UTC Theatre, Chattanooga Ballet partner to present ‘Oklahoma!’
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Theatre Company is partnering with Chattanooga Ballet to present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s beloved musical “Oklahoma!” in five performances starting Tuesday, April 18.
The musical was the first written by the team of composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein. It is based on the play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” by Lynn Riggs.
Set in Oklahoma territory, the musical tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farm girl Laurey Williams. A subplot deals with the romance of Will Parker and his funny, flirtatious girlfriend Ado Annie.
The musical includes such Broadway favorites as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “I Can’t Say No,” “People Will Say We’re in Love” and the title song, “Oklahoma!”
Steve Ray, director of the UTC production, says “Oklahoma!” set the standard for musicals that followed after its opening in 1943.
“It is known for the revolutionary way it incorporated the plot into the songs, but also has a near perfect mix of romance, comedy, intrigue, music and dance.”
Ray explains that the dream ballet in the musical is an iconic moment in American musical theater.
“Andrew Parker, Chattanooga Ballet’s new artistic director, has choreographed beautiful and powerful elements that are unique to our production,” says Ray. “Our students have been fortunate to work with Andrew, the ballet dancers and Chattanooga Ballet’s managing director Bob Willie, who is our fight choreographer.”
The cast includes Rachel Shannon, Mark Elich, Kimberly Rye, Nick Sterling, Bethany Peyton, Garret Henson, Heath Austin, Kelsey Anderson, MarQuez Pierce, Ellie Smoak, Claire Johnson, Cierra Dolata and Katey Dailey.
Also, Skylar Ramsey, Ashley Tisdale, Toni Bolton, Madeline Franklin-Dean, Makenna Anderson, Linsey Watkins, Gabriel Bailey, Zachary Shreeve, Jonah Smith, Jacob Madden, Alexander Smith, Cooper Tidwell, Chris Shaw and Nathan Dyer.
A five-piece ensemble composed of students and UTC faculty will accompany the singers. Sets have been designed by Adam Miecielica and costumes by Samantha Johnson.
Tickets will be sold at the door as they remain, but advance purchase online is recommended since musicals traditionally sell out at UTC.
Get tickets online at utc.edu/ finearts, at the Fine Arts Center box office or by phone at 423425-4269.
“It is known for the revolutionary way it incorporated the plot into the songs, but also has a near perfect mix of romance, comedy, intrigue, music and dance.” STEVE RAY, DIRECTOR