MBU News

Oklahoma!

November 15, 2007

By Beth Kinsey

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the statehood of Oklahoma as well as nearly 20 years since the musical that shares its name has hit the MBU stage.

On Friday, Nov. 9, the curtain opened in MBU’s Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center as an expectant audience awaited the first showing of Oklahoma! this semester.

During the musical, there was a good deal of laughter as the crowd listened to “I Cain’t Say No,” sung by Tia Wright, MBU student who played Ado Annie, and watched MBU junior Kyle Vatole, who played the part of Ali Hakim, try to work his way out of being forced into marriage.

“I thought it was hilarious,” said Jacob Hammock, who was an audience member. “Kyle (Vatole) and Andrew (Ging) did a great job. I got so into it I actually wanted to stop Jud!”

The crowd jumped as blank shots were fired during a couple of intense scenes and smiled as Andrew Ging and Ashley Helbig (cast as Curly McLain and Laurey Williams) serenaded the audience with “People Will Say We’re In Love.”

One MBU student, Kasey Bartley, was especially impressed with the wide variety of sets used during the production. “The sets really surprised you,” said Bartley. “They were really impressive!”

At the end of the curtain call, the audience was encouraged to join with the cast in singing the song "Oklahoma!"

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