Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Point Park University's Student-Run Newspaper

Point Park Globe

Broadway star directs Conservatory’s ‘Oklahoma!’

Patrick Cassidy is best known for his time on stage, but for his latest show he will be found in the director’s chair.“Being able to pass on something that you’ve learned throughout your life and [giving] that to somebody else, that’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever been able to do,” said Cassidy on Friday at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Premiere Café.Cassidy is directing the Point Park Conservatory Theatre Company’s production of “Oklahoma!” which opens Oct. 18 in the Rockwell Theater.Conservatory students had the opportunity to work with Cassidy, best known for his roles in “The Pirates of Penzance,” “Leader of the Pack” and “Annie Get Your Gun,” as the director for the show. Junior musical theater major Stanley Graham said the experience has been “an absolute dream come true.”“It’s unbelievably rewarding to be able to work with somebody at the top of his game,” said Graham on Friday in the Point Café, who plays the lead character Curly McLain.With Cassidy at the helm of this classic musical, the cast brings new life to the piece by focusing on honesty in the portrayal of the characters and their development, something Graham said he thinks sets this production apart from its predessors.The show, set in Oklahoma Territory in 1906, follows the story of Curly McLain and Laurey Williams. While the two are smitten with each other, a few obstacles cross their path and delay their ultimate confession of love. In the meantime, a second story unfolds between Laurey’s friend, Ado Annie and her two fellows, Will Parker and Ali Hakim. “Oklahoma!” is still being performed after 70 years, proving the show is timeless.“I think it’s very exhilarating to know that it’s still being produced now and we get to put on the shows and get up there and explore and play,” said Matt Augustyniak a junior musical theatre major on Friday in the Point Café. Augustyniak takes on the role of Will Parker.  According to Kirsten Hoover, a junior who plays the part of Laurey Williams, this showing of “Oklahoma!” packs more of a punch than others.“I feel like this cast has such an energy to it; it just makes it so much more funny and entertaining to watch,” said Hoover Friday in the Point Café. “I just love it. I get sucked in.”According to Augustyniak, the show speaks to many different people and is exceptional because of Cassidy’s direction.“I just think we have a really great show on our hands,” Augustyniak said.“Oklahoma!” runs from Friday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 27. Performances will be at 8 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets range from $18 to $20 and can be purchased by calling the Pittsburgh Playhouse box office at 412.392.8000, or online. Student tickets are free.

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