Oklahoma

As soon as the house lights went down the audience were captivated by the very effective setting and scenery. The scenic design had captured the essence of ‘Oklahoma’ in a few simple pieces. Oklahoma the evergreen R & H musical really is as old as the hills, but the director managed to find a freshness which combined with the romantic pairing of Laurey and Curley, and a totally committed and enthusiastic cast your society produced a delightful and successful show. The lighting was good and the sound for dialogue was clear and strong and the orchestra never overpowered the singers.
The costumes were mostly effective, although I would have wished for more differentiation between the Farmers and the Cowmen, they really all looked the same and the men’s boots were lovely but ‘Oh so Clean!’

The choreography was good, designed to suit the abilities of your dancers. I enjoyed the ‘ballet’, simple performed well is better than complex and beyond performer’s abilities. Using the ‘actual Laurey and Curley’ was brave, and although better actors than dancers, the emotion they portrayed made it work well. A special mention must be made of the two dancers, Hannah Anteney and May Jane Chamberlain, who gave a superb exhibition of dancing throughout, both individually and when leading the other members of the cast.

The company as a whole worked well and enthusiastically, real team work. The curtain rose for Steve Brown (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.  Cathy Pearce (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.  Laura Lamb (Laurey) was a natural with a melodious voice and well cast for the part.  Abbi Marchant (Ado Annie) sang well, and obviously was having great fun in the part, vacillating between Dan Kent (Will Parker) and Ben Smart (Ali-Hakim) who both played their very different roles with gusto.  It was a pleasure to watch them throughout the production.
Mention must be made of Lewis Philpott playing a very menacing and sinister Jud Fry, but at the same time portraying a wistfulness about himself.  Emily-Rose Mould (Gertie Cummings) played her scatter-brained role well amply demonstrating her screeching laughter. Philip Williams (Andrew Carnes) gave a reliable and enthusiastic performance.
The direction by Kevin Warne, well assisted by David Smith and choreographer Faye Anteney was excellent. He avoided the ‘Let’s update’ it trap and went for fresh, clean, clear storytelling at its best. The characters were well drawn and showed much time and effort and the results demonstrated this work. The pickup on cues was good leading to excellent pace, which in a long show is very necessary.  Good support from Will Pickering, Musical Director, and his small orchestra together with the overall leadership and support from Barbara Fairclough, producer and company chairperson.
Like all companies there is a need for good support backstage, led by Stage manager Mark Preston, and front of house and this company is always well supported. An excellent and very enjoyable performance! Well done!

John Thomas, Regional Youth Advisor

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