Despite what the hit theme song may allude to, prancing along gayly — “Oooo … klaaaa … homa, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain / and the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet,” and so on — the musical “Oklahoma!” is seminal in American musical theater for its serious and gritty nature.

And that’s exactly the tenor with which Bainbridge Island’s Ovation Musical Theatre will be striking its chord. Beginning this week — at 7:30 p.m. July 13 — Ovation will be playing out the turn of the century love story at the Bainbridge High School LGI theater. Tickets range between $13 and $18 and can be purchased at the door or other select locations. For more information on the production or tickets visit www.ovationmtb.com.

“We’re not just doing it like a piece of puff,” said director Ron Milton. “We’re doing it in the reality of where it was … in the American heartland in a very tough time. It’s a phenomenal chance to honor how tough the people were back then.”

The musical, incidentally the first collaboration between the famed musical theater duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, is based off of a play called “Green Grow the Lilacs” by Lynn Riggs, who likely lived much of dusty conditions that are relayed, given his 1899 birth and subsequent upbringing in Oklahoma.

But this story is also relatable to a broad spectrum of people as it delves into the human nature that underlies young love.

As a testament, the musical enjoyed ridiculous success on Broadway during its first run from March 31, 1943 all the way to May 29, 1948 — an unprecedented 2,212 performances. Not to mention the numerous revivals which followed and the fact that Rodgers and Hammerstein were awarded a special Pulitzer Prize for the work.

The story follows a skewed love triangle between cowboy Curly McLain and farm girl Laurey Williams flanked by a sinister dirty old, farmhand named Jud who keeps butting in. In fact, Jud actually swoops in and steals Laurey’s hand for an upcoming town social. Laurey says “yes” just to spite Curly, but then changes her mind once its too late.

“’Oklahoma!’ is a seminal place in American musical theatre … up to that time, musicals were all just fun and happy,” Milton said, noting that in addition to it’s glee, “Oklahoma!” is also riddled with great dialogue and great drama. “Rodgers and Hammerstein really were at the top of their game when they did this one.”

In fact, Rodgers and Hammerstein were at such a level where they didn’t even need big name stars to make the production a smash. At that time, roles in musicals were typically filled by actors who could sing, but for “Oklahoma!” Rodgers and Hammerstein chose to cast singers who could act, thus yielding few big thespian names.

Somewhat similar in Ovation’s production, the four lead roles will be played by four actors new to the company, Milton said. Cheryl Pippinger will play Laurey, Keith Granger will play Curly, while Helen Morris plays Aunt Eller and Peter Denis steps into the boots of Jud Fry.

“We set the bar very high musically and acting wise,” Milton said, noting that work began on the production early in March. “We spend a lot longer than most community theaters on the music. We get the score down note by note phrase by phrase.”

Milton gave kudos to the show’s musical director Corinna Lapid-Munter who will also be directing a seven-piece orchestra which will provide the soundtrack. But he noted that its an ensemble effort which make Ovation’s productions both possible and popular.

“We always try to create shows that are art,” Milton said. “We’re not just singing a song, we’re performing.”

GRAY BOX:

“Oklahoma!” presented by Ovation Musical Theatre Bainbridge

July 13-29 at the Bainbridge High School LGI theater — 9330 NE High School Rd. on Bainbridge

Showtimes: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays

Tickets: $13-$18