The country musical “May We All'' opened on April 19th at the Celetian Center for the Performing Arts.
The musical follows the residents of the fictional town of Harmony, Tennessee, in rural America, where aspiring singer Jenna Coates returns to her hometown after spending the past two years in Nashville. Through Coates's eyes, we see the dynamics of her strained relationship with her family, especially her sister Kylie. Coates also reunites with her ex-boyfriend Dustin and her best friend Liz.
When we are introduced to the town of Harmony, it is in dire straits as the townspeople believe that what once made this town special no longer exists. Harmony is known as a “singing town,” and singing is the town's core identity. The townspeople respect Coates, believing her to be successful, and through her emotions, the audience understands the sacrifices and pressures she puts on herself to succeed.
The musical numbers performed during the show are all released country songs, including hits such as “Joelene,” “Back to My Boots,” and “Broken Halos.” It's best when it's an ensemble number, where the harmonies of all the singers and the orchestra come together and flow beautifully.
The performances of the entire student cast shine in this musical. Lead actress Alyssa Dunavan and the rest of the cast played both comedic and dramatic roles.
“May We All” never takes itself too seriously, and there are plenty of moments played for laughs, but the tune changes near the second half. It doesn't go in too radical a direction, but leans into themes of responsibility and gratitude for what you have.
The musical debuted in front of a packed theater. The audience was engaged from the beginning, and every line of dialogue elicited some sort of reaction from the audience. This musical received high praise from the audience.
“I loved the show,” Oklahoma City University musical theater student Grant Huneycutt said. “The show was really well put together. The actors were great, I loved the dancing, I loved the technical aspects. The sets were beautiful, the lighting really complemented the show. And it came together really well. I thought there was.'' Good. ”
In addition to musical theater students, similar students also watched musicals.
“I thought the show was really great,” acting major Jackson Parrish said. “It was a great production and maintained the standards that OK State Theater has maintained for years.
The audience was filled with parents, grandparents, and classmates cheering on their loved ones.
Andrew Johnson came from Fort Worth, Texas, to see a relative perform.
“I came here to see my granddaughter. This is her last show before graduation,” Johnson said.
Several OSU students were in the audience to cheer on their friends, including some who did not have speaking roles.
“I actually have a friend playing drums tonight,” senior Paxton Sparks said. “I’m really looking forward to meeting them because they’re really great drummers.”
Parrish was rooting for his girlfriend, who was part of the ensemble.
“Every song she did, every number, was great,” Parrish said. “I was always drawn to her performance.”
Steven Sneeden, a former OSU theater alumnus, first produced the musical.
“May We All” will be performed Saturday and Sunday. Show times are Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm. All shows are at the Celetian Performing Arts Center and tickets are $10 to $15.
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