Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
#1Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:02pm
Hey all! Stuck deciding between these 2 shows so Id appreciate some recommendations. This would be for early August. Both seem to be shows I can really only see in NYC the way they are intended to be presented. I am into both subject matters, although I typically enjoy straight plays more than musicals. However, a good musical is a good musical. Plus, I have never seen Oklahoma!. Im barely familiar with the music and don't know too much about the plot, so is this production a really good one to see for my first experience with the show? Any help from people who have seen both is appreciated in advance!
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#2Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:11pm
Lol. I'm seeing both shows on Weds! I'll let you know. My 'gut' instinct is to tell you to see Constitution - esp since you prefer plays. Additionally, that has a shorter life on Bway. Someone mentioned that OK IS slated to tour - but I have my doubts that it will materialize.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
BentleyB
Stand-by Joined: 4/4/17
#3Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:15pm
I loved Oklahoma! Except that awful ballet at the start of the second act. I would chose Constitution to see a second time.
#4Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:16pm
Mike Barrett said: "Hey all! Stuck deciding between these 2 shows so Id appreciate some recommendations. This would be for early August. Both seem to be shows I can really only see in NYC the way they are intended to be presented.  I am into both subject matters, although I typically enjoy straight plays more than musicals. However, a good musical is a good musical. Plus, I have never seen Oklahoma!. Im barely familiar with the music and don't know too much about the plot, so is this production a really good one to see for my first experience with the show? Any help from people who have seen both is appreciated in advance! "
I've seen both and I preferred What the Constitution Means to Me (meaning I'd definitely see it again whereas I was ok with watching this revival of Oklahoma! once.)
#5Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:17pm
dramamama611 said: "Lol. I'm seeing both shows on Weds! I'll let you know. My 'gut' instinct is to tell you to see Constitution - esp since you prefer plays. Additionally, that has a shorter life on Bway. Someone mentioned that OK IS slated to tour - but I have my doubts that it will materialize."
Ah, perfect! Yes be sure to let me know. I don't hate musicals though, but yes I tend to pick a play over a musical given the opportunity or whats available.
#6Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:19pm
I haven't seen What the Constitution Means to Me yet, but I had never seen Oklahoma! before this version, and I absolutely loved it. Obviously it's been pretty divisive, and it's definitely a musical rather than a play, but I think seeing it at Circle in the Square is a unique experience that a tour won't be able to replicate.
I know What the Constitution Means to Me is closing in August, but it's on the schedule at the Ahmanson in Los Angeles next year. I'm not sure if it's doing a full tour, or just that city.
BroadwayMarley
Chorus Member Joined: 5/25/19
#7I agree with sm33 -- Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:27pm
I have seen both Constitution and Oklahoma! and would recommend the unique Oklahoma! experience. It certainly is not a typical musical.
#8Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:27pmBoth are wonderful in their own ways. Since you prefer plays, and since its time is more limited, I'd see Constitution now and save Oklahoma for a later trip.
#9Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:45pm
sm33 said: "I know What the Constitution Means to Me is closing in August, but it's on the schedule at the Ahmansonin Los Angeles next year. I'mnot sure if it's doing a full tour, or just that city."
Heidi Schreck unfortunately stated she won't be appearing on the tour in LA. :/
#10Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 12:57pm
Wick3 said: "sm33 said: "I know What the Constitution Means to Me is closing in August, but it's on the schedule at the Ahmansonin Los Angeles next year. I'mnot sure if it's doing a full tour, or just that city."
Heidi Schreck unfortunately stated she won't be appearing on the tour in LA. :/"
Schreck will only be performing at the Kennedy Center with the show. The tour will have someone new.
Thanks for the advice all! I'll continue contemplating but am leading towards Constitution for sure.
Broadwaybri2
Chorus Member Joined: 4/20/19
#11Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 1:00pm
Im very confused/curious how the show will exist without her? Surely the script needs to be adjusted?
#12Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 1:02pm
Broadwaybri2 said: "Im very confused/curious how the show will exist without her? Surely the script needs to be adjusted?"
Haven't seen the show, but pretty sure she's acting as herself. As in, shes playing herself as a teenager/college student. So she's still acting. Id assume the new lead is just playing a teenage version of the playwright.
Eliza2
Broadway Star Joined: 1/7/16
#13Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 1:15pm
Mike Barrett said: "Broadwaybri2 said: "Im very confused/curious how the show will exist without her? Surely the script needs to be adjusted?"
Haven't seen the show, but pretty sure she's acting as herself. As in, shes playing herself as a teenager/college student. So she's still acting. Id assume the new lead is just playing a teenage version of the playwright."
Yes, she is "playing herself" but she also IS herself. When I saw it, she got choked up a few times and said there were parts that still really got to her emotionally. I'm sure it'll still be good without her on tour because the subject matter is good, but seeing it with her is impactful because of her personal story.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#14Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 1:15pm
Why would the script be adjusted? It becomes a "character" for whatever actors play the role. Just like someone playing Bill Clinton in a play.
That being said: are there other examples of other autobiographical plays that were originally played BY the actual person and then went on to be played by an actor? (Like Everyday Rapture) I'm drawing a blank, but to be honest, I can't think of too many autobiographical plays, either!
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#15Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:10pm
Honestly, they're both outstanding works of art. Flip a coin? 
#16Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:15pm
broadway86 said: "Honestly, they're both outstanding works of art. Flip a coin?"
Honestly was tempted to do this!!! Both have decent availability in my price range as well. Still undecided but leaning towards constitution since it is closing sooner.
#17Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:19pmI saw them both right next to the other and while both are great (and obviously hard to compare), I’d really recommend Constitution (and I’m someone who usually prefers musicals). Heidi is just amazing and her storytelling capabilities are stunning. It’s quite the play. I’d also recommend you try rushing! The front row center is sold to the rush line and while your neck may hurt a tiny tiny bit, it’s so incredibly worth it.
#18Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:55pmConstitution, full stop.
PipingHotPiccolo
Broadway Star Joined: 3/27/19
#19Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 10:03pm
Oklahoma!, full stop.
But really you know all you need to know: one is a play/lecture about constitutional law, and one is a modern take on a R&H classic. I found that Constitution dragged towards the end when it became a bit of a screed, but they are both great nights at the theater. Just a question of whether you prefer a well sung musical or a smart, funny attempt at a con law class.
BellaB2
Understudy Joined: 2/18/13
#20Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/24/19 at 11:30pm
I've seen both, and I definitely recommend Constitution!
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#21Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/25/19 at 7:32am
JDonaghy4 said: "Oklahoma!, full stop.
But really you know all you need to know: one is a play/lecture about constitutional law, and one is a modern take on a R&H classic. I found that Constitution dragged towards the end when it became a bit of a screed, but they are both great nights at the theater. Just a question of whether you prefer a well sung musical or a smart, funny attempt at a con law class."
Methinks you missed quite a bit.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#22Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/25/19 at 7:34amI’ve decided on the What The Constitution Means To Me. I appreciate all the advice from everyone, helps being informed when making a decision!
PipingHotPiccolo
Broadway Star Joined: 3/27/19
#23Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/25/19 at 7:41am
dramamama611 said: "JDonaghy4 said: "Oklahoma!, full stop.
But really you know all you need to know: one is a play/lecture about constitutional law, and one is a modern take on a R&H classic. I found that Constitution dragged towards the end when it became a bit of a screed, but they are both great nights at the theater. Just a question of whether you prefer a well sung musical or a smart, funny attempt at a con law class."
Methinks you missed quite a bit."
Such as?
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#24Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/25/19 at 9:38am
I haven't seen it yet (tomorrow) but I truly can't imagine that your assessment is complete to have the vast majority here (and at the Tony nom committee) sing its praises. Might I actrually agree with you after I see it? Sure - and I'll say as much.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#25Oklahoma! or What The Constitution Means To Me
Posted: 6/25/19 at 3:25pm
dramamama611 said: "I haven't seen it yet (tomorrow) but I truly can't imagine that your assessment is complete to have the vast majority here (and at the Tony nom committee) sing its praises. Might I actrually agree with you after I see it? Sure - and I'll say as much."
Let us know what you think of both shows! What else do you plan to see (or have seen) on your trip?
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