Musical Monday’s Oklahoma

Hello! As you may know, on Monday’s on the blog I do a series of blogs I call Musical Monday’s. This started off as a series where I would feature lesser known musicals I loved that others might not know. Since the creation of this series, I have expanded to musicals that are more popular and widely known. This week, I wanted to discuss my thoughts on Oklahoma.

plot 4/5

Yes, I know that this musical has problematic plot points with Jud, which is why I docked a full star off my rating. Our plot follows two lovers, Laurey and Curly and I enjoy their relationship. When I go to a musical, or get into a musical I look for a plot element I can fall in love with. With the case of Oklahoma, it is the romance and the tale of young lovers. The other relationship in the musical is Ado Annie and Will, this is another couple whose relationship I enjoy. Family is a common theme found in Oklahoma with Laurey’s aunt and I love how much those two characters care about each other. The family aspect of this musical is so sweet and one thing that brings me make to this musical over and over. Now, there is the plot element I don’t enjoy, and this lies with the character of Jud, so I don’t enjoy his story line at all.

characters 4/5

Favorite characters- Ado Annie, and Laurey.

Is it fair to doc an entire star because I dislike the antagonist so much? Probably not but I will, anyway. First, I want to talk about the characters I love in this musical. I love Ado Annie’s zest for life and her spirit. She’s a little wild but not to the point where she could be called a rebel, or even a wild child, she just lives her life the way she wants. Laurey is such a gentle and sweet character. Whether with her family, friends, or with Curly, she is so sweet and kind to other people. In a musical with some tough characters, Laurey’s gentleness is welcome. She is the one that I most relate to within this musical. I enjoy Curly as a character, and while he is the hero of the story, I also find him flawed. Jud is a character who I really can’t stand as I find him abusive, and I don’t think he is a match for Laurey or anyone, really.

music 5/5

Favorite songs- Many A New Day, I Cain’t Say No, The Surrey With The Fringe On Top, The Farmer and the Cowman, All Er Nuthin’ and Oklahoma. I have enjoyed this musical for years but I didn’t really fall in love with it until the cast recording of the current revival was released. This revival has a blue grass band sound where a full band usually is used. The melodies in this show I love, and I go around humming and singing the songs all day long. The music is a classic and yet feels fresh and new because of the way the new revival presents the score.

lyrics 5/5

The lyrics are some of the best things about this musical. The lyrics are very well crafted and suit the music really well. Some of my favorite lyrics are found in this show. At no point do I think the lyrics outshine the music.

What are your thoughts on Oklahoma? Let me know!