The Story

Oklahoma! Comes to the College

Nov. 11, 2010 | By Justina Michels , DSJ Staff Reporter

Oklahoma!, one of the most influential and beloved musicals of the twentieth century, has never been staged by the William and Mary Theatre. On November 12, 2010, the College’s Theatre opens with the much anticipated premier of the classic American musical.

Oklahoma! was one of the first musicals to create the concept of a �"book musical,” a musical production in which songs are integral to the telling of the story and further plot and character development rather than interrupting the action of the musical. The American classic opened on Broadway in 1943, running until 1948, an unprecedented run for the era.

In 1998, the National Theatre in London took on the musical with a new production of the show. Hugh Jackman famously headed the cast that brought Oklahoma! back into the spotlight, and the success of the London Production lead to a revival at the George Gershwin Theatre on Broadway from March 2002 to February 2003. Presently, Oklahoma! currently plays in Washington DC and tours in the UK, a testament to its continuing popularity both internationally and domestically.

For the William and Mary production, Dance faculty member Denise Damon Wade has re-interpreted the choreography, drawing inspiration from a variety of dance styles including Native American dance, the Charleston, and classic square dancing. The musical direction is provided by Gary Green and will include familiar songs such as �"Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and �"People Will Say We’re In Love.”

When asked about the task of undertaking a performance such as Oklahoma!, Richard Palmer, the director said, �"The cast has been in rehearsal for almost eight weeks and really looks forward to having an audience. In terms of music and choreography, particularly, this is a big, complicated production that challenges everyone. Oklahoma! is almost a national icon; so we have the added burden of knowing that the audience has high expectations.”

"Oklahoma! is not so much about Oklahoma, as it is about America: a vision of America as a place of inclusion," Palmer continued. "It’s a great show to produce when we feel ‘stressed’ as a country. Doing this production means going back and realizing what this country is all about.”

Oklahoma! will run for two weeks in Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall located on Jamestown Rd, showcasing the talents of the cast for six nights. The show is open to both members of the College and the public, and tickets—$15 general admission and $10 for students—can be purchased at the PBK Box, Tuesday-Friday between 10 am and 2 pm, or anytime online at wm.tix.com. Oklahoma! will be performed November 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 beginning at 8:00 PM, and November 14 and 21 at 2:00 PM. After the November 12 performance, the audience is invited to participate in a talk-back session after the show.