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Entertainment

Oklahoma Musical

What is oklahoma musical?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Title Oklahoma![1]
Type American musical[1]
Composer Richard Rodgers[1]
Book and lyrics Oscar Hammerstein II[1]
First Broadway opening March 31, 1943[2]
Setting Oklahoma Territory, 1906[1]

The **Oklahoma!** musical is an American production by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II that premiered on Broadway in 1943. It is set in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906 and revolves around the romance between Curly and Laurey, with themes of rivalry and conflict. The musical is based on Lynn Riggs’s 1931 play, *Green Grow the Lilacs*.

Context

The musical Oklahoma! is credited with helping to integrate book, score, and choreography to advance the plot. It is based on Lynn Riggs’s 1931 play, *Green Grow the Lilacs* [2]. The original Broadway production ran for 2,212 performances, making it a significant success in its time [2].

Documented claims

  • The original Broadway production ran 2,212 performances. [2]
  • The musical is described as the first collaboration by Rodgers and Hammerstein. [3]
  • The song 'Oklahoma!' became the official state song of Oklahoma in 1953. [3]

Questions and answers

What is the main story of the musical Oklahoma?

The main story of the musical revolves around the courtship of Curly and Laurey amid rivalry and conflict in the Oklahoma Territory in 1906 [1].

Who are the main characters in the musical Oklahoma?

The main characters are Curly and Laurey, with the story centering on their romance and the surrounding conflicts [1].

Why was Oklahoma such a groundbreaking musical?

The musical is credited with integrating book, score, and choreography to advance the plot, which was a significant innovation at the time [3].

Sources

  1. [PDF] “Oklahoma!” (Original Cast Recording) (1943) — loc.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. The Ultimate Guide to Oklahoma the Musical | Amateur Theatre — theatreandchardonnay.co.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! — concordtheatricals.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Entertainment