Photo Flash: OKLAHOMA! Celebrates Opening Night at Paramount Theatre

Everything's up to date in Aurora, where nearly 27,000 subscribers (and still counting) have already signed up for the Paramount Theatre's 2015-16 four-show Broadway Musical Series. That's just one reason why Paramount's Broadway opener OKLAHOMA!, directed by Artistic Director Jim Corti, promises to be the musical everyone will be talking about this fall. Wower of Chicagoland audiences and critics alike since launching its own, self-produced Broadway series four years ago, the Paramount's fifth consecutive Broadway Series kicks off with the epic, much-loved debut collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein about turn of the century American pioneers. Scroll down for photos from opening night on September 19!

OKLAHOMA! set the standard for all future musicals by incorporating music, lyrics and dance into a well-crafted, serious story. Set in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906, tensions are mounting between the local farmers and cowboys over the use of land. In the midst of it all is the rugged cowboy Curly, who's fallen for the strong-headed farm girl, Laurey. Despite their fiery spirits and at times tumultuous relationship, the two are destined to start a new life together in the soon-to-be state called Oklahoma! Nominated for seven Tony Awards and winner of a Pulitzer Prize, OKLAHOMA! sets the standard for Paramount's 2015-16 Broadway season. It's filled with some of the most recognized songs in theater like "Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'," "The Surrey with the Fringe On Top," "People Will Say We're in Love," and of course, the resounding "Ok-la-hom-a!" OKLAHOMA!, based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, boasts music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, and original dances by Agnes de Mille.

Artistic Director Corti is taking the directorial reins of Oklahoma right on the heels of his back-to- back smash hits for Paramount last spring, The Who's Tommy and Les Miserables. The cast of actors is led by rising stars Colte Julian as Curly McLain, Allison Sill as Laurey Williams, and Peter Saide as Jud Fry, all three making their Paramount debut. Julian, whose credits include Jerry Lee Lewis in the Chicago production and national tour of Million Dollar Quartet, will draw from his southwest Oklahoman upbringing as Curly. Sill, who turned heads as Inga in Drury Lane's Young Frankenstein, will play the conflicted farm girl Laurey. Saide (Jud), fresh from his Chicago debut in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Sense and Sensibility, has a long, impressive list of off Broadway, regional and even international credits.

Oklahoma also stars Kareem Bandealy (Ali Hakim), Caron Buinis (Aunt Eller Murphy), Lillie Cummings (Ado Annie Carnes), Carl Draper (Will Parker), Don Forston (Andrew Carnes), Allyson Graves (Gertie Cummings), Don Richard (Cord Elam), and ensemble members Aubrey Adams, William Carlos Angulo, Annelise Baker, Larry Baldacci, Aaron Conklin, Courtney Cerny, Erica Evans, Sam Gardner, Alana Grossman, Matt Holzfeind, Kristina Larson-Hauk, James Lee, Chelsea Morgan, Holly Stauder, James Stevko, Monica Thomas, J Tyler Whitmer and Phil Young.

In true Paramount tradition, the 18-member Paramount Orchestra will play the full, original Broadway orchestrations for Oklahoma. Like director Jim Corti, Tom Vendafreddo, Music Director and Conductor for Oklahoma, is following up his excellent work on Tommy and Les Mis in Paramount's orchestra pit. Paramount's production team also includes Katie Spelman, choreographer; Scott Davis, set; Theresa Ham, costumes; Greg Hofmann, lights; Mike Stanfill, projections; Adam Rosenthal, sound; Katie Cordts, wigs; and Sarah Ross, props. Trent Stork is assistant director; Sara Gammage is Stage Manager; Amber Johnson is Assistant Stage Manager.

Regular performances continue through October 18. Show times are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $41 to $56. The Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd., in the heart of downtown Aurora. For tickets and information, go to ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or visit the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and two hours prior to evening performances. Oklahoma is rated PG.

95.9 The River PM Show Host Mitch Michaels and Susan Degnan

Allison Sill (Laurey Williams), Paramount Artistic Director & Oklahoma Director Jim Corti and Colte Julian (Curly McLain)

Annelise May Baker (Ensemble), Lillie Cummings (Ado Annie Carnes) and Allison Sill (Laurey Williams)

Paramount Artistic Director & Oklahoma Director Jim Corti and Paramount CEO & President Tim Rater

Paramount Theatre Supporters Bruce and Linda Grider

Star 96.7 Afternoon Show Host Scott Childers and Karen Lorgus