Information

Show Credits: Music by Various
Lyrics by Various
Book by Debra Monk and Mary Murfitt and Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick

Description: The auditorium has been swept. The crepe paper has been hung. Four music stands sit on an improvised stage.

In this hit revue from the creators of PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES, four graduates of Oil City High return to their alma mater for a recital in honor of their beloved music teacher, Miss Reeves. Proud, eager – not necessarily gifted – and slightly competitive, the four perform a bizarre program that ranges from the “1812 Overture” to “The Stars And Stripes Forever” to rock standards, sentimental favorites and off beat original songs. It’s a knee-slapping, sweetly nutty tribute that’s an ideal showcase for four charismatic actor-singer-musicians.

Easy and economical to produce, OIL CITY SYMPHONY is good old-fashioned fun that even includes an audience-participatory rendition of “The Hokey-Pokey,” and punch and cookies served by the cast at the end of the performance.

Accolades/
Awards: Drama Desk Award and the Outer Critics' Circle Award, designated by critics from all over the country.

Insight from the experts Casting Tip: The characters should be honest, not caricatures. They are proud, eager, slightly competitive and serious about this recital and making it fun. Their earnest approach makes the show come alive. All must be able to play instruments (although not necessarily the parts indicated in their specific “books.”

Staging Tip: None to speak of. Takes place in an auditorium, but can be on an empty stage.