Oklahoma was beyond “ OK ”!
Howdy , Do ! On February 24th and 25th , Pequannock Township High School put on the production of Oklahoma as their 2023 Winter Musical feature . Under the direction of William Arnold and Michelle Crefeld , the cast and crew spent weeks mastering the western frontier facade . Set in Claremore , Indian Territory in 1906 , two young farm girls are both faced with deciding between two potential suitors . Laurey Williams is courted by Curly McLain , a cowboy , and Jud Fry , her family ’ s farmhand . While cowboy , Will Parker , and peddler , Ali Hakim both compete for the heart of Laurey ’ s friend , Ado Annie . In the end , Will and Ado Annie , and Laurey and Curley find their western happily ever afters . Yee Haw !
Behind the Curtains
15 | Pequannock Quarterly
Caroline Budeshiem : Ado Annie
Ado Annie is the daughter of Judge Carnes . She is interested in a peddler man that goes by the name of Ali Hakim . But when her old beau , Will Parker , comes back with the money he earned to marry her , she has to decide between the two . Caroline Budeshiem is a current sophomore at Pequannock Township High School . Her favorite part about participating in every PTHS Musical is when the entire cast dresses in their pajamas and has a read-through of the script . Her favorite Oklahoma scene is when her character sings “ Cain ’ t Say No ” because it is always an enjoyable song to sing and dance to . Above all , Caroline ’ s favorite memory is when she learned an Oklahoma Hello and a Persian Goodbye .
Mary Ference : Aunt Eller
Aunt Eller is an elderly woman who is the caretaker of her niece Laurey Williams , but she is known as Aunt Eller to everyone in town . She is a no-nonsense , hilarious , loving , and overall good-natured woman . Mary Ference is a current sophomore at Pequannock Township High School . Her favorite part about participating in the PTHS musicals pertains to all the cast ’ s inside jokes . She feels that by being together , especially during tech week , unbreakable bonds are created and it always creates non-stop laughter . If she had to choose a favorite Oklahoma scene , she would pick either when Ali Hakim shows up and starts trying to sell a garter to Aunt Eller or when Aunt Eller pulls a gun out at the party ! Aunt Eller is extremely independent and does not rely on anyone - Mary admires her for that . Mary ’ s favorite memories include trying hard not to laugh in the wings of the school with her friends and playing tolleyball in the choir room .