Oklahoma

Oklahoma is one of the all time great Musicals, very lively and entertaining, and full of show stopping foot tapping numbers. Mary Coyte directing her first big  musical show, did it with perfection bringing out the best in a very talented cast. Heather Legat (Aunt Eller) a highly experienced actress played her part well displaying her many acting and wonderful singing talents. Alexandra Boughton as her neice Laurey Williams was a delight, a very pretty girl, her acting and singing were a joy to watch and her occasional feisty nature came over very well. Kevin Sampson (Curly McLain) has matured well starting as a junior with the company some 18 years ago and has since added many senior roles, this one being his all time favourite, his rich baritone voice and excellent acting portrayed the part well. Charlie Murray (Will Parker) has the makings of the next leading man his stage presence, acting, singing and dancing were proof of his talents and a joy to watch. Andrew 'Buz' Burrows (Jud Fry) appearing on stage instead of behind the scenes utilised his excellent acting and singing voice playing the character of the misunderstood loner in a menacing way.  Alexandra Yates (Ado Annie Carnes) was simply delightful making the most of the fun loving girl. George Murray as Ali Hakim the peddler man, comically misunderstood, he was true to the part, and enjoyed being on stage with his real life son Charlie. Sarah Dickinson, playing her first major role, portrayed the part of ‘the girl with the irritating laugh’ Gertie Cummings to great effect. Geoff Vivian (Andrew Carnes) was perfect as the father of  Ado Annie, anxious to get  his wayward daughter married and off his hands, his stage presence, acting and singing are always a joy to watch.

Musical Director Steven Bean conducted the orchestra displaying his many talents to accompany the cast. Choreographer Lizzie Hales did a splendid job of getting the best out of firstly the men and the ladies. It was obvious that the cast were very well drilled. Stage Manager Pete Day along with Deputy Jim Goebel and the back stage crew did a splendid job with the scene changes. The sets designed by Jenny Bray, Lyn Collelldeval and Mary Coyte complemented this western show. Costumes, Linda Titherley and Mary Coyte augmented the production. Lighting Jessica Eade, Tony Marshall, Rolly Trice and David Tropman and Sound Chris Evans combined to make the show perfect.

Well done FAOS for a wonderful entertaining evening well received by a packed audience.

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