Opened: July 15, 1998

Book & Lyrics by: Oscar Hammerstein II

Music by: Richard Rodgers

West End Revival Cast: Maureen Lipman, Hugh Jackman, Josefina Gabrielle, David Shelmerdine, Jimmy Johnston, Shuler Hensley, Vicki Simon, Peter Polycarpou, Rebecca Thornhill, Sidney Livingstone, Stuart Milligan, Helen Anker, Julie Barnes, Luke Baxter, Warren Carlyle, Leigh Constantine, Amanda Courtney-Davies, Philip Cox, Marilyn Cutts, Zoe Dawson, Susie Dumbreck, Tom Dwyer, Howard Ellis, Shaun Henson, Sarah Ingram, Neil Johnson, Nicola Keen, Fergus Logan, Helen Missing, Craig Purnell, Kevin Wainwright, Sarah Bayliss, Elizabeth Cooper Gee, Chris Coleman, Ben Garner, Pennie Garner, Holly Tuffney, Ricky-Lee Mays & Kai Pearce

Two years before his big Hollywood break, Hugh Jackman wowed audiences in a new production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic Oklahoma! in the West End.

Curly (Jackman) wants to invite Laurey (Josefina Gabrielle) to the local box social dance where money will be raised to build a new schoolhouse. Jud (Shuler Hensley), a hired hand on Aunt Eller’s (Maureen Lipman), shows an unrequited interest in Laurey as well.

Even watching this production after Jackman became a star, it’s easy to see that he’d become one. He plays Curly with such ease and a genuineness that you’ll fall for.

With minimal sets and mesmerizing choreography by Susan Stroman, the story is focused on the action at hand. It feels like a rollercoaster with extreme ups and downs, but the cast has a handle that will keep you invested.

Final say: A-yip-i-o-ee-ay! ★★★★★