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Review: “Oklahoma” is a far from Traditional Production

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : June 3, 2022
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Roger & Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” at Winspear Opera House – Dallas, TX

Where to start with this production of Daniel Fish’s “Oklahoma!”. I’ll admit, even though I knew this was a different version of the 1943 production, I still had no idea what I would be walking into. The moment I sat down and saw the very bare, wooden set with walls of guns, I quickly knew, this wasn’t like anything I had imagined.

Due to the recent shootings and, unfortunately, the Tulsa shooting that happened during opening night, there was an insert card explaining a “prop gun use warning” in our playbills.  It was slightly alarming, and may have overshadowed a bit of the story.

Fish’s revival of the beloved Broadway classic is far from a traditional musical production.  The set lacks color with wooden walls and tables, the cast sits around until their turn to speak, and there is no big musical, choregraphed numbers.  This show is much more relaxed, and the dance numbers seem less rehearsed, with the exception of a emotionally heavy, solo dance in the second opening act.

I can appreciate a modern twist on an old school tale; however, this show never picked a lane.  One minute you’re in a comical, old western setting, next you’re in the dark listening to a depressing conversation about death.  It took me out of the story multiple times, till eventually I gave up trying to stay in.

Though, the production was not my cup of tea, the talent of the entire cast was!  Sean Grandillo does a fine job as Curly, offering his vocal and instrumental gifts while playing the guitar.  Sasha Hutchings as Laurey stuns audiences the moment she first sings onstage.  She effortlessly embodies her character from the beginning to the sad end.  BUT the hilarious shining star is Sis as Ado Annie!  Talk about a showstopper.  Whether she’s singing or flirting, you can’t take your eyes off of her.  In some dark times during the show, she was a bright light.  Confidently juggling two men, while acting like a sweet innocent little girl to her shotgun carrying daddy.

I’m all about creative, artistic liberties, but this production of “Oklahoma!” was just a little too outside of the box.  However, it is still enjoyable to watch this talented ensemble and hear their renditions of the beautiful soundtrack.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s OKLAHOMA! at the Winspear Opera House from May 31 – June 12.  Get tickets at https://broadwaydallas.org/shows/oklahoma/

Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King On Sale Now!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 27, 2018
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events, Special Features

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Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King On Sale Now! 

Performances Begin on June 13, 2018 and Play for 4 Weeks

Through July 7, 2018 at the Music Hall at Fair Park

Disney Theatrical Productions, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King go on sale to the public today. Disney’s The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall at Fair Park stage on June 13, 2018 for a limited 4 week engagement through July 7, 2018.

Beginning today, tickets will be available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by calling Ticketmaster at (866) 270-2717. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.VIP Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

Ticket buyers are reminded that Dallas Summer Musicals and Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Dallas Summer Musicals is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers.  Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its 4th return to the Music Hall at Fair Park.

About The Lion King

In its 20th year, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 95 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years.  Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Scheveningen; Sapporo and on tour across North America, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe.

Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards®:  Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success.  The first woman to win a Tony Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show around the world.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer.  The resulting sound of The Lion King is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include:  Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.