With a spring in their step and a song in their hearts, cowboys and farmers alike have chased their destinies to a land that promises love, opportunity and a brighter future. This joyful production is set in an all-African American town in the early days of the Oklahoma Territory. Oklahoma! is now showing at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.
Disclosure: Denver Center for the Performing Arts provided us with media tickets in exchange for our honest review, no other compensation has been provided. All opinions are my own.
Night Out To The Theater
The ads have been all over Denver about the live performance of OKLAHOMA! for months. When my mom and I had the opportunity to go downtown to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts to see OKLAHOMA! we were so excited. I remember watching the musical on VHS at my grandmothers house growing up. I knew that the songs would come right back to me and they certainly did. This version of OKLAHOMA! is a bit differently done but it was incredible.
About OKLAHOMA!
The musical Oklahoma! takes place in 1906, shortly before Oklahoma Territory became Oklahoma State. While the history of westward expansion leading up to statehood may be familiar, African American history in the Territory is far less commonly known. This joyful production is set in an all-African American town in the early days of the Oklahoma Territory.
The 75th Anniversary of the beloved musical
The first collaboration by the legendary team of Rodgers and Hammerstein became a landmark musical for its rollicking music and stunning dance numbers, and this joyful presentation will solidify why it has stood the test of time.
Directed by Theatre Company Artistic Director Chris Coleman in his Denver debut and choreographed by Dominique Kelley (dancer in La La Land and Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk), our production will showcase an overlooked piece of American history as one small community stakes its claim on a place that is full of hope.
General Information About OKLAHOMA!
Run Time: Approximately two hours and 35 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
Ticket Price: Starting at $35. Prices vary by date and availability.
Age Recommendation: 9+ for adult content, including language, violence, and sexual content
Advisory: Contains mild violence and adult themes. This production utilizes haze, strobe lighting effects, and simulated gunshots. Theater: Stage Theatre
Our Thoughts on OKLAHOMA!
This was an amazing performance, such talent from everyone in the production. The singing, the dancing and the acting. All of it! The whole show we were smiling and enjoying the performance. I loved the set, it was well done and put you right in the Oklahoma territory. I need to watch the original but I do not remember that much sexual suggestions growing up, that being said, the 5 and 7 year old kids around us probably did not pick up on those pieces but it was clear that this production was not for young kids at all. The show is a long show, so if you do bring your children please make sure they are able to sit through a long production like this.
Having the almost all black cast allows the audience to see what the Oklahoma experience was like for the more that 50 all black territories settled in Oklahoma at the setting. This is a piece of history that seems to be forgotten, cowboys and farmers in this time period were not just white! A concept that is often not taught.
I think my favorite part of this performance was the incredible group dance scenes. The crazy coordination that this takes for all of the performers is amazing. Overall, my mom and I would recommend this to performance to everyone. It was a great show that had us completely engaged. That being said, I would caution bringing young children with you.
ABOUT DENVER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS:
There are eight theatres within the Denver Performing Arts Complex. Each has a unique personality to match the diverse plays, musicals and shows that happen inside. Explore our stages and find your seat — before the lights go down. They are best known for the touring Broadway shows and Tony-winning theatre. The whole complex is simply amazing, theater and art surrounds you.
The complex has ample parking and some great options for making your trip to the theater perfect. There are restaurants, bars, and coffee cafes in walking distance. We opted for the Limelight Supper Club for dinner before our show. I always jump at the chance to eat here because their Mac and Cheese is so good!! Seriously, I dream about that Mac and Cheese.
STAY SOCIAL WITH THE DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS:
