Emerson Colonial Theatre Official Blog

Away We Go!

From March 15 - 27, 1943, the first musical written by Rodger and Hammerstein, Away We Go! debuted at the Colonial Theatre. It was named for the popular dance step “do-si-do and away we go.” 

After some poor reviews of the play, they decided to make some changes to the final number, “Oklahoma.” The song went from a solo number to including the whole cast and harmonies. The cast rehearsed the updated song for the first time in the Colonial lobby. It was a hit with the Boston audience, and it received a lot of praise, soon becoming the musicals title song. The newly named musical, Oklahoma!, was on Broadway for 5 years as well as touring for 10 years. It was said to be the first musical that successfully blended comedy with drama and used the songs to continue the plot, not just a break from the story. This musical set a new standard for any future musicals. Oklahoma! went on to win a Special Pulitzer Prize, a Special Tony Award for their 50th anniversary, and even won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical in 2019.