Have you renewed your group membership?

Oklahoma!

Author: Jean Taylor

Information

Date
3rd October 2012
Society
Longwood Theatre Productions
Venue
Lawrence Batley Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Jane Davison/Neil Broadbent
Musical Director
Caroline Kelly
Choreographer
Emma Binns

A well known and well loved show which has once again popped up as fresh as a daisy. Very interesting lighting effects and a fairly simple set made a very good early morning opening for Curley's first number - 'Oh What a Beautiful Morning' -well sung and played by Dominic Moccia when he called to see Aunt Eller and Laurey (Sharon Whitehead and Gemma Clarkson), also well played and sung characters.
Will Parker (Neil Broadbent) - responsible for some of the direction - was full of good humour on his return from Kansas, his dancing and singing always a pleasure to see, and looking forward to meeting his girl Ado Annie (Hannah Bell). Unfortunately she can't make up her mind between Will and the Pedlar man Ali Hakim (Craig Kelly), two more very good characters and the confusion between them was very funny and well played.
On the sinister side was Jud Fry who was determined to get Laurey but does nothing but frighten her and the fearsome story unfolds between her and Curley and Jud during the beautifully danced Dream Ballet.
At the Box Social Annie's mind is made up for her by her father Andrew Carnes (Bill O'Brian) leaving Ali Hakim free to go after another girl - Gertie Cummings (Zoe Clarkson) which he regrets due to her piercing laugh. A very good fight scene between Jud and Curley was well arranged, when Jud's previous crimes come to light and so all turns out well and happily. I thought every character was well played and the small orchestra provided good accompaniment.I love this show!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.

Other recent show reports in the North East region

Funders & Partners