'Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!: Examining a Broadway Sensation' Webinar

Tickets: $18.88 ( incl. $3.88 fees ) (includes access to the full replay for one week)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1980555991285

Before Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, nearly all shows on Broadway were either revues or silly stories with minimal plots. But that all changed when Oklahoma! premiered in 1943 and proved that musical theater could not only handle darker themes and more complicated issues, but use interwoven dance, dialogue, and songs to advance a narrative and help delineate characters. It's time to explore one of the most significant productions in the history of American musical theater.

Join New York Adventure Club for a deep dive discussion on the fascinating history of the landmark Broadway musical Oklahoma!, from its origins as an obscure 1931 non-musical play to a theatrical heavyweight that catapulted Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein into the most successful composer / lyricist / production team in all of American culture.

Led by award-winning author Will Friedwald, who is widely considered one of the nation's most prolific music writers, our virtual journey surrounding this pioneering theatrical work will include:

• The pre-history of Oklahoma! — the backstory of the 1931 play "Green Grow the Lilacs" and the forces that led Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein to form the most successful collaboration in broadway history
• The elements that made Oklahoma! the biggest hit in Broadway history up until then — running for 2,212 performances from 1943 to 1948, it immediately launched a national tour, regional productions, a London version, and an extremely successful movie adaptation in 1955 (not to mention three full-on Broadway revivals)
• A discussion of the classic songs that you know by heart: "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top," "Kansas City," "People Will Say We're in Love" and more
• A look the casts of the original production and revivals, including Alfred Drake (1943), Shirley Jones (1955), Hugh Jackman (1999), and Ali Stroker (2019)
• Great pop and jazz interpretations of the score by Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Blossom Dearie, Jack Jones, Ray Charles, and many others
• **The cultural legacy of *Oklahoma! ***as represented by productions from all over the world, and references to the work from The Simpsons and Watchmen
• An analysis of historical footage of performances and interviews, including a performance by Richard Rodgers himself conducting selections from his best-known score

Afterward, we'll have a Q&A with Will — any and all questions about Oklahoma! are welcomed and encouraged!
Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week.
See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Will
Will Friedwald is a featured arts writer for The Wall Street Journal and Vanity Fair, and the award-winning author of ten books on music and popular culture, including the new Straighten Up and Fly Right: The Life and Music of Nat King Cole, as well as A Biographical Guide To The Great Jazz And Pop Singers, Sinatra: The Song Is You, Stardust Melodies, Tony Bennett: The Good Life, Looney Tunes & Merrie Melodies, and Jazz Singing. He has written over 600 liner notes for compact discs, received ten Grammy nominations, and appears frequently on television and other documentaries. He is also a consultant and curator for Apple Music.

Testimonials
"Well illustrated with tv and movie scenes." -Declan
"The excellent selection of video clips." -Harold
"The film clips of interviews and various productions of Oklahoma!" -Doug
"Loved the examples from so many productions. I had no idea, and I thought I was familiar with most!" -Barbara
"Knowledgable and enthusiastic presenter, and informative introduction to musical performances. Thank you!" -Fiona
"The explanation of the relationship of other musicals to Oklahoma. Well done and very interesting!" -Jacqueline
"Presented much information about "Oklahoma" that I didn't previously know. Very informative and entertaining event." -Ken
"Loved all the clips Will showed." -Wendy
"Fun, sang along, well presented chat room lively......really enjoyable." -Pam
"All the knowledge that Will has. I have taken several mod Will's webinars and have always am amazed at all the into. I am so.looking forward to.more of these. Wish I had found these earlier, but so happy I found them now." -Laura
"Interesting info. Enjoyed different artists singing songs from show." -Donna
"Wonderful clips! So much entertainment history. And celebrity history, too." -Peggy
"WIll is an amazing presenter and knows his stuff!" -Tom
"The subject matter and hearing about it." -Jean
"The subject matter, presenters insight, historical facts, and videos, especially the two he spliced together to make one." -Cheri
" The wisely-curated mix of clips was delightful!" -Bee
" It was really interesting to hear the music from various performances as well as the history behind the play! The presenter was very knowledgable." -Emily
" Great information. Loved it" -Kenda
" I enjoyed the old clips of the show" -Janet

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
This event is an educational presentation organized by New York Adventure Club and is not affiliated with Rodgers & Hammerstein, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, Concord Theatricals, or any other affiliated rights holders. Our event is a fan-inspired experience celebrating the history, themes, and cultural impact of Oklahoma!. Any references to Oklahoma!, its music, lyrics, characters, or creators are made solely for educational and entertainment purposes, and no official endorsement or sponsorship is implied. Oklahoma! and all related trademarks, music, and intellectual property are the property of their respective owners.
Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment