Department of Drama presents 'Oklahoma!' Oct. 9-24
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Patrick Finlon
(315) 443-2636
There’s a bright golden haze on everything about this landmark musical, from Richard Rodgers’ vibrant score, to Oscar Hammerstein’s delightful lyrics and book, to the sparkling characters that populate a particular slice of the Oklahoma Territory. Add a Box Social, a surrey with a fringe on top, and some eye-popping choreography, and all you can say is “Oh, what a beautiful play!” Presented by the Department of Drama at Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), "Oklahoma!" runs October 9-24. For tickets, call 315-443-3275 or visit vpa.syr.edu/drama.
"Oklahoma!," the first collaboration between legendary musical theater duo Rodgers and Hammerstein, debuted on Broadway on March 31, 1943, with original choreography by dance pioneer Agnes de Mille. The production has been widely acknowledged for setting a new musical standard, groundbreaking in its seamless integration of story, score and dance.
Since its inception, the musical has had three Broadway revivals, three London productions, two films and countless other productions. The classic 1955 film adaptation won two Oscars, while the stage version has earned more than 25 nominations and awards including a special Tony Award for the 50th anniversary in 1993. In 1944, Rodgers and Hammerstein received a Special Pulitzer Prize for “Special Awards and Citations – Letters.”
The SU production of "Oklahoma!" is directed by David Lowenstein, with musical direction by Nathan Hurwitz and choreography by David Wanstreet. Said Lowenstein, “The last time this show was done in SU’s Department of Drama, I was in it.” In the 1982 production, Lowenstein played the roles of Slim and Dream Judd. “It’s been exciting to revisit this material at the place where it was first introduced to me.” For this production, Lowenstein points to the scenic design as an area of particular interest, noting, “It’s an abstract look at the vast landscape of 'Oklahoma!,' in contrast to the towns that began to appear.”
By the early 1900s, Oklahoma Territory, which was then still partially Indian Territory, was on the verge of becoming a state. The government had opened the land for settlements in the late 19th century, holding six land runs between the years of 1889 and 1895. Americans and new immigrants quickly arrived to stake their claims. The new farms and towns were built over the land that had been used as cattle ranges since the end of the Civil War. Oklahoma Territories became even more valuable when oil was discovered. The black gold encouraged the growth of cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and solidified the territory’s place in the union. Oklahoma became a state in 1907.
TICKETS
Tickets for the Syracuse University Department of Drama’s production of "Oklahoma!" are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors. $7 rush tickets are available at the door, one hour before curtain. Wednesday, October 14 is “Pay What You Can” night” for valid SU ID holders. For tickets and more information, contact the Department of Drama box office at 315-443-3275 or visit
vpa.syr.edu/drama.
VPA AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITYVPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. It provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action.
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