By Chadwick Little
Singing and dancing cowboys are coming to Salt Lake City as the musical 'Oklahoma!' opens at the Capitol Theatre.
The touring company of 'Oklahoma!' is based on the recent London and Broadway performances and is making a stop in Salt Lake City as part of its 23-city national tour.
'We are excited to bring this production to Salt Lake City,' said Jenny Bates, tour press assistant for 'Oklahoma!' 'We have not been to this western market yet and is first class all the way.'
Since 'Oklahoma!' first opened on Broadway in 1943, over 30,000 productions have been performed and millions of people around the world have seen the work of the famous musical duo, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II.
'Oklahoma!' is based on the play 'Green Grows The Lilacs' by playwright Lynn Riggs. The plot takes place in the Western Indian Territory right after the turn of the 19th century.
The musical is based around Laurey, a farm girl who faces the decision to choose between two men who are battling for her affection: Judd, the farmhand and Curly, the cowboy.
In 1955, the stage musical was turned into an Academy Award winning movie starring Shirley Jones and Gordon MacRae.
'Oklahoma!' has received numerous awards and recognitions including a special Pulitzer Prize, an honorary Grammy and a special Tony Award.
In 1993, 'Oklahoma!' also achieved the honor of being the first musical to be featured on a U.S. postage stamp.
The national tour of 'Oklahoma!' is playing nightly at the Capitol Theatre until Feb. 29, 2004 with Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets are available by phone at (801) 355-ARTS or online at www.ArtTix.org.