Oklahoma

The dimensions of the stage at the Marlowe played their own part in delivering convincing wide horizons and high skies, setting the mood from the very start.  From the very overture it was clear that we were in for a professional and slick entertainment on this, the last evening of Canterbury Operatic Society’s production of Oklahoma. The competence and talents of Cheryl Mumford and her team were about to lead us by the hand through Rogers and Hammerstein’s first Broadway musical. Diane Whybrow – Musical Director - her team and the orchestra had ensured that the cast knew exactly what was needed of them. They were note perfect and their phrasing really complimentary to the music and its message.

Linda McCann and the Wardrobe Team must have worked like Trojans to gather and maintain the enormous wardrobe and ensure it still looked so fresh on the last night. There were no mismatched skirts or jackets that often creep in for the odd member of the chorus. It was among the best dressed ensemble of cowboys that I’ve seen and the costumes of the ‘dream scene’ deserved particular note. Sadly, I couldn’t come to terms with Laurey wearing dungarees, particularly in such pristine condition. I thought it might have been a directorial ‘device’ to make the seed change from tom boy to pretty sweetheart later in the action, but that wasn’t to be. When that opportunity arose Laurey changed to a mainly navy blue dress. It was really heavy block of colour that, I felt, weighed the actress down and didn’t portray a ‘winsome’ girl as described by Cheryl Mumford in her director’s notes in the programme.  I understand that adding or changing something from the norm can drive interest and broaden horizons, but it should add something, rather than distract. Women in the Wild West occasionally wore trousers – but to avoid being called brazen they would have been culottes or with a skirt over the top of trousers. There was a reported arrest of a woman wearing jeans in 1866! A similar niggle applied to Ali Hakim’s costume, because I can’t believe that would happen in the Wild West. It wouldn’t be practical in such a demanding environment and as a foreigner travelling alone Ali would not have wanted to look so very, very different. These are only differing opinions and so I’m relieved to say they didn’t impact greatly on a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Jay Mount, Stage Manager, and his crew worked their magic quickly and efficiently with the impressive scenery. Their first entry took me a little by surprise – but I was pleased too when I noticed that one of the stage hands was wearing a cowboy type check shirt. It works so well when the stage crew become part of the action. Mick Bennell’s lighting design gave mood and/or beauty every time the action demanded. 

Lucie Nash – Aunt Eller - what a talented actress! I believed everything she said. Accent was convincing and consistent. Super. Rupert Garnsey – Curly -  I note that he is new to the COS. What an addition!  A very subtle actor who makes it look effortless. I hope that he is receiving voice training to preserve his truly entertaining singing voice.  On Saturday he must have had two demanding shows and only on the very last number in the show did he, just very slightly, betray a trace of tiredness in his vocal cords. I can see this young man going from strength to strength. A brave performer - his fight scenes were very convincing. Leanne Hardy – Laurey - is blessed with a beautiful voice that made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.  A neat actress who had to be on top form to deliver the broad range of emotions needed for a convincing Laurey. Lovely. Ewan Stanley – Will Parker - I really liked Ewan. A perfect coupling with Clare Banhams’ Ado Annie. A very talented singer and skilled comedy actor. His scenes were light hearted and entertaining – what more could you ask. Shane Monaghan – Jud Fry - is a sound and sure actor.  Initially, he successfully drew sympathy from the audience and gradually increased the menace of his presence by changing his features and body mass. Such that you wouldn’t have wanted to meet him on a dark night!  Very convincing fight scene. Clare Banham – Ado Annie - was a great partner for Ewan. Clare played Ado Annie with a natural comedic flare. Great comedic delivery for such a well known song. Made it all look so easy – clearly loves being on stage. A true entertainer.  Darren Cullen – Ali Hakim - had plenty of tricks up his sleeve – or rather in his carpet bag. Sure-footed as the smooth talking peddlar – I hope he had ear plugs in stock! Mariah Young – Gertie Cummings.  Mariah made an excellent Gertie – my goodness this young lady has perfected her laugh.  Well done – the appropriate audience response on every entrance. Andrew Carnes – Bill Brand made a real impact as Ado Annie’s Pa.  A confident and really competent actor.   Everyone else – a talented, involved and, it was clear, committed Ensemble, keen to be the best they could be.  Wonderful singing, superb contributions through constant attention to the small details that make back ground action truly meaningful. Well done – you are the glue and in this production, I’m stuck on you all. Front of house team suitably set the mood on our arrival and it seems the members of the cast in costume enjoyed interacting with arriving audience.

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