Who are you? What year are you? What are your interests?
My name is Riley Meskin and I’m a junior this year. I’ve always loved the arts, whether that be music, theater, or visual art. Outside of that, I’m really interested in mycology and nature in general.
What exactly do you do for Oklahoma!?
I’m in the ensemble and the two characters I play are “Mike” and “Man.” This is a very special role for me because I’ve played a little boy in nearly every show I’ve ever been in, and now I’m all grown up!
Why did you join Oklahoma!?
I’ve been involved in theater since I was in 4th grade, and especially since starting high school, it’s pretty much been my whole world. Almost all of my friends are in theater and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without it. I’ve been involved in every mainstage show at Homestead since my freshman year, and I don’t intend on breaking that streak! Also, Oklahoma! is the musical that transformed musical theater into what it is today and I would never miss the chance to be a part of this amazing show.
Tell us a story from rehearsal, pit practice, or crew session.
One time while we were rehearsing the dance for “Kansas City,” Lauren (our choreographer) made us do it over and over again for nearly an hour. That was the most exercise I did in a loooong time.
What is Oklahoma! about? Why should people come to see it?
Oklahoma! is about the rivalry between ranchers and farmers as the territory of Oklahoma is becoming a state. The story is focused on two cowboys’ competition for the affection of their respective farm girl love interests, one with a violent farm hand and the other with a traveling peddler.
People should come see the show because it’s just so fun overall and there truly is something in it for everyone: romance, corn, glorious cowboy boots, a knife fight, dancing, womern folk… the list goes on and on. Everyone involved has so much talent and it’s definitely going to be a show to remember.
What do you hope the audience will think about in the car as they drive home after this show?
I hope the audience will be thinking about all the big dance numbers in this show. We’ve all worked so, so hard on our dancing and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
Anything else you want to talk about?
I’d like to give a shout-out to my grandpa, Victor Meskin. Every time someone mentioned Homestead theater around him he used to ask when we would do Oklahoma! and we’re finally doing it. Enjoy the show, Grandpa.
More information about Oklahoma! the Musical at Homestead High School here
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