DAVID BIANCULLI

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GREAT PERFORMANCES: "OKLAHOMA!"
November 15, 2013  | By David Bianculli

PBS, 9:00 p.m. ET

 

Ten years ago, Great Performances premiered this telecast of the stage revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, taped when the 1998 Royal National Theatre production was moving to London’s West End. It’s well worth repeating, and not only because the leading role of cowboy Curly is played by Hugh Jackman, in the role that made him a standout star. The director of this stage revival is Trevor Nunn, and the choreographer – reimagining the usually faithfully recreated dance steps by Agnes de Mille – is Susan Stroman. So there’s a great theatrical pedigree here, as well as a picnic basket full of classic songs. And Jackman really is a clear and instant standout, but this TV version, taped in a studio using the theatrical sets, robs us of the instant feedback of an audience, even though they’re “shown” at the beginning, and sporadic intervals. Otherwise, they’re neither seen nor heard. Fortunately, Jackman and company can be seen and heard in this TV repeat of a musical revival. Check local listings.

 
 
 
 
 
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