Ooooooooooooooh-klahoma
On the hottest day of the year so far, it seems nothing less
than perfect for Oklahoma! to arrive at Birmingham Hippodrome, a story of boy
meets girl meets boy meets girl. Oklahoma! is the first musical written by the
team of composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The
musical is based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs.
The brand new production brings the needed charm and wit and
is packed with instantly recognisable tracks including the self-titled track.
All together now… Ayippeyippeeayy. Charlotte Wakefield’s principle role of
Laurey, complimented with sickly Ado Annie Carnes (Lucy May Barker) bumps the production
up to something worth seeing. Acknowledging that Barker was part of the
original cast of Spring Awakening is far too exciting and her transition to
such a show is impeccable.
Though the show’s main baddie, credits must be payed to the
incredible performance of Jud by Nic Greenshields; a country bum with the voice
of Pavarotti.
When watching such a musical, that heavily incorporates
ballet and opera as expected from one of the first musicals, watching it in
context and with a pinch of salt is necessary. Themes of male entitlement,
female weakness and all round sexism and racism are ever so present.
The show fulfils exactly what it’s supposed to do – lightly
entertain – but seems a little stale now. Time to be put to sleep Oklahoma!
Three Stars for Ok-lahoma! and a few tumble weeds.
Note that this review is the property of The National Student and
again, I thank them for letting me use them as an outlet for opportunity and
publication.
About the Author
0 comments