Oklahoma!

The Story

Based on the book 'Green Grow the Lilacs' by Lynn Riggs.

Breaking all Broadway box office records when it opened in 1943, Oklahoma! was the first collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein - the legendary team who went on to create Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music. Oklahoma! winner of a special Pulitzer prize, changed the face of stage musicals by telling an emotional story through music, lyrics and dance as never before.

Set in the Indian territory of the American West at the turn of the century - against a background of conflict between farmers and cattlemen - it is the story of Laurey and two rivals for her affections: Curly, a cowboy, and Jud, the hired farmhand. Famously, the show opens with 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'' and contains a cornucopia of wonderful songs such as 'The Surrey with The Fringe on Top', 'People Will Say We're in Love', 'Many a New Day', 'I Can't Say No', and the final rousing chorus of 'Oklahoma!' - it is a musical treat for all the family.

 

Cast

Sue Curr (Southey member) with Gloria Grahame who played Ado Annie in the 1955 film version of Oklahoma!

  

Production Team
Aunt Eller Barbara Bond Mary Brown Producer  
Curly Brian Hirst Sheila Matthewman Choreographer  
Laurey Alison Carter Ralph D Green Musical Director  
Ike Skidmore Brian Gill Brian Crossley Lighting  
Will Parker Frank Hammond Sue Merryweather Accompanist & Musical Director  
Jud Fry Graham Gibb John Jenkinson Stage Directors  
Ado Annie Carnes Susan Wagstaffe Mary Moore Wardrobe  
Ali Hakim John Atkinson      
Gertie Cummins Alison Brook      
Andrew Carnes Frank Cotterill      
Cord Elam John Pidcock      
         
Ballet - Laurie Susie Baker      
Ballet - Curly Michael Moore      
Ballet - Jud Tony Gibson      

 

Chorus: Sandra Atkinson, Susie Baker, Andrew Bond, Angela Brown, Eileen Cartwright, Keith Charity, Edwina Cotterill, Margaret Dearman, Sandy Doy, Jane Fletcher, Tony Gibson, Brian Gill, Katheryn Harrison, Shirley Harrison, Rosalind Holding, Joe Hollingsworth, Lynn Jenkinson, Carol Lidster, Marjorie Lidster, Janet Lonslow,  Sheila Matthewman, Michael Moore, John Pidcock, Robert Pritchard, Richard Saunderson, Kath Wragg.

Text Box: “See this picture, honey? Well, that’s what I looked like as Ado Annie in the film of Oklahoma!  Bow in the hair and all!” So says academy award winner Gloria Grehame, pictured left. Picking up tips from her is Sheffield sales assistant Susan Wagstaff, the latest in a long line of actresses to take the role of the ‘girl who cant say no’.  Its 19-year-old Sue’s first major role for Southey Operatic Society. They last staged the musical comedy in 1956, the year after the film version. That in turn was Rogers and Hammerstein Broadway smash hit, which opened with Celeste Holm as Ado Annie Gloria remembers the part with affection. “It’s a lovely role,” she said. “I saw the show recently in Los Angleles. She’s a lovely lady”   Sue hasn’t seen any of the earlier versions. “I think its better that I haven’t. Then I can’t copy any of the others!”  Her bright yellow and Orange costume was made by wardrobe mistress Mrs Mary Moore, who stayed up late to put the finishing touches on it ready for the big meeting at The Crucible.