COEUR d'ALENE - It's still a classic.

It's got all you could ask for: Drama, love, action and music. And wait. Yep, there's more.

"The show's main theme is the building of a community," said George Green, Lake City Playhouse artistic director. "It's that spirit that has gotten our region to where it is today."

"Oklahoma!" opened Thursday at the Playhouse and continues through Oct. 13.

"Just after the turn of the century, local farmers and cowboys provide the colorful background for the love story of Curly and Laurey," said a press release.

If that's not enough to convince you this musical rocks, listen to this description of the popular musical:

"Rodgers & Hammerstein's first collaboration remains, in many ways, their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theater still being followed today.

"Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant Oklahoma!"

Director Andy Renfrew believes the local production will be a hit. He cited a great cast, (24 "extremely talented people" ranging from ages 14 to 73), great setting and great song and dance.While Oklahoma! is usually performed on a large stage because it's a huge production, it works well in the smaller Playhouse.

The intimate venue gives the audience a chance to learn more about each character than they might otherwise.

"It's a great interpretation of the show," Renfrew said.

"We really brought the story of Oklahoma! to the individual.

Renfrew said directing Oklahoma! has been a challenge, too, because it's iconic - an old show that people know well.

"We wanted to keep the true feeling of Oklahoma! and be able to tweak it and be a little bit."

The changes make it "somewhat contemporary," somewhat darker in some sections."

Sure, it's a fun love story. But there's more meaning behind those smiling scenes.

"It makes you really think," said Renfrew, who handles the sound along with direction.

Oklahoma! runs about two hours, with a 15-minute intermission.

"Patrons will be very entertained and delighted about this show," Green said. "While it's a classic, it still brings the house to its feet."

If you go

Oklahoma opened Thursday at the Lake City Playhouse and continues 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturday and 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 13. It is directed by Andy Renfrew, with music directed by Andrea Hope and choreographed by Lorna Hamilton. The Lake City Playhouse is at 1320 East Garden Ave. Info: 667-1323