New Version of Oklahoma?
New Version of Oklahoma?
Stand-by Joined: 5/21/04
New Version of Oklahoma?#1
Posted: 7/6/15 at 4:48pm
I keep reading things about this new version of Oklahoma and it seems really interesting.
But can anybody tell me what the concept is?
It's clearly modern given the costumes and microphones...but there is something about everyone eating together...and I see massive amounts of shucked corn...
Are the cast preparing a meal for the audience? Or is that all just set dressing for the Box Social?
Are the modernizations just presented as acceptable anachronisms (like Spring Awakening)? Or is it actually supposed to be modernized?
New Version of Oklahoma?#2
Posted: 7/6/15 at 4:53pm
What version are you referring to? A link might be helpful. Sounds dreadful in any case.
Stand-by Joined: 5/21/04
New Version of Oklahoma?#3
Posted: 7/6/15 at 5:01pm
New Version of Oklahoma?#4
Posted: 7/6/15 at 5:05pm
wow it looks very country western themed. I see crock pots mmm
New Version of Oklahoma?#5
Posted: 7/6/15 at 5:05pm
Brantley gave it a favorable review in yesterday's Times. And completely misquoted the lyrics in the last paragraph.
Stand-by Joined: 5/21/04
New Version of Oklahoma?#6
Posted: 7/6/15 at 5:13pm
"Brantley gave it a favorable review in yesterday's Times. And completely misquoted the lyrics in the last paragraph.
Review: ‘Oklahoma!’ Preserves a Classic While Adding Punch"
The edits at the bottom also house this gem: "It also misstated the surname of the actor who portrays Benj Mirman. He is Ali Hakim, not Hakam."
Still not sure I get the full concept though...
New Version of Oklahoma?#7
Posted: 7/6/15 at 5:17pm
He's just happy he got some cornbread
New Version of Oklahoma?#8
Posted: 7/6/15 at 5:34pm
It’s the best! It’s the first! It’s the finest! It’s the latest! It’s the least! It’s the worst! It’s the absolutely lowest! It’s the greatest! It’s the single! It’s the only! It’s the perfect! It’s the – Hi!
New Version of Oklahoma?#10
Posted: 7/6/15 at 8:02pm
I really like Mary Testa and she is a perfect choice for Aunt Eller. That said, I was really puzzled by these pictures when I saw them. The costumes and scenic design are...something. I wonder if the orchestrations were similarly "stripped."
New Version of Oklahoma?#11
Posted: 7/6/15 at 8:49pm
"I really like Mary Testa and she is a perfect choice for Aunt Eller. That said, I was really puzzled by these pictures when I saw them. The costumes and scenic design are...something. I wonder if the orchestrations were similarly 'stripped.'"
Brantley's review implied that it's arranged for a small band onstage, with a mostly country western vibe.
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/13/03
New Version of Oklahoma?#12
Posted: 7/7/15 at 1:57pm
It may be transporting and startlingly fresh. But the review makes it sound like every deconstructed, stripped down, pared, refocused musical in the last twenty years. When in doubt, find some new instrumentation, "darken" the storytelling via violence so comedy recedes, block the show smack into audience laps, make us uncomfortable in the seating, and serve thematically appropriate food. I still remember "Candide" at the Broadway, forced to sit on a bench, munch popcorn while straining my neck to see musical numbers, and all the while celebrate the buoyant youthfulness of the whole endeavor. And I was a youth myself. I hope this is swell. I wish everyone well and hope anyone looking for this edition finds it.
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