5th Avenue Theater Responds to Controversy Over Musical "Oklahoma!"

Eric Ankrim as Curly McLain in Rodgers and  

Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!" at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Photo credit Curt

Doughty.

When Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre produced their new version of the Rodger and Hammerstein musical "Oklahoma!" they probably didn't expect to see a good old Oklahoma twister brewing on the horizon. In an official press release, Artistic Director David Armstrong is quoted as saying they wanted to "honor the great tradition while keeping the show fresh and exciting." But while innovation is important in art, it seems the particular types of innovations used have some audiences members calling out "Yippee-i-ay!" while others mount up to ride with a posse. Many of my fellow citizens of Tacoma have seen, or plan to see, the show, and have shared their opinions with me after reading my blog post. The musical runs from Feb. 3 - March 4.

Note: If you haven't already read my previous post (A Review of "Oklahoma!" at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre -- Oh, Not Such a "Beautiful Mornin'" ) please do. It has received plenty of attention and a variety of comments.

On Wednesday I received an e-mail and new press release from the 5th Avenue's Public Relations Manager Bridget Summers to let me know that because of the strong responses to the way race was handled in the production of "Oklahoma!" the theater plans to host four panel discussions and a town meeting to provide a forum for the public. The press release included the following:

"The choice to cast African American actor Kyle Scatliffe as the farm hand Jud Fry has been earning strong reactions.  While Scatliffe has been applauded for his nuanced portrayal of the character, there are some audiences who are concerned that having the only African American performer among the principals play the villain reinforces negative stereotypes about African American men." 

So, dear readers, you are officially invited to attend and participate.

Here are the dates and times, from the most recent press release:

Panel discussions will take place between the matinee performance and evening performance on February 18 and 25 at 5:00 PM and February 19 and 26 at 4:30 PM, and will feature Spectrum Dance Theater Artistic Director and Oklahoma! Choreographer Donald Byrd and The 5th Avenue’s David Armstrong.  A Town Hall Meeting featuring the executive team at The 5th Avenue Theatre and members of the creative team for Oklahoma! will take place on Monday, March 5, at 7:00 PM. 

WHERE:   The 5th Avenue Theatre (1308 5th Avenue, Seattle)

INFO:  For more information, please visit http://www.5thavenue.org/education/adult-programs#show-talk   

I close with a statement from Artistic Director David Armstrong:

“While we never intended to evoke such strong responses, I am in many ways heartened that this production has people talking about these important issues. The idea that musicals could, and should, tackle big themes and significant subjects largely began with Oklahoma! and I am not unhappy to see that legacy continue.
 

“We did believe that this casting would amplify the inherent drama in the story.  I’ve seen dozens of productions of Oklahoma!, but never before have I felt such empathy for Jud, and never before have I felt so sad when he dies.

“I never would have imaged that in 2012 a production of this almost 70-year-old musical could cause such a stir. I am a firm believer that great theater inspires dialogue, and I look forward to engaging our audiences on this difficult subject and hearing their reactions to this unorthodox casting choice.”