Showtime!
And the Opening Night arrives at last! Whether a preview or an opening, it’s time to show the frutis of all that hard work. As the audience settles into their seats, the action backstage is at a fever pitch; makeup is checked one last time. Singers and actors do their vocal exercises. Dancers stretch their muscles and check their shoes one more time. The performers in the first scene take their places, taking care to stay far enough behind the curtain to avoid being seen.
They position themselves just so to see how full the house is for the night. The crew, having set up for the opening scene is already thinking ahead to the next scene change. The lighting and sound crew is ready to flip the switch. The house lights dim, and the overture swells. It’s time. This thrilling moment for the cast of 1943’s premiere of Oklahoma! led to long-lasting success and a staggering longevity most musicals only dream of.