- Actors: Gordon MacRae, Gloria Grahame, Hugh Jackman, Josefina Gabrielle, Shuler Hensley
- Directors: Fred Zinnemann, Trevor Nunn
- Writers: Lynn Riggs, Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers, Sonya Levien, William Ludwig
- Producers: Andy Picheta
- Classification: Exempt
- Studio: Universal
- VHS Release Date: 9 Oct 2000
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B00004Y3OB
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 18,373 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Description
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, running to three-and-a-half hours, so that it comes across as a drama indebted to Eugene O'Neill. The documentary, viewed preferably as a preview, with Tim Piggott Smith the penny-plain narrator, allows one to relish in the smallest detail Nunn's scrupulous touch, which according to Maureen Lipman (Aunt Eller) included addressing the cast for two days at rehearsal, an approach that by her account paid off handsomely for the company. 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 pays handsome dividends too in appreciating Susan Stroman's intricate and lively choreography that was dissipated somewhat on the big apron stage of the Olivier. Her dancers are a fine team, notably Jimmy Johnston who is outstanding as Will Parker leading the Kansas City ensemble. Hugh Jackman 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 East End wideboy to the plains of Europe. Maureen Lipman, rightly deemed the lynchpin of the musical by Nunn, is a joy to watch. Laurey and Ado Annie 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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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
As an American, I grew up listening to the music of Rogers and Hammerstein, but my experiences of their work has been limited to the film versions of the great musicals. On a recent trip to London, I found this video, which a British friend had recommended to me. I was completely enthralled! It was an absolutely marvelous production. Although I have seen the film version several times over the years, watching this production, I felt like I was seeing a brand new show. The cast was simply marvelous. I enjoyed Josefina Gabrielle's interpretation of Laurey as a tomboy, something not revealed before; Shuler Hensley, as Jud Fry, brought a new, in-depth menace to the character that was very chilling to see. Jimmy Johnston as Will Parker was funny and charming, and he did a great job with that lariat. But it was Hugh Jackman's performance as Curly that really clicked with me. I'd read a little about this actor, and something I read mentioned he was an accomplished singer. But nothing prepared me for the wonderful quality of his voice as he started singing the first song off stage. I enjoy listening to a good male singing voice, and his is one of the best I've heard in the last couple of years. I hope that despite his growing film career he will someday do more Rogers and Hammerstein musicals... I think he'd be a perfect Billy Bigalow! (Carousel)
This is a production that should NOT be missed. If you love Rogers and Hammerstein's musicals, you will DEFINITELY love this video.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I wish I'd seen this on stage, but since I missed it, the DVD will have to do. The show is excellent, a joy to watch again and again, and the cast is wonderful (Hugh Jackman fans especially will not be disappointed!).
But the production values of the DVD are a disappointment. Odd camera angles cause people's heads to be cut off from time to time, and the sound is extremely and distractingly uneven. It would also be helpful to have subtitles to help pick up on a few hard-to-catch lyrics.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
It is easy to see why the Rodgers and Hammerstein estate wanted this stage production to be recorded for posterity - it is hard to imagine that anyone could do it better. While it can be difficult to do justice to a stage show on video, this one has been beautifully filmed. The cast, choreography and staging are all excellent. Hugh Jackman makes a wonderful Curly, and Shuler Hensley is impressive as Judd Fry. The fact that they used the leads to do the ballet sequence instead of the usual dancing lookalikes adds significantly to the show. The behind the scenes documentary and interviews with the cast and crew are a nice bonus. This version of "Oklahoma!" is a must for any fan of classic musicals.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Yipee!
What a great production. A real classic and one to own. Hugh Jackman is terrific as Curly. This is a film to lift your spirits.
Published on 19 Dec 2009 by Alice
From stage to Film doesn't always work
Sometimes, the idea of taking a great stage play and translating it to film works really well. Other times, it is slightly off. This is one ofthe latter. Read more
Published on 1 Mar 2009 by Terry Eastham
Simply OUTSTANDING
If you are a Hugh Jackman fan, then you will love this stage film version of an all time classic musical. Read more
Published on 5 May 2008 by J. Fox
Excellent
As a avid musical theatre fan I was wary of watching this, knowing how often when stage musicals are filmed the results can be terrible. Read more
Published on 8 July 2007 by R. Bartram
Stunning!
This is a great film stage version of Oklahoma. The actor's/actresses give brilliant performances, especially the leads, with particular note to the skills of Hugh Jackman and... Read more
Published on 8 Sep 2004 by Smallvillenews
Simply Amazing
I've always been a fan of musicals ever since i watched howard keel in seven brides for seven brothers. this is one of the most amazing up to date musicals ever. Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2004
The classic American musical gets the Trevor Nunn touch
Every time I watch a version of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's: Oklahoma!" there are two conclusions that I always reach. Read more
Published on 11 Jun 2004 by Lawrance M. Bernabo
Excellent musical, shame about the audience!
I love this musical, and this production is great-really good performances by all. Unfortunately someone had the stupid idea to put a fake audience in after every scene! Read more
Published on 3 Jun 2004
************wowies*************
i first saw this about a month ago, after i got given the part of Curly ina local show, and this has to be the best stage performance of anything ihave ever seen, it was pure... Read more
Published on 26 April 2004 by "andyaries"
Surprisingly brilliant
I had never really liked Oklahoma, sure it has some good songs in it, but it was slightly corny. This production has changed my whole point of view around. Read more
Published on 11 Feb 2004 by maria
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