126 MTSU PRODUCTION OF OKLAHOMA! WILL BRING ORIGINAL CHOREOGRAPHY TO LIFE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 19, 2006
EDITORIAL CONTACT: Lisa L. Rollins, 615-898-2919

“Outstanding Cast” Eases Burden of Recreating an Important Theater Icon, Director Says

(MURFREESBORO)—More than 60 years after its first presentation, “Oklahoma!” remains a favorite musical among young and old alike, making it a natural choice for inclusion in this year’s MTSU CenterStage Series, according to series organizers.
“This musical is such an important icon in the history of musical theater, (and) that’s why I wanted to direct it at MTSU,” said Dale E. McGilliard, professor of speech and theatre, who will oversee the timeless production when it comes to the stage of MTSU’s Tucker Theatre at 7:30 nightly Nov. 10-11 and Nov. 15-18.
Regarding the classic musical, McGilliard, remarked, “It’s energetic entertainment perfect for the family, but most of all it is important that our students are introduced to a show that has greatly impacted the theater industry.”
In their first full collaboration, Rogers and Hammerstein set the standards and changed the face of stage musicals when “Oklahoma!” first opened on Broadway in 1943. In 1944, the musical was awarded a special Pulitzer Prize in drama for its impact on the modern American musical.
Based on the original play, “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, the work’s storyline is set at the turn of the century when the rivalry between cowboys and farmers was rampant throughout the American West. Curly, the handsome cowboy, and Jud, the hired farmhand, compete for the affection of the beautiful but hard-to-get Laurey. As the tale progresses, the love story between Curly and Laurey continues to unfold; thus, leaving Jud in the dust. However, the temperamental farmhand isn’t ready to give up so easily, making the road to true love as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road.
Regarding the challenges involved in recreating a classic such as “Oklahoma!,” McGilliard said, “I am extremely blessed to have an outstanding cast of 43 talented students, so much of the challenge lies in coordinating all the elements into a unified vision and keeping it all in the same world.
“There is the story, the visual elements, the singing, the dancing, and the fighting,” he continued, “and it is my job to make sure they blend seamlessly into one another.”
The upcoming MTSU production, like the original, will showcase familiar songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin,” “People Will Say We’re in Love” and the rousing self-titled finale. Additionally, Kim Neal Nofsinger, director of dance, said he will work diligently to recreate the breakthrough choreography created by Agnes de Mille from the original Broadway production
“It’s going to be a test for our dancers, but I am confident that they have the aptitude to conquer the extremely complex choreography,” Nofsinger said. “Being able to re-stage the exquisite original choreography will definitely be a sight to see.”
• TICKET INFO: Tickets for “Oklahoma!,” which range from $4 to $8, may be purchased at the door on the evening of the desired performance. MTSU students are admitted free of charge with a valid university ID. For more information, please call (615) 494-8810 or visit the Department of Speech and Theatre’s Web site at www.mtsu.edu/~theatre.
In addition to the Nov. 10-11 and Nov. 15-18 public performances, there will be a fund-raising, preview presentation of “Oklahoma!” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in Tucker Theatre. Elizabeth “Liz” McPhee, MTSU’s first lady, and David Winton of Bellwood Discovery School, will make an appearance in this preview event, which will be followed by light refreshments in the theater lobby with members of the cast and crew.
“Liz and David will be making a cameo appearance in the (Nov. 9) show and will be
featured in the song, ‘The Farmer and the Cowman,’” confirmed Jeff Gibson, associate professor, speech and theatre. “And Murray Martin, MTSU speech and theatre alumnus, is serving as chair and host of this special event.”
• Tickets to this special Nov. 9 event are $25 each and reservations are required. All proceeds from this individual performance will benefit the MTSU Dance & Theatre Enrichment Fund. For more information about the Nov. 9 preview or to secure reservations, please call 615-898-5916.



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ATTENTION, MEDIA—For editorial needs, including interview requests with performers or faculty, photo requests or to obtain review tickets, please contact Lisa L. Rollins in the Office of News and Public Affairs at MTSU at 615-898-2919.