EL DORADO HILLS — The Secondary Drama Department at John Adams Academy, El Dorado Hills, is inviting the community to experience the timeless charm of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! with a live stage production running April 16–18, 2026, at the Ronald Reagan Performing Arts Center.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century frontier life, this classic musical tells the story of romance, rivalry, and resilience as the spirited Laurey and confident cowboy Curly navigate love and life during a time when Oklahoma was on the brink of statehood. The musical features beloved songs such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “People Will Say We’re in Love,” and “Oklahoma,” and celebrates community, courage, and the pursuit of happiness.
Oklahoma! premiered in 1943 and reflects several of John Adams Academy’s core values. These include fostering creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, as themes of westward expansion, manifest destiny, and statehood are central to the story; appreciation of our national heritage, as the musical draws from the experiences of early settlers in the American West; and building a culture of greatness, as the production helped launch the Golden Age of Musical Theatre. The renowned partnership of composer and lyricist Rodgers and Hammerstein, along with trailblazing choreographer Agnes de Mille, created a groundbreaking work that blends storytelling, song, dance, and imagery into a timeless production.
Under the direction of Sunny Mitchell, the scholar-led production showcases the talent and artistry of more than 30 middle and high school scholars from John Adams Academy. This is the largest production that John Adams Academy – EDH has ever staged. The show highlights the continued growth and strength of its Visual and Performing Arts program, bringing together acting, music, and dance to create a vibrant theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
The production features musical direction by Alexander Grambow, with Dream Ballet choreography by Felicia Fry and associate choreography by Elizabeth Malekos. The iconic dream ballet sequence adds a dynamic and expressive element to the performance, blending movement and storytelling in a visually compelling way.
“Our goal is to give scholars the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a classic piece of American musical theatre,” said Director Sunny Mitchell. “Oklahoma! is more than just a show—it’s a story about community, identity, and growing into who you are, which makes it especially meaningful for our scholars to perform.”
“I’ve never been more excited about any role than playing Laurey,” said senior Amanda Runyan, who stars in the production. “This musical may be from the Golden Age, but it feels incredibly relatable and exciting. It features some of our best choreography and most engaging scenes. I’ll forever be grateful to Mitchell for directing such a memorable production.”
Performances will take place at the Ronald Reagan Performing Arts Center, located at 1104 Investment Blvd in El Dorado Hills. They will be held April 16–18 with showtime at 6 p.m., with invitation-only previews scheduled for April 3 and 4.
Tickets are available by CLICKING HERE
John Adams Academy is a tuition-free public charter school dedicated to developing future leaders through academics, character education, and community involvement. The Visual and Performing Arts program provides students with opportunities to explore creativity, build confidence, and collaborate through high-quality theatrical productions.
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