Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic ‘Oklahoma!’ blows in to Texas State

By Paige Wilkerson
University News Service
October 31, 2011

The Texas State University-San Marcos Department of Theatre and Dance present the musical production, Oklahoma!, Nov. 11-12 and 15-19 at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee performance Nov. 13 at 2 p.m., and 1 and 7 p.m. shows Nov. 20 on the main stage of the Theatre Center.

Written by Oscar Hammerstein, directed by Kaitlin Hopkins with music by Richard Rodgers, Oklahoma! is set in the Oklahoma territory outside the town of Claremore in 1906. During this time period, Oklahoma was in the process of becoming a state. The musical merges story with dance to show the history of hardship and survival in Claremore. The play also examines the relationships within the community.

“What we hope to achieve is a look inside this moment in our country’s evolution and a glimpse at these people and their lives in raw form,” said Kaitlin Hopkins, director of the musical.

Oklahoma! marked the first collaboration between composer Richard Rodgers and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein. Rodgers and Hammerstein have since written a total of nine musicals together.

Tickets are $12 general admission and $7 students with a valid Texas State ID. For more information, please call (512) 245-2147.