Oklahoma! at Paramount Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...At the top of director Jim Corti's gorgeously staged and emotionally sophisticated revival of "Oklahoma" at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora - with an 18-piece orchestra in the pit - the curtain rises on Aunt Eller messing with a saddle and Laurey putting her back, and her plunger, into the serious business of churning butter. Here, that is not the bucolic task it is traditionally staged to be."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" opened on Broadway in 1943, as World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific. And if you watch this game-changing musical with that historical context in mind - and director Jim Corti's glorious, grand-scale, effortlessly modern revival at Aurora's Paramount Theatre is a must-see production - you will realize this show was as essential to the war effort as any victory garden or war bond drive."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...Audiences will once more discover why Paramount Theatre, under Jim Corti's leadership, continue to mount world class musicals. I agree with those who say that Paramount's production of Oklahoma! (and others) should eventually be moved to downtown Chicago then Broadway. Oklahoma! is that good!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...There are many reasons not to miss this wonderful production. Here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Tom Vendafreddo’s unmatched orchestra accompanying Jim Corti’s talented, 22-member cast performing Rodgers & Hammerstein’s glorious score the way it was originally intended. This sharp, intelligent production, which has the same raw energy as the adolescent territory is depicts, is over 70 years old. Yet despite several award-winning revivals, multiple national tours, a myriad of international productions and a classic film version, the Paramount’s production feels fresh and new, contemporary and groundbreaking all over again. Everything is truly up-to-date in Kansas City."