“Oklahoma!” is moving from the Broadway stage to the small screen.
Skydance Television has cut a deal with the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and Concord to create a modern-day adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. The series will be written by John Lee Hancock and Bekah Brunstetter. The TV production will include music by Rodgers & Hammerstein reimagined for a contemporary audience, in addition to new music to support the story.
Hancock will also direct the first episode and serve as executive producer of the series alongside Brunstetter and fellow executive producers Ted Chapin of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, Sophia Dilley of Concord, and David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Marcy Ross of Skydance Television. Bill Bost, senior vice president of television will oversee the project for Skydance.
“‘Oklahoma!’ is one of the greatest musicals of all time, and we’re honored The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and Concord have entrusted us to produce this ambitious television series,” said Marcy Ross, president, Skydance Television. “Skydance has found the perfect architects to create this world with John Lee Hancock and Bekah Brunstetter, who will honor the spirit of the original show while creating a unique and contemporary story.”
The musical, which first ran in 1943, is based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play, ‘Green Grow the Lilacs.’ Set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian Territory, in 1906, it tells the story of farm girl Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors.