Oklahoma! (ARC Theatre Arts)

The golden age of musical theatre hits the stage with a spectacular production of Oklahoma! at ARC Theatre October 9 to 25, 2026!

Oklahoma!, the musical that literally launched the "Golden Age" of American musicals, opens October 9 for a three-week run (closing October 25) at American River College Theatre. Featuring a live orchestra and a stellar, diverse cast ranging in age from 14 to 80+, the production brings the best of both student and community talent to the stage. There's also a dinner-theatre event scheduled with the four-star Oak Cafe! 

Oklahoma! is based on a 1931 play by Cherokee playwright Lynn Riggs (Green Grow the Lilacs) and maintains most of the original play's characters and dialogue. It was also the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hamerstein who went on to write ten more musicals as one of musical theatre's most iconic teams!

ARC's production of Oklahoma! is directed by Pamela Downs and features sensational choreography by Sam Williams. Rounding out the production team are award-winning designers and directors including Anthony Marvelli (orchestra conductor), Kathy Burleson (set/lights), Bethany Deal (costumes), and Tracy Martin (vocal direction). Although the story centers on the romance between a young farm girl (Laurey, played by Jazmine Monterossa) and a self-assured cowboy (Curly, played by James Kaheaku), the heart of the tale lies in the optimism of the Oklahoma settlers yearning for Statehood while facing the challenges of ranchers and farmers sharing the land, and the modern "city-life" encroaching on the innocence and joy of their rural haven.

All performances of Oklahoma! will be at American River College Theatre (4700 College Oak Drive), with plentiful $2 parking available at the corner of College Oak and Myrtle, adjacent to the Music/Theatre building and the Oak Cafe.

The Dinner Theatre event will be Thursday, October 15. That night only, patrons have the option of a delicious, Oklahoma-themed meal before seeing the show. Dishes include smoked brisket, fried chicken, whipped potatoes, Bourbon creamed corn, cobbler and pie desserts, vegetarian options, and so much more!

Buying your tickets early is strongly recommended as these events sell out! For tickets and more info, go to ARCTheatre.org, Instagram (@ARCTheatreDept), Facebook (American River College Theatre), or call (916) 484-8433.

Production Dates and Details

• Music by Richard Rodgers, Lyrics and Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
• Based on Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs
• Performances: October 9 to 25, 2026
  • Fridays/Saturdays, October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 at 7:30 pm
  • Sundays, October 11, 18*, 25 at 2:00 pm
  • Thursdays, October 15, 22 at 7:30 pm
  • *ASL Interpreted Date Sunday, October 18
• Tickets: $20/general, $18/seniors, $16/students; group rate available for 15 or more patrons
• Directed by Pamela Downs
• Orchestra Conducted by Anthony Marvelli
• Choreography by Sam Williams
• Vocal Directed by Tracy Martin

Info Bites

• Two generations of performers in the cast: Mary Carey (as Aunt Eller) and Julia Carey, her granddaughter (as Vivian)
• The show is the culmination of a 25-year collaboration between Pam Downs and Director, Sam Williams as Choreographer, and Tracy Martin as Vocal Director
• Alumni support: many former ARC students are featured on the production team and faculty! Bethany Deal, ARC Alum, is a new faculty member and the Costume Designer for the production. Annelies Veldman, ARC Alum, is also a faculty member in the department, and serves as the Marketing Director for the department and all its shows. Ethan Mack, ARC Alum, is back as the Assistant Vocal Director. Logan Bane, ARC Alum, is both in the cast and serves as a Dance Captain. Tracy Martin, ARC Alum, is a faculty member and the Vocal Director for the show.