Customer Reviews

Oklahoma! Broadway (1979 Broadway Revival Cast)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a terrific recording of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas is a FANTASTIC Laurey, bringing real independent spirit and a vivacious energy to "Many a New Day", while soaring with a her lovely soprano over her big ballads, "Out of My Dreams", and "People Will Say We're in Love", a duet with Laurence Guittard, who sings all of his songs with warmth, heart, and beautiful voice.

Harry Groener is the ideal Will Parker, and Christine Ebersole is the best Ado Annie on record, bringing tons of humor and a healthy, strong belt to "I Cain't Say No".

Martin Vidnovic's Jud is in very good voice, and although her doesn't bring the emotional turmoil to "Lonely Room" that Shuler Hensley does on the 1998 London Recording, he comes in a very close second.

The rest of the cast is in fine shape, the orchestra plays at ideal tempos, the sound is crystal clear, and the orchestrations are vibrant and fantastic.

Not including the dream ballet is a disapointment, but other than that, this is the best recording of Oklahoma!, due to the sparkling cast and terrific orchestrations.

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.

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!

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.

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!

This cast album to the acclaimed 1979 Broadway revival of OKLAHOMA! is a perfect testament to its amazing cast and the everlasting legacy to the genius of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Laurence Guittard (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC) and Christine Andreas (MY FAIR LADY, ON YOUR TOES) headlined the revival as the starcrossed lovers Curly and Laurey, respectively, with the delightful Mary Wickes in her element as Aunt Eller.

Making their Broadway debuts as the secondary couple Ado Annie Carnes and Will Parker were, respectively, Christine Ebersole (42ND STREET) and Harry Groener (CRAZY FOR YOU). Martin Vidnovic (THE KING AND I) played the menacing farmhand Jud.

Laurence Guittard has a warm and resonant voice, which is well-suited to the role of easygoing Curly, and he sings a gorgeous version of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'". Dulcet-toned Christine Andreas is a perfect Laurey, singing a thrilling and yes, dreamy, version of "Out of My Dreams", whilst her rendition of "Many a New Day" turns into a jaunty anthem of defiance. Utterly delightful.

Christine Ebersole, who won a Tony for the 2001 revival of 42ND STREET, is a perfect fit for the comical soubrette role of Ado Annie Carnes. Her "I Cain't Say No" drips with humour, while her duet with Harry Groener in "All 'Er Nuthin'" is perfectly-performed.

Given the huge abundance of OKLAHOMA! cast albums available, this one may not seem essential; but the perfect cast and top-drawer performers of Laurence Guittard, Christine Andreas and Christine Ebersole make it one of the best.

Probably one of the most engaging recordings of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas will move you with her haunting version of "Out of My Dreams". Christine Ebersole is right on the money as "Ado Annie". Her "I Cain't Say No" captures all the country bumpkin innocence needed and will have you chuckling. The highlight "Oklahoma" is performed the way Rodgers and Hammerstein intended, with all the vocal harmonies distinctive. The inclusion of the great stage, television and motion picture character actress Mary Wickes is only a sweet bonus to the collection of fine performances here.

This reverent recording of the 1979 revival of the classic, groundbreaking Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is great! The orchestrations remain true to Rodgers' original intentions, and the cast, while probably not possessing the best voices ever to sing this score, are dynamic and engaging, with Christine Andreas' Laurie and Martin Vidnovic's Jud the standouts. This is also one of the more complete recordings of this score, with most of the music preserved for your enjoyment, including the seldom-heard (But great!) "It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!" and "Lonely Room." And this recording does indeed have the feel of a live performance to it. Highly enjoyable listening!

Probably one of the most engaging recordings of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas will move you with her haunting version of "Out of My Dreams". Christine Ebersole is right on the money as "Ado Annie". Her "I Cain't Say No" captures all the country bumpkin innocence needed and will have you chuckling. The highlight "Oklahoma" is performed the way Rodgers and Hammerstein intended, with all the vocal harmonies distinctive. The inclusion of the great stage, television and motion picture character actress Mary Wickes is only a sweet bonus to the collection of fine performances here.

If you're looking for the flavor of a live performace preserved on compact disc, this is one to add to your collection. This recording is delightful -- funny, entertaining, and vocally powerful. Laurence Guittard captures Curly with his twangy accent, and strong manner. Christine Andreas is fantastic as Laurey. She is, as usual, in fine voice and enjoys wonderful chemistry with Mr. Guittard. One of the most compelling performances is that of Mary Wickes as the charming Aunt Eller. Overall, a first-rate recording!