Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) proudly launches its 51st season with a bold return to the roots of American musical theatre: a full-scale production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, running across three weekends beginning May 23rd at the historic Owen Theatre, which itself is celebrating its 107th year.
A cornerstone of the American musical canon, Oklahoma! is more than just a beloved musical—it’s a thrilling examination of community, humanity, and memory. This production provides a marked alignment between story and stage. Set against the backdrop of a changing frontier, Oklahoma! tells the story of farmers, cowhands, and pioneers carving out their lives on the plains.
“This production is an exciting examination of who each one of us is when placed in society,” said the Oklahoma! Director, Leif Brodersen. “Oklahoma! challenges us to examine ourselves, the roles we play in our communities, and to reconsider our preconceived notions of history as we remember it and history as it really happened.”
Brodersen comes to this production a musical theatre veteran and SART’s Assistant Artistic Director with a cast composed of regional talent and visiting artists. Through stirring choreography, live orchestration, and a renewed directorial vision, this production honors the past while embracing the fresh, forward-thinking energy that has defined SART’s artistic approach over the last five decades.
As SART moves into its second half-century, Oklahoma! serves as a fitting opener—one that reinforces the theatre’s reputation for excellence and its ongoing mission to spotlight the enduring stories of a region rich in heritage and artistry. Oklahoma! Runs Friday-Sunday, May 23-June 8. For tickets and more information, please visit www.sartplays.com.
###
Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre (SART) is a professional theatre company in residence at the historic Owen Theatre in Mars Hill, North Carolina. Founded in 1975 by director and theatre educator Jim Thomas, SART has produced scores of original works, plays, and musicals over the years portraying the rich culture and heritage of Southern Appalachia.
