Oklahoma! - 1943 Restoration - Act 1

The University of North Carolina School of the Arts does a painstaking recreation of Oklahoma as it premiered in 1943.
www.playbill.co...

[@amapparatistkwabena]

How can this NOT have millions of views? This is perhaps the most brilliant reproduction of a classic American musical ever--they nailed it so many levels. A copy should be archived in the Library of Congress. Kudos and many, many thanks!

[@D.E.P.-J.]

It's hard to get through the first five minutes. Good luck to those have made it.

[@micheledix2616]

​@D.E.P.-J. , that is sad for you, but for those of us who made it well past the first 5 mins, we are very happy, thanks

[@annemccarron2281]

I get very excited about good theater as well. Love it!

[@nedludd7622]

@@D.E.P.-J. This is "just" a musical and a very good one. It is doubtful that you have ever listened to opera which is wonderful.

[@douglasstewart558]

I've listened to five minutes of an opera...a LOT of wide vibrato.....

[@josephkarl2061]

I've just got to say how nice is it hearing Oklahoma done by performers with an Oklahoma accent. This might sound odd, but I've heard cast recordings, proms concerts, variety specials, local (Im from New Zealand) productions - the lot. All these productions did not sound like this. It really brings a new light to the piece. Many thanks for making it available.

[@jslasher1]

As an Aussie who is more than familiar with "Oklahoma" I wouldn't care to hear it with an Aussie or, worse still, a Kiwi accent. Imagine Jacinta Ardern PM as Laurie in this.

[@MsMesem]

@@jslasher1 It's called acting, you leave yourself and your accent behind. If you can't do it , not worth while.

[@owenlock2372]

There wasn't an Oklahoman accent at the time this musical was set as the state of Oklahoma wasn't even created yet. The characters would've been "immigrants" from other parts of the country setting up homes in Indian Territory!

[@alyshal9853]

@@owenlock2372 it wasn't a state, but many different types of people had lived there for years before and after the land run and a dialect did begin to develop. Claremore was also the home area of Will Rogers who did have a dialect similar to this and I'm sure they based it on his sound as well. Either way if you hear an Oklahoman speak, it's defiantly a southern tick and that I think that's what they were looking to use to create a memorable sound. it fits well.

[@buddhacook1087]

Keora (I spelt it wrong again hey) I luved this musical too. A passing Aussie 🙃

[@eustathiosstratis5348]

It brings tears of joy to my eyes to see these beautiful college students do such a fantastic job of bringing back to life this quintessential Rodgers & Hammerstein musical. Thank you University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

[@billreid9570]

How lucky we now have HD quality to bring out all the colours and textures. Excellent sound too. I really enjoyed this stage performance.

[@showtunestarpower]

It's wonderful to see talented college students playing Curly and Laurie - because that's how young the characters were probably meant to be. Fresh, blooming, not overly polished and with plenty of years to spare!

[@unclealand]

Correct age is only a small element in portraying characters in musicals. Being able to act is important.

[@blathermore]

The School of the Arts is HIGH SCHOOL!! BLOOMING MARVELOUS!!

[@valkyriesardo278]

@@unclealand Amen amen amen. The movie musical became a classic only because the leads were exceptionally talented. The memory of their performance is the only reason I clicked on this link. This stage production is mediocre in comparison and unbearable in the contrast. Its good enough for their loving family members, but not for me.

[@gemoftheocean]

@@blathermore no, this UNIVERSITY.

[@VinMar-m6w]

They're all supposed to be 16 or 17 (i.e. high schoolers). Laurey refers to her rival, 18-year-old Gertie Cummings, as "old." Ado Annie is a late bloomer who finally went through puberty. Jud Fry is a dropout who works on Aunt Eller's farm in exchange for room and board. The whole play is about a bunch of teenagers anticipating the school dance on Saturday night. The cowboys are the jocks. The only, major, adult characters are Eller and Andrew Carnes, Ado Annie's father, who chaperone the box social. Ali Hakim is supposed to be a young, traveling Casanova, possibly twentysomething. He's probably not even Persian and made up his whole backstory to seem exotic to buyers and puts on an accent to seduce women on the side.

[@benjaminelliott6698]

Judd fry is my dream role. Looking at this show from his eyes, it is a deeply depressing tragedy, with Curly as a true antagonist and Judd an anti-hero. The 2019 revival did a great job of touching more on this dynamic. But I so appreciate the faithful recreation! Amazing how it really seems pulled out of time.

[@daybird2]

Totally nailed it! I haven't enjoyed anything on KZbin as much as this. The effort and work put into this sure paid off. What talented students! I was hooked from the moment the orchestra started playing.

[@blacksheep1950]

Like you, I was also hooked as soon as the orchestra started playing...brilliant. Wish they would do "Carousel " it was Richard Rodgers favourite.

[@annemccarron2281]

It's amazing how two New Yorkers could immulate Oklahomans so well.

[@33uptempo]

I saw the original touring company when I was 11, in 1944. Got me hooked forever.....

[@carolfraz588]

What a memory to cherish

[@garyabbott3861]

I envy you. I can boast of seeing the out of town opening of Mame, but more so that when I bought my ticket (It was my birthday. I was all alone. Everyone had left town for the summer!) I walked up to the balcony. On stage they were rehearsing. Lansbury sang a song "Love is Only Love." It was not going well. They were all arguing. No one knew they were being watched. The disputed song was not in the show that evening, but it resurfaced in the movie of Hello, Dolly by the same composer.

[@jamesdean8427]

The title annoys me. This isn't restored, it's revived.

[@thomasw.eggers4303]

"Revived," yes, but more than that. The goal was to present it as close to the original as possible. That is, "restored" to all the original details. So it is both "revived" and "restored".

[@callumrichens7904]

Song time stamps ACT 1: 4:58 Overture 10:27 Opening Act 1 (Oh, What A Beautiful Morning) 15:12 Laurey's Entrance 16:50 The Surrey With The Fringe On Top 26:13 Kansas City 34:13 Reprise of "The Surrey With The Fringe On Top" 38:23 I Can't Say No 41:31 Encore - I Can't Say No 51:44 Entrance of Ensemble 53:16 Many A New Day 56:32 Dance - Many A New Day 1:04:22 It's A Scandal! It's An Outrage 1:10:15 People Will Say We're In Love 1:18:22 Pore Jud Is Daid 1:30:58 Lonely Room 1:34:03 Dream-Sequence a) Melos 1:35:07 Dream-Sequence b) Out of My Dreams 1:37:50 Dream-Sequence c) Interlude to Ballet 1:37:05 Dream-Sequence d) Dream Ballet

[@kbye2321]

This should be pinned!

[@richardbartholomew3763]

Congrats to the young cast of this wonderful production! All the leads are great but Charles Osborne’s Will was simply outstanding!

[@jonahwolf3762]

By far the best Will Parker I’ve ever seen. The man is oozing with charisma and energy!

[@Strasbaughs]

As a lifelong feller of the Theatre, I cannot like this throwback to the original enough. So good, and the voices are stellar. Kudos to UNC School of the Arts!

[@nycruise]

That set is crazy. Totally a theater backdrop in line with 1940s values.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

It is the reproduction of the original stage. The entire production is supposed to be almost cartoon like in color, look & style!

[@rockshot100]

@@Nacho-Mamma OH, that was my complaint about it, it looks cartoon and so do costumes. A play should never be filmed like this, that is the problem. It is meant to be viewed from a distance, not all these close ups.

[@rockshot100]

@@Nacho-Mamma Yes, the colors are just crazy. Thanks for info. The look and the acting is meant to play to the back row. Now that makes sense.

[@Nacho-Mamma]

@@rockshot100 Actually, I think they did an amazing job with the filming. The transitions are seamless, camera work was perfect. I have worked in musical theatre for 40+ years, and know just how hard it is to film a live production. I have been in a few different productions of "Oklahoma", and have seen a dozen or so different productions. In all honesty, this is probably the best I have ever seen. It's even better than the Hugh Jackman production in Sydney Australia, and that was all professionals. Another factor for my loving this production is the fact that there was so much research & painstaking work to not just reproduce the original show, but also the restoration of the score to it's original condition. So much had been cut, shortened and changed over the years. Restoration of the score alone took over a year or more just for that alone. They were able to find original cues that even the Rodgers & Hammerstein foundation never knew existed or thought were lost forever. This wasn't an ordinary annual spring musical. It was a labor of love. I don't know of many companies that would spend so many man-hours to restore photographs of the original cast, costumes and stage, then have all of the fabric reproduced. I could go on, but I won't.

[@rockshot100]

@@Nacho-Mamma You obviously do not understand my comment, no sense in explaining any further.

[@MultiShepster]

Judd 's the best thing here...Young and a little more attractive than he's usually cast but... Just enough Jeffrey Dahmer to make it kind of interesting.

[@organboi]

Oh please. He's not the best thing. Not even close. Are you his friend?

[@vino140]

Yes, the casting of Jud is excellent.

[@kennethwayne6857]

@@vino140 As Shuler Hensley has said, Jud is a dog who's been kicked too much.

[@blathermore]

Getting into some deep philosophy there, Andy!! Maybe Judd is Curly's Mr. Hyde that has to be overcome....I bet Oscar H. was fascinated as he was never afraid to look at the dark side of things...like in Carousel. He was a child of a Jewish producer and an Episcopalian mother....

[@tracer740]

@@jeffreyhunter4966 - Um, were you wearing scuffed sun-glasses during his scenes? He sure looked dirty and gravely to me.

[@jaketottle1581]

why are we not talking about how good the will is. Im auditioning for will in an upcoming production and this gave me a lot of inspiration. He is going to go far

[@fionwynwyldemane1125]

My husband has worked for the same "professional" theatre for nearly 20 years. In his view, this version of Oklahoma is better than many shows he has seen done by professionals. As for me, it is a joy to behold this recreation. It is a must see for anyone who loves Rogers and Hammerstein.

[@robertplautz9722]

Thank you so much for this loving and beautiful reproduction of Oklahoma. The casting is wonderful, the sets and costumes are gorgeous, and the acting and singing are perfect. This show is a real masterpiece in itself, but the historical connotations make it transcendent!

[@bobcooke9779]

This is a real treat!!! The hues of the color choices are particular and very early 20th century. It's presence on YT is a clear example of how destructive the randomly placed ads are to the purpose of the platform: appreciating the art of video.

[@carlosyamara]

There is no justice, because this should have at least 1 million views.

[@yengsabio5315]

I will try to watch this at least ten thousand times!

[@ROCKYtheSquirril]

SuperSonicMan, I couldn’t agree more.

[@umberceri1441]

Wow what terrific young people with great voices,~ I love every second of it! IT'S TRUE, I LOVE YOU COLLEGE STUDENTS YOU WERE GREAT IN THIS PERFORMANCE! OH BY THE WAY I AM 75, THANK YOU!

[@BTKnowMore]

So delighted to have found this. I grew up on the movie, and loved the Hugh Jackman version, but it is so amazing to to see the entire original designs, colors, orchestrations, etc. Movies are handy, but theatre is sublime. And frankly, since I don't have the money to attend fly to New York or see original tours, I am so grateful to find this. Thank you for such a beautiful production and making it available.

[@papagen00]

The best OKlahoma! staging ever. Thanks for the upload. I had the good fortune of meeting John Raitt (the original Billy Bigelow in "Carousel") in early 2000's at a house party and hearing him sing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" and Billy's Soliloquy.

[@kennethwayne6857]

I got to meet him too in '94, a very gracious and generous man. We're both lucky!

[@michaelbrennan7148]

Thanks for posting. You mentioned the song "Oh What a beautiful morning" When I was in the Boy Scouts over 40 years ago I had a Scout Leader who was a WWII veteran. Walter Bedder would sing "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" While his coffee was percolating on the camp fire. Then Walter would remind entire camp site with about 15 to 20 young campers Mommy wasn't there to make our beds/bunks.:) Get out of Bed Mommy's little maggots 😂. Child hood memories

[@Whatamess-nm5tz]

We're doing Oklahoma! in my school play. Im Will Parker. and opening day is next week 😂

[@morganmiller5413]

Congrats! I hope you did great.

[@kay_k1229]

Robbie Ridgeway omg I’m will Parker in our community theatre this july

[@plutobug2]

Our school is doing Oklahoma! rn :) I play laurey

[@tracer740]

@@plutobug2 - ... in an all-male school? Do your best.

[@claytonsackett8237]

This peddler and Jud Fry are fantastic! Great job!

[@seethevolcane]

Jud is a "find."

[@14BRIANBOY]

What an extraordinary performance!!!!!! I liked it better than the movie.💚

[@timhill7291]

Very impressive opening song! Watched the first act thru. Have to make time for the second act soon!

[@ogarcia515]

I'm really impressed with this production. These young people did a wonderful job. I saw a revival of Oklahoma! on Broadway and believe it or not, I liked this production better!

[@annemccarron2281]

I can belive it. Sometimes smaller productions catch the essence of the story far better!

[@ogarcia515]

@@annemccarron2281 The recent revival on Broadway was terrible. The character Laurie was wearing overalls. Aunt Eller looked like a bag lady. And when they sang “People will say we’re in love,” it was sung as a humorous, flippant song instead of a romantic song.

[@thewisebard]

@@ogarcia515 and they DESTROYED Agnes De Mille's beautiful dream ballet and replaced it with blaring electric guitar noise, interpretive movement, and cowboy boots raining from the ceiling. I was appalled. This, on the other hand, is exactly what I want from OKLAHOMA!

[@stevewoodland464]

This should be a lesson to anyone planning a revival. There is integrity in a show as the playwright , composer, conceived it.

[@RonaldAtkinson9]

PREACH!!!

[@TheTurkaderr]

That doesn’t mean it’s not open to reinterpretation. Unless if the playwright and composer were a tight Ass who could never conceive the work being done in any way other than the way it was done in the vacuum it existed in. So um yeah. This is the reason Shakespeare is done in new forms so much because Shakespeare knew his work should be reinterpreted for every generation and said as much. Not knocking this production just saying people shouldn’t bash other productions that don’t stick to the book exactly. The revival changed not one word or bit of music.

[@thejesscen]

That’s like saying a song cover should sound exactly the same. If you didn’t understand what the revival of Oklahoma was trying to do, then you’re living in a fantasy world and are very privileged.

[@morganalabeille5004]

I think there’s something to be said for trying to recreate performances like these just for the sake of a recording of it existing. Like I would kill for a proshot of an accurate recreation of Carrie the Musical as it was staged in 1988. But of course times change, actors die, and a million other factors play into the inability to perfectly recreate a piece of art that is by its very nature temporary and ephemeral. It’s an impossible task that’s still worth attempting.

[@LifeOutsideTheBubble]

I’m ok with it when they’re like “what about this but less racist?”

[@erpollock]

Dream ballet beautifully danced by dream Laure and Curly. Obvious ballet training. Wonderful reconstruction of Agnes de Mille choreography.

[@totomarley1939]

The overture alone is worth the entire thing. AWESOME!!!

[@SharperTip]

Here from Euphoria

[@BassWasteMeltFace]

Woah. The guy playing Jud SHOWED UP. What a chilling and incredible performance

[@johnwhiting5747]

Having directed this musical as my first one when I began my teaching career as a Theatre teacher in 1978, I find this version absolutely refreshing and original, even though it was a replication of the original 1943 version. The cast were perfectly chosen for every role. The lights, costumes, scenery, music, and dance created a crisp story with sharp edges of magic. Bravo to all involved!👏👏👏👍👍👍♥️♥️♥️

[@bertillabaker]

Just wanted to let you know that my sister-in-law who is a doctor working in a hospital is listening to this extraordinary musical and says that it's bringing joy to her dreary office. Thank you for this gift to us all during these trying times. And you didn't even know when you made this what a blessing it has turned out to be for so many in these times when we are all at war with the coronavirus. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@ryanfox7422]

Yesterday was my last performance of Oklahoma at a nearby community theatre, and I'm just so sad to see it end. I was doing what I loved with so many caring people. Even though I was the youngest and only in the ensemble (I'm only 13 and this is a theatre mostly consisting of grown adults), I just miss it so much.

[@midnightmonkey-v1r]

That One Channel Without A Profile Picture

[@kennethwayne6857]

Hope you've been keeping it up. The best of luck to you!!

[@jacquelinesternberg8461]

"Jud" is electrifying singing "Lonely Room"... a song I didn't even know was in the original show, having just seen the movie.

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

It was cut from the movie.

[@Zeppolino100]

I am so glad Jud is portrayed here in a far more sympathetic way than is typical.

[@dmnemaine]

The young man playing Jud Fry sounds very much like Howard Da Silva, the original Jud Fry.

[@mjmacmtenor]

I remember reading that the costumes for the original production were based one Sears catalogs from the era. Certainly are colorful! Although most pictures I have seen from original are in B&W, I certainly recognize some of the men's stripes, plaids, chaps, etc.

[@russellwright1324]

mjmacmtenor I definitely recognized Ado Annie's act 2 look as well as Laurie's wedding dress. For the first time in color!

[@iwasglad122]

What a joy, and rarity, to see a full complement in the pit! RRB's orchestrations are as fresh today as they were way back when. Superb orchestral playing throughout. Bravo!

[@margaretholcombe6356]

Pity could not hear the percussion, though. 😩

[@billk8579]

I have watched this video twice in the past few days. My wife and I watched it last night. My daughter is now interested in watching it. I found it to be the most beautiful production, great performances by all, terrific sound and camera work. It is one of the best most uplifting things I have viewed in some time. It is obvious that so much preparation and work went into this. Thanks for making this available.

[@voceval1]

This was absolutely fantastic I loved every bit of it. I wish there were more productions to watch from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts.

[@murraywoldman473]

what a newly discovered KZbin treat!

[@parismol]

Congratulations!!!This show should be on Brodway and prove how immortal this classic musical is!All cast deserves congratulations again.Great voices and dancing.A great BRAVO to all and and a lot of thanks for the posting.

[@stevenhaff3332]

From what I have read, when Oklahoma hit Broadway it went off the city and country like a shock wave, instantly mesmerizing the public. It, coming right in the middle of WWll, it's harkening back to a simpler, less complicated time, the easy accessibility of the tuneful score, it's happy demeanor , all contributed to put it over the top. Does Oklahoma break new ground in it's construction, or it's union of song and drama.? Who can add more to this?

[@darienwellness2866]

Steven Haff Yes It did Steven. Most musicals were frothy affairs, with marginal books that were framing devices for their score. There were earlier experiments at more serious integration of book and music-Kern’s Showboat (1927), Porgy and Bess (1935) from the Gershwin’s, Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart’s Pal Joey (1940) and to some extent Lady in the Dark (1941j. But Oklahoma truly integrated dialogue, music and dance The story did not stop and start but flowed as a a result. Also, and I think it’s mentioned here, the authors turned the musical form inside out by beginning with an almost empty stage and a middle-aged woman churning butter instead of pretty showgirls stepping in unison. Nothing like that had ever been seen and it came at a time when Americans needed the theater to remind them of what they were fighting for.

[@dmnemaine]

The colors remind me of a classic MGM musical.

[@ChillGamerBlue]

Same here

[@Bigbadwhitecracker]

Agreed. For me that's the best part of this

[@spencersmith2798]

I saw the UNCSA production under Maestro Mauceri’s auspices...it was brilliant. We were very fortunate to have him as the UNCSA Chancellor during his NC tenure, and I thought it to be a wonderful combination.

[@foreignparticle1320]

It is superb to see this performed the way it was first envisaged. The book is much richer than I remember, and watching this dream ballet made me tear up with joy. The only other 'restored' musical I've seen was My Fair Lady (directed by Julie Andrews, in Sydney), and it was amazing how much sense every element of the show made when given the respect it was written to have. I wish these kinds of projects were commonplace. Almost every musical revival these days is some kind of modern reading or "reimagining", which almost always feels forced and incongruent with the text. Well done to everyone who created this... and props to the dude who uploaded it.

[@stephenmkatzasc]

Lovely production… talented cast… I’m curious where the leads are today. I see this was 7 years ago. Did any of them make it to Broadway or Hollywood ?

[@maryleone2023]

Absolutely the best Ali Hakim ever! Adam Leventhal does an outstanding Persian Peddler Man. The accent, expressions, inflections and line delivery suberb!

[@MTknitter22]

THIS is excellent and Oklahoma is such a charming and well-written story, I have had a hard time sitting through many a poorly-done stage effort. It is beautifully cast!!

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

I agree with the presenter that having college-aged (18-22) actors in the roles of Curly, Laurey, Will, Annie, and Jud makes all the difference. After all, the main plot revolves around a teenage love triangle and a dance-off party at the end of the day -- the premise of many a teen movies. In professional productions, they often cast people in their thirties, which trivializes the story, IMO. The characters come off as immature crybabies instead of the foolish young people they really are.

[@dell177]

I just found this and am very impressed by the quality of this production, my thanks to all involved.

[@arunsampanthavivat5993]

The best character is the guy who plays Curly, great acting and good singing. That makes this production the very best!

[@annemccarron2281]

It's the first time I've been able to hear all the words because the orchestra did not overpower the singing.

[@dianabway]

Wow the dance numbers! Especially Kansas City, well preformed!

[@IntendJOY]

These young people are doing an amazing job of the acting. The comedy is very high level. The whole production is such a gift. Thank you so very much. What a huge respect for this show and the creators you all have!

[@itswherethecomedycomesin8864]

I'm not gonna think up some long flowery comment because I simply can't. I'm speechless. This production is perfect and that's that.

[@kidmarine7329]

This was incredible. Very well done. Bravo to all involved.

[@OregonRailfan83]

Absolutley awesomely astounding production!

[@Amphy002]

A bit late to the comments but this is wonderful, a real treat. I think it gets the humour right whereas other productions can seem a bit too reverential.

[@emilyshreve8683]

The guy that played Jud was amazing!

[@BassWasteMeltFace]

He absolutely was. I just saw this performance for the first time today and it was incredible

[@drusilladelp5162]

These young people are so talented! I’m loving this❤️

[@carlieslongbottom2553]

Every aspect top notch. Sets, costumes, lighting, sound, acting, singing, orchestration, musicians, television camera work and editing, direction, conducting. If that was original choreography, it was excellent and hard to improve on. What a lot of work those 400 students and staff did. Well done!

[@ninjacat1ify]

It was such a joy to watch…Everything was sheer perfection!

[@edwardlynch4060]

This production is EXCELLENT, better than most Broadway productions today .

[@Concetta20]

Aw, the young man who plays Jud is too sweet-faced to be Jud, especially with those big, puppy-dog eyes. Great performance, though. Really threw himself into it.

[@edwardgrapatin6704]

C

[@Max-bs4ov]

Anna Ferrara I like Judd more than that smart Aleck cowhand

[@rogerpropes7129]

The peddler is better-looking than any of them.

[@capt.molyneaux7037]

Jud is GREAT casting. Anti-cliche. Best lookin' guy in cast !!

[@kennethwayne6857]

@@capt.molyneaux7037 It was the same with Martin Vidnovic in the 1979 revival (my first Broadway show). A critic described him as a 'melancholy Heathcliffe of a Jud'.

[@amazinggrace5692]

Haven’t begun the show yet and I’m already saying Bravo for all the amazing work gone into the traditional performance. Bravo kids! This really brings me back as well to watching musicals with my young daughter.

[@johng.lidstone2236]

I found myself moved afresh by Oklahoma, thanks to the sheer quality of your wonderful production here, which I stumbled upon whilst researching one song from the show - the film which I first saw as a young boy was made in the same year I was born. Quite fabulous to see new young generation people making such a worthy recreation of the original. One of the most outstanding stage productions I've seen in a long long time which must have been very challenging, given likely audience familiarity with other versions. Well done to all - a credit to your fine Chancellor and College. Bravo!

[@J.B24]

This is why you don't go to community college. Go to big school with the money and resources like UNC. I can tell the girl playing Laurie has a real southern accent.

[@roslynaronson8791]

What a thrill! Oklahoma was the first musical I ever saw. My Mom took me to a matinee at the Nixon Theater in Pittsburgh, PA. in the 1940S. And here it is, authentic and wonderful with the amazing John Mauceri (I met him, a young redhead, at Tanglewood in the summer of 1971).

[@peterdevita6308]

This is really something, seeing this in 2023, 80 years after the Oklahoma Premiere at the St. James on Broadway, exactly as it was conceived in 1943. It's unbelievable how simple the set was, basically a painted backdrop, but this Musical changed Broadway forever....... Thank You!

[@daniellekiey-thomas1327]

Wow! Such incredible performances! ❤

[@robbey10]

Better than the Hugh Jackman version with his wabbly tenor. This young man has that rich classical tenor-baritone need for the part.

[@jackblack3526]

You're doing fine, Oklahoma, Oklahoma, OK! Terrific production with some great young talent!

[@littlemom2070]

I’m here after seeing a nightmarish 2022 version with Ado Annie played by an obese transgender and almost everyone else miscast as well. Although performed at a preeminent professional theatre in a major city, it featured mediocre singing and what little dancing there was had terrible choreography. The set literally looked like they went to the dollar store for those cheap fringy multi colored foil streamers and Christmas lights. I have seen better sets in middle school Christmas pageants. Costumes resembled castoffs from the Thrift Store. Male actors wore diamond earrings and full arm tattoos, actresses wore contemporary tee shirts with jean miniskirts. It’s supposed to be 1906 and instead of getting picnic baskets they used modern coolers and canned beer an actor sprayed at the audience. Random gunshots woke up the bored audience members who fell asleep, especially during the long periods when the stage went totally dark. The end featured an outright murder of Jud committed by Curly, resulting in blood splattered all over Curly and Laurie’s faces. I’m just getting started but I had to watch this beautifully done production to try and erase all those bad memories. Kudos to these talented young people and everyone who painstakingly worked to preserve this national treasure.

[@queenmedesa]

WTF?😮

[@Kahtisemo]

You probably saw the tour for the Broadway revival (2019 I think?). The original is supposed to be 1907 but the revival was supposed to be modern day. I really don't think the show works out of the period. Like the weird movie attempts to modernize Annie, which can be creative but just doesn't make sense outside of the Great Depression.

[@littlemom2070]

@@Kahtisemo - Yes that’s what it was. Because of productions like this, theaters all over the country are really hurting. After decades of subscribing I almost cancelled my subscription for this venue and did cancel for another venue.

[@madamx269]

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. This is what KZbin is all about. This is marvelous.

[@metacarple]

The comment about the lack of an opening chorus being an innovation does not take account of “The Yeomen of the Guard” which opens with Phoebe onstage alone, spinning and singing. This predated ‘Oklahoma’ by more than 60 years.

[@judith_thordarson]

What a show! The whole team involved in recreating the original "opening night" should be applauded.I wish that efforts such as this would be made on other Broadway musicals, so that those of us who don't have access can see what was intended.

[@bigred8432]

Efforts to recreate old shows or efforts to record new shows?

[@cedubose]

These are such amazing performances by these young actors! Such outstanding talent! I am surprised some of them have not become household names. This is a wonderful production of a great musical.

[@stephenhayes7128]

I LOVE that Jud has a fresh haircut and has trimmed his facial hair. It makes it so clear what expectation he has. I think it's also very significant that Jud can't be perceived as sloppy or dumpy or unkempt. He's a clearly attractive young man with an emotional problem. It makes the whole show so much more compelling. If Curly hadn't asked Laurey to the Box Social by the morning of, why wouldn't she accept the invitation of her Aunt's attractive Farmhand?.....presuming her Aunt will chaperone...This is a SPECTACULAR production of the show. I hope it is available for distribution, at least among the professional theatre community.

[@russellwright1324]

Stephen Hayes great critique

[@EwanChung]

Looking back with today's context, "Pore Jud Is Daid" can almost come off like high school bullying from Curly.

[@tinaloye2014]

Ewan Chung it was meant to be bullying, kinda a psychological and emotional manipulation. He was painting a fantasy for jud about him committing suicide. It's not far from asking him to kill himself

[@CoopyKat]

I love it, this is a great production. Great actors and very fun/funny too. I'm glad I got to see this in 2023!

[@johnferguson4089]

Absolutely fantastic. The music and the acting are spot on. Thank you so much for making this available. This whole production is so professional, congratulations to all concerned.

[@nails8647]

the performers, musicians and set/costuming are all absolutely perfect. such talents. as for the show oklahoma! itself… far less can be said

[@totomarley1939]

I am so blow away and brought to tears by this. The Overture alone was stellar, but the rest had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. BRAVO!!!!

[@arunsampanthavivat5993]

The best Curly and the best Will Parker, argueably the best production.

[@cynthiat6505]

What fantastic musicians and I’d follow this conductor anywhere! How incredibly wonderful a production!!!

[@annemccarron2281]

The person who filmed it did a great job as well.

[@boboanimates7445]

I saw fish’s Oklahoma! In Huntsville and it’s the only version of Oklahoma! I heard, I don’t like this version I like dark and sexy Oklahoma! Better and the dream ballet in that version is something else, it’s more modern and I was born in the 21st century so that version of Oklahoma! Sways towards me more, nether the less it’s still amazing they recreated the original Broadway version, and I think it’s swell but I’m gonna stick to fish’s Oklahoma! And see it again in Auburn Alabama

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

Ugh! My friends and I refer to that misguided production as *Woke-lahoma!* Worst revival ever! It's not surprising it flopped.

[@boboanimates7445]

@@musicaltheatergeek79 it was actually very successful and sold out its run at st Ann’s and it was actually extended from September 24 to January 19 2020 during its Broadway run and the tour has proven successful, and most of the London run is sold out, “woke-lahoma” is gonna be here for a while and you have to deal with it and I’m gonna love dealing with it

[@kilimenjiro3753]

I'm honestly kind of shocked how similar this version is to Daniel Fish's take. Sure, the reactionaries are gonna hate that the production casts black actors and trans actors and has a really bloody finale, but the characterizations, particularly of Curly and Jud, are remarkably consistent with this version.

[@liberte5847]

An incredible WORK ever! BRAVO from France Paris this incredible soundy rendering ever NO way ragtime! MERCI BEAUCOUP FOR this incredible tap ever no way. BRAVO from France. Emmanuel

[@Paigeturnernyc]

Goodness, this is impressive! How awesome they did this! Bravo!

[@acido44]

I'm here after watching Euphoria. What did Kat mean when she said Oklahoma was "not a play you read"?

[@lucas-hw6jm]

bc it isn't

[@catolerateit]

bc it's a musical i think

[@acido44]

@@catolerateit But you can still read a musical tho?

[@catolerateit]

@@acido44 i mean..😭 idk then

[@brianhrvey]

Thank you so much for posting this incredible show! Any chance of other shows going up here?

[@stephenhayes7128]

I'm VERY intrigued that the scenic accoutrements we've come to expect in the Wedding and Bordello sequences of the Ballet as well as the backdrop transition to a Tornado near the end are NOT part of the original design. In 1998 I went to great pains both musically and visually to present this piece as staged (though we DID remove about 90 seconds of interlude for the Ensemble before Dream Jud's entrance). I was surprised to see those visuals are clearly an element of the film version. Ah, well....I tried my best!!!

[@BFDT-4]

[@huntrrams]

This was amazing revival and wonderful performance! I wished they did this to the first musicals ever made.

[@zoemclean-cy6db]

Very excited to be playing Laurey this coming May. I have watched this performance so many times now and is so helpful with learning lines and the accent!

[@Rodeo-Mizfit-Imaginator.]

1:04:30 🎶Trapped! Tricked! Hoodblinked! Hambushed!🎶

[@multilingual972]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am a native Tulsa, Oklahoman. I have seen the 1955 movie, I have seen countless productions, including the London West End stage production with Maureen Lipman and Hugh Jackman. I am in tears from utter joy for having the privilege to enjoy this. It is a real treat to see a faithful facsimile of the original staging, the original Agnes DeMille choreography. This is the absolute best Oklahoma! I have ever seen in my 69 years and I don't think it will ever be surpassed. I think the passion and youth of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts putting their entire heart and soul into this production has made in unsurpassable. Congratulations! You have made this Okie truly happy!

[@johnledbury8403]

I have a DVD of the London production, it is good, I personally prefer it to the 1955 film. But this College production equals both in every way. Top class work all the way. Have to admit, it is my favourite Oklahoma! now.

[@garyabbott3861]

Every film of R&H musicals eliminates one song. In the case of Oklahoma! it was "It's a Scandal, It's an Outrage." In The King and I it was "Western People Funny." In Carousel it was "Geraniums in the Window." I don't know what they cut from South Pacific, but they reordered the opening scenes to begin with the spirited male chorus "There is nothing Like a Dame," rather than the two children singing the little French song. ("Tell me why life is beautiful, tell me why life is gay. Is it because you love me?")

[@michallgrace]

An outstanding production capturing one of the great moments in musical theater history with this extraordinary performance. Applause to all.

[@kiarazu333]

The 78 dislikes are ridiculous there is nothing dislikable about this reonactment it is perfect! Funny too!

[@rogerjenkins3118]

Amazing and enjoyable experience. Having been a cast member years ago in a high school production, many wonderful memories came flooding back. This classical re-creation is a must watch and demonstrates why live theater is so enjoyable. Oklahoma has endured the test of time and is a representation of great musical entertainment. Thanks to all for their effort.