Stefano Oliviera goes to Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! by Rogers and Hammerstein is the musical that launched the musical theatre genre, and has been loved the world over since the 1940’s. It first combined dance, drama and song to portray a story, and launched many others in its wake.

New Zealand is in for a musical treat this year, as Oklahoma! plays in 19 towns and cities. Directed by Kiwi (and ex-Shortland Street actor Geraldine Brophy), the cast is world class, including Stefano Olivieri, whom many Kiwis fell in love with on Dancing with the Stars.

“I remember seeing Oklahoma! as a kid and feeling like I was born in the wrong era,” says Stefano. “I turned to my mother and said, I’d like to do that, to be on the stage. She just said ‘ok, let’s get you some singing lessons’. I was already dancing, so now I feel so blessed to be part of the most iconic musical in history.”

Stefano partnered director Geraldine on Dancing with the Stars. “While she wasn’t the most natural dancer, I just loved her attitude and was so drawn to her,” he says. “We always hoped we’d find a way to work together again, and what a way this is!”

His character Will is a hopeless romantic, a cowboy and in Stefano’s summation, “a little bit simple but evokes so much warmth”. His love interest on stage is the terrific and talented Ally Harper, who was a vocalist on Dancing with the Stars. “Her character is a bit of a floozy and Will has to really rein her in,” he laughs. “I always loved Ally’s voice and used to choose songs on Dancing with the Stars with her in mind as a vocalist. I can’t wait to be her boyfriend on stage!”

Stefano has spent plenty of time in New Zealand and loves his ‘second home.’ Friends from up and down the country have been contacting him since he joined the cast of Oklahoma! and he is looking forward to reconnecting with them. “My husband and I got married in New Zealand too, so it has a very special place in my heart,” he says. “I also can’t wait to get stuck into rehearsals. Cast members become just like family; the respect, the camaraderie, the love, the sweat and tears – I love it all.”

As well as acting, Stefano is a choreographer for the show, which is a huge task, given the history of it, and in particular, the ‘dream ballet,’ which sets it apart from other shows. “We have been researching and will keep the choreography authentic and in keeping with the era. I hope I can be taught as well,” he says, “You never stop learning as a dancer”.

Contact your local ticket agent for further information.