Tag: Oklahoma!

Cowboys, Romance, and Frontier Life: ‘Oklahoma!’ Takes the Stage at the Camille

‘Oklahoma!’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville is “Oklahoma!” – a timeless American musical that combines a compelling story with vibrant music, offering a celebration of frontier life and the complexities of love and community. It features a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Set in the early 1900s, it follows the lives of two rival groups—farmers and cowboys—in the Oklahoma Territory, with romance blossoming between the spirited Laurey Williams and the charming Curly McLain.

From the brilliant minds of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Camille takes a trip to the turn of the 20th century with “Oklahoma!” With the rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, the setting of this show is full of conflict, but it’s also a love story of a farm girl and her choice between a cowboy and a farmhand. (Camille Playhouse, 2025)

Tickets are $25 for ages 3 and up and are available online or avoid the service charge and buy them at the box office. The lobby opens 30 minutes before the curtain and seating opens 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Cast includes:

Brandon Binder – Curly
Leah Hollingshead – Laurey
Daniel Ramirez – Will Parker
Grecia Ortiz – Ado Annie Carnes
Valentina Capistran – Aunt Eller

Opening night on Friday was a wonderful start to the Camille’s presentation of this foot-stomping musical. The narrative strikes a balance between lighthearted moments and deeper themes and explores issues like jealousy, societal norms, and personal independence. The character-driven plot shines with its dynamic, well-developed roles, with excellent portrayals of Laurey by Leah Hollingshead and Curly by Brandon Binder. Their relationship stands at the forefront of the emotional core. A standout performance comes courtesy of Dean McElyea (Jud Fry) during the melancholy “Lonely Run” where Jud sings about his longing for a woman of his own and showcases the depth of the character. The lively choreography, paired with the energetic ensemble, brings the world of Oklahoma to life at the local level. Outstanding performances all around.

Despite some of its dated views on gender roles, “Oklahoma!” remains an important part of American musical theatre history. Its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and memorable characters continue to captivate audiences, making it a must-see for lovers of classic musicals. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Camille to experience this magical performance at its very best and discover the talent that Brownsville has to offer. Try and get the catchy “Oklahoma” tune out of your head. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

Now playing – February 1, 2, 7,8, and 9

Showtimes:

Friday 7p.m.
Saturday 2p.m. and 7p.m.
Sunday 2p.m.

Theater review: ‘Oklahoma!’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

oklahoma
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ the story of Laurey Williams, a farm girl who is courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry, all while Oklahoma is on its way to becoming a state. It opened on February 22 with much acclaim and runs until Sunday March 17. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee show on March 9 at 2p.m., with no evening show that day. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388.

‘Oklahoma!’ is set in 1906 Western Indian Territory and begins when cowboy Curly McLain (Chris Fuglestad) is looking forward to a brand-new day, “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” as he wanders into Laurey Williams’ (Amanda Golden) yard. The two tease each other back and forth while Laurey’s Aunt Eller (Rebecca Trinidad) watches their playful banter. Meanwhile, cowboy Will Parker (Kevin Cox) has returned from a visit to the modern Kansas City, “Kansas City,” bedazzled and filled with souvenirs and tells everyone about his experiences. Laurie is torn between Curly and Jud Fry (Brian Hodges) and has accepted an invitation from Jud to a social just to spite Curly. She purchases “smelling salts” from Ali Hakim (Ivan Ortega), a Persian peddler, in the hopes that it will help her sort out her feelings and while under its spell,“Dream Ballet,” she realizes that Curly is the man for her. At the social, the rivalry between the local farmers and the cowboys boils over, “The Farmer and the Cowman,” until Aunt Eller breaks it up by firing a gun. After the drama at the lunch box auction designed to raise money for the school house, Curly and Laurey finally end up together. They get married and everyone rejoices in celebration of the territory’s impending statehood, “Oklahoma!”

This being Rodgers and Hammerstein’s first musical, it has withstood the test of time and has become a classic for good reason. It has humor, heart and romance as well as dark and shocking moments when Jud confronts Laurie about her feelings for him. The dance numbers are so infectious and toe-tapping fabulous that guests will be sure to be singing “Oklahoma” well past the end of the show. Amanda Golden and Chris Fuglestad have the necessary onstage chemistry to portray Laurey and Curly while the set and costumes transport the audience to the early age of cowboys and square dances. The dream ballet sequence is gorgeous , kudos to Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom for a job well done. Show highlights include “Kansas City,” “Lonely Room” when Jud’s dark side is explored and “The Farmer and the Cowman” during the town social. Sometimes the dialogue is hard to understand due the accents but that is just part of its charm. Overall, “Oklahoma” is a fun musical with plenty of singing and dancing that will appeal to all ages. But please, try not to boo Brian Hodges during his curtain call, he is just an actor playing a part.

Upcoming promotional performances:
Pride Night – Friday March 8, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday March 16, 25% off tickets with code: ASL

‘Oklahoma!’ opens this Friday at the Woodlawn Theatre

oklahoma
Chris Fuglestad as Curly and Amanda Golden as Laurey in ‘Oklahoma!’ opening this Friday February 22 at the Woodlawn Theatre. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission. 

Coming up at the Woodlawn Theatre is ‘Oklahoma!’ which opens on Friday February 22 and runs until Sunday March 17, 2019. ‘Oklahoma!’ is the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II and is considered influential in setting the American musical theatre standard. Showtimes are Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. There will be a special Saturday matinee show on March 9 at 2p.m., with no evening show that day. Tickets are available online or by calling the Box Office at 210-267-8388. Prices are $30 for adults, $24 for Senior/Military/First Responders and $18 for Children/Student. Groups of or more receive a 20% discount. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2019)

In ‘Oklahoma!’ fetching farm girl Laurey Williams finds herself being courted by two rival suitors, the confident cowboy Curly McLain and the unstable farmhand Jud Fry. As the territory around them transforms, the fiery love triangle comes to a head. The story takes place in 1906 Western Indian Territory with a spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys providing a backdrop to the romantic adventure of Curly and Laurey. As the roads to love and statehood converge, the two are poised to spend their new life together in a brand-new state.

Cast includes Amanda Golden as Laurey, Chris Fuglestad as Curly, Brian Hodges as Jud and Jimmi Nielson-Reid as Ado Annie. In keeping with the original musical, there is a fifteen-minute dream ballet sequence as part of the love triangle storyline. For this sequence, Woodlawn Theatre has partnered with Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre to feature special guest artists Jeremy Rhom and Emily Rhom as Dream Curly and Dream Laurey, respectively. Jeremy Rhom appears courtesy of Ballet San Antonio.

During this production, the Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting gift cards from Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics and gas station gift cards to be donated to the Alamo Arts Ballet Theatre. Established in 2006, the nonprofit organization is made up of student dancers, ages 13 and up and adults, chosen by audition. The company performs at least one major production annually, plus many community service performances, lecture demonstrations and career days in public schools, focusing on Title 1 schools. In their effort to bring ballet to underserved children, they have free student performances of their major productions.

Promotional Nights:
Student Night – Friday February 23, $10 Student/Child tickets with code: STUDENT
Pride Night – Friday March 8, 25% off tickets with code: PRIDE
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – Saturday March 16, 25% off tickets with code: ASL

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388