Oil City High School - Oil Can Yearbook (Oil City, PA)

Page 29 text:

Tradition At OCHS'7 - Mrs. McConnell Tony CAST Jeff Brown Maiia Julie Clark Anita Laura Lundquist Riff Travis Sollinger Bernardo Jeff Womer Action Scott McMullen Chino . . Mark Noggle Anybody's Anne Highfield Baby John Mark Mackey A-Rab Kevin Harbison | Big Deal Eric Hutchinson Doc . Jeff Cubbon Schrank Rob Fox Krupke Von Winger Clad Hand Ed Milner Rosalia Sarah Knisely Consuela Colleen Hawkins Good teamwork by those on stage as well as by those behind the scenes made Oil City High School’s production of West Side Story overwhelmingly successful according to director, Mr. John McConnell. An air of excitement arose at audition time, with over 100 eager students hoping to land a part in the ever popular musical. At the auditions, each student was required to demonstrate his or her singing, dancing, and acting ability. Gathered around the table. The Jcls and the Sharks listen to their leaders, Travis Sollinger and Jeff Womer, discuss the big rumble. Grabbing his girl by the arm, Jeff Womer tries to get Laura Lundquist to go home while he attends a war council. Enraged, Rob Fox verbally attacks a group of lousy hoodlums . Yelling at the gang, Scott McMullen tries to psyche up his comrades before a fight. About a week later, the 69-member cast was announced, and shortly thereafter they began their six-week rehearsal schedule; however, it got off to a rocky start because of the flu epidemic and suddenly, six weeks was a very short time. The cast was an energetic one and most of the members got together on their own to rehearse dance numbers and whatever else needed practice. Somehow, with everyone's dedication and hard work, it all pulled together perfectly for the two-night presentation which drew over 1200 people. The cast of PVesf Side Story was, in many ways, the most unique ever. The overall size was considerably smaller, but Mr. McConnell preferred it to a larger cast because it allowed for more intricate character development. Another interesting part of the play was the fact that three of the five lead characters were participating in their first OCHS musical. Mr. McConnell was also impressed with the talent of the underclassmen, which led him to choose Fiddler on the Roof for the next year. Some students who'd never been in a musical before did wonderful work onstage, and our veterans had a chance to play roles that showcased their talents. - Mr. McConnell The play was choreographed by Mrs. Susie McConnell, who has been in charge of the dancing since 1974. This year was her favorite year because there were no major complications. She also praised the cast's dancing ability. She attributed this to the amount of good dance studios in the area and also to the self-confidence the students had in themselves. AH 25

Page 28 text:

 Complaining about teenage life, Eric Hutchinson tells his buddies Mark Mackey, Anne Highfield, and Scott McMullen how he got caught sneaking out of the movies. Together on the balcony, Jeff Brown and Julie Clark sing Somewhere. ' With arms raised, the Puerto Rican girls add a flashy ending to the song America”. Clipboard in hand, Ed Milner explains a new dance to the couples. Finally, The Musical Has Become A 24

Page 30 text:

Accompanied by guitarists Toru Kurihara and Kier Tinker, Kelly Flasher and Geri Rodgers sing a Peter, Paul, and Mary medley. Dressed in mini-skirt and fish net stockings, Ed Milner generates laughter and applause for his Tina Turner lip synch. In military garb, Janet Cochran, Autumn Zook, Martha LaVerde, Teresa Walker, Marci Harbison, and Wendy Schwab sing about their Boogie Woo-gie Bugle Boy. Dancing to What a Feeling, the theme from Flashdance, are Missy Krawiec and Chris Greene.