Congrats to Oklahoma City University. They have produced back-to-back Tony nominees in just two years. Kristen lastn year in "Wicked" and now Kelli O'Hara in "Light". They are one of the few musical theater schools to do this! http://www.okcu.edu/music/alumni.asp
And congrats to voice teacher Florenc Birdwell for producing her third Tony nominee: Kristen, Kelli, and Lara Teeter (and ..one hopes..one day..Stacy Logan!).
I am so excited for OCU! I went to two of their shows this year and both were very impressive. The students of Florence Birdwell are always amazing. I can't wait to see Parade there next season.
And you and I will agree finally on one point..... Mr. "disagreable" Tuttle. Lara is amazing and was fantastic in his role on Broadway! (still say Stacey Logan was treated badly in her hometown, and it spread like wildfire all over the midwest and beyond, cause Ms Deb Gibson demanded the spotlight!!). I know that Phantom and Hairspray on Broadway have OCU Grads performing leads and supporting roles and several ensemble members in many shows! There are several in the Rockettes. And Tamara Long, God rest her soul! She is the "Dame At Sea" IN OUR MEMORIES!
OCU is a great program and it's nice that some of their alumna are Tony nominees but this happens to most of the top MT/drama programs. Performers who are at that level would have been successful, no matter where they studied. :)
Honey..the reason why these people are who they are is cause these are not just programs..but SUCCESSFUL program. Anyone can run a program. It's what they give you that make you and other a success.