The Lucky Seven

Local playwright Mark Ogle’s latest play tells the story of the lives of seven 1960 graduates of Neosho Falls High School.

Local playwright Mark Ogle, who is known for his comic ­murder mysteries, is definitely changing it up a bit with his newest play “The Lucky Seven.” With the exception of a few comical moments, “The Lucky Seven” is a serious play.

    The setting is Neosho Falls High School in the small ­unassuming Midwestern town of Neosho Falls. There is nothing really special about either the school or town. What is special is the 1960 graduating class. This class holds many distinctions, including being the first class to graduate from the new high school building, as well as being the smallest graduating class ever, with just seven class members. They are known as “The Lucky Seven,” not simply because of their number, but for the reason for the number. This is the story of their lives. The play follows them from their graduation day through the next 50 years and the changes that occur in their lives.

    “Just when I think Mark has come up with all of the ­challenges there are to putting on a play, he writes this one that has characters aging 50 years right before your eyes. But I like a challenge or I wouldn’t like working with him,” laughed Dan Huey, the play’s director.

    “We are lucky to have a director the caliber of Dan Huey living here in Claremore,” said Mark Ogle. “I am always amazed how he and the cast can take the words written on a piece of paper and make them come to life.”

    Audience members will ­recognize some of the actresses and actors that have appeared in past Huey/Ogle productions, as well as some first timers. “While there won’t be a crime to solve, there is a secret to try and figure out before it is revealed,” said Ogle.

    This is the fourth year that the First United Methodist Church of Claremore has held this event. “I can’t thank Pastor Ray Crawford and everyone ­associated with the First United Methodist Church of Claremore enough for their continued ­support of the American Red Cross,” said Ogle. “The American Red Cross is so ­fortunate to have community partners like the church. Not only do they put on this event each year, but they are a ­designated American Red Cross shelter in case of a disaster.”

    The performance will be on Friday, September 28th, at the First United Methodist Church of Claremore. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the play begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 (includes dinner and show). Reservations are required and can be made by ­calling the church at (918) 341-4580.

    All money raised from this event will go to the American Red Cross to help provide ­immediate emergency assistance (temporary lodging, food and clothing) needed by those who experience a disaster, like a home fire. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit www.okredcross.org.

For more information, contact

First United Methodist Church of Claremore

(918) 341-4580