Oklahoma!

I do not know how often I have seen this show, but it is always a favourite and this Society made it an enjoyable evening as the story and wondrous R&H songs unfolded on stage. It got off to a great start with handsome cowboy Richard Waghorn (Curly) epitomizing about the weather and endeavouring to gain a date with farm girl Laurey (Jenny Stewart). Richard was fantastic in his role and Jenny was totally secure in her performance as the headstrong Laurey. Casting a wise and maternal eye over this pair was Hazel Grieve as Aunt Eller, who also left poor travelling pedlar Ali Hakim (enthusiastically portrayed by Sandy Kennedy) lost for words with her verbal tongue lashing of him! As Ado Annie, Jen Shearer had all the necessary naivety for the part as she finally chose her beau in the shape of simple, but loveable, Will Parker, played with great aplomb by Stuart Whyte, But there is always someone ready to spoil the party and it came in the form of Thomas Richmond’s portrayal as the dark-hearted, dirty and grimy Jud Fry. Gertie Cummings’ (Lisa Murray) irritating laugh and snort teased the audience, and all the show’s musical numbers were superbly staged; with the difficult ballet performed in a simple, but fine manner.

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