Despite showing its age, it’s another well-done production at the Johnstown dinner theatre.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! has long been a mainstay of American musical theatre, and according to director Kate Vallee, it’s the most requested show of all time at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown. It’s easy to see why.  Brimming with unforgettable tunes, the soundtrack was a staple in my musical-loving family, and this production won’t disappoint those with a soft spot for the show. Timeless numbers like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and, of course, “Oklahoma!” were impossible not to hum along to.

That being said, as a contemporary theatregoer, did I find the story or staging particularly challenging? Not really. While I recognize that the 1943 musical was groundbreaking for its genre at the time, today it felt more nostalgic than anything. This production is a faithful take on a beloved classic and one that fans will certainly appreciate. But those who didn’t grow up with an affinity for Oklahoma! might find the show somewhat traditional and slow-paced compared to more modern fare.

Caught in a love triangle

The musical takes place in Oklahoma Territory in 1906, and at the heart of the story is Laurey (Jennasea Pearce), a farm girl caught between two very different men: the charming cowboy Curly McClain (Patric Case) and the troubled, isolated farmhand Jud Fry (Chas Lederer). Pearce and Case bring powerhouse, Broadway-caliber vocals to their roles that do the songs justice. Lederer’s take on Jud is layered and compelling, turning what could have been a stock villain into a character with depth and vulnerability.

The subplot offers a lighter, comedic counterpoint, following the flirtatious Ado Annie (Brooke Curry) as she juggles her romantic entanglements with Will Parker (Owen Whitham) and Ali Hakim (Lloyd Harvey II). Curry’s portrayal is utterly charming, blending humor with a cheeky sense of spontaneity. Her infectious energy made “I Can’t Say No” my favorite number of the whole show. Harvey was another standout, charging every line with a goofiness and mischief that left the audience laughing along.

At its core, Oklahoma! is a love story, and while there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, it can feel somewhat constrained by the era in which it’s set. The musical reflects a time when women were nearly always seen through the lens of their relationships with men, reducing them to prizes to be won (a dynamic that plays out quite literally in the auction scene). While Laurey does show moments of agency, particularly in the dream ballet where she grapples with her decision, the overall storyline remains rooted in tired tropes,.

Because of Laurey’s passivity, there are moments when the stakes of the story don’t feel as high as they might have, and the love triangle, though central to the plot, often lacks the urgency needed to keep the tension alive. With a three-hour runtime, certain stretches of the narrative feel drawn out, and combined with its more traditional pacing, this occasionally made it harder to remain fully engaged.

Showstopping dance and vibrant visuals

Where this production truly shines is Shawna Walker’s choreography, with each dance sequence bursting with energy and precision. “Kansas City” delivers tap-dancing cowboys like you’ve never seen, while the women’s ensemble infuses “Many a New Day” with elegance and grace. The mesmerizing dream ballet at the end of Act One, expertly performed by Cory Michael Klements and Jessie Mays Hobson, is nothing short of spectacular.

Visually, the production is a feast of color. Lighting Designer Laurel Ladzinski bathes the stage in bold, radiant hues that perfectly complement Debbie Faber’s period costumes. The men and women wear bright, matching ensembles that add a lively touch and nostalgic charm.

A treasured piece of musical theatre history

Candlelight’s production of Oklahoma! delivers exactly what fans of the classic musical would hope for — a faithful staging filled with impressive vocals, dazzling choreography and a rich sense of nostalgia. While the show’s dated gender dynamics and traditional storytelling may not resonate as deeply with every audience member, its enduring charm is undeniable. Whether you come for the beloved score, the standout dance numbers, or simply to revisit a treasured piece of musical theatre history, this production offers plenty to appreciate.