Oklahoma! Album

April 19th 2001

Curtain Call Awards 2000/2001

Oklahoma! - oh, what a beautiful play!!

Oklahoma! Ringwood Musical & Dramatic Society Ringwood School Theatre    I DON'T need Aunt Eller's shotgun pointed at me to admit that Oklahoma! is very much more than OK - it's a million dollar, sure-fire success that couldn't be a better celebration of the company's 90th anniversary.    The show is nearly 60 years old, and should, by rights, be creaking a little, but this brilliant production has given it a new lease of life.    Songs and libretto seem freshly minted, and its sheer pace and energy are phenomenal, thanks to the superb production team: Chrissie Peckham (director), Cindy Wischhusen & Jane Howell (choreography) and David Andrews (musical director).

And even Anne Robinson would have trouble finding the weakest link in a cast who couldn't be more suited to their characters if they'd been picked by Rodgers and Hammerstein themselves. Andy Steeds and Michelle Heming makes impressive debuts as Curly and Laurey, Katharine Hart is an adorable Ado Annie, Julian Peckham a jaunty Will Parker and Dave Wischhusen suiatbly morose as Jud Fry, while Richard Bennett (Ali Hakim) and Sheryle Daniels (Aunt Eller) are just as perfect as it is possible to be.    Oh, and the smaller roles and chorus work are excellent, the set great and the act one dream ballet the best I've ever seen. Yes, you're doing fine, Oklahoma! Linda Kirkman

Oklahoma! Album