Rehearsing for their upcoming production of “Oklahoma!” are Avonworth students (standing, back) Will Davis, Tad Abramowich, Duncan Shaper, Ethan Simmons, Megan Corder, Sean Harpst, Mackenzie Possage; (front) Emma Baker, Victoria Davis, Jon Wattras; (right) Travis Kohler, Chelsea Stewart, Zach Murray.

By TOM STEINER

In the Rogers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!,” a lead character, Curly, saunters onto the stage and sings, “Oh, What A Beautiful Morning, oh, what a beautiful day…” as the opening number in the award-winning show that has come to be regarded by some theater historians as being a statement of American optimism in the dark days of 1943 when the nation was mired in World War II.

The show that went on to be performed by community, college and high schools in the decades that followed will be staged by Avonworth High School students April 8, 9, 15 and 16, with curtain time at 7:30 p.m.

Director Deborah Frauenholz, who selected the show from three that she had in mind, said, “This one seemed to fit the talent pool the best. It’s a typically fun show -- lots of dancing, lots of good old fashioned melodies, lots of cowboy hats!”

Emma Baker, a sophomore playing the part of Ado Annie said, “I've never been this excited about a show before. Everyone is motivated by each other's enthusiasm and dedication to putting on a great performance. Rehearsal is getting harder, but more fun because it's all coming together.”

Tickets are available at the door and at avonworthtickets@comcast.net, $10 for adults and $8 for students