We rounded up the reviews for the recently staged concert production of Oklahoma! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
Broadway World: **** “Oh, what a beautiful evening indeed! Oklahoma! In Concert was a triumphant celebration of the musical’s 80-year legacy and lasting impact over musical theatre. With a star-studded cast who brought freshness to the iconic roles with an edge of familiarity, there was no better way for Oklahoma! to return to its original London home.”
Musicals Magazine: **** “Produced by Fourth Wall Live and directed and choreographed by Bill Deamer (Hello, Dolly!), it’s billed as a concert but it’s more than that, featuring staging, costumes, full choreography, and most of what I would argue is the best book in the Rodgers and Hammerstein canon in its entirety. A production in which Laurey and Curly absolutely do love each other is as valid as it’s ever been.”
Lou Reviews: **** “Iqbal, Shaw and Bianco make a fun trio to lighten the mood, and number after number leave the audience humming along with a smile. Bill Deamer‘s production is a glorious, if brief, addition to the West End stage, and Ben Glassberg directs the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and Chorus through a Golden Age classic.”
Fairy Powered Productions: **** “It’s hard to re-create a classic, but with the amazing vocals of Phil Dunster and cast, this is truly a musical where orchestra, cast, songs and dancing are fully integrated. They flow seamlessly throughout and evoke laughter as well as sadness. The characters are endearing and feel familiar. The songs are well known and lots of toe tapping and clapping can be heard throughout the theatre. The show is given a well-deserved standing ovation, with the biggest round of applause given to the orchestra who truly shine throughout.”
Plays To See: “Though marketed as a concert, Bill Deamer has crafted what is essentially a fully realized show, complete with dance numbers. The sixteen cast members are bolstered by the London Musical Theatre Chorus and accompanied on stage by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra under Ben Glassberg’s direction, utilizing Robert Russell Bennett’s lush original orchestrations.”