O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A, Okay!

The local theater was having a FREE showing of Oklahoma last night. Being the wonderful parents that we are, we decided to expose our children to some culture. And we're cheap. And it was free. So, we loaded up the car with blankets and chairs, invited a friend, and headed to the outdoor theater.

On the way there, friend Princess M, told us about the last time she saw Oklahoma.
"We went to see this play last month in Montana or somewhere. I was bored out of my mind, but (little brother) C loved it. He kept singing the songs and everything."
"Oh," I said, "You didn't like it much?"
"Well, not really at all. But this one will prob'ly be better."
"Oh, yes, I'm sure it will." Because it's free. And local volunteers will perform. And we live in a small town. Yeah, I'm sure it will be better.

We found a small patch on the grass, spread out our blankets, set up our chairs, and settled in to be entertained. We got through the first song. It was lovely. Then the second song began. "Surrey" must sound a lot like "curry" or something, because all of a sudden, the girls were starving. Because it had been about 30 minutes since they ate last. But, I was prepared. I passed out popcorn and graham snacks to all. They munched and listened, and looked like they were enjoying things.

About ten minutes later, they were full, and they were bored.
"I'm bored. Can we go run around?"
"No! Listen to the song. She's singing about, well, about not saying no." So listen to that good example, girls. Hmmm.

"Mom, I'm thirsty."
"Sshhh! Listen to him singing. About, umm, old Jud is dead. It's kind of a joke. Just listen." Because, you know, every girl should learn a song about trying to convince someone to commit suicide. Yeah, okay.

"Mom, can we just go get a drink or something?"
"No, here's some water bottles. Just watch the, well, they're supposed to be dancing. And it's a dream she's having."
"They're dancing? It's a dream? Why?" Apparently there are not a lot of people in town this summer that can dance and sing and act.
"Shhh. Because she's asleep and she's dreaming about Jud getting her but then he's fighting with Curly. See?" And don't miss the part where he stabs him and he falls to his dramatic over-acted death. Make sure you are really paying attention then.

And then it was intermission. "Girls, if you are really bored, we can just go home."
Sleeping Beauty is ready to go. "Okay, let's go. Do we have to drop Princess M off at her house?"
"Yes, it's 9:00."
"Oh, well, never mind. I want to stay."
"Me too" chorused Cinderella, Snow White, and Princess M.
They ran off to play on the grass, and catch fireflies.

The girls liked the second half more. At least when they weren't fighting over who got to hold the sole firefly we came back to our seats with. Not that he was lighting up anymore or anything. I think he was mostly dead.

On the way back to our car, I asked the girls what their favorite part of the play was.
"Well," said Sleeping Beauty, "I liked running around in the grass and catching fireflies."
"Me too!" everyone else agreed.
"Oh," said Cinderella, remembering why we actually came to this grassy field, "and Oklahoma was okay. "