The rolling plains of Oklahoma State loom large in this memorable and wonderful show by the musical masters Rodgers and Hammerstein, which St. Mary's Choral Soceity has chosen to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of its foundation.
The score is filled with tune after tune which has made this show one of the most enjoyable musicals ever, since its premiere in 1943. The bittersweet story meanders through the script and the stage provides a setting for the many colourful characters who populated the plains and the prairies in a bygone age.
Once again, St. Mary's Choral Society is delighted to bring to the stage of the White Memorial Theatre, a top class line up of principals, starring John Murphy as Curly, Deirdre O'Connor as Laurey, Siobhan O'Dwyer as Aunt Eller, Derek Ryan as Jud Fry, Gillian Byrne as Ado Annie, Diarmuid Vaughan as Ali Hakim and Emmet Donlan as Will Parker. Joining this first class line up in the supporting roles will be Elaine Bowe as Gertie Cummings, John Walsh as Andrew Carnes, George Barry as Cord Elam, Liam Hunter as Ike Skidmore, Lucy Fitzgerald as Dream Laurey and Dayl Cronin as Dream Curly. Timmy O'Dwyer will reprise the role of Slim, the part he played in our 1987 production. The cast will also include a supporting cast of over 40 cowboys and cowgals.

The Oklahoma! Score boasts many well-known pieces including 'People will say we're in Love', 'I can't say No', 'Kansas City', 'Oh! What a Beautiful Morning', the dance spectacle of 'The Dream Ballet', 'The Farmer and the Cowman' and of course, 'The Oklahoma! Chorus'.

Oklahoma! was the first collaboration of composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II and is set in Oklahoma territory, outside the town of Claremore in 1906. The original Broadway Production opened in 1943 and was a box office smash, later enjoying award-winning revivals, national tours and an academy award-winning film. St. Mary's last presented Oklahoma! In 1987 and it proved to be a box office smash in Clonmel, playing to packed houses for almost two weeks in May of that year.

Rehearsals are in full swing down at the White Memorial Theatre with director Maureen Walsh, Musical Director Laura Cotter and Choreographer Gillian Hewitt-Fitzgerald putting the finishing touches to what promises to be another wonderful show from St. Mary's who have delighted local audiences with the 'sound of their music' since 1940.

Oklahoma! 2010 will take to the stage of the White Memorial Theatre on Tuesday 4th May for a 5 night run. Booking will open on Monday 19th April at Marians O'Connell Street Clonmel (052)6123813. Early booking is advisable.