Oklahoma!

Definition

Oklahoma! is a groundbreaking musical that debuted in 1943, created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. It is notable for its innovative integration of song, dance, and narrative, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of musical theater dance as it emphasized the role of dance in storytelling and character development, rather than merely serving as entertainment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oklahoma! was the first musical to use dance as a critical component for storytelling, setting a new standard for future productions.
2. The show features famous songs like 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'' and 'People Will Say We're in Love', which contribute to character development.
3. The choreography by Agnes de Mille helped to enhance the emotional impact of the story and showcased American folk dance styles.
4. Oklahoma! was based on Lynn Riggs' play 'Green Grow the Lilacs', highlighting rural American themes and life.
5. The musical's success paved the way for the golden age of musicals in America, influencing countless productions that followed.

Review Questions

• How did Oklahoma! change the way dance is used in musical theater compared to earlier productions?
  • Oklahoma! revolutionized musical theater by using dance not just for entertainment but as a key element in storytelling. The choreography advanced the plot and developed characters, contrasting with earlier musicals where dance was often an isolated spectacle. This innovative approach set a precedent that integrated song and dance into the narrative, influencing future musicals to adopt similar practices.
• Discuss the role of Agnes de Mille's choreography in Oklahoma! and its impact on the overall production.
  • Agnes de Mille's choreography in Oklahoma! was groundbreaking because it connected the dance to the emotional arcs of the characters. Her work added depth to the storytelling, showing how characters express their feelings through movement. This integration made dance an essential part of the production rather than just an add-on, showcasing how choreography could elevate narrative elements in musicals.
• Evaluate how Oklahoma! reflects American cultural themes and its significance in the broader context of musical theater history.
  • Oklahoma! reflects American cultural themes through its portrayal of rural life, community, and the complexities of love and rivalry in early 20th-century America. Its significance lies not only in its artistic innovations but also in its exploration of identity during a time when America was defining itself on various fronts. By combining music, dance, and narrative in such a cohesive manner, Oklahoma! played a pivotal role in shaping modern musical theater, influencing subsequent works to prioritize storytelling through integrated elements.

Related terms

Integrated Musical: A type of musical theater where songs and dances are woven into the plot and character development, making them essential to the narrative.

Choreography:

The art of designing sequences of movements in which motion, form, or both are specified. In Oklahoma!, choreography plays a crucial role in advancing the story.

Book Musical: A musical that has a cohesive story with a defined plot structure, where the songs and dances are integral to advancing the storyline.