Oklahoma! series in the works from John Lee Hancock, Bekah Brunstetter
Deadline is reporting that the Broadway musical Oklahoma! is being adapted into a TV series by writers John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side, The Highwaymen) and Bekah Brunstetter (This Is Us, American Gods).
“Oklahoma!’s artistically revolutionary position in American culture has both kept it at the forefront of theatrical performances and allowed for various new innovations. This first-time ever television series will expand on the life of this remarkably resilient show,” said Ted Chapin, Chief Creative Officer, The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.
The series will be set in America’s heartland and include music by the legendary team of Rodgers & Hammerstein as well as new tunes as it is reimagined for a contemporary audience. The Broadway production was originally written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs, the story is set in the farm country outside of the town of Claremore, Indian Territory in 1906 and follows farm girl Laurey Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and the sinister farmhand Jud Fry.
“Oklahoma! is one of the greatest musicals of all time, and we’re honored The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and Concord have entrusted us to produce this ambitious television series,” said Marcy Ross, President, Skydance Television. “Skydance has found the perfect architects to create this world with John Lee Hancock and Bekah Brunstetter, who will honor the spirit of the original show while creating a unique and contemporary story.”
“We are thrilled to be working with such great partners at Skydance Television and with the talented John Lee Hancock and Bekah Brunstetter to envision a new world that pulls from the rich characters and stories in Oklahoma!,” added Sophia Dilley, Vice President Film & Television Development and Production, Concord.
The announcement follows Skydance Television’s (Jack Ryan) partnership with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization and music firm Concord.
