Oklahoma! opening night hurray!

When my husband Keith asked me if I had ever seen the play Oklahoma! before,  I told him I had not.  I know I have heard some of the songs before, but  this past weekend watching Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! played out at the Roxy in downtown Clarksville it was my first time.  I must say, it was marvelous.

We came to opening night and the show is offered several other times, it will also run August 1,2, 3, 4, 8,9, 10, 11, 15,16,17 and 18 at various times.

Traveling to Clarksville on a hosted trip, I was blown away by the talent of the players in this musical. Sitting next to Michelle Dickerson of the Clarksville CVB and her family it was a wonderful night.

The Roxy is such a gem in downtown Clarksville.  On a previous trip I was able to see A Charlie Brown Christmas and I can’t believe how they were able to transform the stage. The theater is small enough that there is not a bad seat in the place!

Executive Director Ryan Bowie and his staff turned the stage into the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the century with all eyes riveted to the stage.  I didn’t realize what a complex story Oklahoma! is.  Along with the romance and laughter played out there is a dark side as well

and the wisdom imparted by the talented actress Jama Brown who played Aunt Ellen Murphy.

While the entire play was top-notch, I absolutely loved Kelly Letournea’s performance as Gertie Cumming’s, the man loving young woman who had the “love the one your with” ideal going on throughout the play. She added a lightness that made me (and Keith) both laugh throughout the play.

Clarksville is so lucky to have such a wonderful venue!  Located near great dining and shopping options just makes this an ideal spot to come and stay.  Before coming to the play, we had dinner at Strawberry Alley Ale Works which was wonderful .

We even and stopped and shopped through some of the delightful downtown stores that were open.  (I even had to buy some theater jewelry from Esther’s,  a girl has to have accessories you know!)

With the delightful architecture of downtown, places to shop and eat, I recommend checking out the Roxy’s schedule to see what is coming down the pike and what suits your fancy.