Last modified: Tuesday, March 31, 2009
IU's Department of Theatre and Drama presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!'
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2009
WHAT: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!
WHEN: Opens Friday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances April 18 and April 21-25 and an additional 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, April 25.
WHERE: All performances will take place on the Ruth N. Halls stage at the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center
TICKETS: $20 for adults and $15 for those 30-and-under, students and seniors on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and the Saturday matinee. For ticket information or group rates, call 812-855-1103 and ask for information about Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center tickets, call Ticketmaster at 333-9955, or buy online at www.theatre.indiana.edu.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Rodgers and Hammerstein's timeless musical Oklahoma! opens April 17 at Indiana University's Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, with additional performances April 18 and April 21-25.
Considered the quintessential American musical, Oklahoma! focuses on the romance between cowboy Curly McLain and Laurey Williams. Set in the Oklahoma territory in 1906, the play tackles class issues between the farmers and the cowmen in the still-developing, rugged landscape of a state in its infancy as characters struggle to find hope, love and the fulfillment of "the American Dream."
Oklahoma! has delighted audiences since its premiere more than 65 years ago. The only American musical to win a Tony Award, a Grammy Award and the Pulitzer Prize, this landmark piece continues to resonate today.
Norvelle Center favorites Mark Banik (Curly), Kerry Ipema (Laurie), and Master of Fine Arts in acting candidate Henry McDaniel III (Jud) head a talented cast that's likely to send audiences home singing the familiar, beloved tunes.
"In hard times -- as people not only in Bloomington, but throughout the entire world, are currently confronting -- it's refreshing to find a score that is so full of depth, and so positive in its outlook on the human condition," said Emmy Award-winning director-choreographer George Pinney of the musical.
Oklahoma! includes classic favorites such as "Oklahoma," "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," and "People Will Say We're in Love."
"IU students will get a peek at the struggles of the turn of the 20th century, which really are very similar in nature to present day issues. But most of all, Oklahoma! is a rip-roaring good time," said Pinney.
More information:
Student Rush Tickets for $12 cash with valid IU Bloomington student ID are available the day of each performance. For ticket information or group rates, call 812-855-1103 and ask for information about Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center tickets. Tickets can be purchased in person at the IU Auditorium box office (Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.) or at the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center box office, which opens one hour before curtain. To purchase tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at 333-9955, or buy online at www.theatre.indiana.edu.
