Daniel Fish reimagines Oklahoma! for the 21st century — this is Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical like you've never seen it before. Oklahoma! tickets are available on London Theatre now.
The Oklahoma! musical is based on Lynn Riggs’s 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs. Set at the turn of the state formation, the musical follows cowboy Curly McClain and farmhand Jud Fry as they try to impress farmgirl Laurey Williams. As the courtship rivalry intensifies, the love triangle is further locked in — who will win Laurey’s heart? At the same time, there’s also romances between Ado Annie and cowboy Will Parker, and plenty of geographical discussions. Can the farmers and the cowmen be friends?
Daniel Fish adapted Oklahoma! for a modern-day audience to high acclaim: Oklahoma! won two Olivier Awards: Best Musical Revival, and Best Actor in a Musical (Arthur Darvill). The show also received Olivier nominations for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical (Liza Sadovy and Marisha Wallace), Best Actress in a Musical (Anoushka Lucas), Best Sound Design (Drew Levy), Best Original Score (Daniel Kluger & Nathan Koci).
When Oklahoma! played at the Young Vic, we said: “director Daniel Fish’s production showcases the seductive elements of the story about the divisions in a local community on the brink of the titular territory’s statehood.” All the original Oklahoma! songs feature in the musical, such as “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’”, “People Will Say We’re in Love” and “Cain’t Say No." Even though none of the original words have changed in this adaptation, there's a darker, grittier feel.
When was the Oklahoma musical written?
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II penned Oklahoma! in 1943 — the show changed the history of musical theatre. It's considered to be the first show of its kind that incorporate songs and dances to move the story forward. The musical also saw Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II collaborate for the first time. The pair worked well together, later creating South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music.
Tickets to Oklahoma! are available now. Book your Oklahoma! tickets on London Theatre today.
