The story begins with a box social, where the local women have prepared dinner baskets to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Curly is the highest bidder for Laurey's basket, but she refuses to go with him because he is not wearing his Sunday best. Hurt, Curly vows to win her over by the end of the day.
Meanwhile, Jud Fry is also vying for Laurey's attention. He tries to sabotage Curly's chances by telling him that Laurey is going to the barn dance with another man. Curly rushes to the barn and confronts Laurey, who angrily denies Jud's claims. The two of them dance together, and their mutual attraction is obvious.
However, Jud is not willing to give up without a fight. He confronts Curly and threatens to kill him if he doesn't stay away from Laurey. Curly refuses to be intimidated, and the two men fight. In the end, Curly is victorious, and Jud is run out of town.
With Jud gone, Curly and Laurey are finally free to be together. The musical ends with their wedding, which is celebrated by the entire community.
"Oklahoma!" is a classic American musical that celebrates love, friendship, and community. It is a timeless story that has been enjoyed by generations of theatergoers.