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August 1 , 2008

Herndon High Grad Stars in "Oklahoma!"

By Rebecca Plevin Observer Staff Writer

Local theatergoers may have seen her as Lola in Herndon High School"s production of "Damn Yankees," and they may have heard her during performances by the school"s Madrigals choir and Heatwave Show Choir. Now, local audiences can catch Herndon High School graduate Andrea Hepfinger as one of the lead women in Sterling Playmakers" musical, "Oklahoma!"

In the show, Hepfinger, a 2006 HHS graduate and a junior at Brigham Young University, stars as Ado Annie, a woman with a thick Southern accent who "likes to flirt with boys" and "can"t decide between three men," Hepfinger said. Hepfinger said the role is "really fun" because she is constantly making the audience laugh with her ditsy lines and silly songs.

Hepfinger said the classic show, written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, is a lighthearted and "cheesy" musical and she said the cast has a blast entertaining the audience. "Everyone loves it and we love performing for everyone," she said.

Hepfinger has been performing under the theater lights for many years. She performed in four musicals at Herndon High School and was involved in the school"s choir department. She has starred in about ten productions with the Sterling Playmakers, she said. "I love being on stage," she said. "I love it all. I love getting the laughs and being in front of a big group."

"Oklahoma!" director Kathy Bleutge said Hepfinger has a natural stage presence and the "ability to just put herself completely in the role." Bleutge said she could tell when other young people are acting but Hepfinger "just becomes the role." Bleutge also said Hepfinger is a beautiful dancer and signer.

Hepfinger, who is studying acting and speech pathology at Brigham Young, said she dreams of becoming a professional actress on Broadway or in Hollywood. She seems to be on the right path toward stardom: She said she is getting an agent this fall who will help her audition for professional shows and films.

If that dream does not come true, she said, she said she would love to work with kids in the field of speech pathology.

"Oklahoma!" opened last weekend at The Theatre at Potomac Falls High School and continues through next weekend. Tickets are available at the door or at www.sterlingplaymakers.com.