By Afshin Razi
Northern Kentucky University’s School of the Arts opens its season with Oklahoma!, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic that still brims with charm nearly 80 years after its debut. This production keeps the nostalgia intact while giving it youthful energy and a few bold touches.
A Classic Story with a Dynamic Cast
Set in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows spirited farm girl Laurey Williams, her suitor Curly McLain, and the brooding farmhand Jud Fry, as their tangled relationships play out against a backdrop of community, conflict, and the dream of statehood. A secondary romance brings plenty of laughs, featuring cowboy Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée Ado Annie, along with her entanglement with the womanizing Persian peddler Ali Hakim.
Many Standout Performances
The entire cast and ensemble are fantastic, with a few standouts worth highlighting. Charlie Norman’s Curly is magnetic – his every move feels both effortless and deliberate. Norman’s singing shines with clarity and warmth, selling Curly’s charm and sincerity. His effortless command of the stage is matched beat for beat by Katie Chambers, whose Laurey is feisty and strong-willed, with stunning vocals and an ease of movement to match. She dances effortlessly, whether spinning in Curly’s arms or contemplating her choices in the iconic dream ballet.
Joseph O’Hair’s Jud Fry is genuinely chilling. In contrast to the show’s buoyant energy, O’Hair makes Jud an embodiment of brooding intensity. He moves slowly, speaks softly, and seems to fill the stage with a quiet menace. Mabrey Rice as Ado Annie is a scene-stealer. She delivers her numbers with boundless enthusiasm and comic timing that feel utterly effortless. Vincent Alquizola plays Ali Hakim so well-calibrated that every mischievous grin, sly remark, and comedic flourish lands effortlessly, keeping the audience laughing while perfectly complementing Annie’s spirited energy.
Direction and Setting
The success of this production is due not only to its performers but also its design and direction. Kat Moser-Priddy’s vision keeps the pace lively; scene changes are swift and smooth, often achieved in plain view of the audience, which gives the show a certain rustic simplicity. Eric Barker’s scenic design evokes early Oklahoma country beautifully: weathered wood facades and painted skies suggest farmhouses and open plains without fuss. The set is functional but evocative. For example, a porch rail or a wooden post becomes the perfect place for Curly’s moonlit serenade, and later a rustic fence helps frame Jud’s isolation.
Effective Design and Memorable Moments
Ronnie Chamberlain’s costumes are likewise effective. There are plenty of plaids, boots, and bonnets for the farmers; wide-brimmed hats and neckerchiefs for the cowboys; full prairie dresses for the women. There’s an authenticity to the wardrobe, but also a splash of color in Annie’s vivid patterned dress or the new dress Laurey wears on her date, keeping the eye engaged. Every detail – from Missy J. White’s period hairstyles and makeup to the wise red gingham skirt on Aunt Eller – serves both period accuracy and character.
Lighting (Chris Lipstreu) and sound (Jo Sanburg) also stand out. Soft amber light and gentle shadows evoke sunrise and sunset, bathing “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” in a warm glow. Later, cooler blues and stark spotlights intensify Jud’s scenes, making him seem all the more menacing. Sound-wise, the balance between singers and pit was solid throughout; even in ensemble-heavy numbers, each soloist could be heard clearly. One particularly charming design moment occurs in the final scene: as the company closes the show with “Oklahoma!” the song. A horse-drawn cart ambles onstage carrying Curly and Laurey. This simple prop is a sweet callback to the play’s frontier setting and earlier scenes, as if the spirit of Oklahoma itself had swept them into a happy future. It drew an appreciative laugh and warm applause – a lovely finishing touch to an already memorable evening.
Final Verdict
NKU’s Oklahoma! is a triumphant homage to a theatrical legend. It proves why this musical remains a cornerstone of American theatre. It’s nostalgic, warm and funny – and brought to life by a cast and creative team that clearly love the material.
Tickets to Oklahoma!
Oklahoma! runs Sept. 26–Oct. 5, 2025. Tickets can be purchased online at https://nku.edu/tickets
