The Musical "Oklahoma!" - Doin' Fine in Tulsa by BixB
In 1998, the London Daily Mail described the musical "Oklahoma!" this way: "There's nothing corny about this wonderful, fresh show. It's not just a classic American musical but -- and this is the real surprise -- a truthful, touching and gripping drama about growing up and falling in love, about dreams and nightmares."Most people are not aware that it won its authors a Pulitzer Prize in 1943. Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II made their glorious music and Agnes de Mille's innovative choreography an integral part of the story-telling process - a novel approach at the time, but one that set the pattern and standards for musical theater still followed today.
What a better place to experience this classic than in the Sooner State itself! Every year, from June through August, "Oklahoma!" is presented on the "Discoveryland" outdoor stage 10 miles west of downtown Tulsa. With a talented cast of performers and live animals, the charming tale of a handsome cowboy named Curly and his romance of the dreamy farm-girl Laury, comes to life in a wooded 2000-seat amphiteater under the Oklahoma skies. While not quite Broadway caliber, the production is very well done and a number of pre-show activities make for a complete and highly enjoyable evening at an extremely reasonable price (have you priced a Broadway show lately?!!).
Please take note that "Oklahoma!" plays only on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings. For 2005, the musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" was being presented on Thursdays and Fridays. The stage is dark on Sunday. I have not seen the "Seven Brides" production. I'm sure it is well done, but "Oklahoma!" is by far the better of the two musicals and the real "Must-See Activity."
For Summer 2005, ticket prices were: Adults $16.95, Sr. Citizens $15.95, and Children (10 and under) FREE. Prices for the optional Pre-show dinner were: Adults $9.95, Sr. Citizens $9.50, Children $6.95. Packages and group discounts were also available.
