Customer Reviews

Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast)

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4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I liked this 1964 studio cast album of Oklahoma for what it has to offer, but it is lacking the meaning, sincerity, and lustre of all other recordings of the show that preceeded this one. John Raitt and Florence Henderson are both wonderful in their roles, just as good as those that went before them in the film and the original Broadway production. Supporting cast is ideal as well. Entirely new orchestrations have been arranged and really do a disservice to the beautiful original orchestrations in place since 1943 (I believe the 1955 movie version altered some but did not incorporate all-new orchestrations). My first impression when listening to the Overture was that it sounds more like a childrens' sing along record than one of Broadway's greatest triumphs. Sound quality and presentation are wonderful throughout. This is a worthy addition to your collection, but if Columbia/Sony really wants to make my day, they'll remaster and re-release their 1952 studio cast recording of Oklahoma, with Nelson Eddy as Curly, into their "Broadway Masterworks" series. I HIGHLY recommend that recording if you are fortunate enough to find it. I believe it is still in print.

This is the reissue of the 1964 studio-recording of OKLAHOMA!, with Broadway stars John Raitt, Florence Henderson and Phyllis Newman playing the roles of Curly, Laurey and Ado Annie respectively. It was in fact one of a series of Broadway studio-albums released by Columbia and produced by Goddard Lieberson. Others in the series include SHOW BOAT starring John Raitt and Barbara Cook, and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN starring Doris Day.

The orchestrations, created especially for the recording by Philip J. Lang, aren't a patch on the Broadway originals but serve their purpose. The performances of John Raitt and Florence Henderson are bright and polished, though it is a crime that Phyllis Newman never played Ado Annie in a major commercial production of the musical. She gives a spirited performance.

Of the highlights; Florence Henderson's "Out of My Dreams" is, indeed, dreamy; John Raitt's soaring baritone perfectly fits "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and Phyllis Newman's "I Cain't Say No" is performed to a comical perfection.

Given the huge abundance of OKLAHOMA! cast-albums available, this studio recording may not be the most essential addition to your collection, but it is a rather pleasant album on the whole.

I felt it was time recently to replace my vinyl of the movie sountrack with a CD version. When I found this "studio" recreation at an irresistable price, I choose it instead. After all, I still had the vinyl, a bit worn and scratched, and had those performances memorized. If you are not committed to having the movie version reproduced in your CD player, you might also like this. I knew John Raitt, Florence Henderson and Phyllis Newman all could sing, but a fun bonus for me was to discover that cantankerous folk-singing legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott handled the part of Will back in that Columbia studio in '64. He does a fine job on "Kansas City" and "All er Nothin". This version lacks the instrumental dream ballet music, but the songs with lyrics are done in fine fashion. The image of Jack
Elliott, disciple of Woody Guthrie, singing in the show dedicated to Woody's home state is just delicious. Makes me wonder if Woody, who lived in New York when "Oklahoma!" premiered, ever went to see it back in '43 or '44. In just a few months, this show will be 60 years old, but it's still great.

I agree with the previous reviewer who said that the overture is done like in a kiddie show.This aside,this recording is very delectable,even if it's hard to erase of our memory the original cast album or the soundtrack of the movie.Curiously,AMAZON has forgot to tell his customers that this recording includes LONELY ROOM,a song that was cut from the movie and also from the original cast album.JOHN RAITT ,the original BILLY BIGELOW of CAROUSEL does a fine job in the part of CURLY.This show is so AMERICAN in a good old fashion way,that it should never be played in CHINA,even if ADO ANNIE looks like CHINEESE food.

Let me start off by saying, that "Oklahoma!" is a 5+ plus show with the first score of Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II being a wonderful one. Who could resist wonderful songs like "Oh What a Beautiful Morning", "People Will Say We're in Love", the title tune, and more. That said, this recording is a mixed bag.

John Raitt is perfect in the role of Curly giving first class vocal renditions of his songs especially "Oh What a Beautiful Morning!" Florence Henderson (yes I mean Mrs. Brady) is wonderful as Laurie and many people will be surprised she sings very well and that she was an established theater actress before her "Brady Bunch days" acting in shows like "Oklahoma!", "South Pacific", "The Sound of Music", "Fanny", "The Girl Who Came to Supper" and a few others. I love her vocal especially in "Out of My Dreams" which makes it quite dreamy.

The supporting cast is strong including Phyllis Newman who makes an excellent Ado Annie and most of the score is included except for a couple of reprises, "It's a Scandal! It's an Outrage", and the Dream Ballet.

It would get five stars, but unfortunately Phillip D. Lang's new orchestrations pale in comparison to Robert Russell Bennett's originals. The new orchestrations make this recording sound more like a sing along kiddy record than a classic Broadway musical. This is especially apparent in the "Overture" where you think Franz Allers (a great conductor mind you) is conducting the music to "Sesame Street", it's so sugary and sappy. Thankfully for the most part, the cast makes it listenable.

Overall, the cast and of course the classic score makes it worth purchasing, but do get the 1943 Original Broadway Cast, 1955 Film Soundtrack, 1979 Broadway Revival Cast, or 1998 London Revival Cast recordings too.

Syrupy and overly polished version of this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Choose London Oklahoma! (1998 London Cast) or Broadway Original Broadway Cast instead.