The HPU School of Education and Fine Arts will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” as part of HPU’s Homecoming weekend. Performances will be held at HPU’s Mims Auditorium on Friday, October 10, and Saturday, October 11, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 12, at 2:30 p.m.

“This is one of the biggest Broadway musicals of all time!” said Dr. Nicholas Ewen ’02, associate professor of theatre and department chair. “As the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, this play set the gold standard for the Broadway style of American theatre. We’re so excited to bring this to life on stage at HPU for the first time in more than 30 years. The music is iconic, the choreography is stunning, and the characters are hilarious; you’re going to love it!”

Dr. Ewen is the overall production coordinator and designer for this production, with a brilliant creative team including Kristin Faulkner ’96, resident director of Veda Hodge Hall as director and choreographer, and Dr. Chris Rosborough ’08, chair of the Department of Music and director of choral activities, serving as music director and conductor. Katherine Richards, sophomore majoring in theatre and communication, is serving as stage manager and assistant director. The cast and crew consist of students from across the university, from freshmen to seniors. This performance will also feature a live orchestra.

“This production is huge – it’s a milestone for our institution,” said Dr. Ewen. “I can’t wait for our HPU community, students, faculty, staff and alumni to experience ‘Oklahoma!’ and share in the fun of the show.”

Performance run-time is approximately two hours, and admission is $5 per person. Ticket reservations can be made through the HPU Homecoming registration website www.hputx.edu/homecoming , or can be purchased at the door depending on availability.