‘Oklahoma!‘ rounds up a delightful cast of fresh faces that bring to live an old classic at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA.
‘Oklahoma!‘ arrives at the Rose Center Theater in Westminster, CA, delivering a warm and dramatic experience with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical based on the 1931 play ‘Green Grow the Lilacs‘ by Lynn Riggs. Set against the backdrop of the sweeping Oklahoma Territory, the show features unforgettable songs and vibrant characters that theater lovers of all ages can enjoy.
The young performers shined, particularly Mikey Smith as the charming Curly McLain, whose rendition of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” was captivating. Hannah Huntington also gave a heartfelt performance as the spirited Laurey Williams, making their love triangle with Chris Caputo’s Jud Fry all the more engaging. Caputo was, as always, a standout, bringing depth and intensity to his role, much like his memorable performance as The Beast in ‘Beauty and the Beast‘ last summer at Rose Center.
The true scene-stealers, though, were Mary Murphy-Nelson as Aunt Eller and Eric Dobson’s dynamic rope work as Will Parker—both contributed so much life and energy to the stage. The entire cast and ensemble did a fantastic job, truly elevating the experience. Their collective enthusiasm and commitment were undeniable, making this production a joy to watch.
That said, there were a few production hiccups that left me slightly disappointed. With over 40 cast members, this is a difficult show to pull off in a small theater, and opening night jitters were certainly felt. The house lights never fully dimmed, which distracted from the immersion and made the show feel more like a dress rehearsal than an opening night spectacle. The can-can scene, while fun, felt a bit out of place in the context of the show’s more grounded tone, and it briefly took me out of the experience.
Despite these issues, the cast’s enthusiasm and the show’s heart still shone through. I’m excited for the young performers, and with a few adjustments, this ‘Oklahoma!‘ will be a delightful experience for Rodgers & Hammerstein fans.
‘Oklahoma!‘ runs from now through March 9, 2025 with a gala event on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
To purchase tickets for ‘Oklahoma!‘ visit the official Rose Center Theater website at: https://rosetheater.booktix.com/.
The Rose Center Theater is located at:
14140 All American Way
Westminster, Ca 92683
Summary
‘Oklahoma!‘ will be a delightful experience for Rodgers & Hammerstein fans this winter at the Rose Center Theater.
