With songs such as Oh What a Beautiful Morning, The Surrey With the Fringe on the Top, Oklahoma and People Will Say We're in Love, the musical Oklahoma has been part of American theater since March 1943.

The cast of Oklahoma rehearse the song Kansas City at Augusta State University Feb. 23. Photo by Charmain Z. Brackett "It was groundbreaking. I don't think we'd have things like Wicked today without it," said Patti Myers, artistic director of the Augusta State University production of the musical, which will be staged at the school's Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7, and 3 p.m., Sunday, March 8.

Oklahoma was considered to be the first modern musical with a story line which was advanced through the music and dance.

A mix of about 30 students from ASU, community actors and dancers from Dance Augusta come together to bring the story families living in the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the 20th century.

Despite the fact that it was first staged during World War II, the show is "fun and optimistic," said Myers.

It helped people escape the war and economic difficulties of the day.

Courtney Parker plays Laurey Williams who is wooed by cowboy Curly McClain played by Gary Whitford.

"It's a lot of fun," Parker said. "It's a challenge."

Tickets for Oklahoma are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for non-ASU students and children.

For tickets, call (706) 667-4100 or visit www.aug.edu/ pat.