Oklahoma!: February 2008
Music by Richard Rodgers and book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Set in the American Midwest in the early 1900s, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of the love triangle between farm girl Laurey, cowboy Curly, and the dark and brooding hired hand Jud Fry. Against the backdrop of the Oklahoma Territory’s transition into statehood, the characters navigate issues of love, identity, and the struggle between the civilized and the wild.
Featuring classic songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” and the title song “Oklahoma!,” the musical is known for its upbeat energy and memorable dance numbers. It was also groundbreaking in its integration of music, dance, and storytelling, with characters breaking out into song to express their emotions and advance the plot.
“Oklahoma!” is considered a classic of American musical theatre, and its influence can be seen in countless other shows that followed in its footsteps. The show explores themes of love, identity, and the struggle between modernity and tradition, and its enduring popularity speaks to the timelessness of those themes.