Oklahoma! one of the most popular musical shows in American theatrical history will be presented by The Diablo Light Opera Company at the Dean Lesher Regional Theater, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek October 9 - November 9, 1998.

Oklahoma! with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II forever changed the format of musical theater by integrating the songs and dances into the story of the play, thereby expressing moods and ideas more subtle than words could convey. The enormous popularity of the show resulted in the birth of the first "Original Cast Recording". But perhaps most noteworthy is the fact that Oklahoma! brought Rodgers & Hammerstein together as collaborators to begin a long and successful partnership.

Gloria Trombley is the director of this DLOC production. Bruce Haines is the music director, Kate Leland is the choreographer, Don Wilson is the associate choreographer and Helene Harks is the producer. Andrea Bechert is the set designer, the innovative costumes are designed by Scott Lane of Los Angeles with Audrey Pratt as the costume coordinator and the lighting designer is David Leonard.

Oklahoma! is based on Lynn Riggs' play "Green Grow the Lilacs". Rodgers & Hammerstein transmuted his work into a brilliant frame for their songs and dances set in Indian Territory at the turn of the century. Oklahoma is not yet a state and the cowboys and farmers are fighting over land and water. The story has two triangles. A handsome cowboy named Curly (Anthony Millette) is smitten with a pretty farm girl named Laurey (Alicia von Kugelgen), who is also being pursued by her sour-tempered hired man, Jud Fry (John Rose). The comedy trio involves Ado Annie Carnes (Pam Koepf), the girl who "cain't say no", her cowboy swain Will Parker (Rand Allen) who comes back from a trip to Kansas City with reports about how "everything's up to date" and the Persian peddler Ali Hakim (Warren McClure) who uses all his salesmanship tricks to avoid marrying Ado Annie. Others in the cast include Aunt Eller (Sonja Christopher) and Sheriff Carnes (Tim Perry). Diablo Ballet dancers, Corrine Jonas and Brent Davi will perform as the ballet Laurey and Curly.

Oklahoma! is still as fresh and imaginative as when it burst upon a delighted audience in 1943. The American public continues to show great affection for all the music which includes: "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'", "The Surrey With the Fringe on Top", "People Will Say We're in Love" and "Oklahoma!" which has become that state's official song.

Oklahoma! is being sponsored in part by Diablo Regional Arts Association, Cole European, The Concord Pavilion Associates and Dean Witter Reynolds Inc., Orinda. Regular tickets are $21.00, tickets for seniors, youths and groups (15 or more) are $18.00. Rush tickets for students are $10.00 and go on sale 15 minutes before curtain, subject to availability. All tickets may be purchased at the Center Box Office, (925) 943-7469.