Cam Op | Oklahoma City, OK United States | 08/18/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this production twice when it came to Oklahoma City on it's way to Broadway. It is the best yet, and this CD captures the energy of that show very well. All of the performers are first rate and the memory of the cast singing "OKLAHOMA!" up to the footlights still sends chills down my spine. Since the recording was made when LP's still reigned, there are some cuts, but all in all, a very satisfying recording. It's too bad this production wasn't preserved on video."
Makes me want to dance on top of a hay stack.
Joel Munyon | Joliet, Illinois - the poohole of America. | 03/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My grandparents once took me to see this musical in central Oklahoma at an outdoor production. I was a fan from that moment on. The music here accentuates the greatness that is the American musical in ways that will make you feel happier for having listened to it. I dare you to listen to the main theme of this song and still feel down about your day. Chances are you will start singing along when you've heard it a few times, or, if you're like me, throw your arms up in the air as your driving around town as you sing the lines, "OoooooooKLAhoma where the wind comes swinging down the plain!"
And yes, people in other vehicles look at me as if I just lost my mind. I suppose that my actions are a testament of the greatness of this music, and that is a very good thing indeed."
A Satisfying Recording
Lauren Maddock | 08/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is generally a decent recording of Oklahoma. My favorite characters, Ado Annie and Will Parker, are delightful on this recording in "I Cain't Say No" and "All er' Nuthin'". Ado Annie does use a character voice that, to someone unfamiliar with the show, might be deemed annoying. However, if you're a fan of the show and the character, this Ado Annie will please. The other characters also provide decent musical performances. All listeners will be satisfied by Curly's melodic voice. Laurie is the same for the most part, however, whether it be her voice or the recording, the vocals in "Out of My Dreams" seem to grate on your ears. The only other compaint I have is that "Kansas City" is cut down to a two minute song since the dance break is stripped away completely. All in all, I am very pleased with this recording and would recommend this product to fans of Oklahoma!"
This "Oklahoma!" is definitely O.K.!
Joel Munyon | 02/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is one of the best "Oklahoma!" recordings -- you get most of the music you'd hear on stage, and the performances are delightful. Laurence Guittard is my very favorite Curly -- fans of "A Little Night Music" will be shocked by how well he handles his Midwestern dialect! He brings out the character in every song, and his young, strong voice is a joy to hear. "Pore Jud" has never been better. Christine Andreas is fresh and lovable, although she's not quite up to the vocal demands of "Out of My Dreams" and "Many a New Day." Still, she provides an earthy spin on the character of Laurey. Bruce Adler makes a great Ali Hakim, and it's wonderful to finally get a recording of "It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!" Likewise, Martin Vidnovic handles the seldom-heard "Lonely Room" with panache. And, of course, who can forget the irascible Mary Wickes as Aunt Eller? Ado Annie and Will -- though I can't remember their names -- are engaging, and "Kansas City" is a lot of fun. This revival is definitely worth a listen!"