University of Wisconsin Superior - Gitche Gumee Yearbook (Superior, WI)

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'Oklahoma’ Is Combined Efforts Of Three Departments “Oklahoma,” the biggest play of the year, resulted from the combined efforts of the Drama, Music, and Art Departments. Dr. Albert Katz directed the over-all musical, but John Munscll, of the Speech Department, and Mel Olsen of the Art Department were the artistic designers; Dr. Harold Rutan, Music Department, was the musical director, Carol Kelly worked with the soloists, and Art Bumgardncr directed the chorus. The Roger and Hammcrstcin revision was the first musical in which the leading character died and started the trend in musical comedies in which the plot was of equal importance with the music. The leading characters were played by Dan Smith, Rick Wickstrom, Peter Ruckstein, Robert Jansen, Ellen Jones, Pat Chelik, Elyse Kaner, and Mardcll DcJung. In total there were 40 cast members and 60 others who worked on the musical play in some capacity. Another most important aspect of the production was the costuming by Mrs. John Munscll. She and her staff made about 60 costumes and rented the rest from the Northwestern Costume House in Minneapolis. Ali Hakim (Bob Jansen) gives Ado Annie (Elysc Kaner) an “Oklahoma hello.” A cowboy has just returned from the big city” and is telling the countryfolk of his cxperienccs- 26

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Carol Frccberg who played Klconeky discusses with Ann Vavcr. who played Lysistrata. the plight of the Trojan war. Kleoncky and the townswomen listen as Lysistrata explains the situation. Sue Williams (second woman) rehearses her lines where she tries to get out of the temple. Director John Fortier prompts Sue with her part. 25

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The cowboys listen and exclaim over a story being told. Will Parker (Dan Smith) tells All Hakim (Bob Jansen) to leave Ado Annie (Elysc Kancr) alone. Curly (Rick Wickstrom) sings Oh What A Beautiful Morning to Auntie Eller (F.llcn Jones).