Stream: Oklahoma!
One-off free stream of National Theatre production of 1998
Having grown up since childhood with Rogers and Hammerstein musicals, I know every lyric and song from their amazing catalogue of musical masterpieces. As the inspiration behind Andrew Lloyd Weber it is difficult to fault their musical lyricism and clever lyrics. I still have the vinyl recording of the 1995 film version with Gordon McRae and Shirley Jones, who remain for me the best interpreters and vocal performances. I was only four when the show came to Drury Lane, which ran for 1543 performances, but can remember my piano teacher waxing lyrical about the great Howard Keel (then known as Harold Keel). I was hooked.
So, what to make of Trevor Nunn’s 1998 production at The National Theatre and shown on Broadway HD? Set on the wide and sometimes unfriendly main auditorium at the National, the spare staging gives ample space for artists to take the stage and fill it with the smell and vitality of the wide-open prairies. This show made Hugh Jackman a star and was the beginning of his rise both as a respected actor, Marvel hero and now the Greatest Showman. His performance and singing are terrific (but then I am his biggest fan), the choreography by Susan Stroman is adequate and, in some respects, rather disappointing as she went on to wittily stage The Producers. Is it always a good idea for a traditionally straight theatre director to tackle a much-loved musical? Although bringing out the darker side of the book, the production in retrospect suffers from a lack of brio. It is a favourite with amateur companies, and I have seen a few, and they often bring the raw enthusiasm and understanding which theatre sometimes lacks.
Maureen Lipman is a rather subdued Aunt Eller, and costuming Laurey, played by Josephina Gabrielle, in dungarees belies the attraction that the handsome Curley (Jackman) might find in her. The dancers work hard, and Schuler Hensley give a great performance as Jud Fry (again the darker aspect of the story), challenging Rod Steiger in the film version. But in retrospect this is not the finest interpretation for many, despite Jackman. John Wilson staged a version in 2017 at the Royal Albert Hall using the original production orchestrations, with Nathaniel Hackman as Curly and Scarlett Strallen as Laurey. This version brought a fresh look to the show. It also featured an amazing Kansas City number from the wonderful Robert Fairchild as Will Parker (former principal with New York City Ballet) and the dancers. Sadly, although winning multiple awards in retrospect the NT production doesn’t reach this standard.
It is a privilege to watch different interpretations of classic shows and see if they stand the test of time. Rogers and Hammerstein, like Shakespeare, can hack it. The NT under Nicholas Hytner did Carousel in 1993. When will we see a new version? Hugh sang Soliloquy in his showman tour. We are waiting…
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