Rodgers & Hammerstein's 'Oklahoma!' comes to the Phillips Center for one night only Nov. 25

November 4, 2005

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II’s landmark musical, “Oklahoma!,” will play at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts for one night only, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. A performance discussion will be held at 6:45 p.m.

Recently seen in London and on Broadway, this newly conceived national tour, with direction by Fred Hanson and choreography by Ginger Thatcher, is adapted from the Cameron Mackintosh presentation of the Royal National Theatre production directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography by Susan Stroman. The original designs of Anthony Ward (sets and costumes) and David Hersey (lighting) have been recreated for the tour.

Based on Lynn Riggs’ play “Green Grow the Lilacs,” “Oklahoma! “was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration and remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards for modern musical theater and featuring such classic musical numbers as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top” and the title song.

Written in 1943, “Oklahoma!” became an instant hit and classic for Rodgers & Hammerstein, launching a remarkable career that went on to include “Carousel,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music.”

Tickets are: $50, front orchestra and mezzanine; $45, mid-orchestra; $40, rear orchestra; $35, balcony.

Tickets to University of Florida Performing Arts events are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-ARTS (2787) or (800) 905-ARTS (2787) or by faxing orders to (352) 846-1562. Tickets are also available at the University Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group ticket sales are available.

$10 student tickets may be available. Students must purchase tickets in person with student ID at the Phillips Center Box Office or at University Box Office in the Reitz Union. Each student may purchase only one student ticket per performance, for himself or herself only. Student tickets are based subject to availability.

The Phillips Center Box Office is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and two hours prior to show time. The Box Office will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 24, and will open at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25.

Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.