Oakland University to Present Classic Musical OKLAHOMA!

The theatre program at Oakland University will open its 2015-2016 season with a true American classic, Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" The iconic show broke new ground and set the standard for musical theatre when it first opened on Broadway in 1943. Its glorious, much-loved songs and famously innovative use of dance frame a love story between Curly, a handsome but headstrong cowboy, and Laurey, a spirited farm girl, in the rapidly changing West of the 1900s.

In addition to being a Broadway smash and a Pulitzer Prize winner, the show that produced such treasured songs as "Oh What a Beautiful Morning," "People Will Say We're in Love," and "Out of My Dreams" was adapted into an Academy Award winning movie.

Between Oct. 8 and Oct. 18, Oakland University will offer 12 creative and dynamic performances of "Oklahoma!" in an intimately-sized space that brings audiences very close to the action. All the theatre majors in the cast are preparing for professional careers, as are the students working on lighting, sound, and scenic and costume design and construction.

"Oklahoma!" will be performed in Varner Studio Theatre, which is located on the Oakland University campus. Maps of the campus are available at oakland.edu/map or by searching for "Varner Hall" on a smart phone. Ample free parking will be available.

Tickets are $20 for general seating; $12 for students at all shows, and everyone at the Friday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. matinee. They may be purchased online without service fees at startickets.com or by phone at (800) 585-3737. They can also be purchased at the Varner Box Office on OU's campus. Advance purchase is recommended for this show. Tickets ordered online or by phone can be picked up at the box office one hour before the performance begins. Complete ticket information is available atoakland.edu/mtd/tickets

For more information on Music, Theatre and Dance programs and performances, call (248) 370-2030 or visit oakland.edu/mtd.