Oklahoma!

It is always sensible to revive from the repertoire, a show that is known to be popular with audiences and Oklahoma! has that power with its simple story-lines and musical numbers so familiar to many in the audience.   Linda McMurray opened the show as the wise old Aunt Eller busy with her butter-churn on the farm.   Jamie Thomson as the handsome young cowhand Curly made a fine entrance with one of the show’s most memorable songs “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning”.    Rachel Scott as Aunt Eller’s niece Laurey Williams was coquettish in playing hard-to-get in response to Curly and all three gave excellent performances in the trio “The Surrey with the Fringe on Top”.   David McGarvey as the jolly, carefree Will Parker and Morag Robertson as the scatter-brained Ado Annie Carnes were well matched as a contrast to Laurey and Curly.   Robbie Quinn as the sinister hired hand Jud Fry took what is probably the most difficult part in the show and gave studied and careful renderings of his main numbers and maintained his brooding presence throughout the show.   In complete contrast, Andy Park as the pedlar Ali Hakim portrayed that strangely eccentric character with the zest the part requires.   Laura Newton as the awful Gertie Cummings had the laugh and character for the part and Frazer MacPhail had the gravitas and dignity for the role of Andrew Carnes, the deputy sheriff.
This was a show which was successful on all levels with neat production in the chorus numbers at the box social and elsewhere in the script. It was good to see this show again, particularly with the fine orchestra under the baton of David Edwards.
I should also mention the Programme which contained much information on the Rodgers and Hammerstein ll themselves, the history of Oklahoma and interesting pen sketches of the Principals – a good memento of the Show.
 

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