Oklahoma!

Oklahoma!                         The Mellow Dramatics                  September 2015

Oklahoma! is a traditional and well-loved show. As I arrived at The Burton Brewhouse to see The Mellow Dramatics production of this classic favourite, the building was full of audience members eagerly awaiting their afternoon’s entertainment.

Once again the simple set maximised the use of space, the house looked like it could also have graced the Wizard of Oz and I loved how it was turned into the smokehouse giving the stage a completely different feel. Costumes were as you would expect, although some of the ladies might have been a little embarrassed turning up to the box social in the same dress! The use of projection in some scenes worked well and as the screen was permanently there it would have been great to see it used more.

The company were a little overwhelming at times due to the sheer number of them within such a small space but I cannot fault their enthusiasm and how they all entered into the scenes, staying in character and responding well during the dialogue. The choreography was appropriate and executed well. The ballet scene, which can sometimes be a bit of a drag, was well done with a strong storyline, keeping the interest and attention of the audience.

The directors of this production, Laura Whitehouse and Tom Brassington, did a fabulous job with the humour in both the songs and dialogue. It was clear and well delivered making for some very enjoyable moments. Well done.

I think the men stole the show for me this time around. Andrew Warner, as Curly, was strong throughout. What Joe Bromfield, as Jud Fry, lacked in stature he certainly made up for in character, menacing throughout and was a complete contrast to Curly. Once I’d got over how young both Will Parker and Ali Hakim were, I began to really warm to them and how they developed their individual characters. The boys delivered the humour with confidence and ease and were extremely watchable.

Overall the singing was good and strong throughout, although I was a little bemused by the tune disappearing during one section of the title song, Oklahoma, and being replaced with unison singing of one of the harmony lines.

It was great to see the band on stage again and what a great sound they made.

Congratulations to all who were involved in the production and if the matinee performance was anything to go by then your audiences really enjoyed this feel good show.

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