Oklahoma

Arriving at a very busy foyer, always a good sign, we were warmly welcomed by Front of House and shown to our seats in a packed auditorium.

The lights dimmed and the orchestra, under the guidance of Lee Marchant (MD) struck up the overture and we were treated to a film slide show explaining the way the west was formed and the relationship between the Indians and the immigrants. Very good, and thought provoking.

The projection gauze rose and we were treated to a brilliant opening of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, very well sung and very well choreographed by Stephanie Constantine Smith. The Chorus and dancers were well drilled, it ran at a good pace and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves greatly. This pace carried on throughout the show, despite an effective and large set being moved about between scenes. There was the occasional gap between some scenes, but this was a heavy rotating set. Backstage did a good job here.

The principles did a very good and competent job, with confidence and great aplomb. Shannon Fisher as Laurey gave a good performance as the leading lady and was well backed up by Charlotte Deverill as the dizzy Ado Annie.

Mention must go here though to Alex Cook as Curley. He gave a more than credible performance and sang brilliantly, interacted well with Suzanne Teather as the matriarch Aunt Eller, who suited the role well, and held it all together very well and kept things moving at a good lick. Max White as Jud Fry really gave a great and believable performance as the wicked, thickset moody character that Jud is. Martin Mansfield as Ali Hakim brought some great comic touches (which suited him well) and Adam Davis as Will Parker proved that the men's line-up had a dancer with rope skills! (well done Will)

Overall this was an extremely good and enjoyable performance, as was born out by the standing ovation at the end. Well done MMS, had a thoroughly enjoyable evening

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