The filming of Trevor Nunn's production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! took place during the move from the Royal National Theatre to the Lyceum Theatre in January 1999. The action was shot at the Shepperton Studios and directors Trevor Nunn and Chris Hunt have tried their hardest to give the tv film the feel of the live performance that so enchanted London audiences during the show's first run at RNT, while also using close-ups to provide extra emotional insights on characters.
Unfortunately it proves a near-impossible task. While lighting, sound and vision are technically first-rate, considering the time limits imposed upon the crews (18 days of shooting time!), overall the film never delivers the excitement and raw energy of the stage production, and to be honest, it should never have tried to. It feels artificial and looks second-best. The audience reaction shots are intrusive and irritating instead of convincing, and who allowed them to turn up in t-shirts and jeans? It's obvious they' re only there for the filming, and the camera should have left them in the dark and concentrated on the action onstage.
The problem lies in the fact that the tv audience is watching a screen, not a stage. It's ambitious to try and capture a stage atmosphere without hampering the natural movement of camera and lens inherent in film, and the production ends up trying to please two different masters. The concept is at fault, rather than the performances. Everybody tries hard, the principals look and sound great, and the musical numbers are infectious enough to overcome some of the flatness produced by pre-recorded songs and the fact that this is not a live event. Josefina Gabrielle shines as a very human Laurie, with charm and innocence that doesn't cloy. Hugh Jackman's Curly is best during his serious moments, if a tad too folksy at other times, but he does prove that sex appeal, musical talent and masculinity are not mutually exclusive. Maureen Lipman is the best of the lot as a very dry and funny Aunt Ella, well supported by Jimmy Johnston as Will and Shuler Hensley as the dangerous Judd.
In summary, this is an adaptation that does not measure up to the magic of the original stage production, but is still worth it for the memories.
Unfortunately it proves a near-impossible task. While lighting, sound and vision are technically first-rate, considering the time limits imposed upon the crews (18 days of shooting time!), overall the film never delivers the excitement and raw energy of the stage production, and to be honest, it should never have tried to. It feels artificial and looks second-best. The audience reaction shots are intrusive and irritating instead of convincing, and who allowed them to turn up in t-shirts and jeans? It's obvious they' re only there for the filming, and the camera should have left them in the dark and concentrated on the action onstage.
The problem lies in the fact that the tv audience is watching a screen, not a stage. It's ambitious to try and capture a stage atmosphere without hampering the natural movement of camera and lens inherent in film, and the production ends up trying to please two different masters. The concept is at fault, rather than the performances. Everybody tries hard, the principals look and sound great, and the musical numbers are infectious enough to overcome some of the flatness produced by pre-recorded songs and the fact that this is not a live event. Josefina Gabrielle shines as a very human Laurie, with charm and innocence that doesn't cloy. Hugh Jackman's Curly is best during his serious moments, if a tad too folksy at other times, but he does prove that sex appeal, musical talent and masculinity are not mutually exclusive. Maureen Lipman is the best of the lot as a very dry and funny Aunt Ella, well supported by Jimmy Johnston as Will and Shuler Hensley as the dangerous Judd.
In summary, this is an adaptation that does not measure up to the magic of the original stage production, but is still worth it for the memories.