‘A Quick 5’ with Kevin Sockwell, Director of ‘Oklahoma’ at Fun and Fancy

Director and actor, Kevin Sockwell,
Photo courtesy of Mr. Sockwell.

Several months in the past, I moved to Leisure World, a big senior group in Montgomery County. I used to be more than happy to search out out that the group had its personal theatrical group, Fun and Fancy. Fun and Fancy has its personal productions of performs, exhibits, and musical and dance performances. The performers and crew usually are residents of this group however there are some exceptions. One is the director of their upcoming manufacturing of “Oklahoma” by Rogers and Hammerstein. Director and actor, Kevin Sockwell was employed by the group to direct this present.

Many latest productions of “Oklahoma” have been a bit out of the abnormal, utilizing handicapped performers, trans performers and multi-racial casts. This manufacturing may even be distinctive because the forged will largely be over 55 years of age. If you’re conversant in “Oklahoma” it’s possible you’ll know that lots of the plots take care of younger love. However, the music is so common, it’s simple to not concentrate on the performer’s age and simply benefit from the melodies, dancing, and story.

The forged for this present embrace a number of seasoned veterans, many who’ve been in different Fun and Fancy productions and a few newcomers. The forged consists of Elaine Apter (Ensemble; Co-producer), Steve Bennof (Will Parker), Mary Jane Boyle (Ensemble; Co-producer), (Mike Carruthes (Ali Hakim-1), Dennis Dawson (Ensemble), Ziggy Eisner (Ensemble), Wendy Flannery (Ensemble) Jeff Goldstein (Ensemble), Pat Leanza (Jud Fry), Ida Leong (Ensemble), Maggie Lindley (Ensemble), Audrey Lodsin (Ensemble), Glorie Magram (Ensemble), Barbara Manning (Ensemble), Christine Miler (Laurey), Abigail Murton (Ensemble), Jim Pasquale (Ali Hakim-2), Evie Riley-Ey (Aunt Eller), Robin Tash (Ado Annie), John Tatum (Ensemble), Michelle Tatum (Ensemble), Mary Thomas (Ensemble), Brad Van Grack (Curly) Mimi Wong (Ensemble).

I had an opportunity to ask director Kevin Sockwell about himself and the manufacturing.

Kevin Sockwell is a veteran actor and director (over 80 gigs) most just lately directing for Little Theatre of Alexandria, Silver Spring Stage, and 2nd Star productions. He has additionally labored professionally as an actor for native and regional theatres. He is a local of Washington, DC and is retired from a profession as an addictions counselor from the Montgomery County Government and a personal clinic. 

Can you inform us the place you acquired your theatrical coaching?
My coaching started after I went to NYU to check performing. I wasn’t there lengthy, however that acquired me in NYC the place I skilled with Stella Adler immediately and different mentors over time. Lots of coaching simply got here from working.

You do each performing and directing, which do you favor and why?
I’ve been requested that usually with the identical reply, I don’t favor one over the opposite. As I’ve gotten older, directing is a little more accessible as age is just not an element. Both have execs and cons. With directing, I get to assist create all of the characters in rehearsal, at occasions, and construct one thing with others. Directing can be in depth, with quite a lot of accountability and coping with egos at occasions. With performing, I get to create a personality and benefit from the enjoyable of performing earlier than an viewers. It additionally means being there for each present, studying traces and blocking. It is just not as concerned with others as directing permits.

This manufacturing of “Oklahoma” shall be distinctive in its personal method because the performer are primarily seniors. Is there something particular you’re doing to disguise the age distinction between the actor and the function they’re enjoying or are you simply ignoring it? 
I’m ignoring it. Everyone is aware of the circumstances at Leisure World and hiding it’s like utilizing a serviette to cowl an elephant. 

What do you suppose makes “Oklahoma” an American basic?
Let’s begin with it being the primary Rogers and Hammerstein collaboration. It was the primary musical to combine music, dance, and story within the model that turned the brand new customary for musicals. It ushered in a mode which will have adjusted over time, however the elementary integration that began in 1943 stays. Also, ask anybody for an “Oklahoma” music and most might identify or sing a music. “Oklahoma,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” are iconic songs of the American theatre and all the time shall be.

In the longer term, is there any play or musical that you just want to direct?
I’ve been very lucky to direct quite a lot of exhibits that I’ve all the time needed to direct, some many occasions over. Directing “Come From Away,” a 9/11 musical whose rights have simply been launched, can be enjoyable. It is a directing problem which makes it enjoyable and its comedian/dramatic bent is a good mixture.

Performances of Fun and Fancy’s “Oklahoma” shall be November 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2025 at 7:30 pm and November 16 and 23, 2025 at 2:30 pm at Clubhouse 2 in Leisure World in Silver Spring, MD.  Tickets are usually not accessible on-line however might be bought now at Clubhouse 1 (301-598-1300) and a couple of (301-598-1320) by verify solely. Checks should be made out to Fun and Fancy. You don’t should be a resident of Leisure World to attend. Tickets are additionally accessible on the door earlier than the efficiency.