A dark retelling of "Oklahoma!" has beaten the lush and playful revival of the rival Golden Age musical "Kiss Me, Kate" to the Tony Award for best musical revival.

The cast of "Oklahoma!," performs at the 73rd annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 9, 2019, in New York. (Photo: AP)

Director Daniel Fish's revisionist treatment of "Oklahoma!" has a decidedly naturalistic production style and actors showing their characters' dark side, with some scenes played in complete darkness.

Instead of using a traditional Broadway orchestra, a modest seven-piece string orchestra plays Richard Rodgers' songs, including "People Will Say We're in Love," ''I Cain't Say No" and "Surrey with the Fringe on Top."

"Kiss Me, Kate" and "Oklahoma!" were the only category nominees.