Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! was the first musical play created by composer Richard Rodgers and writer Oscar Hammerstein. The presentation marked a revolution in musical drama. It was the first time a play with music told a story of emotional depth and psychological complexity, rather than simply using the story as a clothesline to hang the songs on. It was important also because it dealt with American historical and social materials. Oklahoma! was based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs.

Songs include the title tune, "Oh What a Beautiful Morning", "Kansas City", "Surrey With a Fringe on Top", and "Poor Jud is Dead". Oklahoma! was also one of the first musicals with ballet dancing (choreographed by Agnes deMille[?]) rather than prancing showgirls.

The play was adapted as an Academy Award-winning musical film in 1955, starring Gordon MacRae[?] and Shirley Jones (in her film debut).

External links

• A short description (http://www.imagi-nation.com/moonstruck/albm36) of Oklahoma!
• IMDB description (http://us.imdb.com/Title?0048445) of 1955 film adaptation