Oklahoma! 1955 vs. 2018
Oklahoma! 1955 vs. 2018
Rogers and Hammerstein's well known musical play, Oklahoma!, has been has been adapted and remade into many films and live performances including the 1955 film adaptation and a 2018 remaking at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Although the 1955 adaptation was nearly identical to the original musical play, the 2018 remaking altered the genders and sexualities of some of the main characters.
The 2018 Remake
The 2018 remake of Oklahoma! includes some differentiation from the original musical and many of its adaptations. The director, Bill Raunch, was able to get approval from the Rodgers and Hammerstein estate to make these changes. This included casting Laurey and Curly as a lesbian couple, rather than Curly as a man. This also included casting Will Parker and Ado Annie as a gay couple, in which Ado Annie is actually Ado Andy. Lastly, Aunt Eller was cast as a transgender woman. Overall, there were more African American castings as well, which were few and far between in the original musical and 1955 film adaptation.
(The 2018 remake cast)
I believe these casting choices modernize the musical and make it more in touch with younger generations, rather than the original musical which is more in touch with older generations. I would say I am a little bit more on the "experimentalist" side when it comes to this musical. I think the show should be able to be adaptable and relevant to present times. The remake allows for inclusivity and representation of a wide variety of sexualities, races, genders, and straight allies (which allows the community to thrive). I think that Roger and Hammerstein would be interested in adapting their show in ways such as this - especially considering the risqué jokes, references, and characters that were groundbreaking at the time of the musical's original performance. I think they were interested in doing things outside of the box, and adapting their musical to fit current times, rather than producing the same, outdated story would be of interest to them.
(Ado Andy and Will Parker)
Although this remake may lead to some controversy, there have been many other adaptations that have included casting changes and time period changes - therefore, I think there is a version that anyone could find to enjoy for entertainment. I don't think the remake gets away from the original intent or loses important themes. In fact, I think the remake's casting contributed to groundbreaking moments of "love declaration" in the performance such as when Will sings "All er Nothin" to Ado Andy or when Curly and Laurey sing "People Will Say We're in Love", which takes on a completely different resonance of courage in the remake. Ultimately, the remake includes all of the traditional and lovable aspects of Roger and Hammerstein's original musical, but its casting is revolutionary none the less.
(Laurey and Curly)
Hi Audrey! I agree with your point that the adaptation stays with the original intent and themes. I liked your point that music should be adaptable so it can be relevant for modern times. Culture and art shift a lot through the years especially through the seven plus decades its been since Oklahoma! first came out. A lot has changed and I think its more enjoyable when changes are made to fit the times, because it becomes more relatable.
ReplyDeleteI respect your opinion and agree that Oklahoma! being redone would be more in touch with the younger generations. When you talked about Rogers and Hammerstein being interested in adapting a revival, I would have loved to hear you go more in depth about that. I wonder why you think they would be interested in a revival?
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