OKLAHOMA! Previews — Page 6

I knew literally nothing about the Oklahoma before. I just left and I'm blown away, emotional, and confused all at the same time.

Had it not been for this new take on the show, I don't think I would've liked it. The songs are not my thing, but what kept me so engaged was wondering "what are they going to do next..?" The lighting and sounds are something special - the moments when the lights go dim and reflect from the fringe hangings are so beautiful.

Sadly I don't think I've been to a Broadway show where there were SO MANY people that left at intermission. I counted 4 empty seats at the start of the show, and at least 15 at the start of Act 2.

The woman next to me was at least 70, and kept bi***ing the entire show. Loudly. When I was in line for chili, there were a gaggle of older people behind me that were saying things like "they've ruined a classic. Its horrible. I hate it". I said something like "some shows need new life to be relevant for a new generation" and a woman snapped back with "THEN MAKE A NEW SHOW".

I was very, very, VERY confused by the ending. Overall, I enjoyed it. It's new, fresh, and dark.

---

OH! tonight was the first time I met someone from broadway world! Shout out to getupngo for being suck an amazing partner tonight

---

Also, we didn’t get out til 10:55. It’s running a tad long.

Can anyone who has seen it comment on the seating? Usually I find nearly every seat in Circle in the Square to be good. But there's often a section that has a tree or something in front of it for a while... I appreciate any recs!

Do the floor picnic tables look worth springing for?

I sat at the tables at St. Ann's and it was an amazing experience. I think with the more naturalistic approach in this production it's probably best to sit closer.

ethan231h said: "I think the production needs to do a better job at marketing themselves. This is a new, different, darker Oklahoma! Clearlypeople do not realize that until the show starts......and then they hate it- as they were expecting to see Oklahoma! astheyknow it."

The marketing is so bad. There's just... Not a ton of it. A minimalistic and stark playbill and a video of the stars standing moodily around a stable. I genuinely googled to see if the horse was in the show too.

I am the target market for this - zero interest in a traditional Oklahoma! but I enjoy darker and edgier stuff. But I didn't know that until reading the comments here and I'm all booked up for my trip. Hopefully they extend.

getupngo said: "ethan231h said: "I think the production needs to do a better job at marketing themselves. This is a new, different, darker Oklahoma! Clearlypeople do not realize that until the show starts......and then they hate it- as they were expecting to see Oklahoma! astheyknow it."

100%. Maybe say something like “Oklahoma as you’ve never seen it before!”"

I saw the second preview at St. Ann's, knowing nothing about this production, but being a fan of the original. I still loved it. It's a revival of Oklahoma!...a warning notice isn't necessary. The key art for the show is incredibly darker than any previous productions, as well as all imagery on their site.

It's selling very well, so I don't think there's going to be much need for a marketing update. It will win a slew of awards, get rave reviews, and have excellent word of mouth. If their only downside is that older audiences aren't willing to accept this new production, that's not their problem.

Adding a tagline isn't necessary and waters down the show.

CT2NYC said: "The marketing is perfectly fine, in my opinion. The TV commercial that's running in heavy rotation says, "reinvented for the 21st century." Do you want them to discourage ticket sales by overexplaining the show? It's already been produced and reviewed, so, if someone doesn't take the time to do a little research, then that's on them. Also, there's a very descriptive warning on the Telecharge website. Let the buyer beware."

That’s fair. That tag line should be enough of a clue.

I wouldn't. There are some really dope projections, so I would recommend anywhere in the middle section looking head-on."

By head on, do you mean in the curve or on the straight sides?

YvanEhtNioj said: "Without the dark twist on the storytelling, wouldn't the show just be...kind of cheesy?"

Anything is cheesy if done cheesily. If done with intelligence, style, class, and respect for the material as written, no, it would be anything BUT cheesy. Was the revival of South Pacific cheesy? Was the Hytner revival of Carousel cheesy? Was the Lou Diamond Philips or more recent revival of The King and I cheesy?

Updated On: 3/23/19 at 07:53 PM

kdogg36 said: "bk said: "Was the Trevor Nunn revival of Carousel cheesy?"

Do you mean Nicholas Hytner?

I think it's the job of theestatesto make sure that high-profile productions appropriately respect the creators'intentions, and it's clear what they've decided in this case. It's not something I'm concerned about as an audience member. I think traditional productions can be great, and so can new takes on older material."

Yes, late night posting is always a gamble :) Fixed.

DrTom2 said: "I'm hoping to see this when I'm in New York next month.

Could someone post spoilers about the gunshots, please? I know they're loud and they're blanks.

I get edgy when guns are waved randomly around, particularly towards the audience and I imagine it's unavoidable in the round. Plus, I get the impression they've added a few extras for this darkerversion, so having seen Oklahoma! before won't even help.

So, if anyone knows when and where, that would really help me to relax during the show."

Funnily enough, I was coming to this board to ask the exact same question. I have seen Oklahoma! many times, but when the loudness of the gun fire is commented upon, it makes me hesitant to go without knowing what to expect.

I'd rather not repeat that time I went to Assassins and ONLY thought of the implications when I was already in my seat. Enjoyed the show, but I was nervous the whole time.

Blockhead24 said: "

DrTom2 said: "I'm hoping to see this when I'm in New York next month.

Could someone post spoilers about the gunshots, please? I know they're loud and they're blanks.

I get edgy when guns are waved randomly around, particularly towards the audience and I imagine it's unavoidable in the round. Plus, I get the impression they've added a few extras for this darkerversion, so having seen Oklahoma! before won't even help.

So, if anyone knows when and where, that would really help me to relax during the show.""