Feb 12 2009
Oklahoma! (1955)
In college I had a correspondence with a girl who I was rather enamered by. We met while working at an internship together. One night she mentioned/sang part of a song from the musical Oklahoma. I had never seen the film or play, but knew it from my father’s singing of 50s musical tunes during my childhood.
At some point afterwards I purchased this record while intoxicated, thinking it was funny. Once sober, I was highly critical of my choice of cds to spend money on. But there it was, and there it sat.
After a series of events transpired, I decided I needed to travel some 2,000 miles to see said girl, and bought a ticket under the influence of maddog 20/20 and some friendly encouragement. My flight was around 6am, which my friend Shira graciously agreed to drive me to. It was about 4 or so when we left and it was one of the few times I heard birds in D.C.
The only thing I remember about the drive to the airport is darkness, Shira’s red car, and listening to the soundtrack of Oklahoma to keep us awake. It was quite surreal, and utterly fantastic. All great journeys should begin with an absurd musical soundtrack.
