Overview

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! follows the romance between cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams against the changing landscape of Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the twentieth century.

With music by Richard Rodgers and a book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the landmark musical places intimate relationships, rivalries and community traditions against the larger story of a territory moving toward statehood.

The John W. Engeman Theater production was directed by Igor Goldin and choreographed by Drew Humphrey, with Bryant Martin as Curly, Kaitlyn Davidson as Laurey and Nathaniel Hackmann as Jud Fry.

Contribution

Matthew Solomon served as Costume Designer, creating the period wardrobe for the production and establishing the visual identities of its farmers, cowboys, townspeople and principal characters.

The design drew from clothing of the Oklahoma Territory at the beginning of the twentieth century, using period silhouettes, textiles, layering and accessories to distinguish the different communities occupying the story’s frontier world.

For the women, detailed dresses, petticoats, lace, boots and bonnets helped create the visual language of the territory while allowing individual characters to retain distinct personalities. The cowboys and farmers were similarly differentiated through variations in workwear, tailoring, texture, color and levels of wear.

The costumes were also designed around the production’s extensive choreography, including its large ensemble sequences and dream ballet, balancing historical character with the movement and practical demands of a major musical production.

Critical Reception

“Matthew Solomon brings the fashion fun to life, designing the costumes for the show. At the box social, the women trotted across the stage in laced up boots with a heel, antique gowns with petticoats underneath and adorned with lace and bonnets.” — TBR News Media

“Matthew Solomon brings the fashion fun to life, designing the costumes for the show. At the box social, the women trotted across the stage in laced up boots with a heel, antique gowns with petticoats underneath and adorned with lace and bonnets.” (TBR News Media)

Production Details

Production: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!

Production Company: John W. Engeman Theater

Venue: John W. Engeman Theater

Location: Northport, New York

Year: 2017

Music: Richard Rodgers

Book and Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II

Director: Igor Goldin

Choreographer: Drew Humphrey

Music Director: Jeff Theiss

Assistant Director: Trey Compton

Associate Choreographer: Kelly Sheehan

Scenic Designer: D.T. Willis

Costume Designer: Matthew Solomon

Wig Designer: Kurt Alger

Lighting Designer: Zach Blane

Sound Designer: Laura Shubert

Props Designer: Suzanne Mason

Production Stage Manager: Sean Francis Patrick

Stage Manager: Emily Johnson

Fight Choreographer: Michael Thompson

Vocal Coach: Alice Carter

Assistant Choreographer: Rachel Green

Orchestrator: Tom Baker

Production Photography: Michael DeCristofaro