Oklahoma!

In a show with the audience popularity of “Oklahoma”, it is very easy to be lulled into offering the same old presentation as given over the years.  However, not so here. CAMS give a version showing thoughtfulness and ingenuity in what, otherwise, would be a “same old” Oklahoma. Within the tight confines of their performing area, Director, Jackie Beatson manages to move her chorus and principals, and also include choreography devised by Lorna Lewis, to full effect. A well thought out set comprises largely a house truck, which rotates to form the Skidmore Ranch and opens out to form Jud’s Smokehouse.  Somehow it also manages to truck off in to the meagre wing space when not required – as in the dream ballet.

Anyway, there was also a cast!  Helen Knowles gave a first class performance as Laurey, exuding confidence and clarity in both her singing and spoken word.  Helen, together with Neil Jarret as Curly, formed an excellent combination as leading couple – their rendition of “People Will Say We’re in Love” drawing well deserved applause.  Aunt Eller (Joan Wood) is the character I see as the narrator of this musical and whenever there is a problem – Aunt Eller will fix it! Joan’s fount of experience brought humour and motherliness right from the top of the show, although, for me, Aunt Eller’s contribution in “The Farmer and the Cowman” is one of my favourite sequences.  Humour is also brought in no small measure by Will Parker (Andrew Doig) and Ado Annie (Suzie Brain). Andrew also excelled in “Kansas City” with a nicely choreographed sequence for the male ensemble at the end of the number.  Michael McFarlane as Jud Fry showed yet another side to his acting talent – normally seen as the tenor “who gets his girl” - here he is the baritone who “definitely doesn’t get his girl”.  Nevertheless, as Jud, his stage presence comes to the fore, and – almost – draws a “Boo” from the audience at the final calls (in the nicest possible way, of course!). Ali Hakim (Raymond Young) together with the other minor principals all give very acceptable characterisations and add in no small way to the overall quality of the production.  The chorus, both male and female, equip themselves admirably in this show – this being in no small way helped along by the baton of Kate Doig who also ensures that her orchestra never overpower what is being sung on stage.

Congratulations also to Sheona Goodall (Stage Manager) and her Stage Technicians for a smoothly run show.

Well done CAMS – another very enjoyable performance! 

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