Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! was the first musical play created by composer Richard Rodgers and writer Oscar Hammerstein. The presentation marked a revolution in musical drama. It was the first time a play with music told a story of emotional depth and psychological complexity, rather than simply using the story as a clothesline to hang the songs on. It was important also because it dealt with American historical and social materials. Oklahoma! was based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs.

Oklahoma! was also one of the first musicals with ballet dancing (choreographed by Agnes de Mille) that advanced the plot rather than just prancing showgirls. The original production starred Betty Garde, Alfred Drake, Joan Roberts, Celeste Holm, and Howard da Silva.

The play was adapted as an Academy Award-winning musical film in 1955, starring Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones (in her film debut).

Songs

• Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'
• The Surrey With the Fringe On Top
• Kansas City
• I Cain't Say No
• Many a New Day
• It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!
• People Will Say We're In Love
• Pore Jud is Daid
• Lonely Room
• Out of My Dreams
• The Farmer and the Cowman
• Let People Say We're In Love
• All Er Nuthin'
• Oklahoma!
• Oh What a Beautiful Mornin' (Reprise)

External links

• A short description of Oklahoma!
• Internet Broadway Database page for the original 1943 production
• IMDB description of 1955 film adaptation