Get ready to be transported back in time! Carnegie Hall hosted a stunning concert performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, and the photos are finally here! This one-night-only event, featuring the Orchestra of St. Luke's, was a dazzling showcase of a Broadway classic.
This special performance, which kicked off Carnegie Hall’s United in Sound: America at 250 festival, took place on January 12th in the Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage. The production was directed by Tony winner Shuler Hensley and conducted by Rob Berman.
The cast was packed with talent, including Tony nominee Micaela Diamond (from Parade and The Cher Show) as Laurey Williams and opera baritone Emmett O’Hanlon as Curly McLain. They were joined by a stellar supporting cast:
- Parvesh Cheena (Outsourced, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) as Ali Hakim
- Jonathan Christopher (Sweeney Todd) as Jud Fry
- Tony nominee Andrew Durand (Dead Outlaw) as Will Parker
- Ana Gasteyer (Wicked, The Rocky Horror Show) as Aunt Eller
- Tony winner David Hyde Pierce (Curtains) as Andrew Carnes
- Tony nominee Jasmine Amy Rogers (BOOP! The Musical, … Spelling Bee) as Ado Annie
The ensemble was filled with talented performers: Colin Anderson, Sam Bolen, John Harmon Cooper, Christine DiGiallonardo, Nicole Fernandez-Coffer, Hannah Florence, Lindsay Roberts Greene, Leah Horowitz, Alex Humphreys, Andrea Jones-Sojola, Cory Lingner, Timothy McDevitt, Kelvin Moon Loh, Grace Morgan, Rachel Rhodes-Devey, Nicholas Ward, and Jeremy Weiss.
Casting was handled by Geoff Josselson Casting.
But here's where it gets exciting... This Oklahoma! concert wasn't just a performance; it was a celebration of the musical's legacy. The 1943 musical, which set a new standard for musical theatre, features the original orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett. This concert version was a chance to experience the magic of Rodgers and Hammerstein's beloved songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey With the Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and the title song.
And this is the part most people miss... The United in Sound festival highlights the rich musical history of the U.S. throughout the country’s history. With over 35 concerts, the festival features Broadway, film music, jazz, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, country, bluegrass, and classical music. It also includes programs that blend various musical genres, showcasing the best of the American spirit through music.
If you're interested in attending other United in Sound: America at 250 events at Carnegie Hall, tickets are available at CarnegieHall.org.
What are your thoughts? Did you attend the concert or see photos? What's your favorite song from Oklahoma!? Share your opinions in the comments below!
