Oklahoma!
Studley Operatic Society
THIS year is the 75th anniversary of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma and if they’d been in the audience at the Palace Theatre on Wednesday they’d have been shouting, cheering and clapping in delight with the rest of us.
This show is an absolute triumph.
From the opening scene with Liz Bird’s Aunt Eller, complete with spot-on mid-West accent, the tone is set for the rest of the show.
What follows just seems to flow naturally as we are quickly introduced to the heart of the matter – Curly’s love Laurey and the emergence of a rival for her affections.
The songs of course are great, from ‘Oh What a Beautiful Morning’ , to ‘Surrey With the Fringe on Top’, and ‘People Will Say We’re in Love’ but this cast have other talents.
Not only can they sing, they can act – and dance too!
Indeed the fun they’re having on stage quickly infects the audience, making us all part of the party.
There is strength here right across the board, from their outstanding lead – Paul Mitchell’s Curly – to relative newcomer Matt Bridgwater in only his second musical performance as his rival Jud.
Sophie Hill makes a winning Laurey while Alex MacDonald-Smith as the lovestruck Will Parker and the objection of his affections, Jessica Horabin’s Ado Annie, together nearly steal the show.
And I could swear the hilarious ear-splitting shrieks of Yasmin Springthorpe’s Gertie Cummings were leaving cracks in the ceiling, while Hugh Duck’s comic timing makes for a fine Ali Hakim.
In fact there are too many to name check them all, but the ensemble (and there must have been upwards of 60 people on the stage at one point) should collectively take a bow.
Directors Kevin and Alison Hirons should be congratulated for bringing such a fine production to the stage at the Palace.
Plaudits also to musical director Norma Kift whose players didn’t miss a beat.
Oklahoma continues at the Palace until Saturday, April 28 with performances at 7.30pm plus a matinee at 2.30pm on the Saturday.
Tickets are £17 from the box office in person, on 01527 65203 or online at http://www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/
Ross Crawford
