ELLSWORTH – “Who doesn’t love cowboys and love triangles?” asked Ellsworth High School musical director Karen Kornmann.

You can get your fill of both at this year's EHS musical, "Oklahoma!" the first two weekends in November.

“We really wanted an old classic musical that would be fun," Kornmann said. "It was really important for me to get as many people involved as possible.”

Because “Oklahoma!” requires a large cast, crew and pit band, that wish is reality. Close to 80 students are involved in this year’s production.

“Oklahoma!” is based on the 1931 Lynn Riggs’ play, “Green Grow the Lilacs.” The story is set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian Territory in 1906. EHS students will tell the story of farm girl Lau rey Williams and her two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the less than cherubic farmhand Jud Fry. According to Kornmann, the kids are

having a blast and love the production. This year's group includes football players, vol – leyball players, golfers, dance team members, plus band and choir students. The football players, who have never been in a musical, are "fantastic" and bring a fresh energy to the show, Kornmann said.

"Ellsworth High School really prides itself on kids being able to be involved in multiple things," Kornmann said. "If we had to just rely on the music department, where would we be?”

This is Kornmann's first year directing the school play on her own. Director Katie Traynor had a baby this past summer, so took a hiatus from directing. Kornmann has served as the technical director and mentored the singers in the past, but this is her first time taking the reins of the entire show. "It's been going great," she said. "The kids are working so hard and being so diligent.”

New instrumental music teacher Brandon Fuhrman has been a huge help in directing the pit band, she was quick to add.

“And student director Quinn Emery is a real cowgirl!” Kornmann noted, with skills in riding and roping.

Students began practicing during Theater Performance class, in which they focus on learning the music and staging elements. Then, the last weekend in September, the group kicks ou their af ter-school rehearsals with a potluck rehearsal. Practices are held 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

“It makes for some long days, but it’s worth it!” Kornmann said. The audience will have much to look forward to during this classic; Kornmann said the cowhand dance in Kansas City and the farmer and cowhand tricks are definitely worth waiting for. The main leads are just fantastic, she added.

“My favorite part of this process is watching the students grow and come alive onstage,” she said. “Watching some of these students who have never been onstage before just blossom. I’m extremely proud of what they do.”

Showtimes will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 4, 5 and 6; 7 p.m. Nov. 10, 11 and 12; and 2 p.m. Nov. 13 in the EHS Cafetorium (323 W. Hillcrest St.) Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for students. Reserved seating tickets can be purchased at the Ellsworth High School main ovce during school hours; however, tickets are available at the door.

As the Ellsworth Panthers football advances in the play- ous (they play Saint Croix Central at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct.

28), the Friday showtimes may change. If the football team plays Nov. 5, that show will be moved to Nov. 6. If the team plays Nov. 11, that show will be canceled.

Members of the EHS’ musical “Oklahoma!” cast practice their lines and staging at a recent practice. Photo courtesy of Karen Kornmann

Members of the “Oklahoma!” cast practice their dance steps during a recent rehearsal at EHS.Photo courtesy of Karen Kornmann

RaeAnna Smith (playing Laurey Williams) and Louis Jahnke (playing Curly McLain) during a scene in “Oklahoma!” Photo courtesy of Karen Kornmann