Composer

:

Richard Rodgers

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Show Tune

Average_duration

:

2:40

"Oklahoma!" is a musical song composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. It was first premiered on March 31, 1943, at the St. James Theatre in New York City. The musical is set in the Oklahoma Territory in the early 1900s and tells the story of a farm girl named Laurey Williams and her romantic relationships with two men, cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry. The song "Oklahoma!" is the opening number of the musical and serves as an introduction to the setting and characters. It is a lively and upbeat song that celebrates the beauty and spirit of the Oklahoma Territory. The song features a chorus of cowboys and farmers singing about the joys of living in Oklahoma, with lyrics such as "Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain, And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet, When the wind comes right behind the rain." The musical is divided into two acts, with each act containing several musical numbers. The first act includes songs such as "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," and "Kansas City." These songs establish the characters and their relationships, as well as the conflicts that arise between them. The second act features songs such as "I Can't Say No," "People Will Say We're in Love," and "The Farmer and the Cowman." These songs continue to develop the characters and their relationships, while also addressing larger themes such as love, jealousy, and the clash between traditional and modern values. Overall, "Oklahoma!" is known for its catchy tunes, memorable lyrics, and innovative choreography. It was a groundbreaking musical for its time, as it was one of the first to integrate songs and dances into the storyline in a seamless and organic way. The musical was also notable for its use of dream ballet sequences, which helped to convey the characters' inner thoughts and emotions. In conclusion, "Oklahoma!" is a classic musical that has stood the test of time. Its catchy tunes, memorable lyrics, and innovative choreography continue to captivate audiences today, nearly 80 years after its premiere.

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