'Farmer and the Cowman': ORR takes on 'Oklahoma!'

Cowboys, farmers, Persian drug peddlers, and love triangles – Old Rochester Regional High School’s production of “Oklahoma!” has it all.

Set in 1906, the musical was the first one written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein in the 1940s. The story follows cowboy Curley McLain’s relationship with farm girl Laurey Williams who is also being pursued by mysterious farm hand Jud Fry.

ORR will debut its production this week for a four-day run beginning on Thursday, March 21.

In the lead roles are ORR seniors Max Houck as Curly, Madelyn Pellegrino as Laurey, and Daniel Donohue as Jud. Supporting roles are being played by Sophia-Lynn Ellis as Aunt Eller, Samuel Resendes as the Persian peddler Ali Hakim, Sophia Santos as Ado Annie, and Alex Milde as Will Parker.

For the past few months, the cast and crew has been busy rehearsing the show. For some of the actors, this production marks their first time singing as a lead in a musical.

“I’m nervous,” said Milde. “I didn’t really know a lot about the show, but my grandparents did. My grandpa was really excited.”

Of the show, Pellegrino said, “It’s such a traditional show. It’s about things that you don’t expect in relationships.”

Santos agreed.

“It’s been really fun,” Santos said. “You can see how it reunites people. The musical first came out during World War II when soldiers were shipping off. A lot of people watched the show before leaving and it gave them a sense of American pride.”

As most of the cast will graduate in June, Pellegrino said she is enjoying her last production with ORR.

“I’ve been doing drama since freshman year. It’ll be sad, but fun,” Pellegrino said.

This production also marks two milestones for the Drama Department – it’s Director Paul Sardinha’s 50th show at the school and costume designer Helen Blake’s 20th year with the program.

Sardinha and Blake chose “Oklahoma!” as the spring musical.

“It’s one of the most important shows. It’s the first one to use music to move the plot along,” Sardinha said. “Before this one, they were all basically variety shows. Rodgers and Hammerstein were brilliant. They tried everything. They didn’t know if it would work or not. When it did, the audiences loved it.”

Of his cast, Sardinha said, “We have a lot of really wonderful kids. The seniors have been great teachers to the younger students. All of them are work horses.”

So, what is the best advice Sardinha has given his young cast?

“He always says trust your instincts,” Pellegrino said.

Performances of “Oklahoma!” will be held on March 21, 22, and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at ORR’s auditorium and on March 24 at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $12 for students and senior citizens and $15 for the general public. Tickets may be purchased at the door and will also be sold at The Pen and Pendulum in Mattapoisett, Plumb Corner Market in Rochester, and the Marion General Store in Marion. For ticket reservations, call Lisa Cardoza at 508-758-6762.