Cranford Weekend: High Schoolers Stage Musical

In producing a version of the musical Oklahoma!  is putting on one of their largest productions in recent history this weekend, with, according to Cranford teacher Anthony Rafaniello, “nearly 100 students involved in some way, shape, or form.”

Those students include a 35-member cast, an orchestra, a stage crew, members of the art club helping with set design as well as students sewing costumes and working as student ushers.

“We have a wide variety of students,” said Rafaniello. “And we’re proud of them all.”

The plot involves a love triangle between farmers and cowboys in the rural state of – you guessed it – Oklahoma. 

“It’s a great American family show,” said director and music teacher Lynn Berry. “It’s a part of our American musical theater heritage…many of our students had never heard of (it)…I grew up with it, and assumed everyone knew it.”

But, Berry found that, while her students may not have heard of Oklahoma! they were willing to dedicate themselves to the production.

“And now these students in a new generation will carry on this great American tradition,” said Berry.

There will be three chances to catch the show: March 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and March 6 at 2 p.m. Local veterans are invited to attend Saturday night’s performance for free, and the Sunday matinee offers a special for families with multiple children --buy one student ticket, get another free. The box office opens one our prior to each performance. Tickets are $10.

More events in Cranford this weekend:

Friday, March 4

• This week is Teen Tech week at the , so stop by during their normal operating hours to participate in contests, check out some great reads, enjoy a snack or two, and try to win a prize.

Saturday, March 5

• For local stamp collectors, the 48th Annual Stamp Show hosted by the Westfield Stamp Club might be the event of the weekend. There will be exhibits and historical stamps from around the world. Stamp dealers from around the state will have items for sale. For more information, see .

• The movie “Despicable Me” will be shown for teens at the at 2 p.m.

Sunday, March 6

• Librarian and researcher Thomas Fox has written a book, “Hidden History of the Irish of New Jersey,” which documents the achievements of the Irish in the Garden State. On Sunday, he will visit from noon to 1 p.m. to discuss the book and sign copies.

• The second annual Taste of Cranford will be held at the from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $40 and the money will benefit the United Way of Greater Union County’s special response fund. To purchase tickets, call 908-353-7171, extension 138.