Oklahoma!

Opening on Broadway in 1943 Oklahoma! the first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II rang for 2212 performances. The show opened in the West End in 1947 to rave reviews.Set outside Claremore in Oklahoma Territory the musical is based on the 1931 play “Green Grow the Lilacs”. It tells the story of Laurey Williams and her two rival suitors. There is also a secondary romance between Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée Ado Annie.

With an open set on display as the audience entered the auditorium it was evident we were in for good quality scenery at the very least. Followed by a well performed overture the signs were good.

What followed was nothing less than what would be expected from Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society – a show of high quality, great singing and good movement not only principals but the whole company.

The show opened with Aunt Eller churning butter played with full effect by Wendy Holloway. She portrayed a wonderful character throughout the whole show with the humour the character can portray. The first musical number ‘Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’’ was beautifully sung by Aidan Rider as Curly who continued to sing every number with feeling including ‘The Surrey with the Fringe on Top’, ‘Pore Jud is Daid’ and ‘People Will Say We’re in Love’. Alongside Curly was Louisa Ford as Laurey who also gave a fine performance and worked well with Aidan.

Laurey’s other suitor – Jud Fry, was brilliant and superbly played by Kit Windows-Yule the misunderstood and alienated character. He handled each scene he was involved in superbly. His song ‘Lonely Room’ was one of the main highlights of this production and yet one of the less well-known numbers.  

The second love match involved Elliot Kainey who played Will Parker well along with Emily Brooks as Ado Annie. I was particularly impressed with Emily’s performance having read she had not performed for ten years. The wait was worth it as she gave a great performance especially singing ‘I Cain’t Say No!’ The saying two is company three is a crowd comes into play with Toby Edwards as Ali Hakim. The three of them worked well together. Toby had some good comic timing especially during the scene involving the Persian goodbye! 

Other supporting roles were equally well cast. Gary Kimber had the right stature as Andrew Carnes and Megan Crosby as Gertie Cummings with the annoying laugh the character requires.  

The chorus were well rehearsed and performed all the musical dance numbers with confidence. The dream ballet at the end of act one is long, however this production managed to sustain my attention as it was well done and managed to achieve the desired effect regarding the story line.

Act two opening with ‘The Farmer and the Cowman’ was equally well rehearsed.  This leads on to the auction scene, also well done showing both tension and a degree of humour. The show required several disagreements and fight routines and these were well coordinated and, from the auditorium, looked realistic and believable.

The set was very effective and worked well. Scene changes were carried out well with no disruption to the flow and pace of the show. While these changes took place, we had brief views in to the wing. It was pleasing that these temporary views were clear of cast or crew which would have taken away from the slickness. Well done for coordinating these efficient changes.

Finally, but most certainly not least the band consisting of nine under the direction of Sheila Fallon With Sheila in charge there is little chance of the band overpowering the performance and this was most certainly the case during this production. The rich score was played well but at no time was it overwhelming.

This was an amazing show performed by a talented society. I truly look forward to seeing Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society in October for their next production – ‘Singin in the Rain.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

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