OKLAHOMA! Brings 'The Farmers And The Cowboys' To Chanhassen Dinner Theatres 10/2

Returning for the first time in a decade to Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' Main Stage is Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! Voted the #1 Musical of the Century by the American Theatre Critics Association, OKLAHOMA! is known as the production that first brought together the prolific songwriting team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. The two are known for such other American classics as South Pacific, The King and I, The Sound of Music, Carousel and State Fair. OKLAHOMA! previews from October 2 - 8, with grand opening festivities taking place on Friday, October 9.

The story of OKLAHOMA! is based upon the book "Green Grow the Lilacs," by Lynn Riggs, an affectionate recollection of the author's childhood in Oklahoma, then known as the Indian Territory, prior to being admitted to statehood.

Rodgers & Hammerstein's first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, setting the standards and establishing the rules of classic musical theatre being followed to this day. Set in a Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly (Dieter Bierbrauer), a handsome cowboy, and Laurey (Katherine Strohmaier), a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to this triumphant work. Your browser may not support display of this image. Musical treasures include: "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "The Surrey With the Fringe On Top," "People Will Say We're In Love," "I Cain't Say No" and the rousing title song "Oklahoma!"

As always, Chanhassen Artistic Director Michael Brindisi promises audiences a fresh new production of a time-honored classic with "plenty of heart and plenty of hope." Brindisi stated, "This musical will speak relevantly to today's audiences. People are focusing on a return to the simplistic, getting back to the basics, the importance of family, community and country. I think it's imperative that every new generation see this show. It's full of promise and great hope for our future. People who have already seen OKLAHOMA! will be reminded of why they loved this musical in the first place. It's the Granddaddy of them all."

Brindisi is thrilled to work with his highly creative, winning team of artists. Kyle Clausen serves as musical director, and Tamara Kangas Erickson as choreographer. Designers: Nayna Ramey for scenery; Rich Hamson for costumes; Sue Ellen Berger for lighting; Russ Haynes for sound and Susan Magnuson for hair/makeup. Production Stage Manager is Robin Macgregor.

THE CAST:

Curly Dieter Bierbrauer

Laurey Katherine Strohmaier

Aunt Eller Katherine Ferrand

Ado Annie Nicole Fenstad

Will Parker Robb McKindles

Jud Fry Keith Rice

Ali Hakim Scott Blackburn

Gertie Emily Rose Skinner

Ike Skidmore Jay Albright

Andrew Carnes David Anthony Brinkley

Cord Elam Martin Ruben

Slim Mark King

Dream Laurey Kirsten Iiams

Dream Curly John R. Sloan

Ensemble: Ben Bakken, Bridget Noltimier, Cindy Milow, Dena Olstad-Rice, Janet Hayes Trow, Jeff Quast, Joe Botten, Joey Gonsowski, JP Fitzgibbons, Kym Chambers, Megan Kelly, Michelle Barber, Peggy Joyce, Sean Nugent

OKLAHOMA! will be performed eight times weekly with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday and matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Dinner and show ticket prices are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings $66; Friday $76; Saturday evening $76; Wednesday and Saturday matinee $66; and Sunday $67. Show only tickets are available ten days prior to performance. For tickets and information call the theatre box office at (952) 934-1525 or (800) 362-3515, or go online to www.ChanhassenDT.com