OKLAHOMA

It is always a great pleasure to visit my friends at Walkerville, who never fail to surprise us, their audience, with their ongoing feats of heroism and endeavour in the limited facilities they share within their Community venue.

Having played the part of Curly in this show several times in the distant past, the words and songs are all familiar. As some would say; ‘It’s just like riding a bike’. I am pleased to say that our ‘ride’ through this version of Oklahoma was, indeed, a most pleasurable one.

Ann Ranson’s traditional direction of this well-known Rodgers & Hammerstein classic hit all of the right notes. Her principals and chorus well cast and nicely balanced producing the drama, comedy and musicality quite beautifully at times. A splendid job very well done.

The music was presented with the help of recorded tracks, which in my opinion could have been slicker. However, I believe these were not received until the Sunday prior to the performances, so allowances must be made in this area. Well done Peter Allsopp for your efforts; the delivery of excellent singing from all concerned was extremely enjoyable.

We were also treated to some great choreography from the many-talents of Lisa Nugent. The chorus movement was excellent and the concept and transformation of the ballet sequence; instead of being, in my opinion, a long and usually boring affair, was beautifully trimmed and delivered. Much easier to watch and also to understand. Many congratulations.

It was lovely to see the two romantic leads – CURLY (Ian Nugent) and LAURIE ( Lisa Nugent) in love with one another. It makes a big difference to this plot especially. It must be said however, they were at a bit of an advantage here; being married to each other in real-life!. They both sang beautifully and were easy to watch. I also particularly enjoyed her ‘put-down’ of Jud in their scene together.

They had great support from Bev Brennan’s worldly-wise and humorous AUNT ELLER. The love-triangle of WILL PARKER, ADO ANNIE and ALI HAKIM; all played with humour and with great characterisations by David Bruce, Helene Archer and James Archer. The cold and menacing JUD FRY (Alan Tomkins), provided the source of the drama very convincingly and his performance and singing of ‘Lonely Room’ was very good. The remaining principals were also very strong and too numerous to mention, with the exception of a very stern and well sung ANDREW CARNES (Ken Richardson), and who could forget Jenny Boothroyd’s laugh in the bubbly role of GERTIE CUMMINGS.

Technically this production was also a triumph. Their considered use of the space available was well thought out and implemented. The lighting and sound was excellent. The colour of the cloths and scenery was good and was complemented by superb costumes and props.

This was a wonderful Oklahoma, which Ann, Alan and the whole Team should be proud of; highly deserving of the ovation after the rousing final chorus. My companion Pauleen and myself thoroughly enjoyed our evening. Thank you for the invitation and the hospitality. We look forward to ME AND MY GIRL in 2024.

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