Hugh Jackman's breakthrough musical performance in 'Oklahoma!' returns to local theaters

A 25-year-old film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!," starring a young Hugh Jackman, is coming to local theaters for a special two-day screening.

The 1998 film, which was recorded from a hit stage revival at the National Theatre in London, is considered Jackman’s breakout musical role. While starring in this Olivier Award-winning production, Jackman auditioned for the film role that would catapult him into superstardom: Wolverine in "X-Men" (released in 2000). He went on to star in blockbuster movie musicals such as "Les Miserables" and "The Greatest Showman," as well as well-received Broadway productions including "The Music Man."

About his 1998 performance in "Oklahoma!," Variety wrote: “It’s hard to imagine a more immediately charming Curly than Jackman. He’s as pliable, the staging suggests, as Jud is rigidly doomed, and Jackman makes an appealing (and beautifully sung) case for a man who won’t be left behind by the winds of change in ‘this here crazy country.’”

The film will be shown in more than 800 cinemas around the globe, including several in Palm Beach County, on Sunday, July 16, and Wednesday, July 19.

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Directed by Tony Award-winner Trevor Nunn ("CATS," "Les Misérables") with new choreography by Tony Award-winner Susan Stroman ("The Producers," "Crazy for You"), the film also stars Maureen Lipman as Aunt Eller, Josefina Gabrielle as Laurie, Tony and Olivier Award-winner Shuler Hensley as Jud Fry, Vicki Simon as Ado Annie, Jimmy Johnston as Will Parker and Peter Polycarpou as Ali Hakim.

This screening of "Oklahoma!" coincides with the 80th anniversary of the musical’s 1943 premiere on Broadway. It features classic songs by the legendary team of composer Richard Rodgers and librettist/lyricist Oscar Hammerstein II, including “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,” “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top,” “People Will Say We’re in Love” and the joyous title tune, “Oklahoma.”

“The 80th anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s 'Oklahoma!' allows us to share this quintessential slice of Americana with global fans,” said Kymberli Frueh, senior vice president of Content and Programming Acquisitions at Trafalgar Releasing, which is distributing the film in partnership with Concord Originals and The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.

“This particular production is acknowledged as one of the best through the eight decades of performances in theaters around the world," Frueh said. "All the talent in this classic version of 'Oklahoma!' hit their mark brilliantly and musical theater fans can experience for themselves why it is credited with launching Hugh Jackman’s stage career. We’re proud to be a part of this momentous anniversary.”

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"Oklahoma!" is the first stage musical written by Rodgers and Hammerstein. The musical is based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play "Green Grow the Lilacs." Set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian Territory, in 1906, it tells the story of farm girl Laurie Williams and her courtship by two rival suitors.

The original Broadway production opened on March 31, 1943. It was a box-office smash and ran for an unprecedented 2,212 performances, later enjoying award-winning revivals, national tours, foreign productions and an Academy Award-winning 1955 film adaptation. "Oklahoma!" redefined and revolutionized the American musical, and launched the most successful songwriting partnership in Broadway history.

"Oklahoma!" will be screened at the Cinepolis Jupiter, Movies of Delray, Movies of Lake Worth and the Cinemark theaters in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton. For showtimes and tickets, go to OklahomaInCinemas.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Local theaters among few globally to show this Hugh Jackman performance