Your best bet is to borrow a copy of "Green Grow the Lilacs", the play on which "Oklahoma" is based. The play was written in 1929 by Lynn Riggs. I hope that helps! posted by LN at 5:38 PM on August 24, 2007
Because of his difficult life with his stepmother, Lynn often stayed with his Aunt Mary Brice. The personality of "Aunt Eller" was patterned after this aunt he so admired and loved and the name was derived from his mother Rose Ella.
The dialect with its wonderful spirit and rhythm is early Claremore. Riggs was a literary genius at recording the expressions of plain Oklahoma people. Many of the characters in the play were family members and acquaintances from the area. Jud Fry was a man named Jeeter Davis who pulled a knife on a family member. Jeeter' name was changed to Jud in the play. A neighbor of the Riggs became "Old Man Peck." Two daughters of Mary Brice were also represented: Laura became "Laurey" and Willie became "Ado Annie," however the name "Ado" was derived from Lynn's half-aunt Hannah Ada Riggs. posted by Biblio at 6:03 PM on August 24, 2007 [1 favorite]
Biblio thank you. Couldn't believe our resident theater maven didn't know this one. posted by nax at 7:11 PM on August 24, 2007
Huh. I always assumed it was something to do with her "Cain't Say No" issues.
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posted by LN at 5:38 PM on August 24, 2007