According to Patrick Healey, writing in today’s New York Times, Broadway producers are on their way to Washington to take a look at Arena Stage’s production of Oklahoma! “to consider a future life for the Arena production, perhaps on Broadway.”

Arena Stage Artistic Director Molly Smith (Photo: Scott Suchman)

The man on the phone to producers, according to the article,  is Theodore S. Chapin, president and executive director of Rodgers & Hammerstein (an Imagem Music company) who was especially impressed with the multiracial casting, and, presumably, the overall production and its direction by Arena Stage artistic director, Molly Smith.

Washington audiences are agreeing with Mr. Chapin.  Healey quotes Edgar Dobie, managing director of Arena Stage, as reporting that Oklahoma! has already broken Arena records for the highest number of ticket sales sold by opening night and most tickets sold in 24 hours.  Dobie also hinted that Oklahoma! might well extend its stay in the Fichandler beyond its Dec 26th closing date.