Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast)
Rodgers & Hammerstein's impossibly optimistic heartland romp is rightly credited for launching a new Golden Age of American theater, one that lit up Broadway for much of the latter half of the 20th century.Oklahoma!had already been an American musical classic for two decades (and had become a huge Hollywood film hit as well) when this new studio cast recording was commissioned in 1964. This marks the CD debut of that impeccably cast, sonically glorious revival, highlighted by a masterly performance fromCarouselandShow BoatstarJohn Raitt. Though the Broadway vet had toured in a stage revival and came to embody the lead character of Curly to a new generation, this would be his only recorded performance of the role. An 18-year-old Florence Henderson (in the role of Laurey) is also showcased, and this recording would help make her a star. This revival and its rich production values would also bolster a gratifying trend of Broadway preservation that's seen the stage musical through some rough times. This edition also includes new notes by Broadway writer Richard Ridge along with the modern reflections of Raitt, Henderson, and  Phyllis Newman on their standout studio recording of one of America's greatest stage musicals.--Jerry McCulley