Alacrity

Did you know that Oklahoma was not the only midwestern state to be immortalized in a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical? Iowa is another lucky state (there could be more, I'm no expert). State Fair is so-so, but I liked the Iowa-ness. The state-referencing song is not quite as singable as Oklahoma!, but it's pretty darn good. Just try saying that chorus quickly (and pronounce it Io-way in the song).

Oh I know all I owe I owe Iowa
I owe Iowa all I owe and I know why
I am Iowa born and bred
And on Iowa corn I'm fed
Not to mention barley, wheat and rye.

I owe Iowa for her ham,
And her beef, and her lamb
And her strawberry jam
And her pie.

I owe Iowa more than anyone should owe
So I think I'll start in owing Idaho.

...
Good times. Do you think they were hungry when they wrote this song? The best part is that in the end, the daughter of the family gets to marry and move off to Chicago. At least in the musicals, people eventually escape Iowa. It should give hope to Heather and myself.