Effect Of Rodgers And Hammerstein's Collaboration On The Production Of Oklahoma !

In 1943, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s first collaborative musical production, Oklahoma! grabbed the audience’s attention from its first premiere, making the front page of PM Newspaper: “New Musical Plays Up Homespun U.S.A.” In lieu of World War I and the Depression, the theater-writing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein believed it was the perfect time to revitalize American morale through song, dance, and an entertaining plot. How did Rodgers and Hammerstein’s collaboration on their first musical, Oklahoma!, influence musical theater and entertainment in America? While reviving the American spirit, Rodgers and Hammerstien broke from the traditions of past musical creations and created a new musical comedy communicating American ideals

A smashing success on Broadway but it grew in popularity with audiences due to its new form and its surprising elements never seen before in a production before this time. The change from European-influenced musical theater was recognized by audiences and critics alike through Rodgers and Hammerstein’s creation of a musical comedy. "The union of two sympathetic temperaments created the first all-American, non-Broadway musical comedy (or operetta; call it what you will) independent of Viennese comic opera or French opera-bouffe on the one hand, and forty-fourth street cliches and specifications on the other. Oklahoma! turned out to be a people's opera, unpretentious and perfectly modern, but of interest equally to audiences in New York and Des Moines.” Oklahoma! was independent of European influences and reflected cultural aspects of American pride, patriotism, and justice, freedom, and individualism, along with comedy that resonated with American audiences. Another review of the opening night of Oklahoma! praises the new, different, and innovative production combining many musical elements and comedy into a show all while sustaining a deep connection and integration of the inspiration source, Green Grows the Lilacs. “Wonderful is the nearest adjective, for this excursion of the Guild combines a fresh and infectious gayety, a charm of manner, beautiful acting, singing and dancing, and a score by Richard Rodgers which doesn't do any harm either, since it is one of his best. “Oklahoma!” is based on Lynn Riggs's saga of the Indian Territory at the turn of the century, “Green Grow the Lilacs”, like its predecessor, it is simple and warm. It relies not for a moment on Broadway gags to stimulate an appearance of comedy but goes winningly on its