Article updated: 5/7/2013 6:36 AM

Better than OK: Lyric's 'Oklahoma!' big and beautiful

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Ado Annie (Tari Kelly) tells Laurie (Ashley Brown) why "I Cain't Say No" in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1943 Broadway musical "Oklahoma!" now playing though Sunday, May 19.

Courtesy of Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

Will Parker (Curtis Holbrook, center) shows off some of his winning lasso skills in the production number "Kansas City" in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's landmark 1943 musical "Oklahoma!" The production runs through Sunday, May 19.

Courtesy of Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

Dream versions of Curly (Stephen Hanna) and Laurie (Jenna McClintock) dance together in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" Original 1943 national tour dancer Gemze de Lappe recreated choreographer Agnes de Mille's original Broadway dances for the Lyric production.

Courtesy of Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

Laurie (Ashley Brown) and Curly (John Cudia) wonder if "People Will Say We're In Love" in the Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1943 Broadway musical "Oklahoma!" now playing though Sunday, May 19.

Courtesy of Dan Rest/Lyric Opera of Chicago

About this Article

You win some and you lose some when you produce a Broadway musical like Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1943 landmark “Oklahoma!” in Chicago's 3,600-seat Civic Opera House. Fortunately for the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the first outing of its multiyear American Musical Theater Initiative is a big and beautiful success.