Heavier Than Air Productions Presents: “Oklahoma!”

Heavier Than Air Productions is presenting the critically acclaimed musical “Oklahoma!”

Taking place in the early 1900s, the musical, made by well-known composer Richard Rogers and dramatist Oscar Hammerstein II, was brought to Broadway in 1943.

Based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, an American playwright, screenwriter and author, the musical takes place in the Oklahoma territory. It’s a two-act play, telling the story of farm girl Laurey Williams and her budding relationships with a cowboy, Curly McLain, and antagonist, Jud Fry.

The period of time when “Oklahoma!” was first presented was known as the “Golden Age” of musical theater. This was due to all the shows competing to be on Broadway at the time. And the sheer amount of people showing up for performances.

The production of the play did so well during its opening season, it ended with 2,212 performances and didn’t close until five years later in 1948. Although it ended in Broadway after five years, it lasted a total 10 years off Broadway. The actors preformed all around the country for various audiences, including for the military. In fact, the play did so well in its opening years, it has been revived and performed overseas, in places such as Japan in 2006. Also in 2012, the musical was done by 5th Avenue Theater in Seattle.

In 1955, the musical was made into a movie starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae. Even though the play was a big success, the film did just as well and won several awards.

The reason why the play is so influential is due to the fact that it is the first integrated musical of its time. As well as the innovative techniques used to make the acting, songs and plot flow. This served as the template for the way musicals should be made.

When asked about what inspired the decision to put this show on Terry Woyvodich, house manager of Heavier Than Air Productions, said, “It’s been on the burner for a couple of years now.” The reason for this was because there are “no roles for kids at all.” She said lots of families attend and participate in the performances of these shows. Woyvodich also said the audience can expect “lots of great music, lots of great dancing and choreography.”

Many students have not heard the play was being brought to Green River. Kai Hicks, an 18-year-old Running Start student majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics, said, “I have not heard about the play, but I have gone to one and I thought it was pretty cool.” Chung Shi, an international student who has been at Green River for one year, said, “I’m not really into musicals, no,” When asked if he would attend one if he knew when and how much it costed, he said “yes, just for the experience.” With more promotion of these plays, people could appreciate musicals and gain more respect than they already have for the arts.

The Heavier Than Air Productions’ Green River performances will be from June 22-24. Tickets for purchase are $12 in advance but can be purchased at the door for $14 if available. Friday, June 22, has one showing at 7 p.m. While Saturday, June 23, has two showings, one is at 2 p.m. and the other is at 7 p.m. The last show is on Sunday, June 24, at 2 p.m. Students are encouraged to buy tickets in advance as previous shows have sold out completely before the performance date.

To see more information, the flyer for the musical can be found on the Heavier Than Air Productions website (heavierthanair.com). To purchase the tickets, click the Get Involved tab on the Green River website. Then, under Theater, you will find links to buy the tickets.