Sixty years ago Broadway was set aflame by an unconventional musical called Oklahoma! In 1999, a London revival gained critical acclaim on both sides of the pond. And beginning in December of 2003, a professional tour of this definitive musical will criss-cross the United States landing in Nashville and Atlanta.

But Chattanoogans can catch this staple of musical theatre starting Sept. 12 at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

"Oklahoma! is still a powerful and influential piece of theatre. We are thrilled to be able to bring it to Chattanooga" said Jeffrey Brown, producing director of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

The production is a welcome challenge for the community theatre. "Oklahoma! is characterized by its complex music and dance numbers and a large cast," said Brown, "Producing this show is giving us the opportunity to involve more people, to test the limits of our own ability and give Chattanooga a professional-caliber production that otherwise may not be seen here."

The cast of the CTC production numbers 50 plus, by far the largest cast the theatre has ever used in a production and every one is a local volunteer. Plus, there are three stage managers and numerous crew members who are volunteers as well.

"It’s quite a feat to have more than 50 people with busy lives and full time jobs to commit themselves to the time and team work it takes to mount such a large production. Even though they are not paid professionals, they behave as if they are," said Sherry Landrum, director of the production. "They do it because they have a love for theatre and it shows in the quality of the show."

Another difficulty for the CTC production was assembling dancers for the characteristic ballet sequences. This was quickly overcome by the support of another arts organization in Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Ballet. Ten of the ballet’s dancers and its Ballet Master, Frank Hay, are part of the Oklahoma! cast.

"Frank and his dancers have not only been instrumental in creating these beautiful dance numbers but each has also been helping many in the cast to improve their dance skills," said Landrum.

The massive cast and the period setting also made costuming a challenge. But CTC’s costume designer Kay Jennings came up with creative solutions. "It is amazing what you can transform. Some costumes have pieces of old curtains or pajamas bought at thrift stores. But with some imagination and theatre magic, they have been turned into turn-of-the-century pioneer wear."

With so many obstacles to overcome, one might wonder why CTC took on the task of such a huge show. Brown replied, "Oklahoma! is the definitive Broadway musical. Oklahoma! set the standard for every musical to follow; Rent, The Lion King, Chicago, they all owe part of their style to Oklahoma!. It’s an American classic."

Oklahoma! opens Sept. 12 and runs through Oct. 4. Showtimes are Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets range from $11.50 to $18.50. Call the Chattanooga Theatre Centre box office at 267-8534 for tickets.