‘Dolly’ is hello call to elf days’ memories

NORMAN — I’ve been in one school play in my life. In fourth grade, I was an elf in my elementary school’s production of "The North Pole Goes Rock ’n’ Roll.”

I mostly stood in the background looking like I was working in Santa’s workshop. At one point, I and a few other elves broke into the twist during a particularly peppy song.

I had one line, which I don’t remember. Come to think of it, I don’t think I remembered it then either. It seems like I blanked, and the elf standing next to me had to remind me what to say.

I went to a small school. When I was still in elementary school, I can remember the high school students doing some plays and musicals that my classes went to see. By the time I reached high school, though, we didn’t have them anymore.

I played in my school’s band, sang in some choirs and was involved in lots of other activities, but there’s just something different about putting on a show.

Seeing Norman High School’s production of "Hello, Dolly!” this week made me realize what I missed.

As I sat there watching, I couldn’t help but smile. It was a real mood lifter. You could tell all the hard work the students had put in to make it a quality production. It was hard to believe they were only in high school.

I talked to some of the student actors after the show, and the looks on their faces said it all. They’d had the time of their lives on that stage.

One of the leads, Michael Denney, told me the group had really bonded through the experience. They’d become a team, like family.

Performances continue at 7 p.m. today and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at The Nancy O’Brian Center for the Performing Arts, 1809 Stubbeman Ave. Tickets are $8 and $10.

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