TMC Arts’ ‘Oklahoma!’ at Douglas Morrisson Theatre

Photo by Berenice Sullivan

Back row: Mathew Glynn, Miles Vetrovec, Darrien Cabreana Front row: Chae Hyden, Lisa Saaz, Brenna Silva, Felizia Rubio

“Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry” to see TMC Arts’ production of Oklahoma! at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre (22311 N. Third St. Hayward). Performances are June 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8:00 pm, and June 16, 22, 23 at 2:00 pm. This is producer Dayna Speed’s second musical this season, following her success with Anastasia. Veteran director Sue Ellen Nelsen and Choreographer Cat Reyes are at the helm. Castro Valley's Darrien Cabreana (CVHS ’17) plays Curly and CVHS's Sophia Pereira, Carly Hillen, Alexander Witt, and Eleonora Layne join the rest of the talented Bay Area cast. 

Oklahoma! opened on Broadway March 31,1943 in the middle of WWII. The Americana story of squabbling cowhands and farmers introduced a band of unforgettable characters to the stage: brash and handsome Curly, capable and stubborn Laurey, tough-as-nails Aunt Eller, and the dark and mysterious Jud Fry. Its box office success provided a lot of “firsts:” the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration; the first musical to blend comedy, drama, dance, and song to advance the plot; the first Broadway show to run over 500 performances (2212 performances!); and the first original Broadway cast album. Oklahoma! won a Pulitzer Prize in 1944 and the state of Oklahoma adopted the title song “Oklahoma” as their State Song in 1953. Since its debut, Oklahoma! has played on tour nationally and internationally, been revived on Broadway in 2019, and turned into a Tony award-winning film. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to fall in love all over again, or for younger fans, to see what the “Surry with the Fringe on Top” is all about. Tickets: Douglasmorrissontheatrethundertix.com or 510-881-6777.