auditorium in 2017. Martin Knoblauch, a Philadelphia conductor who regularly works with the Orchestra Society of Philadelphia, will lead the pit.

Grinning backstage while performers ran through the first act, Will Van Heyningen explained he was excited to learn IUK would hold a production of "Oklahoma." He already had a cowboy hat and enjoys musical theater with dance routines.

Playing Will Parker, he said the role has presented several fun dance numbers. He described the character as a hapless romantic, but not very intelligent.

Clarissa Kepner, who will play Aunt Eller, said she was also excited for the dancing and costumes. Her character is the show's matriarch — she's well respected and doesn't put up with the men's shenanigans.

While Kepner doesn't relate to the character, she said she would hangout with Aunt Eller.

"She would be like having dinner with a grandma," Kepner said. "She's kind of fun, but she isn't the same personality as I am."

Both performers try to join every IUK production they're able to, but Van Heyningen said there was some added excitement for "Oklahoma."

"This is a classic of the genre," he said. "The songs are still being heard, always, even if it is through T-Mobile ads."

Zach Braff and Donald Faison parodied "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" for a 2023 T-Mobile advertisement.

Grice said she hopes audience members are entertained by the show's music and dancing. Kepner wants them to walk away from the show with its songs stuck in their heads.

"The overall tone of the musical should be uplifting when they leave the theater," Grice said.

James Bennett III can be reached at 765-454-8580 or james.bennett@kokomotribune.com.