Hal Kohlman, adjunct professor of theater, and Rebekah Parker, adjunct instructor of vocal coaching, have been preparing for the performance of The Bartered Bride.
Originally written in Czech, the show follows “Marie,” a young woman promised to a man she doesn’t love, and her lover “Jenik” as they try to break off the rearranged marriage.
“It’s a nice little show,” Kohlman said. “It’s not a grand opera in the sense that it’s about love and death because it’s not about death, it’s all about how true love comes out in the end.”
Instead of taking place in a peasant village as it usually is, the show will be set in present day with modern outfits and technology.
Although this is not Kohlman’s first musical production, it is his first time directing an opera.
“I’m having a great time with it,” Kohlman said.
Simon Gomez, music theater/composition freshman, said the rehearsal process relieved some of his initial concerns.
“At first I was nervous I would get overwhelmed with being in a show and being a double major, but Hal and Rebekah are wonderful directors who make working on a show really enjoyable,” Gomez said.
The cast is made up of 29 students, both vocal performance and musical theater majors.
“It literally blows my mind every day how talented this cast is,” Gomez said. “Every time someone hits that epic high note or when the ensemble all moves and sings as one, I feel so happy that I’m doing what I love with people who feel the same way.”
The production was cast at the beginning of the semester, with every grade represented. Tessa McQueen, vocal performance junior, portrays one of the Maries in the production.
“The show is funny and uplifting with heartbreak and sorrow to match,” McQueen said. “It’s an incredible, relatable story that will touch everyone’s heart.”
The Bartered Bride will have performances at 8 p.m. on March 2-3 and 3 p.m. on March 4 in the Burg Theatre in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. For tickets, visit www.okcu.edu/main/tickets.
Leave a Reply