Oklahoma!

Andrew Bell June 4, 2008

I belatedly agree with the other two reviewers. This was a first-class show because, not for the first time with one of these student productions, I left the theatre feeling the cast had completely laid to rest any pre-show doubts as to whether the thing was really too dated to take seriously. They were all taking it in deadly earnest with their commitment, and so did we.

The dancing and choreography may have been just a tad on the rustic side, but the acting and singing were emphatically not. Charlie Mallinson was a menacing Jud and Zosia Kuczynska a matronly but sharp-tongued Aunt, but a lot hung on the two principals and they were terrific. I felt a bit sorry for Jacob Lloyd having to sing with Nancy Cole, as she has oodles of charm and her voice is a very fine one (even though her songs were not specially taxing, so she didn't have to break sweat), and he might have been shown up, but no! He shone from first to last, singing, acting and dancing, and his accent sounded newly minted in Lookout Mountain, Tennessee.

And by chance I met him in the street next day and was able to tell him so!

Gabrielle Brown May 27, 2008

I don’t know why anyone would want to sit at home and watch reality TV when they can go out and experience a well-loved musical put on by a troop of gung-ho students. Oklahoma!, presented at Wadham by Hazlenut Productions, is a rip-roaring riot involving lots of snogging, legendary sing-a-long songs, a dash of dance and a modest sprinkling of naughty photographs.

I had never been to the Moser Theatre sober before, and was a little anxious about finding my way to the show. My apprehension grew further as I found myself leading a small group of theatre-goers through the college grounds (I must have looked like I knew where I was going for once). There were no posters or signs anywhere and we all got lost up a spiral staircase. When we did at last arrive at the theatre (which FYI is behind the bar) rehearsals were still underway and there was nothing to suggest that an audience would soon be welcome. Needless to say, I was at this point wondering if I had should have stayed at home and watched The Apprentice after all.

However! (Exclamation marks are very important in Oklahoma!) I was very soon wrapped up in a snugly blanket of musical escapism. I find musicals silly, but pleasantly so: there aren’t many situations in life where a good singsong is considered the best means to resolve a serious problem. Oklahoma! tackles love, rivalry, murder and justice, to name but a few grave issues. Thankfully, Hazlenut’s Oklahoma! doesn’t worry about presenting these convincingly, and this, coupled with the fact that the actors are in reality not actors at all, means you have a refreshingly genuine production. The songs are performed with an honest vigour, the acting is raw and the dancing is at times endearingly clumsy – if people really did burst into song and dance during everyday life, this is probably quite close to how it would be.

The principal characters were performed with gusto: Ado Annie, played by Lizzie Ellen, works as an unlikely fusion of saucy and innocent; Jud Fry, played by Charlie Mallinson, is charmingly deranged; and Ali Hakim, played by Sam Aldred, is a superb clown. The dance routines were basic though sweet and fun and the singing was consistently good. As a ‘retired’ rubbish pianist I was resentful at how casually the only two musicians, including Robert Hazle himself, rattled off two-and-a-half hours of compelling piano.

Hazlenut’s Oklahoma! is a pleasantly bumpy ride of a show; an excellent opportunity to stomp your feet to some belting show tunes. It’s not perfect, but it’s genuine entertainment. I shall be ignoring Big Brother this year; you’ll find me wandering round Oxford’s colleges looking for a real drama.

An unlikely combination of cowboys and ballet, box socials and suppressed desire, Oklahoma! has delighted a varied audience since 1943 and this week’s production should be no exception.

Director Robert Hazle exploits the advantages of the small auditorium. Using a minimal set, the 23 strong cast are able to pack the stage with colour and movement and their massed voices flood the theatre with uproarious song. A highlight of the production is the opening of Act 2 in which Zosia Kuczynska (assuming the role of Aunt Eller with apparent ease and enjoyment) leads the entire company in “The Farmer and the Cowman”. Verity Thomas’ choreography is impressive, involving the whole cast whilst showcasing particular talent; uplifting but not shrinking from the more sinister themes of Laurey’s dream (the conclusion of Act 1). Yet the stage never assumes that uncomfortably crowded appearance which sometimes blights a small-scale production. Moreover, the proximity of the audience to the action enhances the more intimate moments of the drama. This is most clear when the audience is made to feel almost uncomfortably trapped in the smoke-house alongside Jud Fry (played with convincing and remarkable menace by Charlie Mallinson).

The cast boasts a number of other strong principals: Jacob Lloyd makes a suitably endearing Curly, performing toe-tappers (“Surrey with the fringe on top”) and more tender duets (“People will say we’re in love”) with aplomb. Nancy Cole (Laurey) charms with her self-assured manner and bright soprano tones. Lizzie Ellen, refreshingly, plays Ado Annie as less of a fool than a good-time girl. Particular praise should go to Sam Aldred, whose comical yet sincere portrayal of the hapless Ali Hakim prompted Tuesday’s audience to fits of laughter every time he graced the stage. Also Jonathan Head is perfectly cast as Will Parker; he is a joy to watch, whether speaking, singing or tap-dancing. A treat for any true fan of musical theatre!

Mary Marshall 28 May 2008

Daily Info

Location

Moser Theatre, Wadham College

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