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Still "doin' fine" after 60 years, Rodgers & Hammerstein's landmark American musical "Oklahoma!" is reborn in this film version of the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain's award-winning production. Directed by Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Stroman, it set box office records during its run in London, and again on Broadway, with critics and audiences alike captivated by its fresh new take on a venerable classic. Luckily for television audiences, the magic of the original London cast was captured in a deluxe film adaptation just prior to the show's move from the RNT to the West End; it includes a sensational, star-making performance by X-Man Hugh Jackman as Curly. Also featured are original cast members Josefina Gabrielle as Laurey, Maureen Lipman (THE PIANIST) as Aunt Eller, and 2002 Best Supporting Actor Tony winner Shuler Hensley as the menacing yet hauntingly sympathetic Jud Fry.
In the essay, writer Michael Coveney discusses the elements of the stage musical that are successfully captured in this film version. In An "Oklahoma!" Primer, Thomas Hischak, author of numerous books on American film and stage musicals, explains what made "Oklahoma!" such a groundbreaking musical and provides a short profile of its first three songs, which are accompanied by video excerpts from the program. (The free RealPlayer plug-in is required to view the excerpts.) Learn why director Trevor Nunn chose to stage "Oklahoma!" at the Royal National Theatre and how he came to cast Hugh Jackman and Shuler Hensley in the roles of Curly and Jud, respectively, in Dialogue. From its opening number, "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," the musical is filled with some unforgettable songs; see the entire catalogue in the song list. For more on Broadway's celebrated duo, Rodgers and Hammerstein, browse the Encyclopedia of Composers & Songwriters.
Special funding for this program was provided by Daimler-Chrysler and the Irene Diamond Fund.
Top banner photos: Josefina Gabrielle (Laurey) and Hugh Jackman (Curly); Maureen Lipman (Aunt Eller) and Hugh Jackman; Shuler Hensley (Jud Fry) and Peter Polycarpou (Ali Hakim)/photo by Simon Farrell. |
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The character of Ado Annie Carnes, played here by Vicki Simon, is introduced with the memorable song "I Cain't Say No." |
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In the role of Andrew Carnes, father of the amorous Ado Annie, is Sidney Livingstone. |
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This program is available on VHS and DVD, and the cast album is available on CD. |
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