Oklahoma!

Definition

Oklahoma! is a groundbreaking musical created by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, which premiered in 1943. It is celebrated for its innovative integration of song, dance, and narrative, serving as a cornerstone of American musical theater that helped define the genre's Golden Age. Its themes of community, love, and the American spirit are reflective of its cultural and historical context, while also contributing to discussions about representation and diversity in modern musicals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oklahoma! was the first musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein and is often credited with establishing the modern musical format we know today.
2. The show was based on Lynn Riggs' play 'Green Grow the Lilacs' and focuses on the rivalry between farmers and cowboys in early 20th-century Oklahoma Territory.
3. Oklahoma! introduced the concept of the 'dream ballet,' where dance sequences are used to express characters' emotions and advance the story without dialogue.
4. The musical's title song became an anthem of American optimism and unity, reflecting post-war sentiment during its time of release.
5. Oklahoma! was a commercial success that ran for over 2,200 performances on Broadway, making it one of the longest-running shows of its time.

Review Questions

• How did Oklahoma! change the landscape of American musical theater in terms of storytelling?
  • Oklahoma! revolutionized American musical theater by integrating music, dance, and dialogue into a cohesive narrative. Unlike previous musicals that often presented songs as standalone numbers, Oklahoma! wove its musical elements directly into the plot. This allowed for deeper character development and made the story more engaging for audiences. As a result, it set a new standard for future musicals in terms of how narrative structure can be enhanced through song and dance.
• Discuss the cultural significance of Oklahoma! within its historical context during World War II.
  • Oklahoma! emerged during World War II when America was seeking themes of hope and community. The musical’s portrayal of rural life and an optimistic view of the American spirit resonated with audiences craving connection amidst uncertainty. Its message highlighted resilience and unity, making it a source of comfort and pride. This cultural significance contributed to its lasting legacy as not just entertainment but also a reflection of societal values during a tumultuous period in history.
• Evaluate how Oklahoma! has influenced modern musicals regarding diversity and representation.
  • While Oklahoma! is a product of its time with limited representation of diverse voices compared to contemporary standards, it sparked conversations around character depth and storytelling that have shaped modern musicals. The show's focus on complex relationships among different social groups laid groundwork for future productions to explore deeper societal issues. In response to its legacy, newer works strive to include broader perspectives and diverse characters while continuing to embrace integrated storytelling techniques that originated with Oklahoma!. This evolution reflects an ongoing commitment within musical theater to represent varied experiences and narratives authentically.

Related terms

Rodgers and Hammerstein:

A renowned songwriting duo who revolutionized musical theater with their integrated storytelling and memorable scores, including works like Oklahoma!, Carousel, and The Sound of Music.

Integrated Musical: A style of musical theater where songs and dances are fully integrated into the storyline, enhancing character development and advancing the plot, exemplified by Oklahoma!.

Golden Age Musicals: A period in American musical theater from the 1940s to the 1960s characterized by rich storytelling, elaborate productions, and a focus on serious themes intertwined with entertainment.