Yes, it’s been 75 years since the groundbreaking Oklahoma came on stage. The Rogers and Hammerstein musical was the first of what came to be called the “integrated musical,” mixing a dramatic dialogue with music, with even the dance numbers moving the story forward. This 1943 production literally set the stage for music and Broadway, felt even to this day.
This 2 cd set has the famous cast of Joan Roberts, Alfred Drake and Celest Holm in their famous roles of Laurey, Curly and Ado Annie, respectively. The vinyl will have the music in the original show sequence, and the cd will include alternative takes of “The Surrey With the Fringe On Top,” “I Cain’t Say No,” “Pore Jud is Daid” and the rousing “Finale.” Also, three songs omitted due to the limits of 1943 technology, “It’s a Scandal! It’s an Outrage!”, “Lonely Room” and “The Farmer and the Cowman” are finally included.
For a bonus, the soundtrack to the hit ’55 movie with a perky Shirley Jones, studly Gordon MacRae, ominous “Rod Steiger” totally hicked out Charlotte Greenwood and a gloriously bimbo’d Gloria Grahame make for wonderful comparisons and contrasts.
The music itself booms with excitement and energy. It’s easy to see why this musical caught on, with infectious material, different moods and shadings and songs that were able to be interpreted by artists ranging from Miles Davis to Shirley Jones. The album is a treat, and a must for fans of musicals, and musical fans!