Wright State takes deeper look at ‘Oklahoma!’

Excerpt

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s legendary “Oklahoma!,” the 1943 tale of romance, jealousy, land and statehood, revolutionized Broadway by taking musical theater to new heights of story, song and dance. It will be presented at Wright State University beginning Thursday.

Based on Lynn Riggs’ 1930 play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” the groundbreaking musical chronicles the testy yet tender relationship that blossoms on the farm of Aunt Eller Murphy between her niece, Laurey Williams, and her ranch hand Curly McClain. However, Laurey is also the object of affection for Eller’s lonely, detached ranch hand Jud Fry, which puzzles and irritates Curly. This potent love triangle transpires within a remarkable score overflowing with gems such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “Many a New Day,” “Out of My Dreams,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and the title tune.

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