Oklahoma!

This is still one of the best loved musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein, ever popular with audiences everywhere. Tonight at the Forum was no exception.  From the beginning Joseph Wetherell sang and moved well as Curly, and his character developed as the show progressed.  He was ably supported by Sophie Diamond as his love interest, Laurey.  Christian Calgie performed the role of Will Parker with great ease and assurance, and the loveable and wise Aunt Eller was in the capable hands of Megan Gray.  Joe McElvaney developed the role of Jud Fry with just the right amount of menace and maintained this characterisation throughout.

Morgan Burgess played the Persian Pedlar Ali Hakim with confidence and used his smaller stature to get every bit of comedy out of the role.  He was ably supported by Amelia Coburn as the eccentric Ado Annie.  The minor principals all gave good solid performances.  The chorus throughout supported the leading characters with fine singing and movement, the dream ballet being a particular highlight.  An excellent set, although there were a couple of technical difficulties on the night I attended, and bright and colourful costumes completed the package.  The music was in the capable hands of Jeremy Harbottle and his talented orchestra who never once overpowered any of the singers on stage.  As always Dan Brooks manages to get the best out of his performers, and should be proud of this production.

As always with Crash Bang Wallop there is a great sense of team work both on and off the stage for every production.  Well done to all concerned.

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