Pho Lien Hoa – Oklahoma City
“Oklahoma, Where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain And the wavin’ wheat Can sure smell sweet When the wind comes right behind the rain.” ~Oklahoma by Rodgers & Hammerstein The setting for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s revolutionary 1943 Broadway hit Oklahoma showcased wide-open plains and rugged landscapes that painted both a literal and metaphorical canvas. The vastness of the territory mirrored the boundless dreams and limitless energy of its inhabitants. This award-winning musical depicted the ushering in of organized statehood, a challenging transition from mostly unsettled agrarian land. That transition parallels the characters’ personal journeys toward growth and self-discovery. Oklahoma became a timeless classic largely because of the stirring music, but also its celebration of love, community, and resilience among…