BY DREW HINSHAW

Staff Reporter

LAPLACE – In 1943, in the middle of an uncertain war, &#8220Oklahoma!” opened at Broadway’s St. James Theatre, and immediately became one of the most iconic pieces of Americana: Last month’s local production of the groundbreaking musical – this time in the St. John Theatre – was similarly spectacular, with the parish’s Economic Development Committee reporting ad and ticket sales far north of expectations.

Close to 300 ticket holders saw the farmhand’s love story unfold each night, from July 20- 28, according to St. John Theatre president Ralph Romaguera. Ticket sales reportedly doubled from last year, and ad sales topped off at over $2,000 higher than the theatre’s goal.

At heart, &#8220Oklahoma!” is the story of a close community with a promising future – statehood. That optimistic tone seems appropriate for the theatre, given the abundant youth turnout: An encouraging 50-plus cast members got involved with the production, including more teenagers than in previous years.

&#8220Out of our cast, you’re seeing a lot more high school students, which we had lost for quite a while,” Romaguera said. &#8220Hopefully, they will became leads in years to come.”

And to hear volunteer concessions salesman Buddy Boe tell it, the audience loved it.

&#8220I served wine most nights, and if the wine sales indicated how they felt, well, they felt pretty good,” he said.