Theatre Department Presents the American Classic ‘Oklahoma!’

inside of a building with archways and lantern-like lights and checkered floors

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre presents Oklahoma! February 15-17 and 19-24 at the Fairchild Theater. An American classic and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration, Oklahoma! boasts a 25-person cast, the Orchesis dance company, and a 16-piece orchestra. 

In many ways, Oklahoma! is Rodgers & Hammerstein’s most innovative collaboration, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today.

Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story.

woman with blonde pigtails who has two men on each side of her, all are looking at the camera
Oklahoma! cast members include (from left to right) Chaseton Cain as Curly, Isa Rodriguez as Laurey, and Ryan Adolph as Jud. (Photo by Eloy Gomez)


Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love’s journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant Oklahoma!

The MSU production of Oklahoma! is directed by Assistant Professor Brad Willcuts and choreographed by Academic Specialist Alisa Hauser with musical direction by Academic Specialist Dave Wendelberger.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Tickets are $22 for general admission, $20 for seniors and faculty, and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased for the Wharton Center Box Office, 1.800.WHARTON, or through the Wharton Center website.

Show Times:
  • Friday, February 15, at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 16, at 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 17, at 2 p.m.*
  • Tuesday, February 19, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, February 20, at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 21, at 7:30 p.m.**
  • Friday, February 22, at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 23, at 2 and 8 p.m.
  • Sunday, February 24, at 2 p.m.

A director pre-show discussion will be held at 1:15 p.m. before the Sunday, February 17, performance. A post-show discussion will take place following the Tuesday, February 21, performance.