Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! is now streaming on National Theatre at Home.
In this groundbreaking Oklahoma! Hugh Jackman plays Curly, a cowpoke, alongside Josefina Gabrielle as the headstrong Laurey and Maureen Lipman as Aunt Eller. The Royal National Theatre production from 1998, directed by Sir Trevor Nunn and choreographed by Susan Stroman, is now available for streaming.
Oklahoma! was one of the first revivals of classic American musicals that Nunn produced as the then-artistic director of the National Theatre. The production was praised for its fresh reinterpretation of a classic, with Stroman’s choreography playing a significant role in a major shift from the past. Stroman was hired to redesign all the choreography, including the renowned Act One ballet sequence. The show took home the Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production and Stroman for Outstanding Choreography.
Directed with great care by Trevor Nunn, the production effortlessly and impressively shifts from dark and menacing atmospheric moments to joyous and humorous ones. Susan Stroman’s exuberant and lively choreography, especially during the ballet dream sequence, is both thrilling and terrifying as Laurey’s dream takes a darker turn. (Danced for the first time by principal characters Hugh Jackman, Josefina Gabrielle and Shuler Hensley.) The sequence for “The Farmer and the Cowman” exuberantly lead by Maureen Lipman, is genuinely captivating, and highly athletic. It taps into the historic theme of the Old West, fighting for territory. This lavish production masterfully integrates plot driven elements of song, story and dance.
All the talented individuals in this innovative rendition of Oklahoma! delivers their performances brilliantly and authentically, allowing musical theater enthusiasts to witness firsthand why it is renowned for launching Hugh Jackman’s illustrious stage career.
