Theater News

Joan Roberts, Original Laurey in Oklahoma!, Has Died

Joan Roberts, who originated the part of Laurey in the 1943 Broadway production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, has died in Connecticut of congestive hearf failure. She was 95.

The actress’ additional Broadway credits include Sunny River, Marinka, Are You With It?, and High Button Shoes.

Her final Broadway appearance was in the Roundabout Theatre Company’s 2001 revival of Follies, in which she played Heidi Schiller. She reprised that role in 2007 at the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Illinois.

Roberts also appeared in the 1965 television moive Jack and the Beanstalk and made a guest appearance on the hit series Fantasy Island.


She is survived by her son John Donlon and two stepsons, Robert Peter and James Peter.