‘Oklahoma!’ may be best ever

At the risk of repeating myself, the Casey County Drama Club put on its best peformance EVER this past weekend as they presented the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!”
Yes, I know every year I say it was the best play to date, but this year, I just can’t see how they’re ever going to top this one.
If you didn’t get the chance to see this extremely talented group of young people — ranging in age from kindergarten to some of last year’s graduates who popped in to lend a hand — then it was truly your loss.
“Oklahoma!” was long — three hours, no less — but it was so well worth it.
Over the years, I’ve watched some very talented students take part in these plays year after year. I always wonder what the program will do once So-and-So graduates, but guess what? So-and-So always has an understudy who slides right in there and becomes the next outstanding star.
A young lady I’ve watched unfold into a Drama Queen (and I do mean that in the most complimentary fashion and not derogatory) once again stole the show.
Jenna Rousey, who wrapped up her last play as a CCHS student, will graduate on Friday night.
I’ve watched her play Sharpay Evans in “High School Musical,” a feisty Rizzo in “Grease,” a wonderfully cackling Wicked Witch in the “The Wizard of Oz” and a serious Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.”
This year, as as senior, Rousey was Shelby, the character slated to die, in “Steel Magnolias,” an all-girl revue performed last fall.
And, in her finale of “Oklahoma!,” the lead female role was hers, hands down, as she played the beautiful Laurey. The blue-eyed, golden-haired, petite Rousey WAS Laurey.
And it sure doesn’t hurt when the lead characters have chemistry, such as that between Rousey and co-star Derrick Wesley, who played the lovestruck cowboy Curly.
But it’s not Wesley’s first rodeo either, so to speak.
He was Tevye to Rousey’s Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof,” the Cowardly Lion to her Wicked Witch, and heartthrob Kenickie to flirty Rizzo.
Wesley has another year to go at Casey High, so I’m sure this time next year, we’ll see him in another leading role which will, no doubt, be as good of a performance as he has given in the past. He absolutely has the voice for those lead songs.
But, back to “Oklahoma!” for a minute.
Faith Head was marvelous as Aunt Eller. It was a role that suited her to a “T.” She carried off the droll, witty character wonderfully.
Madison Marcum was a great Ado Annie. Having heard Rousey sing the character’s signature song, “I  Cain’t Say No!” which she performed during Junior Miss competition, it was hard to imagine anyone else playing the role, but Marcum carried it off. She was funny, flirty, and charming.
Isaac Sanders, who played cowboy Will Parker and was struck on Annie, is also a drama veteran. Again, a great performer who has what it takes to get to the lead role.
Two foreign exchange students — Jakob Gawlowski and Oscar Magnusson — played peddler Ali Hakim and farm hand Jud Fry, respectively.
Gawlowski often had the audience in stitches with his antics, while Magnusson’s dark character kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
Rachel Bernard’s snorty giggle as the man-stealing Gertie Cummins also drew a lot of laughs.
From the cowboys to the dancing girls, the entire cast of “Oklahoma!” was just top-notch. Hats off to all the actors, as well as those all-important behind-the-scenes people who keep things running smoothly, and to long-time drama coach, Rita Sweeney.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with next year.
*******
And, speaking of hats-off, here’s one to our Gateway Park Board and county officials.
After months and months of work to restore Gateway Park following last year’s flood, as well as postponement of opening day on the new baseball fields, the park finally hosted its first games on Thursday night.
It was fantastic to see the turnout as games got under way on all three of the new fields.
I was on hand for the opening pitch — which hit me in the shin, by the way. Oh well, not the first time I’ve been hit by a ball, probably won’t be the last.
Watching the little Coach Pitch players brought back a lot of memories of when my own boys were that age. And, some things never change.
“Daddy, Daddy,” one little girl called out to her coach/father from the field. “Are we winning?”
One coach, who couldn’t get it across to his player on where to stand, walked out to her, picked her up, and deposited her in the proper spot.
Another little guy was antsy. He played first. He played second. He played shortstop. He played pitcher’s mound .... all in the same inning, I think.
Youth baseball — gotta love it!
It’s great to see Gateway Park back in business.