Oklahoma!

What is Oklahoma! about?

Rodgers and Hammerstein's groundbreaking 1943 musical tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams in Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the twentieth century. Their courtship is complicated by the brooding farmhand Jud Fry, while a comic subplot follows Ado Annie's romantic indecisions. The show features some of the most famous songs in musical theatre: Oh What a Beautiful Mornin', The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, People Will Say We're in Love, and the title song Oklahoma!

Why see Oklahoma! on stage?

Oklahoma! is the musical that invented the modern musical. Before Rodgers and Hammerstein, musicals were collections of songs with thin plots. Oklahoma! integrated song, dance, and story into a unified theatrical experience for the first time. Modern productions, particularly Daniel Fish's Tony Award-winning reimagining, strip away the nostalgic gloss to reveal the darker undercurrents that were always in the material. Whether staged traditionally or radically reinterpreted, Oklahoma! remains thrilling theatre.

Practical information for visitors

Oklahoma! plays periodically in the West End and on tour. Check current listings for venue and dates. The show is suitable for most ages, though some modern productions emphasise darker themes that may be more appropriate for teenagers and adults. Running time varies by production.

Similar shows you might enjoy

For more classic musicals reimagined, look for current productions of Carousel, another Rodgers and Hammerstein masterpiece. Guys and Dolls offers golden-age musical comedy at its finest. Hamilton demonstrates how American history can be told through music in revolutionary ways.