On Mother’s Day weekend, May 12-13, cowboys, farmers, and territory folks of all kinds will burst through the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo in OperaSLO’s new grand production of Rodgers and Hammerstein II’s classic musical Oklahoma!
Teeming with romance, jealousy, adventure, and conflict, Oklahoma! is a celebration of the pioneer spirit that built America. Gusty rivalry between local farmers and cowboys in Oklahoma’s Indian territory at the turn of the twentieth century provides a colorful background for two love trios. The first is between Curly, a bright and confident cowboy, and Jud, a tough hired farmhand, both of whom are in love with Laurey, a strong-willed farm girl. The second pits Ado Annie, the girl who “can’t say no,” in between smooth-talking traveling peddler Ali Hakim and the simple and good-natured cowboy Will Parker.
One of the greatest musicals of all time, Oklahoma! marks the first collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein II and changed the landscape of musical theatre as the first fully integrated musical play that blends song, character, plot, and dance into one seamless work. Considered by many to be the single most influential American musical work, when Oklahoma! opened in 1943, it instantly established the modern American “book musical” formula and served as the model for Broadway shows for decades to follow.
Oklahoma! is iconic with its unending cascade of popular songs including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe On Top,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “Kansas City, “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Many a New Day,” and “Oklahoma.”
Our Citywide Arts Collaboration continues in this expansive new grand production featuring the talents of Civic Ballet San Luis Obispo, Central Coast Children’s Choir, Studio @-Ryan’s American Dance, and Deyo Dances in addition to world class singing, new traditional sets and costumes, fantastic dance, and a nationally acclaimed cast led by baritone Gabriel Manro as Curly opposite soprano April Amante in the role of Laurey. OperaSLO is proud to revive the exquisite production team that brought Madama Butterfly to the PAC last October! Stage director Edna Garabedian, choreographer Andrew Silvaggio, chorus master Paul Osborne, set designer Rick Adamson, costume designer Randon Pool, and the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra and Chorus under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Brian Asher Alhadeff.
Three shows only: Saturday and Sunday, May 12 and 13, at 2pm and Saturday, May 12, at 7pm. Join us early for a pre-show talk led by John Frey in Philips Hall one hour before curtain. Tickets are available at PACSLO.org or 805-756-4TIX (4849).
About Opera San Luis Obispo
Located on California’s beautiful Central Coast, since 1985 Opera San Luis Obispo is the region’s only professional opera company, and one of only four Grand Opera companies in the state of California. OperaSLO productions boast full orchestras, choruses, ballet, and original, complete sets and costumes. Season programs feature diverse events from elegant and intimate recital series to exciting educational experiences and spectacular grand opera and musical theatre productions. OperaSLO complements each season with an ever-changing cascade of rising opera and Broadway stars of both national and international acclaim. OperaSLO is a Resident Company at Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo as well as the Vina Robles Amphitheatre. For more information about OperaSLO call (805) 541-5369, or visit online at OperaSLO.org.