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Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society. " OKLAHOMA " May 2000 Oklahoma opened in the New York St James Theatre on March 31st 1943 where it remained for the next five years and nine months. It was the most totally realized amalgamation of all the theatrical Arts - songs, dance and strong story line, and it is as popular today as it was then. Although the Trowbridge Civic Centre is not the easiest venue to present a musical, for this production it worked well giving a good feel of “wide open spaces”. The sets were well designed and constructed by the Society and the costumes from Marigold were fresh and of the correct period. Make-up was unobtrusive and props were simple and adequate. On the whole I thought the lighting was good embracing the acting area evenly and the back projection of clouds was most effective but I felt there were too many "dims" during solos which made one feel a cloud had passed over the sun each time a principal sang. The dances were well thought-out and executed with style and enthusiasm. What a pity we did not see more of the “dream Ballet”. It is such a feature of this musical and I felt the dancers and choreographer Allison Lomax would have done it justice. The chorus singing was of a very high standard and well balanced. The “ Oklahoma” chorus was particularly praiseworthy. Everyone in the chorus made their own little cameo character and the interplay and reactions were of a high standard. The orchestra under the safe control of Musical Director Helen Heaton produced a most pleasing sound and did not overpower the singing!!
Individual Performances. CURLY - Sean Andrews. Although I felt Sean held back a little for ‘Oh, what a beautiful mornin’ by the time he was into Surrey with the fringe on the top he was well established not only as Curly but in his relationship with Laurey. The interplay was most convincing and one could feel the true feelings both characters had for each other. His smoke house scene was extremely well put over with beautiful timing and the fight with Jud towards the end was as good as any I have seen. AUNT ELLER - Kath Cowdroy. This is not an easy part to get right and although Kath looked the part and moved very well I wanted Eller to have more mettle. Even in the more sympathetic moments with Laurey she still needed to be "tough" - as she says herself – that’s how she had survived in a man’s land. LAUREY - Kate Courage. A most enjoyable performance. Good clear voice and natural manner. This Laurey and Curly suited each other so well - a fine piece of casting. JUD FRY - Paul Butler. I have seen this part performed in so many waysand I enjoyed this interpretation very much. One could see and feel the pathological side of Jud and I thought his rendering of "Lonely Room" was one of a number of highlights in this production. ADO ANNIE CARNES - Naomi Stevens. What a delightful performance. Her confused changes of mood between Ali Hakim and Will Parker were very well sustained and she was able to put the comedy across and still make her a likeable character - top marks. Will PARKER - Matt Heaton. This performance of Will made him a slow thinker but at the same time a very amusing character.... not easy to achieve. He worked well with Ado Annie and their loving was just right. ALI HAKIM - Siggi Moore. Good make up, a flashy suit and a well written entrance - but that does not make for a good Ali - but Siggi did. His timing was faultless and his facial expressions were exemplary. What a pity we were denied “It’s a scandal”. This was another super performance. ANDREW CARNES - Bob Knowles. Bob's experience shone through from the moment he stepped into the set. Clear diction, perfect timing and yet never over done. As ever, I enjoyed his performance very much. IKE SKIDMORE - Glan Davies. With his impressive bearing and strong clear voice what more could one ask for. (It is so nice to see and hear performers who have entertained so well in the past still delighting audiences today. GERTIE CUMMINGS - Caroline Cowdroy. I usually feel Gertie does not make enough of this fun cameo but Caroline came out each time with all guns blasting. That raucous laugh was as good as any I have heard and she looked stunning - most enjoyable. CORD ELAM - Derek Brightman. This is another cameo which if not portrayed with conviction can let the side down and weaken the story line. Derek approached this part as if it were the most important in the show and that in itself shows the strength of this Society. Phil Courage is to be congratulated in his fine direction. There were so many interesting and pleasing pictures to see through clever placing of chorus and principals. Much thought and hard work had obviously been put into this presentation which I enjoyed very much.
Alec J. Ruddick, |
