CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The music is catchy and timeless. Many of the tunes were learned by many in grade school music class or performed on high school stages, but the new and improved version of "Oklahoma!" has been reimagined for the 21st century.
"This show isn't the one you remember. It's the same story, but the cast reflects the type of people who you see when you walk out the door, or go to a bar," said actor Sean Grandillo, who plays Curly McLain.
Grandillo said the story is reflective of a community of today.
"If you look what's going on these days, we've brought them to the surface. How does this reflect a community, not so much about that specific time," he said.
"Communities in general, America in general. How do we interact? How do we form our groups? Is it necessary to define an outsider to form a community-that's the focus of the play."
The musical is based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play, "Green Grow the Lilacs". "Oklahoma!" is the first musical written by the duo of Rodgers and Hammerstein and it set in farm country outside the town of Claremore in 1906 and tells the story of a farm girl and her courtship with two rival suitors.
The original Broadway production opened on March 31, 1943. It was a box office hit and ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances. The revival national tour offers a contemporary take on the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.
"People should be ready to come to hear the music they love, the story they love. It's all very much in tact, the darkness, the light, the humor and the joy," said Grandillo.
"A lot of people become attached to this take. It's a really a piece of Americana. It feels like a history piece, really."
There are a lot of prop guns used through the stage version and the company is using that theme to make a social statement and make a difference.
"It's a program called Gun Neutral. For every gun that is featured on our set or used, we work with an organization that helps eliminate a gun from the streets and from America floating around. Guns are a very divisive topic but an important one." he said.
"It's a part of our story and a central part of the production."
Gandillo said the piece is reimagined and will transcend generations.
"For something like this to remain relevant after 80 years is staggering."
"Oklahoma!" can be seen at the CIBC Theater through Jan. 23. Those interested in purchasing tickets should visit broadwayinchicago.com.
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