November 4, 1998
Performances of "Oklahoma!," jointly presented by the University Theatre and the KU Department of Music and Dance, are at 8 p.m. Nov. 13,14, 19-21, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. All performances are in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.
Jack Roller, Tulsa, Okla., doctoral student, is conducting the 27-piece pit orchestra for the musical. Stage director is John Staniunas, assistant professor of theatre and film, who has also choreographed much of the show. The dream ballet sequence was choreographed by Jerel Hilding, associate professor of dance. Nathan Hughes, Lawrence graduate student in scenography, created the elaborate settings for the musical. Costumes were designed by Liana White, Lawrenceville, Ga., graduate student. Lighting designer is Mark Reaney, associate professor of theatre and film.
"Oklahoma!" first opened at the St. James Theatre in New York on the last day of March 1943. The New York run lasted five years and 2,212 performances; the original investment of $90,000 was paid back 2,500 percent.
Staniunas described the original production of "Oklahoma!" as groundbreaking in that it was the first time music was used to further the plot of a play.
"The songs and dances are an extension of the dialogue," he said. "They help tell the story. Rodgers and Hammerstein worked to make every aspect of the production move the dramatic action forward. Every song is needed, every dance is necessary."
The popularity of "Oklahoma!" through the years is not surprising to Staniunas, who has never directed or seen a professional production of the musical.
"It is pure Americana; it reminds us of our roots," he explained. "This is not an import from another place, it's purely from our own history and tells how this country was founded, the kind of suffering the pioneers endured. This musical celebrates the national spirit, the pioneer spirit."
With more than 100 KU students involved in "Oklahoma" as actors, dancers, orchestra members, or crew members, Staniunas has had a challenge staging and choreographing the musical.
"I want the dancing to come out of the characters," he said. "These are cowboys and farm girls. These are social dances they are doing. There's a hint of square dance, but there is a '98 flavor too. When we do 'Kansas City,' there's a hint of Stomp with noise made with props. I want there to be a real blend of the period. This is a celebration of the moment."
The University Theatre and the Lied Center are teaming up for a festival, "Celebrate Rodgers and Hammerstein: A Salute to the American Musical Theatre," Nov. 13-22. In addition to the productions of "Oklahoma!" and the Lied Center's presentation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The King and I," a number of related activities are planned.
Scott Ellis, the Tony Award-nominated director of the Broadway revival of "1776," will visit KU during the run of "Oklahoma!" to work with KU musical theatre students. Ellis will be featured in a panel discussion on musical theatre at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Borders Books and Music, Seventh and New Hampshire. The free event will also feature Staniunas; Chuck Berg, KU professor of theatre and film; John Tibbetts, KU assistant professor of theatre and film; and Paul Hough, director of the American Heartland Theatre in Kansas City, Mo.
The film version of "Oklahoma!," starring Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones, will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, in the Lied Center. The free screening will also feature commentary by Berg, a noted film historian, and musical selections by the cast of "Oklahoma!"
A musical acting workshop for high school students will be Saturday, Nov. 21. Chicago choreographer Tony Gibson and Staniunas will work with students from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Room 209, Murphy Hall. Visiting students will then attend the matinee performance of "The King and I" before returning to Murphy Hall for the evening performance of "Oklahoma!" Advanced registration is required for the high school workshop.
Reserved seat tickets for "Oklahoma!" are on sale in the KU box offices: Lied Center, 864-ARTS; Murphy Hall, 864-3982, SUA office 864-3477. Tickets are $16 for the public, $8 for all students, and $15 for senior citizens. Both VISA and MasterCard are accepted for phone orders.
Story by Charla Jenkins, (785) 864-2684