Oklahoma!

 

To start at the end, I left the theatre thinking Wow. WOS are flying high!  The past productions have all been of such a high standard and with  Oklahoma being a bit more of a “dated” show, I’m not saying my  expectations were low, not at all, but being more in preference to some  of the more modern feel musicals I was hoping to come away just  having been entertained. But the director of this show knew exactly  what she wanted to achieve, and I’ve got to say gave us so much more.  Thanks for the lovely welcome at the theatre, great to see Ken and Sally  and a few of the costumed cast selling programs. The atmosphere was  created right from this moment.  

I must say some shows grab your attention even before the show gets  to show week this was true of Oklahoma. The publicity material must  be commended. Some great rehearsal shots which were released on  socials, along with professional shots of the leading characters were  tremendous. They really set the scene of what was to come. Having  enjoyed the recent stripped back revival in London I wondered how I  would feel about seeing a full cast, fully orchestrated version and I must  say you found a really good balance between the two. It still felt as  poignant today as it was intended eighty one years ago. This  production was full of energy, enthusiasm, interesting and exciting from  start to finish.  

From the moment I walked into the auditorium the colours of the  excellent opening set just hit you between the eyes. I must say there  was so much excitement amongst the audience I actually felt like I was  at a first night. I appreciated the full use of the stage bringing the corn  out to both left and right pros arch. This makes such a difference to the  overall picture and often gets forgotten or just doesn’t get bothered  with. For me this makes a huge difference and helps frame all the  intended pictures and scenes you create. 

I don’t think there is a song or a piece of music in Oklahoma that most  of us aren’t familiar with and Matthew Tilke once again headed up a  superb orchestra. I was most impressed by the underscoring support.  Not once were the performers drowned out, and loved how they felt  able to let rip in the wonderfully sung chorus numbers. The balance was  excellent between the two throughout. It felt a real treat to have the  orchestra in the pit where they belong, I don’t care what anyone says,  that is when the sound is at its best. Great also to see the orchestra in  the Oklahoma mood with the gingham shirts. Nice touch.  

Choreography was just seamless and stunning. I felt so much care and  attention was put into this production there was no stop start from  dialogue to dance it all flowed so beautifully. I’m always impressed by  Sam Aylotts creativity in choreography, but this time you excelled. From  the solos and duets to the full on big chorus numbers. You had a rather  large cast to navigate but not once did I think it looked over crowded.  You used everyone I felt to the best of their ability and without doubt  everyone looked good. The ballet sequence too has to be commended  the flow of this from the opening solo to the darkness of Laurey’s fear of  Jud’s inner demons just flowed effortlessly through the whole  sequence. A masterclass to watch and enjoy. Congratulations.  

Curly  What a great part for this actor. Such a strong presence on stage. From  the opening bars offstage “Oh what a beautiful morning” I felt we had a  Curly who was confident and made us relax into that first scene. Strong  melodic singing voice with a nice vibrato where needed. Your eyes told us everything from the doe eyed love of Laurey to the darkness that  ensued with Jud later. I was really impressed with the choreography in  the Ballet especially those one armed lifts! It was nice to see Curly and  Laurey both in the ballet as these characters often get replaced by  dancers but of course this was how it was originally intended and with  such strong talent it worked far better. Your vocals between you and  Laurey were a delight to listen too both blended beautifully. A very  believable relationship. Great work.  

Laurey  This was a strong portrayal and wonderfully thought through  performance. You told us everything we needed to know with your  eyes. Beautifully sung especially the duet People Will Say We’re in  Love. There was such an enjoyable chemistry between you and Curly.  You excelled in the Ballet. We certainly felt your fun playful side whilst trying to snare Curly on your terms but, also you conveyed the fear of  Jud. This was a perfect part for that triple threat Actress.  Congratulations.  

Aunt Eller  Another wonderful part you can tick off your dazzling list of incredibly  strong women. You gave us strong, stern and forthright. You weren’t  gonna be messed with. I was impressed how you kept yourself involved  in all the scenes you were onstage, even if not part of the dialogue. Your  focus is impressive. You added excellent energy to all the musical  numbers you were involved with and still have that incredible voice  we’ve all grown to love over the years. Costumes looked lovely on you  too.  

Ado Annie  Now this character shone from the moment you arrived onstage to  every exit. What an energy and just luminous facial expressions  throughout. You had the audience in the palm of your hand. Every line  meant something (others can learn from this) you were a joy to watch.  Your comedy timing was superb especially the scenes with Will and Ali  Hakim. Great team work between the three of you. You actually brought  the joy and fun to a script that could be deemed as having that element  of darkness. You lifted us where we needed to be lifted. Gorgeous voice  and range which you used to the full. You may realise I’ve become a  fan. Just brilliant.  

Will Parker  Another well cast character. Such a good team player. You fronted  Kansas City perfectly, nice use of movement and personality. You  pitched the comedy just right between you, Ado Annie and Ali Hakim  and sang every note with ease, even if the words came out wrong full  marks for picking that straight back up and not letting it bother you.  Brilliant. We felt very at ease with you and an enjoyable portrayal.  

Jud  I’m a great believer in less is more. I think you gave us just this which  felt pitched perfectly for this production. We had a kind of blank  expression from you but your eyes told us what we needed to know. It’s  been really interesting having seen your last few performances you are  certainly growing as an actor. The voice as always is worth the ticket  price alone. You really captured that dark menacing side to you whilst  cooped up in the barn surrounded by all those saucey postcard images  and the fight with Curly was very well choreographed. Safe to say I  enjoyed your performance……. Plus two bits! Well done.  

Ali Hakim  I felt you really brought this character to life. You found every ounce of  comedy and executed it perfectly. We really felt your pain whilst trying  to ditch Ado onto Will. Brilliant expressions that made us laugh out  loud. Maybe a bit more jewellery could have could have set you up  more as the Persian Peddler but you were well costumed and I thought  perfect for the role.  

Andrew Carnes Every time I see this actor you just know we are in safe hands. Great  facial expressions and again you know how to use those eyes,  sometimes stronger than words. Slightly larger than life which made  him memorable. Perfect.  

Gertie  You looked absolutely tremendous. I felt every detail of this character  was thought about which goes to prove no such thing as a small part.  You maximised on everything. I felt you’d thought through every  expression down to those lovely lashes. I would never tire of that laugh  either. Genius.  

Ike Skidmore  You weren’t going to be left behind. You made your mark at every  occasion. Always a joy to watch on stage.  

Costumes  Congratulations to this great team. This must have been a round the  clock job. The spectacle you created with colour was just incredible.  There was never a dull moment on that stage. One question! There was  a distinct lack of petticoats? Maybe there was a reason you decided on  this but the bloomers looked bloomin lovely.  

Sound  Apart from one crackly mic during the opening which was very quickly  dealt with as soon as that character left the stage it was sorted and  soon forgotten about. Otherwise the balance was just perfect and a  very nice quality sound was produced. 

Lighting and set In the main these were excellent. I thought the set was so well designed  and executed. The opening as we entered the theatre was as good as  any professional touring company set, enhanced greatly by the lighting.  That sky blue was divine. Maybe we could have had a bit more garish  lighting during the ballet especially the Jud moments. Maybe more of a  contrast could have hit the mark and shown the fear in Laurey of what  was to come but I must say the sepia group photograph was just  genius and perfectly timed. That was a definite theatrical moment that  will be remembered. Both lighting and set helped the show to run at a  very slick pace. Excellent.  

Director  You may just have gathered a little I loved this production as did  everyone around me. You garnered the best cast possible and directed  this at such a pace not for a moment could we draw breath.  

One little niggle ( let’s get it out the way) the end of Juds number  “Lonely Room” was killed dead by that scene change coming in too  early. I know once you’re up and running with lighting cues it’s not  always easy to change, but that was the one time we could have drawn  breath after listening to it sang so well. That aside, as I expected you  did a magnificent job. So much ensemble to navigate about the stage  and I must say your directing felt so natural. I never ever felt someone’s  just moved for the sake of moving. Everyone had purpose and  conveyed their purpose to the audience. No one was ever blocked or  left upstaged. This is no mean feat on a production of this scale.  I felt a lot of love and care had gone into this and I must say you should  feel mighty proud.  

So Weston Operatics you’ve done it again with aplomb another superb  production under your belt. I really hope it did well for you financially.  I also thought the program was of an excellent standard. Don’t forget, if  you would like to be considered for Best Program category you need to  provide me with 5 copies of the program.  

Thank you so much for your hospitality and great seats. Can’t wait for  Joseph.  

Best wishes 

Mike x

 

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