Oklahoma

~~This is still one of the best loved musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein, ever popular with audiences everywhere. The curtain rose for Matt Fisher, Curly, to welcome us with “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning”.  This number was nicely sung and set the tone for the rest of the production.  Emily Collins-Wingate, Aunt Eller, brought a quiet relaxing air to the show, but showed her mettle in controlling and silencing the farmers’ wives and cowboys and girls fighting at the box social.  Ellie Jones, Laurey, was a natural with a melodious voice and well cast for the part.  Phoebe Saunders, Ado Annie, not only sang well but obviously was having great fun in the part, vacillating between Georgie Cox, Will Parker, and Dominic Charman, Ali Hakim, who both played their very different roles with gusto.  It was a pleasure to watch them through the production. Luke Collins developed the role of Jud Fry with just the right amount of menace and maintained this characterisation throughout. The scene in the smoke house with Curly leading to their duet was particularly effective

The chorus enhanced the production with their rousing choruses and slick and energetic choreography. The set was very functional and assisted well with the pace and flow of the show. Overall the production was in the experienced hands of Director, Jacqui Ivemy, Musical Director, Dennis Brombley, and Choreographer, Joanne Booth. Congratulations to a superb back stage staff led by Grahame Willcocks and an orchestra which gave super accompaniment to the singers without overpowering them.
A good evening’s entertainment! Thank you!

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