OKLAHOMA

As NODA President Nick Lawrence said to this talented bunch onstage, following their final performance last Saturday – ‘…you can’t do a Les Mis, or a Kinky Boots or any of the modern day musicals until you have done an Oklahoma…’ and he is correct. This group DID it; with a capital D. A distinguished, dedicated, dramatic and delightful production from start to finish. A great learning-curve for the younger cast and crew.

Having played the part of Curly several times, the words are all familiar to me. It’s just like riding a bike. I am pleased to say, this ride through Oklahoma was as pleasurable as any other I’d seen; including a professional one at Theatre Royal in Newcastle some years ago.

Paul Toward’s fresh directional look at this well-loved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic was a triumph!. His creative approach and close collaboration with accomplished MD Peter Brown, together with some cracking choreography from Leonie Airlie paid dividends. The whole cast portrayed their characters fabulously with obvious hard work and dedication. The singing was accurate, lusty when necessary and almost flawless in its delivery. The movement and dancing exemplary. Well done to everyone on stage and also to the eight-piece band in the pit.

The two romantic leads – debutante Jonathan Goodman as Curly and Juliette Bell as Laurey were excellently matched. His ‘Oh What A Beautiful Morning’ and ‘Surrey With The Fringe On Top’ were superb. Her ‘Many A New Day’ and ‘Out Of My Dreams’ both sung beautifully and with feeling. Their duet ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’ a delight to listen to!. It was lovely to see them both taking full, and well executed parts in the Dream Ballet sequences.

They had great support from Mary Walker’s worldly-wise and humorous Aunt Eller. The love-triangle of Will Parker, Ado Annie and Ali Hakim; were all played with humour and with great characterisations by Darren Lewis, Kaila Moyers and Mattew Winter. The cold and menacing Jud Fry – Mark Stenton, provided the drama very convincingly and his performance and singing of ‘Lonely Room’ was spine-tingling. The remaining principals were also very strong and too numerous to mention, with the exception of a very stern Andrew Carnes – Stuart Archer, and who could forget Catriona McDonogh’s laugh in the role of Gertie Cummings.

Technically this production was also a triumph. My overall impression was that it wasn’t necessary for any scene changes, because the lighting effects were so good. Congratulations to Andy Hunt – Lighting and Andrew Mounsey – Sound. The set designed by Diane Maughan, built by Adam Bell and Managed by Virginia Mayes-Wright and her team was very effective, and the colourful and very fitting wardrobe by Jon Thew, Carole Green and Cheryl Jackson completed the picture exceptionally well.

This was a fabulous Oklahoma, which Kellie and the whole Team should be proud of; highly deserving of the standing ovation after the rousing final chorus. President Nick, Past President Gordon, Regional Councillor Peter and myself thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Thank you for the invitation and the welcome. We look forward to MADE IN DAGENHAM in 2024.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.