Bethany Sullivan and Paul Boucher share a moment in their lead roles as Laurey Williams and Curley McLain in Fatima's production of 'Oklahoma!' The play debuts at the school this weekend.

Our Lady of Fatima High School is marking 30 years of theater at the school with the musical "Oklahoma!," and a name change. The long-standing Fatima Drama Club is now called the Fatima Theatre Company.

"We're trying to do something special," drama director Maria Levesque said.

"Oklahoma!" requires some firsts, including learning how to speak with a southwestern twang. Ms. Levesque said this is the first time the drama group has hired a dialect coach to accomplish that goal. Paul Boucher, a senior, plays one of the main characters, that of cowboy Curly McLain. He said the dialect sets the play apart.

"One of the main things that's different is the period it's set in, and using the dialect of the southwest."

"I think this is the first show we've done putting a dialect in instead of putting everything in a regular voice."

The play's theme is a familiar one. Farm hand Jud Fry (played by Todd Amaral) and Curly both pursue a farm girl named Laurey Williams (played by Bethany Sullivan). More romance is in question with the accompanying story of Will Parker, who is lovesick over Ado Annie, who likes to play the field. Devin Arsenault plays Ado, and Dan Nenart plays Will.

"The story is about two guys in love with the same girl, a very common story. I think the best thing about the musical is the songs," Ms. Levesque said.

"Oklahoma!" is well-known as the first musical created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The songs are an intrinsic part of the production and include "Oklahoma," "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," and "People Will Say We're in Love."

Ms. Levesque chose the play in part because she believed the drama group would be able to supply the necessary vocal talent to sing the songs. Bethany, a junior, prepared for the role even before she knew for certain she would play the parts.

"I rented the movie, got the soundtrack, and looked it up on-line," she said.

The costumes of the early 1900s farm community enhance the show, and many of them were borrowed from Case High School in Massachusetts. The girls wear long dresses and skirts, and the men wear western garb: vests, boots and cowboy hats. Paul said donning western gear is a big change from the costumes in Fatima's most recent production, Peter Pan.

"It's definitely a new look from wearing a Captain Hook outfit last fall."

Student choreographers Lisa D'Arcangelo and Bridgit Taylor have added their own distinctive touch to the show. The students each have at least a decade of dance experience. Both students also showcase their own dancing skills in the show as well as organizing the dances for the rest of the group.

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Oklahoma in Warren

Our Lady of Fatima High School's Fatima Theatre Company will present the musical "Oklahoma!" this weekend. The play is a first for the school, which celebrates 30 years of drama this year.

n What: "Oklahoma!"

n When: Friday, March 28 at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 29 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m.

n Where: Our Lady of Fatima High School, 360 Market St.

n Cost: Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may be reserved online at

www.fatimatheatre.com, or call 245-4449 or e-mail admin@fatimatheatre.com. They are also available at the door.

By Cindy VanSchalkwyk

cindyv@eastbaynewspapers.com