Oklahoma!

Review Oklahoma!

 

All Souls’ Amateur Operatic Society are well known in the area for performing shows like Oklahoma and they once again produced a very good show. I particularly enjoyed the overture played on the two grand pianos by Philip Sutcliffe & Chris Pulleyn.

Curly (Mark Hutchinson) & Laurey (Amy Ellison)  were both strong and believable in their characters, acting and singing well throughout the show with the ups and downs of their relationship. Aunt Eller (Christine Roberts) too carried the part with the authority required for the role.

Ado Annie Carnes (Helen Burton) torn between her two suitors was loveable and obviously enjoying the attention of them. Will Parker (Chris Pilgrim) and Ali Hakim (Chris Littler-Moore) both convincing in their roles. The added comedy of Ali Hakim was really good and appreciated by the audience. Well done Chris.

Jud Fry (Michael Madden) looked and acted evil from the start and lived up to that until he ‘committed suicide’. I would not have liked to meet him on a light night never mind a dark one.

Other cast members Gertie Cummings (Anna Trent), Andrew Carnes (Richard Farrar), Ike Skidmore (Paul Holroyd), Cord Elam. (Gareth Treece), Slim (Peter Sugden) Mike (Mike Padden) & Joe (Martin Hoyle) and all the Farmers, Cowmen & Cowgals all contributed to make this enjoyable show. The costumes too were in keeping with the Wild West.

Special mention to the Dancers Amelia Brown, Imogen Clarke, Fearne Gleeson, Ella Howlett, Helena Marson & Olivia Stones for the excellent dancing particularly the Dream Sequence. Choreographer    Miss Stacey must be proud of them.

The scenery was built and painted by members of the Society led by Stage Manager Jim Cheetham fitted the era of the show and was moved and changed seamlessly by The Crew.

Congratulations to the Musical Director Colin Akers and Producer Graham Weston for a show which everyone I spoke to enjoyed.

 

Well done all involved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.