Oklahoma!

A lively, colourful overture under the baton of Peter Holligan promised an evening of engaging musical theatre – and no one was to be disappointed. From the moment the lights came up on the open stage, the sell-out audience was in the hands of the Company. Starting with “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, there followed, one after another show-stopping audience favourites. Curly (Andrew Doig) and Laurey (Gillian Hewitt) formed an immensely likeable leading duo. Their stage presence together with clear diction raised their performances to an extremely high standard in both solos and duets; “People Will Say We’re In Love” being, for me, one of the highlights of the show. Oklahoma, however, also provides for a host of supporting principals - the comedy duo of Will Parker (Thomas Cape) and Ado Annie (Keri Henderson) being a case in point. Again, fabulous performances from both, adding that comedy which is, so often, attempted but not achieved. Gordon Taylor as the peddler Ali Hakim gave one of the best interpretations of this character that I remember seeing – a pleasure to watch and listen to on every appearance. Ali Hakim together with Gertie Cummings (Lindsay Rowan) added even more comedy to an already laughter packed show. And Lindsay – that laugh – fantastic!  The dark side of this musical was in the capable hands of Craig Spence as Jud Fry.  Forcing alternate feelings of hate and pity the unsmiling Craig brought extra drama to this, otherwise, light hearted show. His duet followed by solo in The Smoke House bringing well deserved audience applause. Being a G&S person at heart, I am used to concluding Act One with a rousing Finale which often stretches the singers to the limit. Here Rodgers and Hammerstein have scored the equivalent, but for dance. Again, Leven AMA rose to the challenge and under choreographer, Jemma Guild provided an Act One Dream Sequence that matched the rest of the show – well done!

Act Two opens with another big number for both singers and dancers alike – “The Farmer and the Cowman”. The movement of the cast on what was a relatively small stage was extremely thoughtful and obviously well planned.  Changing scenes was apparently seamless thanks to a cleverly designed set which fitted the stage well and trucked with minimal effort (says he sitting in the audience!) from one scene to the next. Nearing the end of the show now, but not before we get the title song  - and surely nearly everyone in the audience was singing along with “Oklahoma” (sorry Peter!).

Lovely performances were also had from Kathleen Crowe (Aunt Eller), Andrew Carnes (Jim Hannah), Cord Elam (Howard Stevens), Fred (Laurence Crowe) and Ellen (Lynsey Stuart).

Well done to each and every person involved with this production!

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