Broadway by the Way to Present OKLAHOMA!, 6/3-19

The musical OKLAHOMA! runs from June 3rd through June 19th at the historic Fox Theatre in Redwood City (2215 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA).

OKLAHOMA! was the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The original Broadway production opened in 1943 and was an instant box-office hit, running for an unprecedented 2,212 performances, and later becoming the Academy Award-winning 1955 film. OKLAHOMA! was a revolutionary production that paved the way for the structure of the modern American musical and set the standard against which all future book musicals would be judged.

Based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play Green Grow the Lilacs and set in Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the 20th century, the spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the backdrop for the love story between Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a beautiful farm girl. As the roads to romance and statehood converge, Curly and Laurey are poised to spend their new life together in a brand new state! The iconic score includes such favorites as Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin', I Cain't Say No!, People Will Say We're In Love, and Oklahoma!

Director Joshua Marx says "OKLAHOMA! is a classic piece of American musical theatre that has been cherished and beloved for over half a century. As each generation experiences this work, new insight is gleaned from the story of how the American dream lived and breathed during the westward expansion of our country, sparking questions and conversation." Marx continues, "Our production immerses our audience in the wild frontier in the 1900's. Our beautiful wide open set seems to reach out to our audience, and we have incorporated an acoustic flavor into our orchestrations. We hope to really bring our guests into the world of the play and explore what it would be like to be a settler in a brand new and unconquered territory."

"We are reexamining the heart and intention of each and every one of our characters," continues Marx. "OKLAHOMA! addresses sexism, classicism, and racism in a way that was remarkably progressive for its time. By honoring this classic with a breath of fresh air, we hope to give the audience an experience that will leave them excited, inquisitive, and humming their favorite tunes."

Resident Music Director Sean Kana says "OKLAHOMA!, through its brilliant storytelling and music, brings a sense of hope and destiny to, at the time, unsettled minds. Our production promises to bring you not only a fun-filled vocal and symphonic-like presence, but also a raw acoustic-sounding element that will transport you back to the 1900's, full of musical styles such as country, folk, ragtime and more."

OKLAHOMA! features Sam Faustine (Curly), Jennifer Mitchell (Laurey), Ali Lane (Aunt Eller), John Melis (Jud Frye), Erin Yvette (Ado Annie), Danila Burshteyn (Will Parker), Mohamed Ismail (Ali Hakim), Rich Matli (Judge Carnes), and Sami Pistoresi (Gertie Cummings). The Female Ensemble includes Libby Lloyd, Samantha Hildebrandt, Jessica Golden, Lauren Herman, Kristina Hudelson, Elena Ron, Lauren D'Ambrosio, and Amy Meyers. The Male Ensemble includes Andrew Mondello, Josiah Frampton, Ray D'Ambrosio, Joseph Hudelson, Kyle Arrouzet, Chris Aceves, Issac Goldberg, and Andrew Rotchadl.

The creative team includes Joshua Marx (Director), Sean Kana (Musical Director), Camille Edralin (Choreographer), Kelly James Tighe (Scenic Designer), Warren Wernick (Associate Scenic Designer), Andrea Schwartz (Lighting Designer), Amy Lizardo (Associate Director), Valerie Emmi (Costume Designer), and Jon Hayward (Technical Director & Sound Designer).

Tickets range from $47 to $69, and may be purchased by phone at 650-579-5565, online at broadwaybythebay.org, or in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office located at 2219 Broadway Street in downtown Redwood City. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10AM-1:30PM, 3:00PM-6:00PM. On performance days, the box office is open 60 minutes prior to the start of each show, and remains open for 30 minutes following the start of the performance.

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