Oklahoma!

The senior members of Ossett Youth Theatre Seniors took on the much-loved classic Oklahoma!, the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Set in the Oklahoma Territory at the turn of the twentieth century, the musical tells the story of a tight-knit farming community on the brink of statehood, where romance, rivalry and social expectations shape the lives of its residents.

At the heart of the story is confident cowboy Curly and the independent Laurey, whose complicated relationship forms the central thread of the show. Alfie Cole as Curly delivered a strong performance with warm, assured vocals that suited the character perfectly. Opposite him, Ellie Mitchell as Laurey was confident throughout and demonstrated an effortless soprano voice. The pair shared an excellent on-stage chemistry and clearly established the playful yet heartfelt connection between the two characters.

Running alongside their story is the more comedic romance between Will Parker and Ado Annie. Tom Roberts (Will Parker) and Annabel Wood (Ado Annie) proved to be a fantastic comedic pairing. Roberts brought real energy to the stage, particularly in the lively number Kansas City, where he showcased impressive dancing ability and infectious enthusiasm. Wood fully embraced the character of Ado Annie, maintaining her comic persona throughout and giving a performance reminiscent of Bonnie Langford. When working with a vocal accent, however, it may help to be mindful of pacing, as occasionally the speed of delivery meant some lines were lost.

Ado Annie’s other admirer, the travelling peddler Ali Hakim, was played by Lee Dawson, who is perhaps more accustomed to the world of Shakespeare. Dawson brought a wonderfully expressive physicality to the role, using both movement and facial expression to tell the story of Ali Hakim’s emotional journey — trying to win Ado Annie, attempting to escape commitment, and ultimately finding himself destined to marry Gertie Cummings. Jenny Waring, a newcomer to the society as Gertie Cummings, fitted seamlessly into the production and delivered a confident performance, complete with the character’s iconic laugh, which drew plenty of laughter from the audience.

The standout performance of the evening came from Alex Nunes as Jud Fry. Though Jud is not the most talkative character, his presence looms large over the show, and Nunes fully committed to portraying the darker side of the troubled farmhand. He maintained character throughout, creating a constant sense of unease that suggested Jud was always on the edge of something sinister. His rendition of Lonely Room was particularly striking — performed with a strong physical interpretation that used body language as much as voice to communicate the character’s turmoil. Combined with effortless vocals, this was a memorable and compelling performance, marking Nunes as a real talent for the future.

Many other supporting and ensemble roles helped bring the Oklahoma Territory community to life, contributing to the overall success and atmosphere of the production. When tackling a classic such as Oklahoma! it can be helpful for performers to fully understand the historical references within the script. Set in America over a century ago, the musical reflects a time of great change as Oklahoma moved towards statehood. A little additional research into these references could help some of the humour and subtleties land even more effectively with audiences.

Behind the scenes, the production was in excellent hands. Director and choreographer Jessica Winstanley and musical director Sue Winstanley clearly pour their heart and soul into Ossett Youth Theatre, providing young performers with invaluable opportunities to experience and participate in the arts. Their dedication and commitment to nurturing talent is truly commendable.

During show week, James Greatorex stepped in to conduct the live band — and it is always a pleasure to hear a live orchestra accompanying a musical. The musicians added richness to the production. On a few occasions, however, the balance meant some quieter dialogue and duets were slightly harder to hear, and it would have been lovely to hear more of the piccolo during People Will Say We’re in Love.

The technical side of the production was also a triumph. Grant Rayner and Matt Roberts delivered excellent lighting and sound throughout the show, creating an atmosphere that complemented the set and storytelling beautifully. Even when faced with a few technical challenges — including issues with a performer’s radio microphone — the team handled the situation professionally and smoothly.

Overall, this was a superb production that showcased the dedication, enthusiasm and talent of everyone involved. Congratulations to the cast, crew and creative team for bringing this classic musical to life so successfully. It will be exciting to see what Ossett  Youth Theatre tackles next.

 

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