Laurey, played by Mia McGrady, left, and Curly, played by Jack Iole, take the stage in the Summer Dramatics Project production of “Oklahoma!” Michael Dittman/Butler Eagle

The Summer Dramatics Project brings Rodger and Hammerstein’s musical “Oklahoma!” to Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater this weekend with graceful dancing, strong singing and undeniable joy.

“Oklahoma!” tells the tale of a romantic entanglement involving Curly, a cowboy; Laurey, a farm girl; and Jud, a menacing farmhand set against the backdrop of a lively feud between farmers and cowboys. This timeless musical unfolds in the early 1900s in the Oklahoma Territory, delving into themes of love, envy and the adventurous American frontier spirit.

Under the practiced codirection of Gordon Cavalero and Tanya Collins, “Oklahoma!” emerges as a testament to the musical's groundbreaking nature. “Oklahoma!” is a book musical; lyrics serve as additional dialogue rather than simply showcasing a player's vocal skills. Dance, too, is an integral dramatic element. All of these differences bring challenges to the directors and cast — and the Summer Dramatics Project’s production rises to them all.

The sets are well done with attention to detail. Aunt Eller’s pipe and the spinning windmill are examples of little touches in the props that make the show work. The talented live orchestra brings a stirring musical accompaniment, and the show uses lighting well with a follow spot that makes the actors' faces visibly pop and accentuates their facial expressions while singing.

In “Kansas City,” the audience is introduced to Will Parker, played by Noah Collins. The number shows off spirited tap dancing skills not only on Collins’ part but also by the Kansas City ensemble whose joy and excitement are palpable. The extended dream ballet sequence is impressive as Aleah Bednarz and the dream ensemble command the stage with grace and poise, using the number to tell a story effectively without speaking a word.

Jack Iole captures the stage as Curly. His robust voice embodies the essence of his character in the opening number, “Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin’.” Mia McGrady infuses Laurey with sass and charm, and Iole and McGrady have the chemistry to sell their onstage romance with acting as strong as their singing.

Andrew Skrastins's gruff and murderous portrayal of Jud, Curley’s rival for Laurey’s affection, reveals that under his rough-hewn speaking voice is a beautifully toned singing voice that portrays a real sense of melancholy and pathos in his song “Lonely Room.” We don’t like Jud, but Skrastins ensures we understand him.

Act two starts with the huge song and dance number “The Farmer and the Cowman” where Jacob Scanlon, as Andrew Carnes, gets to show off his strong verbal persona while Aunt Eller, played by Dori Shearer, joins in with her commanding presence and powerful voice.

Ado Annie, played by Delaney Ray, is a charmingly naive, flirtatious girl in love with male attention. In “I Cain’t Say No,” Rae’s expressive voice is both childlike and knowing — just like the character herself.

Morgan Oesterling plays the peddler, Ali Hakim, with a smarmy finesse. He uses a fiery sprechgesang method — speaking the lyrics of a song rhythmically and melodically rather than singing them — to great effect in his big number “It’s a Scandal, It’s an Outrage.”

Sadi Shearer plays Gertie Cummings with a blousy annoyance. The character is meant to be annoying, and Shearer creates a laugh that can peel paint off the walls while her singing voice counterpoints with beautiful clear tones.

The ensemble, close to three dozen in number, is the bedrock upon which the show is built. They shine in dynamic song and dance sequences, filling the stage with energy and joy and complementing the narrative's vibrant spirit.

As the show reaches its climax in the familiar anthem “Oklahoma,” the full company spills into the aisles, filling the theater with voices bursting with optimism and verve. The show may be set in a time before Oklahoma was even a state, but the themes explored in Summer Dramatic Project’s show — love, jealousy, community tensions, the pioneering spirit — are universal and continue to resonate with audiences today. The struggles and triumphs of these characters reflect timeless human experiences, ensuring this production remains relevant across generations.

The Summer Dramatics Project’s “Oklahoma!” begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater. Tickets can be purchased at summerdramaticsproject.ludus.com. “Oklahoma!” runs 150 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.