Oklahoma


24 January 2006

> Norwich Theatre Royal

Did you know that January 23 was supposed to be the most depressing day of the year? A perfect antidote was my visit to the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society's production of Oklahoma!

A packed audience at the Theatre Royal were treated to a marvellous show with a first rate cast who acted and sang their socks off.

Chris Dilley was an energetic and believable Curly and Sarah Pryde sang Laurey's role beautfully. Christine Mullord shone in the warm, human role of Aunt Eller, and Stephanie Moore (Ado Annie) and Paul Woodhouse (Will Parker) were very funny as the sparring cowboy and flighty Miss he wishes to marry.

I was very impressed by Tony Joslin's wonderful turn as Ali Hakim, he's a natural and very funny comedian.

Huw Jones' deep voice and air of menace as Jud Fry really chilled the audience, quite properly (he's an arsonist and a murderer - heavy stuff for a musical), and step forward Ray Jeffery, director and choreographer and Jenny Bugg, dance captain; the dance routines were superb and gorgeously costumed.

The saloon gals of Agnes de Mille's dream ballet deserve a special mention as well - their macabre dance to “I'm Just A Girl Who Can't Say No” was quite spine-tingling and it was a pleasure to listen to the orchestra who were pitched perfectly for the theatre. Some of the amplified singing was a shade too loud and some of the words gabbled, so it was occasionally difficult to hear Oscar Hammerstein's superb lyrics, but these are minor complaints, because the Society has triumphed with yet another great show.

Banish the blues and see Oklahoma!