With a stage director such as Katherine Cook and Erin Buffum behind the music, Baldwin High School expects to have another well attended fall musical.

Buffum, the vocal music director who is new to BJHS and BHS this year, is familiar with the production and is already looking forward to the performance.

“It was one of the first successful Broadway musicals because it followed a storyline, instead of being an entertaining variety show,” Buffum said. “It’s a love story between the main and supporting characters, and takes place before Oklahoma was a state. It’s a fun musical to be in.”

But for BHS musical veterans, there is something different about auditions this year. During the third week of September, on Monday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th, auditions will take place on the PAC stage, instead of in the choir room like before, so that Cook and Buffum can get a grasp of each student’s full performance potential. Those who are interested should come prepared to sing something that shows off their voice. Buffum plans to teach a short song and dance, as well as reading lines from the script.

“We chose it because it’s a well known classic musical that’s fun and has lots of great parts for guys and girls. We hope to find a place for everyone who wants to be a part of it,” Cook said. “It has plenty of romance, drama, humor, dancing, and color. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeves.”

According to Cook, the high school edition provides four great lead parts for boys and girls each, as well as dancing, background, and chorus parts. During callbacks, which are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17, will be an opportunity to sing songs from the show.

“When we put on a show, we are always surprised by the talent,” Cook said. “We know that we don’t need to see everybody at callbacks, only those that we need to double check or pair up. We have to see how everyone fits together to do the best job possible, so don’t get your feelings hurt if you don’t get a callback.”

Cook and Buffum have already solved the problem of “How do you know if I got in?” They plan to be posting a cast list on Sept. 21, but it’s possible that date could be earlier, depending on how long it takes to make the right decisions about the casting.

“We have a professional choreographer again this year, April Okken,” Cook said. “She’s hard, she’s good.”

If you can’t sing, dance, or act, but still want to be in the musical, Stage Manager Mason Jolliff would love to add your name to a list of backstage helpers. Closer to the dates of the show, more information about how to get involved will be available.

There is much to be gained by getting involved in this year’s production of ‘Oklahoma!’.

“The atmosphere and experience are worth it, if you’re willing to give the time and energy,” Cook said. “It’s the chance to involve many students in something they’ve never attempted before. And there is always someone with an undiscovered talent, but we don’t know who you are until you step forward.”

Buffum is excited about the performance of her first BHS musical, which will be held in the PAC on Nov. 21 and 22.

“I love this musical.” she said. “I directed five junior high musicals at Indian Trail Middle School and one full-scale production at Gladstone Theatre in the Park. I’m super excited to work with high school students. I think that everyone should audition.”