Search - Various Artists :: Oklahoma; Broadway Musical Series

Barbara M. (Babe) from NEW YORK, NY
Reviewed on 3/27/2007...

The first Rodgers & Hammerstein collaboration. They don't write them like that any more - more's the pity.

The very first cast-album EVER recorded

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 09/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"1943'S OKLAHOMA! cast-album holds the distinction of being the very first commercially-released cast recording made. The original Decca sets are presented on this release from UK label Prism, along with bonus selections from the original London cast.OKLAHOMA!'s original cast memorably starred Alfred Drake as Curly, Joan Roberts as Laurey and Celeste Holm as Ado Annie Carnes, with Lee Dixon as Will Parker.Drake is thrilling in all his numbers, especially "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "People Will Say We're in Love", his sprightly duet with Joan Roberts. Roberts adds her silvery soprano to "Out of My Dreams" and "Many a New Day".Celeste Holm is the perfect comical soubrette singing "I Cain't Say No" and is perfectly-paired with Lee Dixon for the hilarious "All 'Er Nothin'".This release also presents selections from the original London cast of OKLAHOMA!, notable only because it starred Howard Keel as Curly. Keel sings with a full-throated voice that isn't really used in his movie musical roles, and he's wonderful singing "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'". Betty Jane Watson is adequate as Laurey, but she's fetching in "Many a New Day". Watson's treatment of "Out of My Dreams" is lovely.Dorothea McFarland is a great Ado Annie Carnes, though Walter Donahue is a strangely-static Will Parker. Henry Clarke is fine in his brief moments as the menacing Jud.Very nice for the price, considering you are really getting two cast-albums for less than the price of one."