The Oak Lawn Theater Program traveled through the early decades of American history and brought to life four of the most groundbreaking musicals from different eras in this year’s Musical Theater Review.
In a medley of Cabaret, Music Man, Singin’ In the Rain, and The Sound of Music, this show captured the essence of creativity while still conforming to the restrictions of this IHSA category.
The show opened with Cabaret, a dramatic comedy revolving around the complicated relationship between an English cabaret performer and an American writer in 1920s Berlin. Using a non-traditional performance style, students addressed the audience rather than each other, adding layers of humor and mystique to each song.
Sophie Matthews commanded the stage with her bold rendition of Liza Minnelli’s “Maybe This Time”, encapsulating the emotional and suggestive aspects of the jazz era in her solo and ending the production’s first leg on a high note.
The second part of the show featured the entirety of the musical Music Man in a ten-minute time frame. In this chaotic story, con man Harold Hill poses as a band organizer and promises naive townsfolk fame, but ends up falling for piano teacher Marian who foils his plans as he is forced to choose between freedom and love.
In the role of Harold Hill, Billy McNichols’ charisma and energy was unmatchable. Throughout the performance of “Ya Got Trouble”, it was impossible to take your eyes off of the follow-the-leader style choreography and fast-paced footwork. The song’s rapidly increasing rap-like lyrics enamored the audience, making you feel like you were one of Harold Hill’s devoted students.
While this segment chiefly focused on frenzied comedy, it was balanced out by a sweet romance subplot. Jayla Clark mesmerized everyone on and off stage with her poignant and compelling vocals in “Your Daddy’s Son”. Clark’s higher pitch meshed perfectly with McNichols’ lower pitch, creating a beautiful symphony that left the audience craving more.
In the third performance, Singin’ in the Rain, Mikey Mills and Francesca Crosby portrayed a couple struggling to adapt to the ever-changing world of Hollywood. Mills and Crosby’s dynamic created a bright atmosphere that reflected on the warm moods of the original musical.
As student director, Gabby Bednarczyk took on a challenging leadership role and ensured that this vibrant, telltale story of love and inspiration was able to shine by directing various songs and stepping into certain roles whenever necessary.
This segment had a strong focus on choreography; members like Ethan Zumhagen committed to the fun and outlandish moves that enhanced the jovial vibes of each song. Old Hollywood was made proud by the colorful wardrobes and outgoing actors in this performance.
Closing the show was The Sound of Music, and it did not disappoint. Differing from the other three segments of this show, this story consisted mainly of solos as we follow an Austrian petulant who cares for seven children.
Maggie Sheehan took the reins as the lead, putting on numerous gorgeously uplifting performances. Inspiration and whimsy flowed through the air as Sheehan, alongside Corinne Ahyee, performed a beautiful rendition of the iconic song “My Favorite Things”. This touching duet served as the perfect finale.
This show provided an opportunity for students to tackle lead roles and solos that they have never experienced before and raised over $1000 to support students’ voice lessons. The OLTP never fails to put on an unforgettable performance!
