30th April 2025
Legally Blonde - The Musical
Easy Street Theatre CIO, The Merlin Theatre, Sheffield
OKLAHOMA!
Author: Sally Holmes
Information
- Date
- 13th March 2020
- Society
- Yeadon Theatre Company
- Venue
- Yeadon Town Hall
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Anita Adams
- Musical Director
- Adam Boniface
- Choreographer
- Anita Adams & Gary Wilson-Mort (Dance Captain)
Right from the opening number, there was fresh and energetic feeling to this production of that well known classic Oklahoma! Almost every concept of this musical which first opened on Broadway in 1943 had an “alternative” approach, cleverly devised and brought to life by director/choreographer Anita Adams.
The stage area was the first change for many to experience – on a split level to give so much more freedom of movement to the entire cast (well over 40 people) who made great use of cleverly situated entrances and exits. The set design was superb, and with the clever use of props to change the scene, this certainly aided with the flow of the story. Lighting and sound effects were extremely effective in creating the mood throughout the show.
This production was blessed with a strong set of principals, including Chris Mooney as Curly, Lizzie Wlodarczyk as Laurey, Alex Schober as Will, Jane Collins as Aunt Eller, Lucy Evans at Ado Annie, Henry Etherington as Jud Fry and David Collins as Ali Hakim. Supported by a huge ensemble, including some very young children, their vocalisations on each musical number were, at times, off the scale. When the whole cast sang together in the opening chorus of “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin” and the closing rendition of “Oklahoma” the harmonies were literally show stopping! This was clearly a whole “team effort” and its really hard to single people out as each and every member of the cast played their part so excellently.
The band, from their elevated position above the stage, under the expert direction of Adam Boniface, supported principals and chorus superbly – never drowning out the vocals.
The dance routines were energetic and well drilled by Gary Wilson-Mort, the Dance Captain, and Anita Adams (Director/Choreographer).
It was clear that everyone on stage was enjoying themselves, and this shone through their entire performance.
Congratulations to Yeadon Theatre Company on your 90th Anniversary production. Here’s to the next 90 years!
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