Oklahoma!

This show was a very good opening performance of the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. There were some very good characterisations of the main characters, and Aron Armstrong got the show off to a rousing opening with ‘ Oh What a Beautiful Morning’. Vanessa Turpin was a very good aunt Eller, she kept the younger principals in check very well. Laurey was well played by Kayleigh Cullen, as was Ado Annie and Will Parker, played by Amy Morton and Chris Simpson respectively. Seeing Chris brought some happy memories for me, having played the same part some forty two years ago!!. Stuart Evans was a suitably surly Jud Fry, and of course he got his come uppance in the end. Shaun Donald played Persian Peddlar Man, Ali Hakim very well, he certainly made the most of this comic character.Smaller roles were all well played, and the ensembles and chorus numbers were very good. Kayleigh, as well as playing  Laurey had, along with Scarlett Todhunter choreographed the show, and there were some very good dance routines. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Farmer and the Cowman’ dance.

The show was very well directed by Maria Morton, I know how hard she worked. The band was well led by Jen Daglish, and the staging and scenery worked very well. Lighting and sound suited the production. The wardrobe had dressed the show well but I would have preferred to see the Can Can dancers in bloomers, rather than short underwear.I felt they were rather risqué, or maybe its me becoming an old prude!!!.

I hope audiences improve for the rest of the run, the company deserved bigger support. Well done again to all concerned, and thank you for the invitation, as always the hospitality was excellent.

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