Oklahoma! (musical)

Oklahoma! (musical)
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Name	Oklahoma!
Music	Richard Rodgers
Lyrics	Oscar Hammerstein II
Book	Oscar Hammerstein II
Basis	Lynn Riggs's play Green Grow the Lilacs
Awards	Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony Award for Best Musical

Oklahoma! (musical) is a renowned Broadway musical written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, based on Lynn Riggs's play Green Grow the Lilacs. The musical premiered on March 31, 1943, at the St. James Theatre in New York City, starring Alfred Drake as Curly McLain and Joan Roberts as Laurey Williams. It was produced by Theatre Guild and directed by Rouben Mamoulian, with choreography by Agnes de Mille. The musical's success can be attributed to the collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, who also worked together on South Pacific and The Sound of Music.

Background and History

The idea for Oklahoma! (musical) was born out of Lynn Riggs's play Green Grow the Lilacs, which was first performed in 1931 at the Theatre Guild in New York City. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II were inspired by the play and decided to create a musical adaptation, with Rodgers composing the music and Hammerstein writing the lyrics and book. The musical was originally titled Away We Go! but was later changed to Oklahoma! to reflect the state's admission to the United States as the 46th state in 1907. The musical's development involved the input of various individuals, including Theresa Helburn, a producer at Theatre Guild, and Lawrence Langner, a director and producer. The musical's score was influenced by the works of George Gershwin and Jerome Kern, and its choreography was inspired by the Ballets Russes and the Martha Graham Dance Company.

Plot

The musical is set in the American West in the early 20th century and revolves around the story of Curly McLain, a charming cowboy who falls in love with Laurey Williams, a beautiful farm girl. The story takes place in the Oklahoma Territory, where Curly and Laurey live, and explores themes of love, friendship, and rivalry. The plot is driven by the conflict between Curly and Jud Fry, a brooding farmhand who is also in love with Laurey. The musical features a range of characters, including Aunt Eller, Ado Annie, and Will Parker, who add to the story's complexity and humor. The plot is also influenced by the Land Run of 1889 and the Dawes Act, which had a significant impact on the Native American population in Oklahoma.

Music

The musical features a range of iconic songs, including Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', Surrey with the Fringe on Top, and People Will Say We're in Love. The music was composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. The score is known for its innovative use of reprise and leitmotif, which adds to the musical's dramatic tension and emotional depth. The musical's songs have been performed by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bing Crosby. The music has also been influenced by the works of Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein, and has been praised for its Americana style and themes.

Productions

Oklahoma! (musical) has been produced numerous times since its premiere in 1943. The original production ran for 2,212 performances and was followed by a West End production in 1947 at the Drury Lane Theatre. The musical has been revived on Broadway several times, including in 1951, 1979, and 2002. The musical has also been produced by various regional theater companies, including the Guthrie Theater and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. The musical's productions have been directed by notable directors, including Trevor Nunn and John Doyle, and have featured a range of actors, including Hugh Jackman and Audra McDonald.

Adaptations and Legacy

Oklahoma! (musical) has been adapted into several forms, including a 1955 film starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones. The musical has also been adapted into a concert version, which was performed at Carnegie Hall in 2011. The musical's legacy can be seen in its influence on subsequent Broadway musicals, including West Side Story and The Phantom of the Opera. The musical's themes and characters have also been referenced in popular culture, including in The Simpsons and Family Guy. The musical's impact on American musical theater is significant, and it is widely regarded as one of the most important musicals of the 20th century.

Reception and Impact

Oklahoma! (musical) was a critical and commercial success upon its release, with Brooks Atkinson of The New York Times praising its innovative storytelling and memorable songs. The musical won several awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Musical. The musical's impact on American culture is significant, with its songs and characters becoming part of the national consciousness. The musical has also been recognized for its historical significance, with the Library of Congress adding it to the National Recording Registry in 2007. The musical's influence can be seen in the works of Stephen Sondheim and John Kander, and its legacy continues to be felt in the world of musical theater. The musical has been performed by numerous companies, including the New York City Opera and the San Francisco Opera, and has been seen by millions of people around the world.