Why was it important that the lyrics to Oklahoma was written first? How did this affect the rest of the play and the characters?
It was important that the lyrics to Oklahoma were written first because they set the tone and mood for the entire musical. The lyrics convey the emotions and intentions of the characters, as well as help to establish the setting and time period of the story. By creating the lyrics first, the writers were able to develop the characters' personalities, motivations, and relationships more fully, which in turn influenced the plot and overall structure of the play.
Additionally, the lyrics to Oklahoma are integral to the storytelling and character development. They provide insight into the characters' thoughts and feelings, as well as advance the narrative and themes of the musical. Without the lyrics, the characters would lack depth and the story would lack emotional resonance.
Overall, by starting with the lyrics, the writers were able to craft a cohesive, engaging, and emotionally resonant musical that has become a beloved classic. The lyrics helped to shape the characters, plot, and overall tone of Oklahoma, resulting in a compelling and impactful piece of musical theater.