Suffering from cabin fever? Starting this weekend, people in the South Hills have a chance to break their winter doldrums and see a top-quality play starring young people from their neighborhood.

The high school musical season starts Friday with productions at two schools: Upper St. Clair is doing "Oklahoma!" and West Mifflin, "The Pajama Game.''

In coming weeks, more schools get into the act with old favorites, such as "Gypsy," "Brigadoon" and "South Pacific," and some newer works: look for "Seussical the Musical" and "HONK!"

The music in these productions is eclectic, the kids are talented, the price is right and patrons don't have to drive far. The South's season kicks off with Upper St. Clair's presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" on Friday. Executive Producer Paul Fox likes the show because it broke a lot of rules when it debuted in 1943.

"The show featured no socialites in the cast, as was the norm," Fox said. "It used songs to further the plot and it had a villain that could be explained psychologically. It was really a show against the odds."

Fox also is proud of the fact that 250 students are involved in this year's production.

"Oklahoma!" at Upper St. Clair High School, 1820 McLaughlin Run Road, plays at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and again at that time March 11 and 12. Curtain goes up at 6:30 p.m. March 9 and 10. There is a 2 p.m. matinee March 6. Tickets are $5 to $15 and are available at the box office Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to noon, and Monday and Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Also up this week is the West Mifflin play, with Richard Adler and Jerry Ross' "The Pajama Game" opening tomorrow for a three-day run.

Artistic Director Melissa Prutz said the show had three attractions for the student actors: It's fun; it has a great score, including classics "Hernando's Hideaway," "Hey There" and "Steam Heat," and cast members all get to wear pajamas for the finale.

"The Pajama Game" at West Mifflin High School, 91 Commonwealth Ave., starts at 7:30 Thursday and Friday and at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $3 to $7. Call 412-466-9283, ext. 1021.

Previews of other high school musicals will appear in the Post-Gazette's South edition in coming weeks.

Visit the PG high school musical Web page at www.post-gazette.com for a complete list of high school musicals in the Pittsburgh area.