Oklahoma! 2021-2022 National Tour

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 1:57pm

Would be very interested in reading anyone’s thoughts regarding this touring show, casting, etc. This is my next performance to attend up in Pittsburgh (69 days and counting). Looks like we are the 6th city on the tour circuit, which begins November 6th…

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Sasha-Hutchings-Sean-Grandillo-Sis-More-to-Star-in-the-OKLAHOMA-National-Tour-20211007

https://broadwaydirect.com/full-casting-announced-for-oklahoma-national-tour/

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a37886310/oklahoma-broadway-national-tour-casting/

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 1:58pm

I’m curious what the set design will look like. It’s going into some pretty massive houses. Wish this was doing a smaller scale tour similar to what the constitution means to me…

[sondheim94]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:00pm

I'm absolutely thrilled with the casting of this tour and can't wait to see it. Mostly excited for Sis, Barbara Walsh, and to see how it plays in a big house.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:03pm

Call_me_jorge said: "I’m curious what the set design will look like. It’s going into some pretty massive houses. Wish this was doing a smaller scale tour similar to what the constitution means to me…”

…and as part of the “immersive experience”, whether or not they’ll do the chili and cornbread at these much larger venues. LOL

https://www.eater.com/platform/amp/2019/6/6/18653706/oklahoma-chili-cornbread-broadway-theater
 

Updated On: 11/1/21 at 02:03 PM

[SouthernCakes]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:07pm

Would imagine theyd use an onstage audience. And probably ditch the cornbread aspect. But def curious to see how this translates.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:15pm

Here is a pretty good photo of the tour set at the Clemens Center in Elmira

Updated On: 11/1/21 at 02:15 PM

[adotburr]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:16pm

I convinced myself this was going to Hershey but it’s actually going to the Forrest in Philly. I’m assuming the Forrest is significantly larger than Hershey (never been) but tickets have not gone on sale yet so I’m wondering if the reason why is for on stage seating.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:17pm

Being as I’ve never caught this on Broadway, have never seen any staged version, or have even ever watched the movie (such blasphemy! j/k LOL), is there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?

[sondheim94]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:22pm

dmwnc1959 said: s there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?"

 

Go in with absolutely no expectations other than you're going to see a musical. Don't think of it as Golden Age. Don't think of it as R&H. You're going to see a musical. Personally i saw this 4 times on broadway and would've seen it more if it hadn't closed. 

[adotburr]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:24pm

dmwnc1959 said: "Being as I’ve never caught this on Broadway, have never seen any staged version, or have even ever watched the movie (such blasphemy! j/k LOL),is there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?"

I second this. My family wants to see it during the Philly stop but we have no idea what we’re getting ourselves in to.

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:25pm

dmwnc1959 said: "Being as I’ve never caught this on Broadway, have never seen any staged version, or have even ever watched the movie (such blasphemy! j/k LOL),is there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?"

I mean, you could listen to the multiple cast albums out there, but I honestly think going in not knowing anything would be pretty cool for this particular production of Oklahoma!... But I can also say I had so much fun seeing this reimagined take with my background knowledge of the show. I think either way it will be cool to experience it either completely fresh with no background "research" or to go in having familiarized yourself with the show and seeing just how different this production is!

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:27pm

wsondheim94 said: "Go in with absolutely no expectations other than you're going to see a musical. Don't think of it as Golden Age. Don't think of it as R&H. You're going to see a musical. Personally i saw this 4 times on broadway and would've seen it more if it hadn't closed."

Since I’m more or less completely unfamiliar with music (other than Oh What A Beautiful Morning) should I at least listen to the movie soundtrack or OBCR (if one exists)?   

 

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:28pm

bwayphreak234 said: "I mean, you could listen to the multiple cast albums out there, but I honestly think going in not knowing anything would be pretty cool for this particular production of Oklahoma!... But I can also say I had so much fun seeing this reimagined take with my background knowledge of the show. I think either way it will be cool to experience it either completely fresh with no background "research" or to go in having familiarized yourself with the show and seeing just how different this production is!"

 

THANKS! 

 

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 2:31pm

Call_me_jorge said: "Here is a pretty good photo of the tour set at the Clemens Center in Elmira"

Wow! Looks perfect! I’m hoping to maybe change my subscription seat from 5th row balcony to something much closer, but it looks like an “aerial” view might be better. 

[n2nbaby]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 3:05pm

Seeing this on Saturday and I’m very, very excited. I loved it on Broadway. Will report back!

[RippedMan]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 3:09pm

dmwnc1959 said: "Being as I’ve never caught this on Broadway, have never seen any staged version, or have even ever watched the movie (such blasphemy! j/k LOL),is there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?"

I saw this on Bway and I was a Oklahoma newbie and LOVED It. However, it did make me want to see a true to form production as this production made me scratch my head with some of the book scenes. Like THAT"s what happens?! 

The touring set looks cool, excited to see this.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 3:35pm

Can't touch the Broadway cast but glad people will experience this show, although it obviously won't be the same immersive experience that was in New York. 

[KevinKlawitter]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 4:47pm

I'm seeing this on the 10th when it comes through Minneapolis. Totally pumped!

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 5:43pm

I saw this twice on Broadway. I had seen a local production here in Oklahoma many years ago. I’m honestly pretty sure I’ve never seen the original movie. So when I saw the revival the first time, I had only a very vague memory of the plot.

The first time seeing the revival at Circle In The Square, I was extremely sleep-deprived & it was my second show on a two-show day. I ended up sorta liking it, but it didn’t really connect with me.

I saw it again a few months later and well-rested (Lol). And even though there was no truly bad seat at CITC, I had a closer, better seat. It was almost like seeing a different show. It was tied as my favorite experience of that trip. I absolutely loved it. I think being more familiar with the directorial changes from my previous visit plus & not being tired made all the difference. I was truly able to appreciate this much different take on what many consider an American classic. That’s what I ended up really appreciating about it, that it doesn’t sentimentalize the material and our country’s past.

I do wonder how this more traditional staging will connect with audiences in bigger venues. Will it retain its intimacy?

Also, I’m curious how this imagining of the material will connect with audiences across the country who likely revere the original. It’s part of our season in Oklahoma City in January and I’m really curious about how it’ll connect with audiences here, especially. Personally, it’s my most anticipated show of Oklahoma City’s touring season.

Regarding someone who hasn’t had previous exposure to the material, I’d probably recommend just listening to the OBCR of the revival before seeing the touring production. I still haven’t gone back to watch the original movie, but during the pandemic I did watch the filmed stage version with Hugh Jackman . Even if one hasn’t seen Oklahoma before seeing the revival, I think you’d be okay. It’s part of pop culture so we’re probably more aware of it than we think we are. And in addition to that and reading reviews & the comments on the boards, I also felt I could also sense when scenes were being presented in a much darker, realistic, artsy way (I know that may seem contradictory, but hopefully for those that have seen it, they understand what I mean) compared to previous productions.

[joevitus]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 5:49pm

Miles2Go2 said: "I saw this twice on Broadway. I had seen a local production here in Oklahoma many years ago. I’m honestly pretty sure I’ve never seen the original movie. So when I saw the revival the first time, I had only a very vague memory of the plot.

The first time seeing the revival at Circle In The Square, I was extremely sleep-deprived & it was my second show on a two-show day. I ended up sorta liking it, but it didn’t really connect with me.

I saw it again a few months later and well-rested (Lol). And even though there was no truly bad seat at CITC, I had a closer, better seat. It was almost like seeing a different show. It was tied as my favorite experience of that trip. I absolutely loved it. I think being more familiar with the directorial changes from my previous visit plus & not being tired made all the difference. I was truly able to appreciate this much different take on what many consider an American classic. That’s what I ended up really appreciating about it, that it doesn’t sentimentalize the material and our country’s past.

I do wonder how this more traditional staging will connect with audiences in bigger venues. Will it retain its intimacy?

Also, I’m curious how this imagining of the material will connect with audiences across the country who likely revere the original. It’s part of our season in Oklahoma City in January and I’m really curious about how it’ll connect with audiences here, especially. Personally, it’s my most anticipated show of Oklahoma City’s touring season.

Regarding someone who hasn’t had previous exposure to the material, I’d probably recommend just listening to the OBCR of the revival before seeing the touring production. I still haven’t gone back to watch the original movie, but during the pandemic I did watch the filmed stage version with Hugh Jackman . Even if one hasn’t seen Oklahoma before seeing the revival, I think you’d be okay. It’s part of pop culture so we’re probably more aware of it than we think we are. And in addition to that and reading reviews & the comments on the boards, I also felt I could also sense when scenes were being presented in a much darker, realistic, artsy way (I know that may seem contradictory, but hopefully for those that have seen it, they understand what I mean) compared to previous productions."

I wish I could say people revere Oklahoma! (I do), but I doubt many people do. I think for many, this crucial, beautiful work is just so much dated, old-fashioned nonsense. I don't think however they respond to this tour will have anything to do with responding to a daring take on the material, if they even know the material very well.

However, as one who truly does revere this, I have to say every clip I saw on YouTube just knocked me out, it was so good. I generally hate these sort of "reinvented" stagings, but it just works. The cast was amazing, so there's that, as well. I have the cast recording. I hope the tour goes well. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 6:10pm

I too hope the tour is successful!

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 6:41pm

I think this show will struggle on the road. While I loved it on Broadway, many of the people around me did not. They were confused and disturbed. No matter how much marketing a touring house does, there are going to be a majority of people showing up thinking they are seeing their grandparent’s Oklahoma. And whether for better or worse, with the ways things are in the country right now, I think many people would prefer their grandparents Oklahoma. Something familiar and sweet with songs they know.

Avid theatre goers will know what’s up going in but I think many of the audience won’t. I suspect the reviews will be good but the audience reaction will be tepid.

Audiences are just beginning to address the trauma of the pandemic. This isn’t the best show to take your cares away.

After having just seen Tootsie, which flopped on Broadway, and hearing the tour audience going absolutely mad for it makes me believe this isn’t the best time for this production of Oklahoma to tour.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 7:36pm

Bettyboy72 said: "No matter how much marketing a touring house does, there are going to be a majority of people showing up thinking they are seeing their grandparent’s Oklahoma. And whether for better or worse, with the ways things are in the country right now, I think many people would prefer their grandparents Oklahoma. Something familiar and sweet with songs they know.

Avid theatre goers will know what’s up going in but I think many of the audience won’t. I suspect the reviews will be good but the audience reaction will be tepid."


The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust includes on its sales tickets page a video clip from what I assume is the Broadway production. That clip alone screams that it’s going to be a non-traditionalist version.Not sure how many season tickets subscribers have looked at this, but I’m guessing many of them won’t go in thinking it’s their grandparents Oklahoma!. 

https://trustarts.org/production/69946/oklahoma

And even though the acclaimed Pittsburgh CLO has staged a production of Oklahoma! in the past, which ran in June 2019, I had no desire to see that traditional version of it. Not sure why? I am however more apt to see this new reimagined version though.

https://www.pittsburghclo.org/shows/oklahoma

 

 

[PipingHotPiccolo]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 8:28pm

RippedMan said: "dmwnc1959 said: "Being as I’ve never caught this on Broadway, have never seen any staged version, or have even ever watched the movie (such blasphemy! j/k LOL),is there a way to approach seeing this “reimagined” production for a “first time” Oklahoma! experience?"

I saw this on Bway and I was a Oklahoma newbie and LOVED It. However, it did make me want to see a true to form production as this production made me scratch my head with some of the book scenes. Like THAT"s what happens?!

The touring set looks cool, excited to see this."

i had a very similar reaction. i found myself (i) amazed at the wit and humor of the lyrics, and how they held up in 2019, and how they could have possibly gone over back in the day, and (ii) appalled at the notion that this story was told as a feel-good, normal tale that audiences cheered for. Im glad I went in blind though I'm not sure I'd be able to take a traditional telling seriously...

Hard to imagine any cast coming close to RNJ, Patrick Vail, or Ali Stoker, but the brilliance of the stripped down version is worth checking out, in my humble opinion. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 11/1/21 at 10:42pm

Just a couple final thoughts tonight.

I can agree that perhaps commercially this particular revival being on the road right now doesn’t make the most sense, but I’m not sure it would ever be a big crowd pleaser the way that Phantom or Wicked or Hamilton are. And sure, after the last two years, people may be even more in a mood for escape. But it could also be said that art is meant to disturb us and comment on our times. And I can’t help but think after the increased focus on social justice starting last year, somehow this show will hit a little different when I see it again in January and I can’t wait. Of course, that doesn’t help the investors recoup.

Also, those promotional materials from the Pittsburgh website do seem to downplay the more “weird avant-garde” elements (which I now love) of the show. I only spied very quick shots of that one particular video segment and the nightmare scene. Probably smart as it might alienate the traditional tour patron, but also likely to create a divide between expectation and what audiences actually will experience. That could be a good thing, just maybe not commercially. We’ll see!