Actor/singer/director Alfred Drake will always be known for his career defining turn in the 1943 Broadway debut of OKLAHOMA!, the legendary Rogers and Hammerstein show that marked a new beginning for the American musical theater. He made his stage debut in July 1935 in the chorus of THE MIKADO before landing a major role in BABES IN ARMS in 1937. After his run in OKLAHOMA!, Drake co-starred with Burl Ives in 1944's SING OUT, SWEET LAND!, and in 1948 he enjoyed immense success for his performance in KISS ME KATE. Drake was also quite active in non-musical theater, particularly Shakespearean roles. He bade farewell to the Broadway stage in 1975's THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH.