Tuesday, January 21, 2025
The Theatre Guild of Oceanside, a community theater program in association with Oceanside Department of Community Activities will bring the classical Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Oklahoma!” to the stage next month for two memorable performances at Oceanside School Six.
Under the direction of longtime Oceanside teacher Bruce Bider, the musical will be performed on Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The community production, showcasing both seasoned performers and talented newcomers, promises to breathe new life into the timeless tale of love, rivalry and hope on the American frontier.
Set in the early 1900s, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of farm girl Laurey and her suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the mysterious Jud Fry.
The production has already created a strong sense of community among its cast and crew. For many, “Oklahoma!” is more than just a show — it’s an opportunity for the performers to connect with others, hone their craft, and share the joy of theater with audiences from near and far.
“This cast, and even (with the) challenges they’ve faced, is one of the nicest group of people that I have ever worked with,” said Oceanside resident Jacki Schwartz who will play Aunt Eller. “I just think theater people, in general, are very nice, but this group happens to be extraordinary. And to me, that’s the best part of the rehearsal, is being with these people.”
For many involved, the production represents a chance to either return to or debut on the stage. Oceanside resident Mark Greenberg thanked his daughter, Gracie, who is studying musical theater in college and once had Bider as a teacher, for debuting in his first production.
Gracie Greenberg, who starred as Miss Hannigan in the play “Annie” during her school years, encouraged her dad to join the production after hearing Bider needed cast members. Though hesitant at first, he agreed to help and has found the experience transformative.
“I was always just the dad watching my daughter perform,” he explained. “Now it’s my turn to jump in, and it’s like another world. Everyone’s so talented. I’m learning every day and I’m just so happy to be here.”
Wantagh resident Jon Geffner took the plunge after a 40-year hiatus and “Oklahoma!” will mark his 14th production in six years.
“Sometimes, theater chooses you,” Geffner said, reflecting on how his life experiences and love of performance ultimately guided him back to the stage.
The production has attracted talent from residents in Suffolk County, Nassau County and Queens, who will all partake in the production.
“When I saw there was an audition for ‘Oklahoma!’ it was a no-brainer,” Tracy Weisberg Gang, who recently moved from Atlanta to Queens, said, adding that she’s thrilled to play the role of Laurey. “Rodgers and Hammerstein have always felt like home to me. This show gave me an opportunity to be part of something familiar and make friends in a new place.”
Sharing in Gang’s excitement is her family, traveling from Atlanta and Florida to attend the performances.
Hillary Kass Nussdorf, the show’s choreographer and a Long Beach resident, echoed similar sentiments and credited Bider for leading the cast throughout the weeks.
“There’s so much more talented people in community theater than people think,” she said. “Bruce doesn’t do theater shows that are just done all the time, he picks shows that have not been done and they’re so classic, and that’s one of the greatest things about him.”
Bringing such a classic to life isn’t without its challenges. The cast has spent countless hours mastering complex harmonies, choreography and scene work. For many, learning to sing, dance and act simultaneously has been a steep but rewarding learning curve.
“Dancing and singing at the same time can be like walking and chewing gum — it’s not as easy as it looks,” Geffner joked.
Bider, an accomplished director who has been directing community theater for more than 30 years, has been instrumental in helping the cast overcome these hurdles. He started directing when in the fifth grade with a class play and began directing in the Oceanside School District in the 1990s. Bider recently retired in June after 36 years as a general music teacher at the elementary and kindergarten level after 36 years and did all the schools play, which has allowed him more time to focus on directing community theater, which he is very passionate about.
“Hillary and Bruce are so encouraging,” Schwartz said. “Bruce is one of the best musicians on Long Island. I’ve worked with some incredible talents, and he’s right at the top.”
The cast hopes the production will not only entertain but also inspire audiences to explore other classical musicals.
“We have people who have been around for, who knows, many years we’ve been around, and it all just comes together in the end,” Oceanside resident Ed Tupper, who will play Cord Elam, a federal marshal, said. “We become a family for the couple of months that we’re together.”
Yelena Mirsakova, a dancer from Westbury, who will play the role of Kate added, “The joy is palpable. If we share our energy with the audience and they reflect it back, it creates something magical. There’s nothing better than that.”
First premiering on Broadway in 1943, “Oklahoma!” was a revolutionary piece that helped define the American musical theater tradition. Its iconic songs, including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” remain staples of the genre.
“I feel like this is a gift,” said West Hempstead resident Nomi Dayan who plays Gertie Cummings. “What we hope the audience takes away is the pure joy of experiencing human creativity through music.”
