Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!

Music by Richard Rogers  Book & Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Directed by Martin Kingston 

Choreographer: Vicky Evans 

Musical Director: Tina Paveley

Conductor: Nick Lawrence 

Sound & Lighting: Dave & Emily Tulloch

The Manor Pavilion Theatre 

Tuesday 22nd April 2025 

‘Tricia BarclayNODA SW Representative District 6 

, There was certainly a “bright golden haze” on the theatre when SMT brought this ever popular production to the stage. 

Audiences were treated to a stunning open set, with an impressive windpump and farm  wagon centre stage, and a high row of corn with a striking sunrise behind, setting the  scene for the action to come. 

This was an extremely well performed and well-cast production, from the principals to  the whole ensemble every musical number was beautifully sung, and the intricate  choreography brilliantly executed. 

Curly and Laurey made an endearing couple at odds with each other from the start, but  their mutual attraction was obvious and their performances flawless.  Aunt Eller was also perfectly played, a warm and “down to earth” character she  certainly had the measure of everyone.  

Ado Annie was simply a revelation perfectly portraying the personality of a “girl who just  can’t say no” and was well partnered by Will Parker, an extremely affable character who  was determined to get his girl. His rendition of Kansas City was very well delivered,  singing and dancing with Aunt Eller and the cowboys and dancers, and the duet with  Ado Annie, All Er Nuthin’ delightful. 

As the other protagonist in the love triangle Ali Hakin the pedlar was excellent and had  the audience very much on his side. The height difference between him and Annie was  cleverly used when he came to say his goodbye! 

Bringing a dark side to the story Jud Fry was just superb, his menacing looks saying it all.  The scene in the smokehouse with Curly, as the US cabin was skilfully brought DS and  turned to reveal the interior, was particularly well played and sung. The dream sequence at the end of Act I was stunning, with the principals performing as themselves rather than substitutes as so often happens. What talent! This scene also highlighted the baseness of Jud’s character when dancers from the  ensemble dressed in burlesque type costume excellently performed a Verdon/Fosse  type routine. 

Act II opened with a bang with the full company on stage for The Farmer and the  Cowman, and the usual business with the auction of the hampers.

Of course, everything ended happily with a wedding and a delightful Surrey with a fringe  on top, but not without some melodrama when Jud attacks Curly with a knife, in an  impressively choreographed fight scene.  

Effective cameos came from Andrew Carnes happily ruling that Curly had killed Jud in  self-defence, and Gertie Cummings with her ear-piercing laugh, the love rival who gets  the pedlar in the end! 

There was a great mix of youngsters and adults in the ensemble, and everyone  performed with energy and enthusiasm, never putting a “boot” wrong! Scene changes were smoothly managed with everything impressively designed and  constructed by the Stage Manager, Set Designer and team. All the fight scenes were  professionally managed, lighting states atmospheric and costumes exactly right,  although perhaps a frock coat would have been better for Curly at the wedding – small  point. 

The finale was very well conceived, everyone was given their moment to shine, finishing  with Curly and Laurey stunningly silhouetted against the sunset. 

The Director, Musical Director, Conductor, splendid Orchestra, and Choreographer,  Cast and Crew, their wealth of talent and experience shining through, deserve  tremendous congratulations for a simply superb production. 

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