The Theatrical “Oklahoma! (2003)” Critique
Introduction
Oklahoma! is a musical play which is written by a team of composer librettist Oscar Hammerstein II and Richard Rogers. This musical play was their first collaboration, and it changed the American musical theater when its production was opened on 31 March 1943. It smashed box-office such that it ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances. The play went later on to win awards like national tours, revivals Oscars in 1955, and foreign production. The play is a trendy choice for community and school productions.
Plot
The play’s primary focus is on a cowboy known as Curly and the girl he wants to marry named Laurey. Laurey and Curly have a flourishing relationship, and it drives the entire show. The issue is that someday else by the name Jud Fry wants to marry Laurey, too. Fry is a coarse guy, and he lives in a smokehouse. Although Fry does not have a chance to marry her, he has his heart set on her, and he can do anything to claim her. The subplot of the play takes us on a boy-crazy woman called Ado Annie. Annie is engaged to a man who does not want to marry her, but there is another man named Will Parker, who is desperate to make Annie his bride. All these happen in a big party in town, which was prepared by Laurey. While at the party, an aggressive showdown happens between curly and Jud. In the end, love wins, Laurey and Curly get married. Jud shows up trying to kill curly, but instead, he falls on his blade, and he dies.
Theme and Issues
The play is based on two main themes, which are love and conflict; the issues in the play depict themselves through the main themes. On 21 March 2002, production was repeated in London at George Gershwin theatre, and Nunn directed it. Under Nunn, the production had 388 performance until it was closed on 23 February 2003. Through the interpretation of the play, the director uses the similar forms and styles used in the first production that is the director uses musical styles and types in production of the play. This helps to bring out the love between Curly and Laurey. It also shows the conflict when another arises and wants to marry Laurey. The director’s interpretation demonstrates all these conflicts and love themes.
Analysis of Characters
The main characters of the show are Laurey and Curly. Laurey is a middle-aged lady between the ages of 18-35 years; she is innocent, and she knowledgeable because she knows what wants in life. She also lives with her aunt Eller on a ranch. On the other hand, curly is a male who is also middle-aged, he has a confident swagger, and he is very handsome. His name, curly, comes from his curly hair. Curly and Laurey are in love with each other, but they do not admit that their love. When the time comes, and curly wants to marry Laurey, a problem arises because another man arises to want to marry her too. Despite the challenges from Jud, their love keeps them together, and they eventually achieve their motive of getting married.
Evaluating the Performers
The outstanding performer was Shuler Hensley, who performed as Jud. He was awarded the best actor in the musical. He also added to the overall production because he brought out the conflict in the play such that it was similar to the reality. Although he dies in the end, he is outstanding in the play, and he deserved the character. In the whole play, no character was weak, and there were no detractions. All performers understood their roles in the play.
Elements of the Production
The sounds from the musical performances in the show made it to be emotional to the audiences. Additionally, the spotlights from the stage, it made the stage to be very beautiful such that the audience could not take their eyes off the stage. The setting and costume used by the performers were awe-inspiring and fit for every character. All these elements in the show complemented each other to bring out the play as projected by the director.
Conclusion
Despite everything, love is a compelling feeling that overcomes every obstacle it finds on the way. During the show, I was irritated by Jud, who went to the extent of wanting to kill because of love, but his trap killed him. Although Jud irritated, I was impressed when Curly and Laurey ended up as husband and wife. If I had a chance, I would change the bit where Jud dies; I would let him stay severe but alive hurt so that he can learn a lesson of not forcing love.