Tonight, Pepperdine’s Theatre Department will premiere its latest musical, “Oklahoma!” This classic of American theatre was first performed in 1943, and almost 70 years later, it continues to be one of the most performed musicals. The enduring tale includes music written by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein and original dances by Agnes de Mille.
Set in Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century, the play follows two romances. The first is between Curly and Laurey, who both have feelings for each other but are reluctant to admit their true affections. Their relationship is further complicated when farmhand Judd attempts to win over Laurey.
The other romance involves Ado Annie, who struggles to choose between cowboy Will and peddler Ali Hakim. Will is her boyfriend and genuinely loves her, yet while he was away from home on a trip to Kansas, she fell for ladies’ man Ali Hakim, who does not have intentions to marry her.
Each woman’s decisions are explored through song and dance. Notable songs from the musical include “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top.” Overall, the musical is full of excitement, fun, and romance.
“Oklahoma!” as a musical has been significant for two reasons. It was the first musical to feature a dream ballet sequence — a number that does not include singing and is entirely dance, with the dancing used to portray the themes in the play.
Oklahoma was also the first fully integrated musical, meaning it was the first to completely incorporate singing, dancing and acting (previous musicals merely used dancing girls for entertainment as opposed to entire casts dancing as a means of conveying the story).
Pepperdine’s own performance of “Oklahoma!” is sure to please. Students have been working tirelessly from the beginning of the semester to perfect the performance.
Director Bradley Griffin says the students have had 288 hours of rehearsal thus far, which he points out is as time-consuming as taking an entire extra load of courses in a semester.
The play is a result of the combined effort of 34 student members performing in the cast, 27 student musicians playing in the orchestra pit, 54 students constructing the set and 29 students working backstage at every performance.
With such a large number of students contributing to the production, Griffin understandably calls it a “massive undertaking.”
One of the strengths of Pepperdine’s performance will be its choreography. The play is being choreographed by Jane Lanier, a LA-based choreographer who has been in six Broadway productions and was a Tony nominee. Her take on the original choreography will give new elements to the classic musical.
Pepperdine last presented this musical 20 years ago, and this year Griffin and Conductor Tony Cason lend their talents to the new production.
Tickets are priced at $20 for the general public, $10 for Pepperdine students and $16 for Pepperdine faculty and staff.
The play is showing Thursday, Nov. 8, through Saturday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 11, for a matinee at 2 p.m., and again from Thursday, Nov. 15, through Saturday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m.
