OKLAHOMA! Capitol Theatre, through Sunday (355-2787, 1-888-451-2787). Running time: two hours, 50 minutes (one intermission).
"Oklahoma!" purists — those who recollect Agnes DeMille's then-innovative ballet and the attention-to-detail look of the 1943 Broadway landmark — may be somewhat jarred by this bold new production.
Cameron Mackintosh's Royal National Theatre spin on the familiar Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, directed for the road tour by Fred Hanson, replicates Susan Stroman's brilliant choreography, Anthony Ward's stark scenery and period costuming, and David Hersey's dramatic lighting.
It has a few problems. It's way too long (even without one of the original songs, the largely forgettable "It's a Scandal! It's an Outrage!" which has been dropped from the score). And opening night in the Capitol Theatre had some sound problems (at times some characters could barely be heard) and a couple of the scene changes were a little rough (the tender "People Will Say We're in Love" reprise during Act 2 was nearly scuttled by the rumbling of scenery being moved into place behind the scrim.)
That said, this "Oklahoma! does have plenty going for it.
Brandon Andrus and Amanda Rose are perfectly cast as the stubborn young lovers, Curly and Laurey. (I have one thing to say about Andrus: Oh, what a beautiful voice!)
Daniel Robinson and Sarah Shahinian do some energetic scene-stealing as Will Parker and flighty Ado Annie — and Robinson dances up a storm in the "Kansas City" segment.
Tom Lucca delivers a Jud Fry who is considerably more dark and evil than previous portrayals. His "Lonely Room" solo (excised from the 1955 movie version and usually cut from regional and community productions) shows what a desperate, demented man he is.
Pat Sibley's Aunt Eller is a tough but loving woman you'd better not meddle with.
Colin Trahan's Ali Hakim, the Persian peddler, provides the show's comic relief, and, in the end, you have to feel sorry for him, getting stuck with the irritating, cackling Gertie Cummings (Harriette McClure).
Despite the show's classic songs and energetic cast, quite a few people in the audience were checking their watches as the production rambled into its third hour.
But after nearly 60 years, "Oklahoma!" is still far more than just OK.
Sensitivity rating: Jud Fry's intense hatred and Will and Ado Annie's playful sexuality may be a little rough for young children.
E-MAIL: ivan@desnews.com