‘Oklahoma!’ sweeps onto Wilner Auditorium stage
Musical theater came into its own as an art form with "Oklahoma!"
Prior to this groundbreaking show, songs and dance were often unrelated to plot structure, says Marie King, director of opera and musical theater.
The Rogers and Hammerstein musical opens the Opera and Musical Theatre Series Oct. 5-8 in Wilner Auditorium.
Rogers and Hammerstein closely integrated music and lyrics with character development. The dances mirror the joyful or troubled moments in the character’s lives – young lovers confused by their first experience of passion and jealously, as well as the people of the soon-to-be state striving to accommodate conflicting ways of life.
Rather than simply entertain, the songs and dances further character development and are why this tale of young love and pioneer spirit and hopeful beginnings has remained a favorite.
The score includes "People Will Say We’re in Love," "I Cain’t Say No," and, of course, the rousing title song.
Linda Starkey, assistant professor of voice, directs "Oklahoma!" She says the cast and crew are excited about rediscovering this great American classic.
"It established a format where all the elements singing, acting and dancing were equally important in telling the story," Starkey says. "The show is truly a tribute to the courage and strength of the American people who settled the Midwest."
Terri McWilliams, assistant professor of dance, is the choreographer, and Tom Mitchell is the music director.
The Opera and Musical Theatre Series will produce "L’incoronazione de Poppea" Nov. 2-5 and "Die Fledermaus" March 15-18. Bonus events not included in the series are "Amahl and the Night Visitors" Nov. 25-26 and "The Sopranos" April 28. Series subscribers receive discounted prices for the bonus events.
"Samuel Ramey Sings Great Bass Arias" will be April 10 at Century II Concert Hall. Series subscribers have priority in ordering tickets for this special event.
Call 978-3233 for reserved tickets. Prices start at $12 with discounts for the WSU community.
Opera and Musical Theatre Series comprises three ticketed events. Tickets are $28 for the general public and $25 for senior citizens, students, military with ID and WSU faculty and staff. All other opera/musical theater shows will be in Miller Concert Hall. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.
