Post by Talissa on Sept 29, 2005 10:13:01 GMT 11
The Production Company’s Oklahoma was lively and energetic, full of laughter and fun, in the true spirit of the show. Musically it was very soundly directed, with beautifully balanced harmonies, and well-drilled dynamics and timing. The movement was well-done, with everything from Curly leaping over chairs to barn dances to a gorgeous ballet dream sequence at the end of Act 1. And the set, though of course simpler than would be ideal for the show, was effective enough, and used well. The changing of the sky as time progressed was especially effective.
The cast was well-chosen, each of the principal and minor characters being portrayed beautifully and with the life and energy required by the show and the direction.
Probably most effective was the one dark aspect of the show, Jud Fry, who was played darkly by James Millar, and who managed to make the audience shiver even after the bubble of some of the big production numbers. With a strong singing voice to match, a very effective portrayal.
Another who certainly, though contrastingly, made his mark, though this is not unexpected with this actor, was Mitchell Butel in the role of Ali Hakim. As usual, he held the audience in the palm of his hand as he played the full comedy of the character, without quite losing touch with the human side.
Amanda Harrison was an absolutely adorable Ado Annie (woah, alliteration) and sang strongly, a good contrast to Lucy Durack’s Laurie, which was beautifully acted and sung, and the two actors worked well together. The costumes contrasted effectively, as did the movement, and both women captured their roles wonderfully.
Opposite them, Ian Stenlake and Chris Parker as Curly and Will respectively did just as well. Both were charismatic and energetic, bounding around the stage effortlessly. ‘The Surrey With the Fringe on Top’ was engaging and ‘Kansas City’ sparkling. Oh, and while I’m picking out songs, ‘It’s a Scandal! It’s an Outrage!’ and ‘Pore Jud is Daid’ were two others hat were particularly well done.
Gary Down was sparkling as always. Nancye Hayes… Well, in Eureka it was the five-metre wide dress; in this it was the gun. She always has her big moment, and deserves it. A very well-played portrayal there. And of course, special mention goes to Louise Bell, who was delightfully annoying as Gertie Cummings.
And just one last note to say beautiful umbrella work by the girls in Many a New Day. It was extremely well done. A query, though. Was it intentional for some of the girls to have completely different coloured tights? It didn’t seem quite right. That’s just a tiny quibble, though, and might just be me. Otherwise, lovely.
The cast was well-chosen, each of the principal and minor characters being portrayed beautifully and with the life and energy required by the show and the direction.
Probably most effective was the one dark aspect of the show, Jud Fry, who was played darkly by James Millar, and who managed to make the audience shiver even after the bubble of some of the big production numbers. With a strong singing voice to match, a very effective portrayal.
Another who certainly, though contrastingly, made his mark, though this is not unexpected with this actor, was Mitchell Butel in the role of Ali Hakim. As usual, he held the audience in the palm of his hand as he played the full comedy of the character, without quite losing touch with the human side.
Amanda Harrison was an absolutely adorable Ado Annie (woah, alliteration) and sang strongly, a good contrast to Lucy Durack’s Laurie, which was beautifully acted and sung, and the two actors worked well together. The costumes contrasted effectively, as did the movement, and both women captured their roles wonderfully.
Opposite them, Ian Stenlake and Chris Parker as Curly and Will respectively did just as well. Both were charismatic and energetic, bounding around the stage effortlessly. ‘The Surrey With the Fringe on Top’ was engaging and ‘Kansas City’ sparkling. Oh, and while I’m picking out songs, ‘It’s a Scandal! It’s an Outrage!’ and ‘Pore Jud is Daid’ were two others hat were particularly well done.
Gary Down was sparkling as always. Nancye Hayes… Well, in Eureka it was the five-metre wide dress; in this it was the gun. She always has her big moment, and deserves it. A very well-played portrayal there. And of course, special mention goes to Louise Bell, who was delightfully annoying as Gertie Cummings.
And just one last note to say beautiful umbrella work by the girls in Many a New Day. It was extremely well done. A query, though. Was it intentional for some of the girls to have completely different coloured tights? It didn’t seem quite right. That’s just a tiny quibble, though, and might just be me. Otherwise, lovely.