March 2, 2006

'Oklahoma!' to be performed at Purdue

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Rodgers and Hammerstein's landmark musical "Oklahoma!" will be on stage at Purdue University next week.

The musical will be performed at 8 p.m. March 9 at Purdue's Elliott Hall of Music.

This performance, part of a national tour directed by Fred Hanson and choreographed by Ginger Thatcher, is adapted from the Cameron Mackintosh presentation recently seen in London.

"Oklahoma!" is Rodger's and Hammerstein's first collaboration and features musical numbers including "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin,' " "People Will Say We're In Love" and "The Surrey With the Fringe On Top."

Set in the territory of Oklahoma at the turn of the century against a background of the rivalry between cattlemen and farmers, "Oklahoma!" is the story of the farm girl Laurey and the two rivals for her affection: the cowboy Curly and Jud, the brooding farmhand.

Written in 1943, "Oklahoma!" became an instant hit and classic for Rodgers and Hammerstein, launching a career that included "Carousel," "The King and I," "South Pacific" and "The Sound of Music."

Tickets for "Oklahoma!" are $23 to $45 and are available at campus box offices or by phone at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets also can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: Todd Wetzel, Purdue Convocations director, (765) 494-9712

Kerry S. Nason, Purdue Convocations manager of operations, (765) 496-9071, knason@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web sites:
Purdue Convocations

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