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 vibrant characters. We weren’t expecting Shirley Jones belting out “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” when we crossed into the Sooner State’s sacred borders, nor did we expect John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath or warring factions of cowboys and Indians. Frankly we didn’t know what to expect. You’ll forgive my ignorance of modern day Oklahoma. It was obviously stunted by my having watched the musical a few dozen times. My friend Steve Coleman, the prolific blogger who informs and entertains…