Oklahoma!

With superb use of their new built staging and lighting banks, Duns has taken this popular musical and used a contemporary interpretation to attract their audience this year. It was lovely to see a very capable production team holding the reigns, to bring to fruition their vision, by applying some excellent screen backdrops, making set changes totally slick. The band from the start were perfectly balanced, suiting the venue well and very sympathetic supporting the singers.The opening rendition of ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’ was handled well, in a really relaxed way, which endeared Curly to the audience from the start. His dialogue during ‘Surrey With The fringe on Top’ was timed perfectly, with subtle sound effects, enthralling Laurey to the comfort of his arms. As a couple they worked very well together throughout the show and were perfectly suited vocally, making ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’, very believable. Laurey’s, ‘Many a New Day’, appeared at a slower tempo than usual but it picked up for the dancing and overall deserved generous compliments.  Aunt Eller was perfectly cast. A natural and comedic actress with dance and singing skills, was well applauded in ‘Kansas City’. Her character was integral to the whole story and with ease of character, she flirted with Curly, argued with Ali, advised Laurey, bullied Cord and in directing the bidding for the hampers,  she was excellent. Ado Annie’s flirtatious interpretation held Will and Ali to account. This girl, who says to Laurey, ’I Caint Say No!’, delivered her song with absolute conviction and red bloomers, to great applause.  Paired with an affectionate Will Parker, they made ‘All er Nuthin’’ really animated and a truly memorable duet. Ali, on the other hand, in his panic to get out of a forced marriage, engaged his male friends to sympathise during ‘It’s a Scandal, it’s an Outrage’. The whole of the smokehouse scene evoked many emotions. Curly’s humorous teasing in ‘Pore Jud’  was very well sung, as was the dark, atmospheric rendition from Jud in ‘Lonely Room’. It was an interesting change to see a pre recorded black and white film of Laurey’s dream ballet, but I have to admit I enjoyed the innovation.  The opening to Act 2 was full of jibes and giggles as Will tried to engage with Annie’s hamper, in a stupidly naive effort to outbid Ali. It’s usual that the ‘Oklahoma’ chorus gets huge audience applause and this show was no different, with each character giving a strong introduction to the rousing chorus.  A big ten out of ten for the fight choreography. The creativity within the ‘Farmer and the Cowman’ dance and the Curly and Jud fight scene was superb.  The finale visual support, using a photo shoot of the Company with Curly and Laurey in the Surrey really worked. The flashing stills did too. The cast put their heart and soul into the final ‘Oklahoma’ chorus reprise, which I’m sure was echoed by every one of this week’s audience. A really great production on all accounts. Thank You!

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