2 streaming video files (NTSC) (83 min.) : sd., col.
Summary
Marking the 50th anniversary of the first performance of Oklahoma!, four cast members share their observations and recollections of various aspects of the show. The participants include two dancers, Vivian Smith and Marc Platt (the original dancing Curly) and two singers, Paul Shiers and Wally Peterson (an American member of the first London company). They discuss how they joined the show, rehearsals, out-of-town previews, the evolution of the "Oklahoma!" number and the title change from Away we go, their reactions to the show's success, and the challenge of keeping performances fresh during a long run. Among the individuals discussed are choreographer Agnes de Mille, composer Richard Rodgers, lyricist Oscar Hammerstein, director Rouben Mamoulian. Also discussed are the show's effects on their lives, audience reactions in the U.S. and Britain, and the dream ballet as danced by Katherine Sergava and George Church.