Price:£14.99
Oklahoma - Sunderland Empire
Apr 29, 2010
RODGER and Hammerstein's Oklahoma is so well known as it is such a favourite with amateur groups, I did wonder if a professional production would bring anything new to the show. I didn't have long to wait as this production brings sheer quality to the stage of Sunderland Empire in abundance from the quality of the singing, the skilful choreography and the superb acting.The story of romance is set against the backdrop of feuding between the farmers and the cowmen in 1907 on the Indian Territory, which will soon become the State of Oklahoma. The set is simple but very effective. Marti Webb heads the cast as Aunt Eller with great stage presence, though we don't get to see her in full flow until the start of the second act with The Farmer and the Cowman. Mark Evans as Curly, Gemma Sutton as Laurey and Michelle Crook as Ado Annie are all superb. The comedy is perfectly executed by Vas Constanti as Ali Hakim. For me though it is Pete Gallagher that stands out as Jud Fry he brings pathos to his plight and creates such empathy I have never seen in the role before, add to that a superb singing voice and stage presence.
The choreography throughout was a delight to watch especially the Dream Ballet at the end of Act One. There is so much energy and enthusiasm in the show that the time passes so quickly. With so many magical numbers including Oh What a beautiful mornin', The Surrey with the Fringe on Top, People Will Say We're in Love and of course Oklahoma you are bound to be singing one of them on the way home.
Oklahoma runs at The Sunderland Empire until Saturday 1st May.
A J Harrison