The wind will soon be whipping down the lane thanks to both Pace and Milton High school’s drama departments. Valerie Wright (at the piano) is the drama teacher with Pace High School and is directing the February 27 show, Oklahoma, by Rogers and Hammerstein, with Milton High’s director, Jennifer Bunnell, featuring talent from both schools. She said the two schools put together a joint performance every other year, this being the fifth production. The school, she said, “gets the best of both worlds,” with double the talent pool. Pace doesn’t have an auditorium so the students get the chance to perform on a stage. Wright also said, “the kids get to make new friends. Closing curtain on closing night always has tears.” Another benefit to the students, she said, is to the ones who plan to take drama further, learning to work with unfamiliar directors. Since the Oklahoma score is so complex, Wright said a small adult ensemble will play, two pianos, two horns, and one percussionist led by Ben Drennen, music director, and lead pianist. The show will be at Milton High School February 27 and 28 and March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Ooooklahoma!