Oklahoma! with Special Guests Andy Hammerstein and Janet Maslin

The Bedford Playhouse is pleased to present one of the greatest musicals of stage and screen, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! Starring Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones (in her film debut), Rod Steiger, Gloria Grahame, and Eddie Albert, directed by Fred Zinnemann. Winner of two Academy Awards and a must-see for all ages.

Prior to the show, Oscar “Andy” Hammerstein III and former NY Times film critic Janet Maslin will introduce the film and share their insights into this timeless classic.

A joyous celebration of frontier life sweeps across the Western plains, driven by an immortal score filled with unforgettable songs.

Set in the Oklahoma territory in the early 1900s, Oklahoma! is an idealized vision of a simpler time, a story of tender romance and violent passion. Gordon MacRae is Curly McLain, a sunny, good-natured cowboy. Shirley Jones is Laurey Williams, the farmer’s daughter he loves. Rod Steiger is the menacing Jud Fry, who tries to come between them.

With choreography by Agnes de Mille, the score is ripe with classics: “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe On Top,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” “Oklahoma” and many more. This was the first Rodgers and Hammerstein collaboration, starting the most successful creative partnership in the history of musical theatre.