Oklahoma has always been a huge part of my life. We grew up watching this movie, along with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Sound of Music. Oklahoma, though has always held a special part in my life because of the history of this musical that is intertwined with my life.
My mother, Eileen Haslem, was Ado Annie in her high school's version of Oklahoma. This was back in 1962 when she was a cheerleader and ran Uintah High!
One of my best friends, Denice Allen also directed this show when Outlaw Trail performed this so many years ago. We wanted to preserve her memory and honor her with this show and the windmill (from her original show I am told) on our stage.
Thank you to those who have gone before to instill the love for this show that we all now share. Thank you to my crew, to the cast, to the orchestra and mostly to my amazing wife Molly (she is playing piano tonight) and boys Eli, Spence and Beau. Thanks for letting our lives be crazy for these past four weeks.
Its a great show and I hope you enjoy our version of it.
Jay Haslem
