Oklahoma!

SALOS

OKLAHOMA! Music by Richard Rodgers, Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

As seen by Debi Weaver (NODA South West District 16) on Thursday 18th October 2018, 

Director:                     Russell Langdown

Musical Director:      Malcolm Webb

Choreographer:        Gemma Short

Stage Manager:         Sarah Wrixon 

Associate Director: Sandra Gilbert

Chorus Mistress: Judith Sharp

Swindon Wyvern Theatre

 

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s pioneering musical Oklahoma, was the first written by this legendary team and is a favourite with amateur theatre performers and audiences alike. In fact, this is Salos fourth time performing it, and Director Russell Langdown has done a fantastic job bringing the story to life, establishing the context of the show with informative slides accompanying the orchestra’s overture.

Visually the simple but effective set conjured up the wide-open spaces of the American West, the simple design allowed the focus to be on the actors and the story. The lighting was well designed and operated. There were some technical hiccups with the sound coming in and out alongside some crackly microphones which did at times take away from the performance.

All the principals demonstrated great well-established characters and gave strong assured performances. Kieran Jefferies debut performance with SALOS as Will Parker was a standout for me, bringing out the charming naivety and comedy in Will, and showing some impressive dance skills.

The entire cast performed with great energy and enthusiasm sweeping the audience along who were clearly enjoying themselves. The costumes were appropriate and colourful, just right for the era.

The orchestra led by Musical Director Malcolm Webb made a great sound playing the well-known music expertly. Having the orchestra below the stage did allow for more stage space but led to some missed cues at times.

The choreography from Gemma Short was excellent and designed well to suit the range of abilities of all members of the group, no-one looked out of place and everyone had their opportunity to shine.

My congratulations to the cast, crew. musicians and production team for a great production and the much-appreciated hospitality.

 

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