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OKLAHOMA! |
Review from Henley Standard 31st October 2002 |
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"My verdict: Oh what a beautiful show!" |
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The centenary of Richard Rodgers coincides with 80 years of Henley Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society. These came together in the wonderful celebration of Oklahoma! which I was privileged to see on Monday at the Kenton Theatre. |
| Monday nights are not usually the best the see a show, but this was an exception, and HAODS went just about as far as they could go as they yee-ha-ed their way through this rip-roaring production, directed by Julia Rymer. |
| The theatre was almost full and the atmosphere was electric as the curtain rose on a beautiful morning. It is difficult to know where to start. The music under the direction of Toby Cruise and Mark Williams was of the highest standard; the singing superb; all the characters splendidly portrayed (especially the lead roles of Laurey and Curly, played by Christine Valentine and Alan Elston).Christine has a beautiful voice and Alan looked just right for the part; he gave me the impression that he had just tied up Ole Dun, his horse, outside the theatre! |
| John Horsburgh as Jud gave this dark part suitable menace and intensity, quite rightly invoking a pantomime-style boo in the finale.Jennifer Scott as Aunt Eller was just as I would love my Aunt Eller to be, and Barrie Scott played a very funny and suitably cunning Persian Peddlerman Ali Hakim, who gets his come-uppance in the shape of Caroline Hopkins, who made a superb job of Gertie Cummings, driving us all crazy with her hyena-style laugh.Peter Dayton as Andrew Carnes, the judge, was well portrayed with just the right amount of dignity. |
| How wonderful, too, to see a well-drilled chorus including children — and especially men —- who provided us with thrilling harmonies and descants throughout all the ensemble numbers, and of course, the one we all wait for, Oklahoma! itself. Thirty-eight in all, they were outstanding. |
| However, I have left the very best to last. James Gwynne as Will Parker brought dynamism to this part and his comedy timing was superb. Louise Mawbey as Ado Annie Carnes was a delight, with some lovely dumb-blonde moments which had us wincing. The combination of these two was superb and stole the show for me. |
| The set was excellent, I particularly liked being able to see the inside and outside of Jud’s house, by quite simply revolving it on stage. Geoff Bamford’s lighting was especially effective and imaginative; the ballet scene was one of the best I have seen for a long time. The visual effect with the costumes was very good. I loved Jud’s postcard girls and I also saw some very saucy lacy pantaloons! The dancing under Emma Taylor was of the highest standard; I especially liked The Farmer and the Cowman. |
| To sum up this splendid show, I must mention the 30-odd members of the production team for helping to make it such a memorable and seamless show. |
| My only very small criticism is that at times the stage was too crowded, which detracted from the lovely singing and dancing. But all in all I can only say congratulations to HAODS and Richard Rodgers (not forgetting Oscar Hammerstein of course!) and to Julia Rymer I say, “When’s the next show?” |
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ROBERT STERLING |
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