Oklahoma!

Daniel Fish's bold and daring take on the 1943 classic is a masterclass in how to mount a revival, taking the much beloved show in a genius direction that, while controversial, completely transforms Roger's and Hammerstein's seminal work into a modern classic in its own right.

Aptly nicknamed 'sexy Oklahoma', this latest revival of Oklahoma! is just that; filled to the brim with raunchy energy, dark edge and a disturbing realness, this isn't your grandparent's classic musical - as could be heard by the disapproving mutterings from the older generations during the interval. No, this is a dynamic presentation for the younger generations, taking inspiration from modern culture to cast a far more damning light onto the community of colourful characters. Yet, what is perhaps most genius is that both script and score remain untouched, as the cast and creative team go 'about as far as they can go' to shine a new light onto the darker undertones that lay hidden within Hammerstein's eerily jovial book.

Set in early 1900s southern America, Oklahoma! tells the tale of several relationships and how they interweave with their local village: Curly McLain and his romantic involvement with Laurey Williams, the outcast, Jud Fry, and his lustful desire also for Laurey, Ado Annie and her infatuation with both Ali Hakim and Will Parker. While traditionally these relationships form lighthearted humour and romantic melodrama, Daniel Fish's direction cleverly subverts these classical expectations; this is brilliantly achieved in the way that the auction is approached, becoming a criticism of the commercial view of marriage and objectification of women. What was once a seemingly trivial plot point forms a hard-hitting social commentary - it's in this way that Oklahoma! succeeds best, reworking outdated scenes and infusing them with a raw energy to establish perceptive social commentaries.

While sometimes an overlooked aspect of a show, special attention has to be paid to the phenomenal lighting by Scott Zielinski, who's bold and often uncomfortable approach to lighting is both atmospheric and captivating. Without giving away any spoilers, the show is performed almost entirely with all the house lights left on in extreme brightness. While at first I was dubious of this concept, it works wonders to create a sense of intimacy and connection to both the cast on stage and the audience, placing more emphasis on the communal focus of this revival, and creating a sense of unavoidable confrontation with the tension within the plot. The same can be said for the minimalistic set, which forces all of the action front and centre with nowhere to hide; there's a certain confrontational atmosphere set by the production design that both foreshadows and amplifies the tension to come.

While Oklahoma! may be one of the most divisive shows on the West End right now, this ought to be taken as proof of this revival's success; this is a show that is unashamedly edgy, modern and shocking, taking advantage of a once wholesome and feel-good musical and transforming it into its anti-thesis, a bleak and sobering piece of reflection. Don't be mistaken, there's much laughter and fun to be had with 'sexy' Oklahoma!, but the show thrives most prominently in its successful, daring reinterpretation of one of the greatest musicals of all time.

Oklahoma! runs at the Wyndham's Theatre until 2nd September

https://www.oklahomawestend.com/tickets/#/?month=2023-07

[Watched 12/04/23]

Photography credit: Marc Brenner