Oklahoma!

Oklahoma! was first performed in Broadway in 1943 and was the first collaboration of famed partners Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the 20th Century, it tells the story of farm girl Laurey and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly and the sinister and frightening farmhand Jud Fry. A secondary romance concerns cowboy Will Parker and his flirtatious fiancée, Ado Annie.

The set was lovely, with a continually rotating windmill in the background and a gorgeous warm glow provided by the lighting, which gave the required feeling of the searing heat. This turned to an intense red during the scenes with Jud Fry, which suited the sinister edge. Transitions between scenes were handled efficiently by the backstage team and sound was clear and well balanced. Costumes were on the whole well chosen, although not quite all were in keeping with the period or setting of the show, and there were a few uneven hems and ill fitting clothes. Makeup was beautifully applied but a few less wigs might have given a more natural look to the production overall.

The society are blessed with some excellent principals and they carried the story through with some fine singing and acting.

Aunt Eller (Barbara) opened the show languidly churning butter in the hot midday sun which nicely set the scene. She had an easy, relaxed rapport with Curly and Laurey and was wonderfully funny and authoritative in the bidding scene in the second act. This was a finely crafted portrayal of one of musical theatre’s most feisty but lovable characters.

Lydia’s strength as Laurey was very much in her superb acting and natural performance style, which suited the role brilliantly. She had lovely vocals and exuded confidence as the headstrong farm girl, switching convincingly to a more uncertain and frightened Laurey for her uncomfortable scenes with Jud.

Curly (Matthew) did not disappoint with his opening rendition of perhaps the show’s most iconic number ‘Oh, What a beautiful Mornin’ and his strong musical performance was matched with an easy charm and manner in his acting. He was an excellent pairing with Laurey and together they portrayed a very believable love story.

Jud (Andrew) was superbly menacing, with a lovely resonant voice and a good physicality for this disturbing character. His chilling presentation of ‘Lonely Room’ was definitely one of the show’s musical and dramatic highlights. Very well done.

Ado Annie (Sabrina) was gloriously characterful and provided a masterclass in acting. I didn’t spot a single moment when she wasn’t reacting and engaging with others on the stage. She also proved to have a terrific singing voice as well as being an accomplished dancer. A really outstanding performance worthy of the West End and her rendition of ‘I can’t say no’ was a tour de force. Bravo!

Ed as Will was a fantastic pairing with Ado Annie and a great foil to Ali, providing much ofthe show’s humour. He had a fine singing voice and acted well. I especially enjoyed ‘All ErNothin’.

Tom as Ali Hakim had a good understanding of his character and the interplay between him, Ado and Will was always very entertaining. His number ‘It’s a scandal! It’s an outrage!’ with the male ensemble was delivered with great energy and vocals.

Other roles such as Gertie Cummings (Annabel) with her hilarious high-pitched giggle, Andrew Carnes (Dave), Ike (Robin) and Cord Elam (George) were all well played and supported the rest of the cast with strong performances. I must also mention Georgia who sang beautifully in ‘Out of my dreams’.

The well rehearsed ensemble was excellent throughout. They sang and moved well and were always enthusiastic, engaged and energetic in their scenes. In the choreography I would perhaps have liked to have seen less ballet and more hoedown, which may have suited the cast and the show better but, on the whole, it was very enjoyable. I thought the movement in ‘The Farmer and the Cowman’ worked particularly well.

Rodgers score is packed full of wonderful melodies and under the expert direction of James Finbow, the orchestra did them justice, producing a lovely rich sound throughout. There were some lovely harmonies from the ensemble too, and principal singing was of a very high standard. Strong Direction by Helen Halliday was also evident, with some good attention to detail and plenty to keep the audience entertained. A very enjoyable production all round, which was very well received by the appreciative audience. Congratulations to all involved.

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