Oklahoma

The happiest and most attractive of revivals at the Torch Theatre in an expert and stylish production of this well known show. This had all the zip, fun and pace of a hoe down. From the opening notes of  “oh what a beautiful morning”, Ian Sherwood set many a female heart a flutter as the good-looking romantic cowboy Curly, with an easy style, warm charm and a rich full voice to blend  in beautiful duets with  his hard to get Laurey, a delightful well sung performance by Terri Harrison. The gullible innocent Will Parker was a well timed comedy performance by Leighton Hicks, extolling the virtues of Kansas City and bungling in his pursuit of his cookie “can’t say no” Ado Annie, in a sparkling performance by Bethan Davies. Letching pedlar men do not come any much funnier than Shaun Pollard as the iterant Ali Hakim in his hilarious wooing of Ado Annie and his eventual comeuppance with the laugh to chill of Gertie, nicely played by Lisa Lloyd. Daniel Bower brought out the dark side in a strong  performance as the sinister and unbalanced farm hand Jud Fry. Homely warmth and authority by Meryl Sage as the kindly Aunt Eller, and a rich cameo by Gary Crane as the gun toting Andrew Carnes. Good playing by the rest of the supporting roles gave all round strength to this well directed fast moving production, played by a company just bursting with drive and energy. Marian Harris fronted an orchestra (as smooth as silk) and brought a lively tempo and freshness to the rich tuneful score. Innovative choreography by Julie Condon was particularly well defined.

The set, made in house, looked good and was expertly handled by the stage crew. Colourful costumes added to the richness of the production. Congratulations to the director Sue Williams for bringing this colourful first class production to fruition. Congratulations to all cast members. Well done.

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