Pepperdine Fine Arts Division Brings the American Frontier to Life with Oklahoma!

On Friday, November 13, at 7:30 PM, Pepperdine’s Fine Arts Division will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, a Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that debuted in 1943 and captured the American frontier through a dramatic love triangle. Featuring iconic songs including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” and “People Will Say We’re in Love,” this year’s Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical will be directed by Kelly Todd, assistant instructor of teaching of theatre, and conducted by Yalil Guerra, composer, conductor, and educator. A classic musical from the golden age of theatre, Pepperdine’s production will be the University’s third, the first produced in 1958.

At the center of Oklahoma! are Curly, a confident cowboy, Laurey, the young woman he hopes to marry, and Jud, a farmhand whose resentment complicates their courtship. As the characters navigate romantic tension and personal conflict, the musical explores the relationships that shape a community.

Todd chose Seaver College three fine arts seniors—Soren Miller, Mandy Tatum, and Nicholas Gerding—for the leading roles in recognition of their experience and ability to bring depth to their characters.

From left to right: Soren Miller, Mandy Tatum, Nicholas Gerding

“[Miller, Tatum and Gerding] are strong actors and dancers,” says Todd. “Soren is incredibly intelligent, a good problem solver, and sings beautifully. Mandy is talented, hard-working, and fun. Nick is focused, driven, and so artistic.”

Although Oklahoma! is a classic of American musical theatre, Miller, Tatum, and Gerding hope to bring their respective characters to life in a fresh and nuanced way by exploring the virtue of courage.

On the early American frontier, where Oklahoma! is set, young men would often leave home at 14 years old, facing the uncertainty and challenges of life on their own in the unforgiving, arid climate. Typically portrayed as a confident hero, Miller’s interpretation of the 20-year-old Curly focuses on his desire to develop the courage needed to take on the responsibilities before him. 

“There’s more to Curly than meets the eye,” says Miller. “There’s a sense in which he has to believe in himself, even if he doesn’t want to. I’m presenting Curly as a man with something to prove who grows into the role of the hero.”

Oklahoma! cast in rehearsal: Miller (left) , Tatum (middle), Gerding (right).

For Tatum, Laurey’s strength lies in her willingness to stand up for herself by defending herself from Jud’s physical assault and bravely firing him. She hopes to embody Laurey’s sense of courage and self-assurance rather than portray her simply as a love interest. 

“Laurey is a role model to me,” says Tatum. “Some productions of Oklahoma! portray Laurey as a bit of a tomboy, others just as a princess waiting to be swept away by Curly. I’m attempting to walk a middle line.”

Gerding’s approach to Jud considers how the physical demands of farm labor have shaped his posture and demeanor.

“For the role of Jud, I spent nights researching what it was like to be a farmhand, how hard one has to work, and its toll on the body,” adds Gerding. “From walking with a limp in recital, to curling my hands and being more animalistic, I wanted to portray Jud as a man broken by difficult work.”

In Oklahoma!, circumstantial challenges bring the characters both risk and the potential for growth. For Miller, Tatum, and Gerding, bringing their characters to life on stage presents similar opportunities to grow, discover their strengths, and deepen their craft.

 

“From practicing dances at The Mountain at Mullin Park, to one-on-one coaching sessions with the director, to drilling lines, it’s a big commitment”, says Tatum. 

Oklahoma! cast dancing: Tatum (left), Miller (right)

Yet, despite the rigors of a fine arts major, Miller, Tatum, and Gerding find a greater purpose as they manage rehearsals and performances alongside a full-time course load.

“It’s hard, and I’m busy, but it’s worth it,” says Miller. ”Theatre is the best art form for personal connection, where you can live through a character on stage with hundreds of other people.” Tatum adds, “It’s a beautiful way to talk about issues that are central to all our lives.” 

According to Tatum, the community created by the effort of the cast and crew makes the work worth it.

“The cast and crew are like family to me,” says Tatum. “It’s a joy to create art with them.”

“Every time I lose my drive, I remember why I do what I do: because I love it,” says Gerding. “It’s a privilege to be this busy.”

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! premieres at Smothers Theatre on Friday, November 13, 2026. Tickets are available on the Center for the Arts website or in person at the box office.