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Amazon.co.uk Review
When Mary Rodgers, daughter of the composer Richard Rodgers, was reported as saying she never wanted to see another Oklahoma!, it was her way of paying the highest tribute to Trevor Nunn's production at the Royal National Theatre which was subsequently taken into the studio and filmed. The camera follows the playgoers into the auditorium of the Olivier where in their company we watch the show and applaud the numbers as the real thing. Nunn treats Rodgers and Hammerstein's first collaboration with the utmost seriousness, restoring the full text so that it comes across as a drama indebted to Eugene O'Neill. Although Oklahoma! unfolds at a leisurely pace, it is extraordinary how one is drawn into the drama under Nunn's direction.
There's seldom a wish for true locations as the pace picks up and we move into the claustrophobic company of Judd Fry in his riveting encounter with the cowboy Curly. The close-up camera work affords an experience the theatre can't bring and also pays handsome dividends in appreciating Susan Stroman's intricate and lively choreography. Her dancers are a fine team, notably Jimmy Johnston who is outstanding as Will Parker leading the Kansas City ensemble. Hugh Jackman (X-Men) as Curly matches him in vocal prowess and looks, and Shuler Hensley sings the tricky role of Judd Fry very well. It's harder to place Peter Polycarpou's Pedlar, a considerably larger role than in the film version, whose accent strays from London's East End to the plains of Europe. Maureen Lipman, rightly deemed the lynchpin of the musical by Nunn, is a joy to watch as Aunt Eller. Laurey (Josefina Gabrielle) and Ado Annie (Vicki Simon) are good but not special. Aside from an abrupt start to Act Two and the occasional voice off microphone, the production sounds good with a larger orchestra present than in the theatre. An Oklahoma! on an epic scale. --Adrian Edwards
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful
I had the privilege of seeing this performance live. I was initially dubious about travelling 100 miles to London just to see another revival of 'some old musical'.
How wrong I was. From start to finish it was magnificent. A completely fresh interpretation of a classic. Apparently in the initial rehearsals Trevor Nunn had the cast read the songs rather than sing them. To ensure they understood the relevance of every line to the plot. The result shows in the way each song is truly brought to life.
At the end of the live performance I was so overwhelmed by one of my best ever evenings in the theatre (and I go regularly to all sorts of theatre events) I told my wife I'd love to see it again.
So two weeks later I was back! And the second time was just as good as the first.
If you love musicals you simply must see this. Hugh Jackman has since gone on the bigger and more profitable things. But I doubt he's ever done anything better than this.
As another reviewer observed, I defy you to not be singing these songs at work the next day.
This is one of those DVD's you can reach for when times are tough, or your mood is low. Within minutes of putting it on it truly will be 'a beautiful morning'.
How wrong I was. From start to finish it was magnificent. A completely fresh interpretation of a classic. Apparently in the initial rehearsals Trevor Nunn had the cast read the songs rather than sing them. To ensure they understood the relevance of every line to the plot. The result shows in the way each song is truly brought to life.
At the end of the live performance I was so overwhelmed by one of my best ever evenings in the theatre (and I go regularly to all sorts of theatre events) I told my wife I'd love to see it again.
So two weeks later I was back! And the second time was just as good as the first.
If you love musicals you simply must see this. Hugh Jackman has since gone on the bigger and more profitable things. But I doubt he's ever done anything better than this.
As another reviewer observed, I defy you to not be singing these songs at work the next day.
This is one of those DVD's you can reach for when times are tough, or your mood is low. Within minutes of putting it on it truly will be 'a beautiful morning'.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
A fantastic version of the classic Rogers and Hammerstein show. You can't beat Hugh Jackman as Curly and Maureen Lipman as Aunt Ella. Brilliant songs, dances and casting. The ballet is also great with Hugh and Josefina dancing the parts instead of the usual substitute dances. If you love musicals you'll love this. It reatins some of the feel of going to the theatre to see it for real.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Oh I love this film. I bought it on the basis of Hugh Jackman singing 'O What A Beautiful Morning' on a Hey Mr Producer video. My life that man can sing. Found it for 20p on Amazon so what was to be lost? And I LOVED it. Hughs accent when he first came on scared me but you get used to it, it even becomes endearing. It has such gorgeous music, a serious sing along. I can't hold back when the title track starts up. 'Surrey With A fringe on Top' is vying for most romantic song EVER with 'i've grown accustomed to her face' from My Fair Lady. He made it all up for her people, how cute is that? And the ballet sequence in the middle is beautiful (I love the bit where the cowboys come in, the music makes me giggle like a schoogirl!)and its overall a powerful musical. Buy this for a rainy day, its got amazing voices and talent. And come on, Hugh Jackman in a cowboy outfit? Worth it...
Most Recent Customer Reviews
oklahoma
lovely interpretation i saw the film version which was brill but this one was excellent and especially hugh jackman recommended
Published 2 months ago by June Kay Wrench
Hugh Jackman is a multi-talented Spunk
Having missed the original West End revival of Oklahoma I sought out extracts of the show on YouTube. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Keith Winestein
What a shame
Have seen this musical on stage in London and previously owned it on video,a favorite with my daughter. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Klaudia
Oklahoma DVD with free delivery
Oklahoma! : Oklahoma/ Making [DVD]
Very good DVD and prompt free delivery very welcome.
No problems at all. Read more
Very good DVD and prompt free delivery very welcome.
No problems at all. Read more
Published 20 months ago by mikeo
Hugh Jackman
Loved it, this is how I first think of Hugh Jackman as a singer in musical theatre. I had been to see the stage play (Mark Evans playing Curly - he was excellent) 4 times and... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Mrs. Janice Taylor
enjoyable
i really enjoyed watching this performance. one of the best i've seen. i have watched it several times since buying it. recommended.
Published 23 months ago by K. Eld
Oaklahoma London Stage Show
Excellent stage show. It has everything, but dwells too much for my liking on the dark side of the story. It would otherwise have rated 5 stars.
Published on 9 April 2010 by Mr. Peter Geach
Oklahoma! Brilliant
This is a great DVD for anyone interested in musicals and is the perfect way to while away a Sunday afternoon! Excellent delivery and on time!
Published on 16 Mar 2010 by Mr. J. E. Lever
oklahoma
very enjoyable although a stage musical much more dramatic than the original film. A superb cast hugh jackman is so talented
Published on 11 July 2009 by J. SEDDON
Great Family Viewing!
Bought for a friend as a replacement for one that he had worn out! Not seen before myself but would now thoroughly recommend.
Published on 22 Jun 2009 by A. M. Preston
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